British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was spending a second night in intensive care battling the coronavirus which has infected more than 55,000 across the country and killed nearly 6,200.

"He stayed at work for you... now, pray at home for him," The Sun tabloid splashed across its front page Wednesday while the Daily Express said: "Boris 'will pull through'."

Deputising for Johnson, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he was "confident he'll pull through, because if there's one thing I know about this prime minister, he's a fighter and he'll be back, leading us through this crisis in short order".

In an update Tuesday evening, the prime minister's spokesman said his "condition is stable and he remains in intensive care for close monitoring."

He earlier said the 55-year-old Conservative leader was receiving "standard oxygen treatment and breathing without any other assistance" and had not required a ventilator.

Johnson is the most high-profile government leader to become infected with COVID-19 and messages of support flooded in from across Britain and the world.

He was admitted to intensive care on Monday evening after spending Sunday night in hospital following concerns he still had a cough and high temperature 10 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

His transfer to intensive care is unprecedented for a prime minister during a national emergency.

For many people, it brought home the seriousness of the disease that has so far seen 6,159 deaths in Britain, with a record 786 more reported in a daily update on Tuesday.

'Work goes on'

Despite the record daily death toll, there was more encouraging news with the number of new daily cases remaining at a roughly stable 3,643.

In a round of broadcast interviews, senior minister Michael Gove insisted the "work of government goes on".

He later said he was now staying at home after a family member displayed mild coronavirus symptoms.

Raab chaired the daily coronavirus meeting in the prime minister's place on Tuesday.

"There is a clear plan... the government and the cabinet are working together to implement that plan," Johnson's spokesman said when asked if there was a power vacuum in Britain.

The country does not have a formal constitutional role of deputy prime minister, and experts said Raab would need the support of the rest of the cabinet to make any big decisions.

The most pressing issue is a review expected next week on whether to continue the nationwide lockdown introduced on March 23 to try to stem the spread of COVID-19.

'Enormous shock'

Johnson announced on March 27 that he had coronavirus and went into self-isolation in a flat above his Downing Street office.

But on Monday evening he was moved to intensive care in London's St Thomas' hospital after his condition worsened.

The prime minister has received messages of support from around the world, with US President Donald Trump sending best wishes to his "very good friend" while Russian leader Vladimir Putin said Johnson's "energy, optimism and sense of humour" would see him through.

For some, Johnson's larger-than-life personality has made his hospitalisation all the more shocking.

His biographer Andrew Gimson said Johnson always made him feel upbeat, and "now here he is the stricken one".

"This is an enormous shock, completely unfamiliar territory for all those who know him," he told BBC radio.

Experts said it was not uncommon for coronavirus patients to move to intensive care, but said it showed Johnson's condition was serious.

"There is no doubt this turn of events means Boris Johnson is extremely sick," said Derek Hill, professor of medical imaging at University College London.

Still shaking hands

The British government was criticised for initially refusing to follow other European countries in requiring people to stay home as the virus spread rapidly across the globe.

Johnson himself said in early March that he was still shaking hands with people.

Two weeks ago, he ordered a nationwide lockdown, but parliament continued to sit for several days after and Westminster became a hotspot for the virus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, have both been infected, although they have since recovered.

Johnson, who has been prime minister only since July last year, is not known to have any underlying health issues, although he has struggled with his weight.

Johnson's pregnant partner, Carrie Symonds, moved out of Downing Street after some staff fell ill.

But she said on Saturday she had just spent a week in bed with symptoms, although she has not been tested.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was spending a second night in intensive care battling the coronavirus which has infected more than 55,000 across the country and killed nearly 6,200.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was spending a second night in intensive care battling the coronavirus which has infected more than 55,000 across the country and killed nearly 6,200. "He stayed at work for you... now, pray at home for him," The Sun tabloid splashed across its front page Wednesday while the Daily Express said: "Boris 'will pull through'." Deputising for Johnson, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he was "confident he'll pull through, because if there's one thing I know about this prime minister, he's a fighter and he'll be back, leading us through this crisis in short order". In an update Tuesday evening, the prime minister's spokesman said his "condition is stable and he remains in intensive care for close monitoring." He earlier said the 55-year-old Conservative leader was receiving "standard oxygen treatment and breathing without any other assistance" and had not required a ventilator. Johnson is the most high-profile government leader to become infected with COVID-19 and messages of support flooded in from across Britain and the world. He was admitted to intensive care on Monday evening after spending Sunday night in hospital following concerns he still had a cough and high temperature 10 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19. His transfer to intensive care is unprecedented for a prime minister during a national emergency. For many people, it brought home the seriousness of the disease that has so far seen 6,159 deaths in Britain, with a record 786 more reported in a daily update on Tuesday. 'Work goes on' Despite the record daily death toll, there was more encouraging news with the number of new daily cases remaining at a roughly stable 3,643. In a round of broadcast interviews, senior minister Michael Gove insisted the "work of government goes on". He later said he was now staying at home after a family member displayed mild coronavirus symptoms. Raab chaired the daily coronavirus meeting in the prime minister's place on Tuesday. "There is a clear plan... the government and the cabinet are working together to implement that plan," Johnson's spokesman said when asked if there was a power vacuum in Britain. The country does not have a formal constitutional role of deputy prime minister, and experts said Raab would need the support of the rest of the cabinet to make any big decisions. The most pressing issue is a review expected next week on whether to continue the nationwide lockdown introduced on March 23 to try to stem the spread of COVID-19. 'Enormous shock' Johnson announced on March 27 that he had coronavirus and went into self-isolation in a flat above his Downing Street office. But on Monday evening he was moved to intensive care in London's St Thomas' hospital after his condition worsened. The prime minister has received messages of support from around the world, with US President Donald Trump sending best wishes to his "very good friend" while Russian leader Vladimir Putin said Johnson's "energy, optimism and sense of humour" would see him through. For some, Johnson's larger-than-life personality has made his hospitalisation all the more shocking. His biographer Andrew Gimson said Johnson always made him feel upbeat, and "now here he is the stricken one". "This is an enormous shock, completely unfamiliar territory for all those who know him," he told BBC radio. Experts said it was not uncommon for coronavirus patients to move to intensive care, but said it showed Johnson's condition was serious. "There is no doubt this turn of events means Boris Johnson is extremely sick," said Derek Hill, professor of medical imaging at University College London. Still shaking hands The British government was criticised for initially refusing to follow other European countries in requiring people to stay home as the virus spread rapidly across the globe. Johnson himself said in early March that he was still shaking hands with people. Two weeks ago, he ordered a nationwide lockdown, but parliament continued to sit for several days after and Westminster became a hotspot for the virus. Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, have both been infected, although they have since recovered. Johnson, who has been prime minister only since July last year, is not known to have any underlying health issues, although he has struggled with his weight. Johnson's pregnant partner, Carrie Symonds, moved out of Downing Street after some staff fell ill. But she said on Saturday she had just spent a week in bed with symptoms, although she has not been tested.

Boris Johnson's 'condition is stable', spends second night in ICU

China which caused the coronavirus crisis seems to be finding new opportunities with Chinese companies scouting for "distressed assets" in Europe. Also read: UK reports highest one-day deaths as COVID-19 toll surges past 7,000 Distressed companies are those that need money to survive.

China which caused the coronavirus crisis seems to be finding new opportunities with Chinese companies scouting for "distressed assets" in Europe. Also read: UK reports highest one-day deaths as COVID-19 toll surges past 7,000 Distressed companies are those that need money to survive. China is ready to spend and its latest hunting ground is in Europe, countries like Spain and Italy - two of the worst affected countries in the world. First, China exported the virus now, it seeks to profit from it. Chinese companies are already selling coronavirus supplies like masks, ventilators and more. Also read: At least 51 recovered coronavirus patients test positive again in South Korea Now, China aims to take over Europe's businesses. The plan is to buy foreign companies at throwaway prices. Reports suggest global bankers are getting multiple requests. Chinese companies are making queries. They are looking for investment opportunities -- particularly in Europe. It includes China's state-owned enterprises who have been making early headway. First in Australia and now Europe. There is a threat of hostile takeovers the European governments are concerned about, their economies are vulnerable, businesses want bailouts. The companies are easy prey for China with European governments upping their defences. They want to protect companies in key sectors. They are so concerned that in the middle of the deadly pandemic, they are amending laws. European governments are now coming up with new foreign investment rules. In Italy, on Monday, the government announced curbs on foreign takeovers. The decision covers sectors like banks, insurance, energy and healthcare. Spain too has some new rules, if a foreign firm wants to invest more than 10 per cent in a Spanish company, they must get the government's approval. Germany too has passed a similar law.

After coronavirus outbreak, Chinese companies eye European businesses

The total number of coronavirus positive cases in India has risen to 5,194, which includes 4,643 active cases and 401 cured/discharged people. The toll is now at 149.

Over the last 24 hours, 773 new cases and 10 deaths were reported.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways has prepared 40,000 isolation beds in 2,500 coaches.&nbsp;

"They are making 375 isolation beds daily and this is going on across 133 locations across the country," the health ministry official said.

Meanwhile, the home ministry said that the status of essential goods and services is largely satisfactory with Amit Shah reviewing the situation.

The government is ensuring an adequate supply of medical equipment, it said.

The Home Ministry has given direction to take appropriate measures and ensure hoarding and black marketing is not done.

The total number of coronavirus positive cases in India has risen to 5,194, which includes 4,643 active cases and 401 cured/discharged people. The toll is now at 149.

The total number of coronavirus positive cases in India has risen to 5,194, which includes 4,643 active cases and 401 cured/discharged people. The toll is now at 149. Over the last 24 hours, 773 new cases and 10 deaths were reported. Meanwhile, Indian Railways has prepared 40,000 isolation beds in 2,500 coaches. "They are making 375 isolation beds daily and this is going on across 133 locations across the country," the health ministry official said. Meanwhile, the home ministry said that the status of essential goods and services is largely satisfactory with Amit Shah reviewing the situation. The government is ensuring an adequate supply of medical equipment, it said. The Home Ministry has given direction to take appropriate measures and ensure hoarding and black marketing is not done.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Death toll in India rises to 149, confirmed cases at 5,194

Nearly 2,000 people infected with the new coronavirus have died in the United States in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University as of 8:30 pm Tuesday (0030 GMT Wednesday). 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-accuses-who-of-bias-toward-china-threatened-to-put-hold-on-us-funding-291237">Also read: Donald Trump accuses WHO of bias toward China, threatened to ‘put hold on’ US funding</a> 
 
The record daily figure of 1,939 brings the total number of deaths in the US to 12,722, which is approaching tolls in the worst-hit countries so far -- Italy with 17,127 dead and Spain with 13,798. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-a-half-million-americans-could-die-top-advisor-peter-navarro-warned-trump-291157" hreflang="en">'More than a half-million Americans could die': Top advisor Peter Navarro warned Trump</a>

President Donald Trump has defended his response to the crisis, and on Tuesday he blamed the World Health Organization for reacting slowly.

He questioned why the WHO had given "such a faulty recommendation," apparently referring to the UN body's advice against curtailing international travel to stop the virus which first spread from China.

"They called it wrong. They really missed the call. They could have called it months earlier," he said.

Trump has been widely criticized for initially downplaying the virus, which he likened to the ordinary flu and said was under control in the United States, before later accepting that it was a national emergency.

Nearly 2,000 people infected with the new coronavirus have died in the United States in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University as of 8:30 pm Tuesday (0030 GMT Wednesday).

Nearly 2,000 people infected with the new coronavirus have died in the United States in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University as of 8:30 pm Tuesday (0030 GMT Wednesday). Also read: Donald Trump accuses WHO of bias toward China, threatened to ‘put hold on’ US funding The record daily figure of 1,939 brings the total number of deaths in the US to 12,722, which is approaching tolls in the worst-hit countries so far -- Italy with 17,127 dead and Spain with 13,798. Also read: 'More than a half-million Americans could die': Top advisor Peter Navarro warned Trump President Donald Trump has defended his response to the crisis, and on Tuesday he blamed the World Health Organization for reacting slowly. He questioned why the WHO had given "such a faulty recommendation," apparently referring to the UN body's advice against curtailing international travel to stop the virus which first spread from China. "They called it wrong. They really missed the call. They could have called it months earlier," he said. Trump has been widely criticized for initially downplaying the virus, which he likened to the ordinary flu and said was under control in the United States, before later accepting that it was a national emergency.

Nearly 2,000 coronavirus deaths in US in the last 24 hours: Report

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 14 lacs worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-a-half-million-americans-could-die-top-advisor-peter-navarro-warned-trump-291157" hreflang="en">'More than a half-million Americans could die': Top advisor Peter Navarro warned Trump</a>

According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,432,577 people worldwide and 82,195 people have been killed due to this pandemic. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-exploit-coronavirus-pandemic-for-sea-disputes-us-warns-china-291057" hreflang="en">Don't 'exploit' coronavirus pandemic for sea disputes: US warns China</a>

Around &nbsp;301,649 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-equip-is-healthcare-systems-in-worlds-most-affected-covid-19-nations-291315/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

From New York to Paris to New Delhi life has ground to a standstill with some three billion people confined to their homes as governments scramble to halt the disease's deadly march across the world.&nbsp;

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 14 lacs worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: 'More than a half-million Americans could die': Top advisor Peter Navarro warned Trump According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,432,577 people worldwide and 82,195 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 14 lacs worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: 'More than a half-million Americans could die': Top advisor Peter Navarro warned Trump According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,432,577 people worldwide and 82,195 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Also read: Don't 'exploit' coronavirus pandemic for sea disputes: US warns China Around 301,649 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. From New York to Paris to New Delhi life has ground to a standstill with some three billion people confined to their homes as governments scramble to halt the disease's deadly march across the world.

Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 1,400,000; death toll rises to 82,195

Even as the Indian army in a major anti-infiltration operation neutralised 5 terrorists over the weekend, former top Indian army brass has said that Pakistan is trying to divert attention domestically due to COVID crisis as it continues to use terror as a policy.

Lt Gen BS Jaswal former Army Cdr Northern Command said, "They also have the intention, which is part of the DNA, instrument of state policy to undermine India in whatever manner it can and as such is trying to infiltrate people. We have had encounters in the last couple of day, maybe an intention, to infiltrate people who carry coronavirus into our country."

Explaining, "Within Pakistan also, if you see the kind of people who are being infused into POK, they are the ones, who are within the spectrum of the pandemic, so Pakistan is not behaving very rationally. The advantage which Pakistan is trying to take is, cry baby, cry wolf to the world, we are country of a small economy, the pandemic has hit us, give us. In the same breath, I would like to say, it is high time Pakistan should follow, the Indian model to deal with the pandemic"

Over the weekend, Four soldiers under the command of a Junior Commissioned Officer from one of the most professional Para SF Units were airdropped near the LoC after information on the infiltrators was received. An intense hand to hand battle ensued and all five terrorists were eliminated. In the battle, however, Army lost five of its soldiers, three on the site and two more succumbed while they were airlifted to a nearby military hospital.

Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia, retd Director CENJOWS and former (DGMO) Director General of Military Operations highlighting the how India and Pakistan dealing with the COVID crisis said, "The world is combating COVID, India has played a major role while our neighbour Pakistan has continued the policy of terrorism, the policy of infiltrating terrorist into our territories, to perpetuate terrorism."

Adding, "We have summers coming and Pakistan has realised post 5th August Kashmir has seen relative peace, nothing has happened, and a terrorist has been eliminated and Pakistan tried infiltration. Maybe there is COVID carrier, they could be, hopefully not, but it will be a possibility. Pakistan has to look inwards, fight COVID. It is Pakistan's interest to look after its people." 
 
Former Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff, Satish Dua said "What was peculiar in the encounter is that when they were intercepted, the movement was detected, special forces landed and movement intercepted. In close contact battle, we lost 3 soldiers and 2 succumbed later. What I want to highlight, in these times, when the world is coming to fight the COVID crisis, India also offered help to Pakistan among other SAARC nations, to assist them in the fight against COVID, yet Pakistan continues to push in terrorist. May be Pakistan army has compulsion because this is the first summer after the revocation of article 370 but our counter-infiltration grid is robust and strong."

Several COVID positive cases in Pakistan have crossed 3750 with over 50 deaths even as reports have emerged over the difference in opinion between Pak Federal and Provincial admin concerning lockdown. Reports have also emerged of a number of COVID cases being shifted to Pakistan occupied Kashmir. This is in sharp contrast to what India has been doing, at global front calling a coordinate policy in SAARC and G20. India army has also led the national efforts, with quartine camps being set up in Manesar, Jaislamer, Jodhpur to sending teams of doctor to the Maldives for 14 days.

Even as the Indian army in a major anti-infiltration operation neutralised 5 terrorists over the weekend, former top Indian army brass has said that Pakistan is trying to divert attention domestically due to COVID crisis as it continues to use terror as a policy.

Even as the Indian army in a major anti-infiltration operation neutralised 5 terrorists over the weekend, former top Indian army brass has said that Pakistan is trying to divert attention domestically due to COVID crisis as it continues to use terror as a policy. Lt Gen BS Jaswal former Army Cdr Northern Command said, "They also have the intention, which is part of the DNA, instrument of state policy to undermine India in whatever manner it can and as such is trying to infiltrate people. We have had encounters in the last couple of day, maybe an intention, to infiltrate people who carry coronavirus into our country." Explaining, "Within Pakistan also, if you see the kind of people who are being infused into POK, they are the ones, who are within the spectrum of the pandemic, so Pakistan is not behaving very rationally. The advantage which Pakistan is trying to take is, cry baby, cry wolf to the world, we are country of a small economy, the pandemic has hit us, give us. In the same breath, I would like to say, it is high time Pakistan should follow, the Indian model to deal with the pandemic" Over the weekend, Four soldiers under the command of a Junior Commissioned Officer from one of the most professional Para SF Units were airdropped near the LoC after information on the infiltrators was received. An intense hand to hand battle ensued and all five terrorists were eliminated. In the battle, however, Army lost five of its soldiers, three on the site and two more succumbed while they were airlifted to a nearby military hospital. Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia, retd Director CENJOWS and former (DGMO) Director General of Military Operations highlighting the how India and Pakistan dealing with the COVID crisis said, "The world is combating COVID, India has played a major role while our neighbour Pakistan has continued the policy of terrorism, the policy of infiltrating terrorist into our territories, to perpetuate terrorism." Adding, "We have summers coming and Pakistan has realised post 5th August Kashmir has seen relative peace, nothing has happened, and a terrorist has been eliminated and Pakistan tried infiltration. Maybe there is COVID carrier, they could be, hopefully not, but it will be a possibility. Pakistan has to look inwards, fight COVID. It is Pakistan's interest to look after its people." Former Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff, Satish Dua said "What was peculiar in the encounter is that when they were intercepted, the movement was detected, special forces landed and movement intercepted. In close contact battle, we lost 3 soldiers and 2 succumbed later. What I want to highlight, in these times, when the world is coming to fight the COVID crisis, India also offered help to Pakistan among other SAARC nations, to assist them in the fight against COVID, yet Pakistan continues to push in terrorist. May be Pakistan army has compulsion because this is the first summer after the revocation of article 370 but our counter-infiltration grid is robust and strong." Several COVID positive cases in Pakistan have crossed 3750 with over 50 deaths even as reports have emerged over the difference in opinion between Pak Federal and Provincial admin concerning lockdown. Reports have also emerged of a number of COVID cases being shifted to Pakistan occupied Kashmir. This is in sharp contrast to what India has been doing, at global front calling a coordinate policy in SAARC and G20. India army has also led the national efforts, with quartine camps being set up in Manesar, Jaislamer, Jodhpur to sending teams of doctor to the Maldives for 14 days.

Pakistan diverting attention from COVID-19 with old policy of terrorism says former top Indian army brass

In Pakistan, doctors are being assaulted for demanding better equipment. Meanwhile 40,000 Coronavirus patients have recovered in Spain. WION's Palki gets you the biggest global developments for Monday.

Wuhan Coronavirus: Top 10 global developments for April 6 | Gravitas

Indian authorities have partially lifted the ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine, which is being called as a gamechanger drug against COVID by US president.&nbsp;

Sources said, "Depending on the availability of stock after meeting domestic requirements, existing orders will be cleared"

The Department of pharma and &nbsp;MEA will decide on allocations depending on the humanitarian situation and COVID related situation in any foreign country.&nbsp;

On Monday sources told India that, "On basis of domestic supply and taking in consideration importance of diplomatic relations a call will be taken. Its a function of demand and supply. If a scope is present.. but country requirement first"

In an order issued on April 4, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade had announced the total prohibition of the export of hydroxychloroquine &amp; formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception".India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19.

Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him.

From the US to Latin America to Europe, the request has come from several places. Meanwhile, US President said that he may retaliate if India doesn't send HCQ.&nbsp;

He Said, "I know that he(PM Modi) stopped it for other countries...I spoke to him Sunday morning, called him. I said, we appreciate you allowing our supply to come out. If he doesn't allow it to come out, that would be ok. But of course, there may be retaliation. Why would not be there?"

India has also got requests from Gulf countries regarding it.

Late yesterday night, Govt amended Export Policy of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations made from these APIs by removing them from restricted to free category.

Indian authorities have partially lifted the ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine, which is being called as a gamechanger drug against COVID by US president. Sources said, "Depending on the availability of stock after meeting domestic requirements, existing orders will be cleared" The Department of pharma and MEA will decide on allocations depending on the humanitarian situation and COVID related situation in any foreign country.

Indian authorities have partially lifted the ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine, which is being called as a gamechanger drug against COVID by US president. Sources said, "Depending on the availability of stock after meeting domestic requirements, existing orders will be cleared" The Department of pharma and MEA will decide on allocations depending on the humanitarian situation and COVID related situation in any foreign country. On Monday sources told India that, "On basis of domestic supply and taking in consideration importance of diplomatic relations a call will be taken. Its a function of demand and supply. If a scope is present.. but country requirement first" In an order issued on April 4, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade had announced the total prohibition of the export of hydroxychloroquine & formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception".India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him. From the US to Latin America to Europe, the request has come from several places. Meanwhile, US President said that he may retaliate if India doesn't send HCQ. He Said, "I know that he(PM Modi) stopped it for other countries...I spoke to him Sunday morning, called him. I said, we appreciate you allowing our supply to come out. If he doesn't allow it to come out, that would be ok. But of course, there may be retaliation. Why would not be there?" India has also got requests from Gulf countries regarding it. Late yesterday night, Govt amended Export Policy of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations made from these APIs by removing them from restricted to free category.

COVID-19 crisis: India partially lifts export ban on hydroxychloroquine; MEA & pharma department to take the final call

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday informed that govt has decided to licence paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all the neighbouring countries, dependent on the country's capabilities.&nbsp;

"In view of the humanitarian aspects of #COVID19 pandemic, it has been decided that India would licence paracetamol &amp; Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

The Foreign Ministry said that We will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic. We would, therefore, discourage any speculation in this regard or any attempts to politicise the matter.

The Foreign Ministry said given the enormity of the COVID-19 pandemic, India has always maintained that the international community "must display strong solidarity and cooperation".

Earlier in the day, the Indian government lifted restrictions on 24 key active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and formulations made from them. The list didn't mention paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in it.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible retaliation if India does not lift its hold on the export of Hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malarial drug being used in the treatment of coronavirus patients.

Trump added he saw no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine.

"I didn't hear that that was his (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) decision. I know that he stopped it for other countries. I spoke to him yesterday. [It was a] very very good talk, and we'll see whether or not that stays I wouldn't be surprised if he would you know because India does very well with the United States," Trump said at a press briefing from the White House, on Monday.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday informed that govt has decided to licence paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all the neighbouring countries, dependent on the country's capabilities.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday informed that govt has decided to licence paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all the neighbouring countries, dependent on the country's capabilities. "In view of the humanitarian aspects of #COVID19 pandemic, it has been decided that India would licence paracetamol & Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. The Foreign Ministry said that We will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic. We would, therefore, discourage any speculation in this regard or any attempts to politicise the matter. The Foreign Ministry said given the enormity of the COVID-19 pandemic, India has always maintained that the international community "must display strong solidarity and cooperation". Earlier in the day, the Indian government lifted restrictions on 24 key active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and formulations made from them. The list didn't mention paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in it. Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible retaliation if India does not lift its hold on the export of Hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malarial drug being used in the treatment of coronavirus patients. Trump added he saw no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine. "I didn't hear that that was his (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) decision. I know that he stopped it for other countries. I spoke to him yesterday. [It was a] very very good talk, and we'll see whether or not that stays I wouldn't be surprised if he would you know because India does very well with the United States," Trump said at a press briefing from the White House, on Monday.

Coronavirus outbreak: India to supply hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol to other badly-affected nations

The death toll due to novel coronavirus in Spain is nearing 14,000 with 743 people succumbing overnight, but there was still hope the national lockdown might be eased soon.

The death toll due to novel coronavirus in Spain is nearing 14,000 with 743 people succumbing overnight, but there was still hope the national lockdown might be eased soon. Tuesday's toll from the health ministry compared to 637 deaths registered during the previous 24 hours, taking the total to 13,798, the second-highest in the world after Italy, the report added. Still, the proportional daily increase of 5.7% was about half that reported a week ago. "It is normal to have some oscillations ... What matters is to see the trend and the cumulative data," said Maria Jose Sierra, deputy chief of health emergencies, adding that latest data included some delayed notifications from the weekend. Total cases rose to 140,510 - the highest in Europe and second in the world after the United States.

Spain's coronavirus death toll  nears 14,000

The United States on Monday warned China not to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to exert itself in the South China Sea after Vietnam said Beijing sank a trawler.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-wouldnt-there-be-trump-hints-at-retaliation-if-india-doesnt-send-anti-malarial-drug-291003">Also&nbsp;read — 'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug</a> 
 
Amid the global focus on fighting COVID-19, China has ramped up self-described research stations and landed special military aircraft in the dispute-rife sea, according to the State Department.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modern-piracy-did-united-states-reroute-a-shipment-of-face-masks-headed-to-germany-291024">'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany?</a> 
 
"We call on the PRC to remain focused on supporting international efforts to combat the global pandemic, and to stop exploiting the distraction or vulnerability of other states to expand its unlawful claims in the South China Sea," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pain-solitude-fear-stories-of-surviving-covid-19-291005" hreflang="en">Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19</a>

Vietnam said last week that it lodged a protest with Beijing after the Chinese Coast Guard "hindered, rammed and sunk" a Vietnamese boat with eight fishermen on board near the Paracel Islands. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/are-animals-next-see-how-many-have-tested-positive-for-covid-19-so-far-290812">Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far!</a>

Vietnam - which, like China and Taiwan, claims sovereignty over the Paracel Islands - called in a foreign ministry statement for Beijing to compensate the fishermen, "strictly discipline" the officers responsible and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The United States said it was "seriously concerned" about the episode.

"This incident is the latest in a long string of PRC actions to assert unlawful maritime claims and disadvantage its Southeast Asian neighbours in the South China Sea," Ortagus said.

The United States, which has a growing relationship with Vietnam, has challenged China's claims in the South China Sea - one of the world's busiest waterways and also home to bountiful energy reserves.

China last month accused the United States of a "provocative" act after saying that the USS McCampbell missile destroyer sailed near the Paracel Islands without Beijing's permission.

Tensions have risen sharply in recent years between China and the United States, which has also alleged that Beijing has not promptly controlled SARS-CoV-2, the virus that has now infected more than one million people around the world.

The United States on Monday warned China not to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to exert itself in the South China Sea after Vietnam said Beijing sank a trawler.

The United States on Monday warned China not to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to exert itself in the South China Sea after Vietnam said Beijing sank a trawler. Also read — 'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug Amid the global focus on fighting COVID-19, China has ramped up self-described research stations and landed special military aircraft in the dispute-rife sea, according to the State Department. 'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany? "We call on the PRC to remain focused on supporting international efforts to combat the global pandemic, and to stop exploiting the distraction or vulnerability of other states to expand its unlawful claims in the South China Sea," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Also read: Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19 Vietnam said last week that it lodged a protest with Beijing after the Chinese Coast Guard "hindered, rammed and sunk" a Vietnamese boat with eight fishermen on board near the Paracel Islands. Also read: Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far! Vietnam - which, like China and Taiwan, claims sovereignty over the Paracel Islands - called in a foreign ministry statement for Beijing to compensate the fishermen, "strictly discipline" the officers responsible and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The United States said it was "seriously concerned" about the episode. "This incident is the latest in a long string of PRC actions to assert unlawful maritime claims and disadvantage its Southeast Asian neighbours in the South China Sea," Ortagus said. The United States, which has a growing relationship with Vietnam, has challenged China's claims in the South China Sea - one of the world's busiest waterways and also home to bountiful energy reserves. China last month accused the United States of a "provocative" act after saying that the USS McCampbell missile destroyer sailed near the Paracel Islands without Beijing's permission. Tensions have risen sharply in recent years between China and the United States, which has also alleged that Beijing has not promptly controlled SARS-CoV-2, the virus that has now infected more than one million people around the world.

Don't 'exploit' coronavirus pandemic for sea disputes: US warns China

A sense of death stalking the hospital ward, fear of dying alone, tearful despair and disarray at home, solitude, anger and the desire to share, or change their life: 12 people from different parts of the world who have survived COVID-19 share emotional and harrowing stories of the pain and fear after catching the virus:

- A painful 'roller coaster' &nbsp;-&nbsp;

With no pre-existing health conditions, South Korean engineering professor Park Hyun, 47, said he'd originally thought the coronavirus was "not my problem" until he developed symptoms and ended up in intensive care in the southern city of Busan.

It had started with a dry cough and sore throat, he said, followed a few days later by shortness of breath so severe he fainted while waiting for a hospital coronavirus test.

It came back positive and he was admitted to hospital where his condition fluctuated wildly every day and several times he thought he would die.&nbsp;

"It was like a roller coaster," he said. "I was feeling like there is a thick plate pressuring my chest and also needles poking my chest."

Some of his symptoms may have been the side effects of his treatment, he believes.&nbsp;

But after eight days and two negative tests, he was discharged.

"I had a very bad situation," Park said. Whenever his condition was slightly better "I was thinking that might be my last time where I can write something in my life," he added.&nbsp;

"So I tried to write something short on Facebook to share with friends."

- 'Death prowls' the ward -

Cardiologist Fabio Biferali spent eight days "isolated from the world" at Rome's Policlinico Umberto I hospital in an orthodontics department that had been converted into an intensive care unit.

Describing the pain he felt as "strange", the 65-year-old said it almost resembled having a little monkey on his back, just like one of his patients had described it to him.

Oxygen therapy is painful and finding a radial artery is difficult, he said. "They would do it up to twice a day. Being a doctor helped me bear the pain. Other patients would desperately shout 'enough' 'enough'."

The hardest part were the nights, alone with his fears.

"I couldn't sleep, anxiety invaded the room... nightmares came, death prowled," he said.&nbsp;

"I was afraid of dying without being able to cling on to the hands of my family and friends, despair overcame me."

While medical staff were covered head to toe in protective gear, Biferali said he found some solace in being able to see their "affectionate" eyes behind the glass masks and hear their voices.&nbsp;

"Many were young, doctors on the front line. It was a moment of hope."

- Going to 'gate of hell and back' -&nbsp;

Wan Chunhui, 44, said he was "terrified" at first but that going to the "gate of hell" and coming back to survive the virus had transformed his outlook on life.

"I think the biggest change for me is that my way of looking at things is different now," said Wan, who spent 17 days at the makeshift Huoshenshan Hospital in the Chinese city of Wuhan, in central Hubei province, where the outbreak began.

"I feel really calm about everything, really calm... I went to the gate of hell and came back. I saw with my own eyes that others failed to recover and died, which has had a big impact on me."

He had initially isolated himself to protect his family after getting a temperature, but, still feverish a couple of days later, he walked an hour to hospital.

Tests were not available but he was prescribed antibiotics and flu medication and asked to quarantine himself at home due to a hospital bed shortage.

"I was terrified at first," he said. "But I went back home, switched to a positive mood, and braced myself for the situation. Anyway it’s pointless to panic," Wan told AFP.

The 44-year-old investor and married father of a nine-year-old daughter already suffered from high blood pressure before the virus.

At home, he began recording his illness in an online diary, but a bad cough set in and he was admitted to hospital.

Hormone therapy helped lower his temperature, although he remained short of breath, but medical supplies were scarce, Wan said, and healthcare workers wore poor-quality protective suits and rubbish bags as shoe covers.

Wan was transferred to one of the two field hospitals built for virus sufferers in Wuhan, a well-supplied centre, he said, where he was treated mostly with Western medicines.

- Keeping the faith -

Song Myung-hee, 72, was afraid of dying alone after being infected during a service at the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the southern city of Daegu, a secretive religious group at the centre of South Korea's coronavirus outbreak.

She was at the same event as the woman known as Patient 31, a 61-year-old who attended four services before being diagnosed with the virus.

Song was quarantined at home as a precaution but remained asymptomatic for several days before the virus struck suddenly with a severe cough.&nbsp;

"I could not sleep at all," she told AFP. "It lasted for two days. I had to hold a plastic bag at all times because I kept on coughing up phlegm.

"Then my face started swelling. I was scared I might die alone."

Facing an influx, no hospital beds were available at the time in Daegu, so she was taken to Seongnam, 220 kilometres (137 miles) away.

"I was relieved when I entered the hospital room -- because at least there, I knew I wouldn't have died alone," she said.

The Shincheonji Church leader has apologised over its role in the spread of the disease but, despite her family's pleas, Song is resolute about staying a member.

"I'm never leaving my church, it doesn't matter what other people say."

- Comes and goes in waves -&nbsp;

"The best way to describe it is: when you are at a high altitude, you struggle to breathe," said Christine, 28, from South Africa, who suffers from syringomyelia, a disorder affecting the spinal cord.

Two days after being in contact with a sick work colleague, the analyst said she felt the first symptoms and COVID-19 was confirmed.

Her partner, lawyer Dawie, 30, could not take the test because "the system was already under a lot of pressure" but within a few days had the same symptoms.

Self-isolated, the couple who did not wish for their full names to be published, continue to work from home.

Sometimes they wondered if they were overreacting because some days they felt fine, Dawie said.

"Within days, it fluctuates. You get chilled and later on you feel better...The worst for me was last week... I was really short of breath... I called my doctor. She told me to look at the signs showing that I am not getting enough oxygen.&nbsp;

"You should look at your fingernails if they turn blue," he said.

- Despairing at home -&nbsp;

French housewife and mother-of-three Djemila Kerrouche said the worst part was the challenge her three children faced continuing their schoolwork while confined at home.

After developing symptoms, she wore gloves and a mask at home and didn't touch food, she said, but two of the children -- who are aged six, 11 and 19 -- were already coughing.

"My children put themselves under great pressure, they want to succeed at school," said the 47-year-old from Mulhouse in eastern France, which has been badly hit by the pandemic.

"Their teachers give them work as if the situation were normal," she said.

"The big one is preparing for her bac (end of secondary school exam) and I see her cry when she can't manage and I can't hold her in my arms, console her, help her."

"My morale is rock bottom. &nbsp;I can't stop crying..." &nbsp;

- Shock and solitude -&nbsp;

Marisol San Roman, a sociologist and student from Argentina, said she was shocked to find she had the virus and described the "total solitude" of being infected.

She is thought to have caught COVID-19 at a farewell dinner in Madrid after the closure of the Instituto de Empresa business school where she was studying, before returning home to Argentina.

"I'm 25, I'm young, I'm in good health -- it's mad," she said, expressing her shock.

Her 65-year-old father with whom she lives avoided her, leaving her food at the door of her room.&nbsp;

On her own, she treated a lung infection and gauged the oxygen saturation rate in her blood. "Coronavirus is an illness which is lived in solitude, in total solitude," she said.&nbsp;

Her case went viral after she gave Skype interviews to the media, and she said she received several insults via social media for having returned to the country when she was carrying the virus.

She has tried to stop the stigmatisation associated with having it, she said.&nbsp;

On her Instagram account she writes of wanting to be a kind of social conscience, warning people to be aware, that "this isn't a joke, being young doesn't immunise you against anything and that the coronavirus isn't flu".

- Sharing our experience with others -&nbsp;

Entrepreneurs Julia, 27, and Megan, 35, wanted to share what they went through to help others after being among the 50 first cases recorded in South Africa.

They caught the virus, with three other family members, on a ski trip to Switzerland, probably in a bar.

The two women, who didn't want their full names published, are behind the @livingcoronapositive Instagram account, which documents their recovery, responds to questions and aims to "bring some light and positivity to this dark time".

They all experienced different versions of the symptoms; some mild, others lasted a week, they said.

On testing, they said, "having a large earbud stuck down the back of your nose is not pleasant but it's quick".

And their advice, said Megan, is to remember that "stress, anxiety and panic are normal human reactions to something as massive and unknown as this pandemic! So please be kind to your loved ones who feel out-of-control. They need your love and reassurance."

- Anger -&nbsp;

Frenchman Charlie Barres, 29, works in hospitals in his job as a physical educator and worries about the added strain the pandemic is putting on the health system.

"Warnings about the state of the system don't date from yesterday. Not so long ago, the caregivers were on strike... And now, it's blowing up. At the same time, we're on a disaster footing in hospitals," he said.

Married and with a two-year-old son, he was confined at his Paris home after the disease began with chills and a sore throat.

A doctor diagnosed him. "The tests are expensive and they keep them for the complex cases," he said.

After two days of feeling bad, he began to improve gradually. His son has been ill and his wife suffered headaches and a bad throat, he said.

- Patient zero -&nbsp;

Thirty-three-year-old Lorena's aunt was Ecuador's "patient zero", who had returned from holiday in Spain to a family welcome home party with about 30 people in late February in the southwestern city of Babahoyo.

"Already on her arrival, she wasn't well... She told us she had felt feverish during the trip and that a lot of people were coughing" on the plane, Lorena, a teacher, said.

Her 71-year-old aunt was hospitalised in Guayaquil, the epicentre of Ecuador's outbreak, and the virus was confirmed a week later.

When the family, themselves isolated and tested, then saw now-former health minister Catalina Andramuno announce five coronavirus cases during a press conference on TV, they realised "it was us!', Lorena said.

Her aunt later died, and a dozen family members were infected, including Lorena, who has now recovered.

A sense of death stalking the hospital ward, fear of dying alone, tearful despair and disarray at home, solitude, anger and the desire to share, or change their life: 12 people from different parts of the world who have survived COVID-19 share emotional and harrowing stories of the pain and fear after catching the virus: - A painful 'roller coaster' - With no pre-existing health conditions, South Korean engineering professor Park Hyun, 47, said he'd originally thought the coronavirus was "not my problem" until he developed symptoms and ended up in intensive care in the southern city of Busan.

A sense of death stalking the hospital ward, fear of dying alone, tearful despair and disarray at home, solitude, anger and the desire to share, or change their life: 12 people from different parts of the world who have survived COVID-19 share emotional and harrowing stories of the pain and fear after catching the virus: - A painful 'roller coaster' - With no pre-existing health conditions, South Korean engineering professor Park Hyun, 47, said he'd originally thought the coronavirus was "not my problem" until he developed symptoms and ended up in intensive care in the southern city of Busan. It had started with a dry cough and sore throat, he said, followed a few days later by shortness of breath so severe he fainted while waiting for a hospital coronavirus test. It came back positive and he was admitted to hospital where his condition fluctuated wildly every day and several times he thought he would die. "It was like a roller coaster," he said. "I was feeling like there is a thick plate pressuring my chest and also needles poking my chest." Some of his symptoms may have been the side effects of his treatment, he believes. But after eight days and two negative tests, he was discharged. "I had a very bad situation," Park said. Whenever his condition was slightly better "I was thinking that might be my last time where I can write something in my life," he added. "So I tried to write something short on Facebook to share with friends." - 'Death prowls' the ward - Cardiologist Fabio Biferali spent eight days "isolated from the world" at Rome's Policlinico Umberto I hospital in an orthodontics department that had been converted into an intensive care unit. Describing the pain he felt as "strange", the 65-year-old said it almost resembled having a little monkey on his back, just like one of his patients had described it to him. Oxygen therapy is painful and finding a radial artery is difficult, he said. "They would do it up to twice a day. Being a doctor helped me bear the pain. Other patients would desperately shout 'enough' 'enough'." The hardest part were the nights, alone with his fears. "I couldn't sleep, anxiety invaded the room... nightmares came, death prowled," he said. "I was afraid of dying without being able to cling on to the hands of my family and friends, despair overcame me." While medical staff were covered head to toe in protective gear, Biferali said he found some solace in being able to see their "affectionate" eyes behind the glass masks and hear their voices. "Many were young, doctors on the front line. It was a moment of hope." - Going to 'gate of hell and back' - Wan Chunhui, 44, said he was "terrified" at first but that going to the "gate of hell" and coming back to survive the virus had transformed his outlook on life. "I think the biggest change for me is that my way of looking at things is different now," said Wan, who spent 17 days at the makeshift Huoshenshan Hospital in the Chinese city of Wuhan, in central Hubei province, where the outbreak began. "I feel really calm about everything, really calm... I went to the gate of hell and came back. I saw with my own eyes that others failed to recover and died, which has had a big impact on me." He had initially isolated himself to protect his family after getting a temperature, but, still feverish a couple of days later, he walked an hour to hospital. Tests were not available but he was prescribed antibiotics and flu medication and asked to quarantine himself at home due to a hospital bed shortage. "I was terrified at first," he said. "But I went back home, switched to a positive mood, and braced myself for the situation. Anyway it’s pointless to panic," Wan told AFP. The 44-year-old investor and married father of a nine-year-old daughter already suffered from high blood pressure before the virus. At home, he began recording his illness in an online diary, but a bad cough set in and he was admitted to hospital. Hormone therapy helped lower his temperature, although he remained short of breath, but medical supplies were scarce, Wan said, and healthcare workers wore poor-quality protective suits and rubbish bags as shoe covers. Wan was transferred to one of the two field hospitals built for virus sufferers in Wuhan, a well-supplied centre, he said, where he was treated mostly with Western medicines. - Keeping the faith - Song Myung-hee, 72, was afraid of dying alone after being infected during a service at the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the southern city of Daegu, a secretive religious group at the centre of South Korea's coronavirus outbreak. She was at the same event as the woman known as Patient 31, a 61-year-old who attended four services before being diagnosed with the virus. Song was quarantined at home as a precaution but remained asymptomatic for several days before the virus struck suddenly with a severe cough. "I could not sleep at all," she told AFP. "It lasted for two days. I had to hold a plastic bag at all times because I kept on coughing up phlegm. "Then my face started swelling. I was scared I might die alone." Facing an influx, no hospital beds were available at the time in Daegu, so she was taken to Seongnam, 220 kilometres (137 miles) away. "I was relieved when I entered the hospital room -- because at least there, I knew I wouldn't have died alone," she said. The Shincheonji Church leader has apologised over its role in the spread of the disease but, despite her family's pleas, Song is resolute about staying a member. "I'm never leaving my church, it doesn't matter what other people say." - Comes and goes in waves - "The best way to describe it is: when you are at a high altitude, you struggle to breathe," said Christine, 28, from South Africa, who suffers from syringomyelia, a disorder affecting the spinal cord. Two days after being in contact with a sick work colleague, the analyst said she felt the first symptoms and COVID-19 was confirmed. Her partner, lawyer Dawie, 30, could not take the test because "the system was already under a lot of pressure" but within a few days had the same symptoms. Self-isolated, the couple who did not wish for their full names to be published, continue to work from home. Sometimes they wondered if they were overreacting because some days they felt fine, Dawie said. "Within days, it fluctuates. You get chilled and later on you feel better...The worst for me was last week... I was really short of breath... I called my doctor. She told me to look at the signs showing that I am not getting enough oxygen. "You should look at your fingernails if they turn blue," he said. - Despairing at home - French housewife and mother-of-three Djemila Kerrouche said the worst part was the challenge her three children faced continuing their schoolwork while confined at home. After developing symptoms, she wore gloves and a mask at home and didn't touch food, she said, but two of the children -- who are aged six, 11 and 19 -- were already coughing. "My children put themselves under great pressure, they want to succeed at school," said the 47-year-old from Mulhouse in eastern France, which has been badly hit by the pandemic. "Their teachers give them work as if the situation were normal," she said. "The big one is preparing for her bac (end of secondary school exam) and I see her cry when she can't manage and I can't hold her in my arms, console her, help her." "My morale is rock bottom. I can't stop crying..." - Shock and solitude - Marisol San Roman, a sociologist and student from Argentina, said she was shocked to find she had the virus and described the "total solitude" of being infected. She is thought to have caught COVID-19 at a farewell dinner in Madrid after the closure of the Instituto de Empresa business school where she was studying, before returning home to Argentina. "I'm 25, I'm young, I'm in good health -- it's mad," she said, expressing her shock. Her 65-year-old father with whom she lives avoided her, leaving her food at the door of her room. On her own, she treated a lung infection and gauged the oxygen saturation rate in her blood. "Coronavirus is an illness which is lived in solitude, in total solitude," she said. Her case went viral after she gave Skype interviews to the media, and she said she received several insults via social media for having returned to the country when she was carrying the virus. She has tried to stop the stigmatisation associated with having it, she said. On her Instagram account she writes of wanting to be a kind of social conscience, warning people to be aware, that "this isn't a joke, being young doesn't immunise you against anything and that the coronavirus isn't flu". - Sharing our experience with others - Entrepreneurs Julia, 27, and Megan, 35, wanted to share what they went through to help others after being among the 50 first cases recorded in South Africa. They caught the virus, with three other family members, on a ski trip to Switzerland, probably in a bar. The two women, who didn't want their full names published, are behind the @livingcoronapositive Instagram account, which documents their recovery, responds to questions and aims to "bring some light and positivity to this dark time". They all experienced different versions of the symptoms; some mild, others lasted a week, they said. On testing, they said, "having a large earbud stuck down the back of your nose is not pleasant but it's quick". And their advice, said Megan, is to remember that "stress, anxiety and panic are normal human reactions to something as massive and unknown as this pandemic! So please be kind to your loved ones who feel out-of-control. They need your love and reassurance." - Anger - Frenchman Charlie Barres, 29, works in hospitals in his job as a physical educator and worries about the added strain the pandemic is putting on the health system. "Warnings about the state of the system don't date from yesterday. Not so long ago, the caregivers were on strike... And now, it's blowing up. At the same time, we're on a disaster footing in hospitals," he said. Married and with a two-year-old son, he was confined at his Paris home after the disease began with chills and a sore throat. A doctor diagnosed him. "The tests are expensive and they keep them for the complex cases," he said. After two days of feeling bad, he began to improve gradually. His son has been ill and his wife suffered headaches and a bad throat, he said. - Patient zero - Thirty-three-year-old Lorena's aunt was Ecuador's "patient zero", who had returned from holiday in Spain to a family welcome home party with about 30 people in late February in the southwestern city of Babahoyo. "Already on her arrival, she wasn't well... She told us she had felt feverish during the trip and that a lot of people were coughing" on the plane, Lorena, a teacher, said. Her 71-year-old aunt was hospitalised in Guayaquil, the epicentre of Ecuador's outbreak, and the virus was confirmed a week later. When the family, themselves isolated and tested, then saw now-former health minister Catalina Andramuno announce five coronavirus cases during a press conference on TV, they realised "it was us!', Lorena said. Her aunt later died, and a dozen family members were infected, including Lorena, who has now recovered.

Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 13 lacs worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

COVID-19 has now infected 1,350,841 people worldwide and over 75,000 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 285,437 people of that tally have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

A total of 368,449 citizens are infected by this deadly virus in the US, edging out Spain and Italy, which has reported the most cases and deaths.

Italy currently has the highest death toll of any country, reporting that 16,523 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 13 lacs worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 1,350,841 people worldwide and over 75,000 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 13 lacs worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 1,350,841 people worldwide and over 75,000 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 285,437 people of that tally have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. A total of 368,449 citizens are infected by this deadly virus in the US, edging out Spain and Italy, which has reported the most cases and deaths. Italy currently has the highest death toll of any country, reporting that 16,523 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died.

Global death toll from coronavirus tops 75,000

The coronavirus has claimed more than 74,000 live worldwide so far, but the total number of COVID-19 recovery cases has reached nearly 3 lakh mark on Tuesday. 
 
As many as 285,327 people have been recovered globally from the coronavirus disease.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-wouldnt-there-be-trump-hints-at-retaliation-if-india-doesnt-send-anti-malarial-drug-291003">Also&nbsp;read — 'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug</a>

According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,350,523 people worldwide and 74,834 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modern-piracy-did-united-states-reroute-a-shipment-of-face-masks-headed-to-germany-291024">'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany?</a>

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-india-to-supply-hydroxychloroquine-paracetamol-to-other-badly-affected-nations-291076">Coronavirus outbreak: India to supply hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol to other badly-affected nations</a> 
 
A total of 368,449 people are infected by this deadly virus in the US, edging out Spain and Italy, which has reported the most cases and deaths. 
 
Italy currently has the highest death toll of any country, reporting that 16,523 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/total-infected-cases-leap-to-4421-in-india-coronavirus-news-covid-19-291084/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In India, a total of 326 coronavirus patients have been recovered as of now and while 114 people have lost their lives. The total number of infected coronavirus patients in India is 4421.

The coronavirus has claimed more than 74,000 live worldwide so far, but the total number of COVID-19 recovery cases has reached nearly 3 lakh mark on Tuesday. As many as 285,327 people have been recovered globally from the coronavirus disease.

The coronavirus has claimed more than 74,000 live worldwide so far, but the total number of COVID-19 recovery cases has reached nearly 3 lakh mark on Tuesday. As many as 285,327 people have been recovered globally from the coronavirus disease. Also read — 'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,350,523 people worldwide and 74,834 people have been killed due to this pandemic. 'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany? Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections. Coronavirus outbreak: India to supply hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol to other badly-affected nations A total of 368,449 people are infected by this deadly virus in the US, edging out Spain and Italy, which has reported the most cases and deaths. Italy currently has the highest death toll of any country, reporting that 16,523 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died. In India, a total of 326 coronavirus patients have been recovered as of now and while 114 people have lost their lives. The total number of infected coronavirus patients in India is 4421.

Around 3 lakh coronavirus patients recovered worldwide; 326 cured in India

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging governments around the world to include the protection of women in their response to the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-rise-in-domestic-violence-cases-as-covid-19-lockdown-turns-into-captivity-for-many-women-290213">Also read: Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women</a>

"Violence is not confined to the battlefield," said Guterres in a statement and a video released in multiple languages, reminiscent of his call for a ceasefire in conflicts worldwide to face the COVID-19 pandemic.

"For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest. In their own homes," Guterres said.&nbsp;

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Peace is not just the absence of war. Many women under lockdown for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> face violence where they should be safest: in their own homes. 
 
Today I appeal for peace in homes around the world. 
 
I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic. <a href="https://t.co/PjDUTrMb9v">pic.twitter.com/PjDUTrMb9v</a>
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1246973397759819776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Over the past weeks, as economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying global surge in domestic violence.&nbsp;

"I urge all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19," he said.

Guterres called for setting up emergency warning systems in pharmacies and groceries, and for safe ways "for women to seek support, without alerting their abusers.

"Together, we can and must prevent violence everywhere, from war zones to people’s homes, as we work to beat COVID-19," he said, as he called "for peace at home — and in homes — around the world."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging governments around the world to include the protection of women in their response to the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging governments around the world to include the protection of women in their response to the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women "Violence is not confined to the battlefield," said Guterres in a statement and a video released in multiple languages, reminiscent of his call for a ceasefire in conflicts worldwide to face the COVID-19 pandemic. "For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest. In their own homes," Guterres said. Peace is not just the absence of war. Many women under lockdown for #COVID19 face violence where they should be safest: in their own homes. Today I appeal for peace in homes around the world. I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/PjDUTrMb9v — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 6, 2020 × "Over the past weeks, as economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying global surge in domestic violence. "I urge all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19," he said. Guterres called for setting up emergency warning systems in pharmacies and groceries, and for safe ways "for women to seek support, without alerting their abusers. "Together, we can and must prevent violence everywhere, from war zones to people’s homes, as we work to beat COVID-19," he said, as he called "for peace at home — and in homes — around the world."

UN chief urges govts to protect women as domestic violence soars due to lockdown

&nbsp;

A potential lawsuit by G7 nations against China for “patent breaches” of the International Health Regulations in its handling of COVID-19 could be worth $ 4 trillion, according to a newly released report.

The report which is the first comprehensive investigation into the global economic impact of the outbreak concludes that potential damages liable against China could run to $4 trillion from just the G7 nations. The US is said to have a claim worth a potential $1.1 trillion in damages based on announced government spending. The UK meanwhile could claim $430 billion, Canada can claim $58.7 billion, and Australia $36.7 billion from China as damages caused by the spread of Coronavirus.&nbsp;

The report claims that the Chinese Communist Party’s early handling of the disease and failure to adequately report information to the WHO breached Articles Six and Seven of the International Health Regulations [IHRs], a Treaty to which China is a signatory and legally obliged to uphold. These breaches - it is claimed - allowed the outbreak to rapidly spread outside Wuhan, its place of origin.&nbsp;

In particular, the report by the Henry Jackson Society holds that the CCP:

<ul>
	<li>Failed to disclose data that would have revealed evidence of human-to-human transmission for a period of up to three weeks from being aware of it, in breach of Articles six and seven of the IHRs.</li>
	<li>Provided the WHO with erroneous information about the number of infections between 2 January 2020 and 11 January 2020, in breach of Articles Six and Seven of the IHRs.</li>
	<li>Failed to proscribe avoidable vectors of lethal zoonotic (animal-originated) viral infection, instead actively promoting the massive proliferation of dangerous viral host species for human consumption in breach of Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.</li>
	<li>Allowed 5 million people to leave Wuhan before imposing the lockdown on 23 January 2020 despite knowledge of human-to-human transmission.</li>
</ul>

There have been many allegations against China to have covered up the virus spread which led to a pandemic that has infected more than 1.2 million people till now and killed more than 66 thousand and counting. A University of Southampton study has previously found that — had strict quarantine measures have been introduced three weeks earlier — the diseases spread would have been reduced by some 95%.&nbsp;

The report by the Henry Jackson Society, a British foreign policy think-tank, says there is evidence that China directly breached international healthcare treaty responsibilities.&nbsp;

As a result of the breaches of international law, the report assesses that potential damages liable against China could run to $4 trillion from just the G7 nations.

The report further offers ten different potential legal avenues for action against China across international jurisdictional venues. The legal avenues include making use of the International Court of Justice; Permanent Court of Arbitration; Hong Kong Courts; dispute resolutions through Bilateral Investment Treaties; and actions at the World Trade Organisation.

As states earlier, several potential legal avenues are conceivably open to both states and individuals to seek compensation for damages wrought by wrongful acts in the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

At least 10 of such legal actions are as follows:

1. A dispute brought to the WHO that China has breached its obligations under the IHR.

2. Claims made at the International Court of Justice.

3. Disputes opened at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

4. Actions brought under Bilateral Investment Treaties by individuals, corporations or States.

5. Actions are taken under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to either arbitration or the International Tribunal.

6. Action taken under WTO rules.

7. Claims brought before the Hong Kong Courts that the actions of state bodies breached rights under the ICESCR.

8. Claims brought in the US Federal Courts against the Chinese State that fit an exemption within the FSIA.

9. Claims brought in the US Federal Courts against commercial entities linked to the Chinese State.

10. Claims brought in the English courts against commercial entities linked to the Chinese State.

In addition, should China be unwilling to submit to international justice and other avenues, both ICJ advisory opinions and PCA Commissions of Inquiry offer opportunities to determine facts and apportion blame.

Co-author of the report, Matthew Henderson said that the Chinese Communist Part learned no lessons from their failure in the SARS epidemic. He also blamed the repeated lies and disinformation campaign by the Chinese Govt to have far more deadly consequences.&nbsp;

"By computing the cost of damage caused to advanced economies and assembling a series of possible legal processes to which the rules-based order can have recourse, we offer a sense of how the free world might seek recompense for the appalling harm the CCP has done,” he said.

A potential lawsuit by G7 nations against China for “patent breaches” of the International Health Regulations in its handling of COVID-19 could be worth $ 4 trillion, according to a newly released report.

A potential lawsuit by G7 nations against China for “patent breaches” of the International Health Regulations in its handling of COVID-19 could be worth $ 4 trillion, according to a newly released report. The report which is the first comprehensive investigation into the global economic impact of the outbreak concludes that potential damages liable against China could run to $4 trillion from just the G7 nations. The US is said to have a claim worth a potential $1.1 trillion in damages based on announced government spending. The UK meanwhile could claim $430 billion, Canada can claim $58.7 billion, and Australia $36.7 billion from China as damages caused by the spread of Coronavirus. The report claims that the Chinese Communist Party’s early handling of the disease and failure to adequately report information to the WHO breached Articles Six and Seven of the International Health Regulations [IHRs], a Treaty to which China is a signatory and legally obliged to uphold. These breaches - it is claimed - allowed the outbreak to rapidly spread outside Wuhan, its place of origin. In particular, the report by the Henry Jackson Society holds that the CCP: Failed to disclose data that would have revealed evidence of human-to-human transmission for a period of up to three weeks from being aware of it, in breach of Articles six and seven of the IHRs. Provided the WHO with erroneous information about the number of infections between 2 January 2020 and 11 January 2020, in breach of Articles Six and Seven of the IHRs. Failed to proscribe avoidable vectors of lethal zoonotic (animal-originated) viral infection, instead actively promoting the massive proliferation of dangerous viral host species for human consumption in breach of Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Allowed 5 million people to leave Wuhan before imposing the lockdown on 23 January 2020 despite knowledge of human-to-human transmission. There have been many allegations against China to have covered up the virus spread which led to a pandemic that has infected more than 1.2 million people till now and killed more than 66 thousand and counting. A University of Southampton study has previously found that — had strict quarantine measures have been introduced three weeks earlier — the diseases spread would have been reduced by some 95%. The report by the Henry Jackson Society, a British foreign policy think-tank, says there is evidence that China directly breached international healthcare treaty responsibilities. As a result of the breaches of international law, the report assesses that potential damages liable against China could run to $4 trillion from just the G7 nations. The report further offers ten different potential legal avenues for action against China across international jurisdictional venues. The legal avenues include making use of the International Court of Justice; Permanent Court of Arbitration; Hong Kong Courts; dispute resolutions through Bilateral Investment Treaties; and actions at the World Trade Organisation. As states earlier, several potential legal avenues are conceivably open to both states and individuals to seek compensation for damages wrought by wrongful acts in the spread of COVID-19. At least 10 of such legal actions are as follows: 1. A dispute brought to the WHO that China has breached its obligations under the IHR. 2. Claims made at the International Court of Justice. 3. Disputes opened at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. 4. Actions brought under Bilateral Investment Treaties by individuals, corporations or States. 5. Actions are taken under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to either arbitration or the International Tribunal. 6. Action taken under WTO rules. 7. Claims brought before the Hong Kong Courts that the actions of state bodies breached rights under the ICESCR. 8. Claims brought in the US Federal Courts against the Chinese State that fit an exemption within the FSIA. 9. Claims brought in the US Federal Courts against commercial entities linked to the Chinese State. 10. Claims brought in the English courts against commercial entities linked to the Chinese State. In addition, should China be unwilling to submit to international justice and other avenues, both ICJ advisory opinions and PCA Commissions of Inquiry offer opportunities to determine facts and apportion blame. Co-author of the report, Matthew Henderson said that the Chinese Communist Part learned no lessons from their failure in the SARS epidemic. He also blamed the repeated lies and disinformation campaign by the Chinese Govt to have far more deadly consequences. "By computing the cost of damage caused to advanced economies and assembling a series of possible legal processes to which the rules-based order can have recourse, we offer a sense of how the free world might seek recompense for the appalling harm the CCP has done,” he said.

Coronavirus compensation? A potential lawsuit against China worth $4 trillion

Spain said on Saturday that it would extend its lockdown by two weeks to April 25 after the number of coronavirus cases surpassed those in Italy.

Spain extends lockdown across country till April 25

Italy on Sunday recorded its lowest daily death toll from the novel coronavirus in over two weeks and saw the number of critical care patients decline for the second day.

The 525 official COVID-19 fatalities reported by the civil protection service were the lowest since 427 registered on March 19.

"This is good news but we should not let our guard down," civil protection service chief Angelo Borrelli told reporters.

Officials also reported the first decline in the number of non-critical COVID-19 patients receiving hospital care.

That number fell from 29,010 on Saturday to 28,949 on Sunday. 
The number of critical patients edged down from 3,994 on Saturday to 3,977 on Sunday -- the second successive decline.

Italy's official death toll, the highest in the world, now stands at 15,887.

Italy on Sunday recorded its lowest daily death toll from the novel coronavirus in over two weeks and saw the number of critical care patients decline for the second day.

Italy on Sunday recorded its lowest daily death toll from the novel coronavirus in over two weeks and saw the number of critical care patients decline for the second day. The 525 official COVID-19 fatalities reported by the civil protection service were the lowest since 427 registered on March 19. "This is good news but we should not let our guard down," civil protection service chief Angelo Borrelli told reporters. Officials also reported the first decline in the number of non-critical COVID-19 patients receiving hospital care. That number fell from 29,010 on Saturday to 28,949 on Sunday. The number of critical patients edged down from 3,994 on Saturday to 3,977 on Sunday -- the second successive decline. Italy's official death toll, the highest in the world, now stands at 15,887.

Italy records lowest coronavirus death toll in over two weeks

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 8 lacs worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-urges-govts-to-protect-women-as-domestic-violence-soars-due-to-lockdown-290738">Also read: UN chief urges govts to protect women as domestic abuse soars due to lockdown</a>

According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,273,990 people worldwide and 69,444 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-hospitalised-for-tests-after-persistent-coronavirus-symptoms-290737">Also read: UK PM Johnson hospitalised for tests after persistent coronavirus symptoms</a>

Around 260,247 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

A total of 337,310 people are infected by this deadly virus in the US, edging out Spain and Italy, which has reported the most cases and deaths.

Italy currently has the highest death toll of any country, reporting that 15,887 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 8 lacs worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: UN chief urges govts to protect women as domestic abuse soars due to lockdown According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,273,990 people worldwide and 69,444 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 8 lacs worldwide on Tuesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: UN chief urges govts to protect women as domestic abuse soars due to lockdown According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,273,990 people worldwide and 69,444 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Also read: UK PM Johnson hospitalised for tests after persistent coronavirus symptoms Around 260,247 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. A total of 337,310 people are infected by this deadly virus in the US, edging out Spain and Italy, which has reported the most cases and deaths. Italy currently has the highest death toll of any country, reporting that 15,887 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have died.

Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 1,200,000; death toll rises to 69,444

Afghanistan's health ministry on Monday said that the total coronavirus positive cases in the country stood at 367 after 30 new cases were registered in the within the past 24 hours.

Herat confirmed 16 new cases, followed by Kabul (6), Nimruz (3), Kunduz (2), Faryab (2) and Daikundi (1) provinces, as per the Health Ministry data cited by TOLOnews.

Meanwhile, seven people are reported dead from the contagious disease in Afghanistan and 12 others have recovered.

Herat has the highest number of cases — with 239 —, while Kabul is in second place with 57 cases.

Coronavirus has infected more than 1.2 million worldwide and killed close to 70,000, according to the data compiled by the US-based John Hopkins University.

Afghanistan's health ministry on Monday said that the total coronavirus positive cases in the country stood at 367 after 30 new cases were registered in the within the past 24 hours.

Afghanistan's health ministry on Monday said that the total coronavirus positive cases in the country stood at 367 after 30 new cases were registered in the within the past 24 hours. Herat confirmed 16 new cases, followed by Kabul (6), Nimruz (3), Kunduz (2), Faryab (2) and Daikundi (1) provinces, as per the Health Ministry data cited by TOLOnews. Meanwhile, seven people are reported dead from the contagious disease in Afghanistan and 12 others have recovered. Herat has the highest number of cases — with 239 —, while Kabul is in second place with 57 cases. Coronavirus has infected more than 1.2 million worldwide and killed close to 70,000, according to the data compiled by the US-based John Hopkins University.

COVID-19 cases rise to 349 in Afghanistan

Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal has posted a photo of him working out on his Twitter account where he urged his fans to stay active despite being at home.&nbsp;

The world no. 2 captioned the picture in Spanish its translation was: "We continue at home [Winking face] You have to stay active [💪🏻] #yomequedoencasa #iostoacasa #jerestechezmoi #istayhome"

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En casa seguimos 😉 
Hay que mantenerse activos 💪🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yomequedoencasa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yomequedoencasa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iostoacasa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iostoacasa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jerestechezmoi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jerestechezmoi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/istayhome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#istayhome</a> <a href="https://t.co/pSVo3THx6j">pic.twitter.com/pSVo3THx6j</a>
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal/status/1244294520226959361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Nadal has been active on social media updating his fans about how has he been spending time during the quarantine. He showed off his cooking skills while preparing a meal for his wife and last week he posted another workout picture of his.&nbsp;

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Hay que animarse y seguir!!!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yomequedoencasa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yomequedoencasa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iorestoacasa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iorestoacasa</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/istayhome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#istayhome</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jerestechezmoi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jerestechezmoi</a> <a href="https://t.co/3uX6pc4ubo">pic.twitter.com/3uX6pc4ubo</a>
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal/status/1245689760829648901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Spaniard is currently behind Novak Djokovic in world tennis rankings. His native country (Spain) has been among the worst-hit nation in terms of coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Tennis season has come to halt with Wimbledon's cancellation being the latest victim of the virus, the rest of the season still in doubts.&nbsp;

According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,273,990 people worldwide and 69,444 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

The rate of new coronavirus infections and deaths in Spain slowed again on Sunday as the country, suffering from one of the world's worst outbreaks of the pandemic, began its fourth week under a near-total lockdown.

Deaths from the highly infectious COVID-19 respiratory disease rose to 12,418 on Saturday - the second-highest worldwide after Italy. However, the toll of 674 people who died during the past 24 hours was down from Saturday's 809 and well below Thursday's daily record of 950, the Health Ministry said.

Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal has posted a photo of him working out on his Twitter account where he urged his fans to stay active despite being at home. The world no.

Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal has posted a photo of him working out on his Twitter account where he urged his fans to stay active despite being at home. The world no. 2 captioned the picture in Spanish its translation was: "We continue at home [Winking face] You have to stay active [💪🏻] #yomequedoencasa #iostoacasa #jerestechezmoi #istayhome" En casa seguimos 😉 Hay que mantenerse activos 💪🏻 #yomequedoencasa #iostoacasa #jerestechezmoi #istayhome pic.twitter.com/pSVo3THx6j — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 29, 2020 × Nadal has been active on social media updating his fans about how has he been spending time during the quarantine. He showed off his cooking skills while preparing a meal for his wife and last week he posted another workout picture of his. Hay que animarse y seguir!!!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 #yomequedoencasa #iorestoacasa#istayhome #jerestechezmoi pic.twitter.com/3uX6pc4ubo — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 2, 2020 × The Spaniard is currently behind Novak Djokovic in world tennis rankings. His native country (Spain) has been among the worst-hit nation in terms of coronavirus pandemic. Tennis season has come to halt with Wimbledon's cancellation being the latest victim of the virus, the rest of the season still in doubts. According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,273,990 people worldwide and 69,444 people have been killed due to this pandemic. The rate of new coronavirus infections and deaths in Spain slowed again on Sunday as the country, suffering from one of the world's worst outbreaks of the pandemic, began its fourth week under a near-total lockdown. Deaths from the highly infectious COVID-19 respiratory disease rose to 12,418 on Saturday - the second-highest worldwide after Italy. However, the toll of 674 people who died during the past 24 hours was down from Saturday's 809 and well below Thursday's daily record of 950, the Health Ministry said.

Rafael Nadal urges fans to 'stay active' while self-quarantining

The number of coronavirus cases in India saw a dramatic increase as death toll so far crossed the 100-mark, registering 32 fatalities in the last 24 hours alone.&nbsp;

The country has reported 693 fresh cases, which is also the highest single-day jump so far, taking the total number of infections above 4000.

The govt authorities are mulling over an action plan based on 'Bhilwara model' to counter the pandemic.&nbsp;

Rajasthan's Bhilwara has reported no new case of coronavirus for last 4-5 days.&nbsp;

The administration in this Rajasthan town became aggressive in tackling the pandemic after six people were found coronavirus positive in Bhilwara (Rajasthan) on March 19.

The health administration officials of the Rajasthan government had set up a medical war room to fight deadly coronavirus pandemic.

They divided the area into three circles. According to the plan, Bhilwara town was&nbsp;divided into 1 Km, 3 Km and 5 Km radius.&nbsp;

Intense surveillance was conducted in 1 Km radius and every home was tested for coronavirus.&nbsp;

Around 6000 teams of doctors were placed for the task. Around 24 lakh people were screened by these teams in a mere 9 days.&nbsp;

Around 18000 people were found to be having cough and cold, they had&nbsp;been moved to the second phase of testing.

The people who came in contact with the doctor who was tested positive for the virus were also tested.

Borders were sealed completely except for essential services. Several hospitals were prepared for emergency cases. Bhilwara and nearby areas were screened for coronavirus. Disinfectants were sprinkled all across the city to kill the virus.&nbsp;

With the recent success of the Bhilwara model of disinfection drive, it is expected that this may get implemented in all of India during or after the lockdown.

The number of coronavirus cases in India saw a dramatic increase as death toll so far crossed the 100-mark, registering 32 fatalities in the last 24 hours alone.

The number of coronavirus cases in India saw a dramatic increase as death toll so far crossed the 100-mark, registering 32 fatalities in the last 24 hours alone. The country has reported 693 fresh cases, which is also the highest single-day jump so far, taking the total number of infections above 4000. The govt authorities are mulling over an action plan based on 'Bhilwara model' to counter the pandemic. Rajasthan's Bhilwara has reported no new case of coronavirus for last 4-5 days. The administration in this Rajasthan town became aggressive in tackling the pandemic after six people were found coronavirus positive in Bhilwara (Rajasthan) on March 19. The health administration officials of the Rajasthan government had set up a medical war room to fight deadly coronavirus pandemic. They divided the area into three circles. According to the plan, Bhilwara town was divided into 1 Km, 3 Km and 5 Km radius. Intense surveillance was conducted in 1 Km radius and every home was tested for coronavirus. Around 6000 teams of doctors were placed for the task. Around 24 lakh people were screened by these teams in a mere 9 days. Around 18000 people were found to be having cough and cold, they had been moved to the second phase of testing. The people who came in contact with the doctor who was tested positive for the virus were also tested. Borders were sealed completely except for essential services. Several hospitals were prepared for emergency cases. Bhilwara and nearby areas were screened for coronavirus. Disinfectants were sprinkled all across the city to kill the virus. With the recent success of the Bhilwara model of disinfection drive, it is expected that this may get implemented in all of India during or after the lockdown.

Fighting a pandemic: Bhilwara shows the way!

The number of coronavirus cases in India saw a dramatic increase as death toll so far crossed the 100-mark, registering 32 fatalities in the last 24 hours alone.&nbsp;

The country has reported 693 fresh cases, which is also the highest single-day jump so far, taking the total number of infections above 4000.

<img alt="COVID-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87e5b72c-0575-413d-af12-390d8dbf352f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/covid-19_0.JPG" />

Total cases: &nbsp; &nbsp;4067 
Active: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3666 
Deaths: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;109 
Discharged: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 291

Of the total infections, 3,666 are active cases and 292 have been cured/discharged/migrated people.

The global COVID-19 death toll is inching towards 70,000. Close to 13,00,000 positive cases have wreaked havoc on the health care systems across the world with no clear breakthrough yet on the treatment of the deadly disease.

The number of coronavirus cases in India saw a dramatic increase as death toll so far crossed the 100-mark, registering 32 fatalities in the last 24 hours alone. The country has reported 693 fresh cases, which is also the highest single-day jump so far, taking the total number of infections above 4000. Total cases: 4067 Active: 3666 Deaths: 109 Discharged: 291 Of the total infections, 3,666 are active cases and 292 have been cured/discharged/migrated people. The global COVID-19 death toll is inching towards 70,000. Close to 13,00,000 positive cases have wreaked havoc on the health care systems across the world with no clear breakthrough yet on the treatment of the deadly disease.

COVID-19 death toll reaches 109 in India, infections top 4000 as Govt draws aggressive containment plan

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar has rejoined the medical register to help the health service during the coronavirus crisis, a government spokesman said Sunday.

Dr Varadkar "has offered his services to the Health Service Executive for one session a week in areas that are within his scope of practice", a government spokesman said in a statement.

The Irish Times reported Varadkar — who graduated with a medical degree from Dublin's Trinity University in 2003 — is to work assessing patients over the phone.

The son of a doctor and nurse, Varadkar's partner and his two sisters are also practising health workers.

"Many of his family and friends are working in the health service," the spokesman explained. "He wanted to help out even in a small way." As COVID-19 took hold in Ireland last month the HSE made a call for qualified healthcare workers not currently working in the sector to return.

Over 60,000 responded to the recruitment drive, which included a request for medically skilled and general volunteers to aid the health service.

According to the most recent department of health figures released Sunday, there have been 158 coronavirus-related deaths in Ireland. There have been a total of 4,994 confirmed cases across the Republic, the department said.

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar has rejoined the medical register to help the health service during the coronavirus crisis, a government spokesman said Sunday.

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar has rejoined the medical register to help the health service during the coronavirus crisis, a government spokesman said Sunday. Dr Varadkar "has offered his services to the Health Service Executive for one session a week in areas that are within his scope of practice", a government spokesman said in a statement. The Irish Times reported Varadkar — who graduated with a medical degree from Dublin's Trinity University in 2003 — is to work assessing patients over the phone. The son of a doctor and nurse, Varadkar's partner and his two sisters are also practising health workers. "Many of his family and friends are working in the health service," the spokesman explained. "He wanted to help out even in a small way." As COVID-19 took hold in Ireland last month the HSE made a call for qualified healthcare workers not currently working in the sector to return. Over 60,000 responded to the recruitment drive, which included a request for medically skilled and general volunteers to aid the health service. According to the most recent department of health figures released Sunday, there have been 158 coronavirus-related deaths in Ireland. There have been a total of 4,994 confirmed cases across the Republic, the department said.

Indian-origin Irish PM Leo Varadkar to work as a doctor during coronavirus crisis

The number of people killed by the coronavirus in Canada has jumped by just over 20% to 258 in a day, officials said on Sunday, while Ottawa offered full-time jobs to reservists in the armed forces.

By 11:05 eastern time (1505 GMT), the number of those diagnosed with the coronavirus had risen by almost 12% to 14,426, the public health agency said. The respective figures on Saturday were 214 deaths and 12,924 positive diagnoses.

The outbreak looks set to tip the economy into recession and the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has already announced stimulus measures totalling C$105 billion ($74 billion) in direct spending, or 5% of gross domestic product.

Trudeau said officials were contacting reservists to offer them full-time jobs for the coming months.

"Bolstering the military's ranks will help offset some of the economic consequences of COVID-19 and ensure our communities are well supported," he told a daily briefing.

Canada has around 31,000 reservists, most of whom serve one evening a week and one weekend a month. There are just over 67,000 full-time members of the armed forces.

Trudeau said on Friday that members of the Canadian Rangers, a group of reservists based in remote regions, would be deployed to northern Quebec to help provide healthcare to the isolated aboriginal population.

Late last month, U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the secretaries of homeland security and defence to call up military and Coast Guard reservists to active duty.

Trudeau said he had yet to speak to Trump about his demand that exports of respirator masks to Canada be blocked. Trudeau said on Saturday he would not retaliate while noting some Canadian health professionals living along with the US border work in hospitals south of the border.

"We're continuing to engage constructively with the entire American administration to highlight how important it is that goods ... continue to flow both ways," he said.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told Fox News on Saturday that "some exports" of masks to Canada would continue.

Almost half the cases in Canada are in the province of Quebec, where premier Francois Legault said on Sunday he hoped to see new diagnoses peak in several weeks. He also told reporters he was extending a shutdown of non-essential businesses for another three weeks to May 4.

The number of people killed by the coronavirus in Canada has jumped by just over 20% to 258 in a day, officials said on Sunday, while Ottawa offered full-time jobs to reservists in the armed forces.

The number of people killed by the coronavirus in Canada has jumped by just over 20% to 258 in a day, officials said on Sunday, while Ottawa offered full-time jobs to reservists in the armed forces. By 11:05 eastern time (1505 GMT), the number of those diagnosed with the coronavirus had risen by almost 12% to 14,426, the public health agency said. The respective figures on Saturday were 214 deaths and 12,924 positive diagnoses. The outbreak looks set to tip the economy into recession and the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has already announced stimulus measures totalling C$105 billion ($74 billion) in direct spending, or 5% of gross domestic product. Trudeau said officials were contacting reservists to offer them full-time jobs for the coming months. "Bolstering the military's ranks will help offset some of the economic consequences of COVID-19 and ensure our communities are well supported," he told a daily briefing. Canada has around 31,000 reservists, most of whom serve one evening a week and one weekend a month. There are just over 67,000 full-time members of the armed forces. Trudeau said on Friday that members of the Canadian Rangers, a group of reservists based in remote regions, would be deployed to northern Quebec to help provide healthcare to the isolated aboriginal population. Late last month, U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the secretaries of homeland security and defence to call up military and Coast Guard reservists to active duty. Trudeau said he had yet to speak to Trump about his demand that exports of respirator masks to Canada be blocked. Trudeau said on Saturday he would not retaliate while noting some Canadian health professionals living along with the US border work in hospitals south of the border. "We're continuing to engage constructively with the entire American administration to highlight how important it is that goods ... continue to flow both ways," he said. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told Fox News on Saturday that "some exports" of masks to Canada would continue. Almost half the cases in Canada are in the province of Quebec, where premier Francois Legault said on Sunday he hoped to see new diagnoses peak in several weeks. He also told reporters he was extending a shutdown of non-essential businesses for another three weeks to May 4.

Canada coronavirus deaths jump 20%, Ottawa offers reservists full-time jobs

The number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan reached 3,278 on Monday as Imran Khan's govt scramble to contain the spread of the lethal disease.

Over 300 Tablighi Jamaat members and total 20, 000 people related to the event have been quarantined till Sunday in Pakistan’s Punjab province, amid efforts by authorities to track down and quarantine thousands of people who attended a massive congregation of the group last month.&nbsp;

A large number of preachers of Pakitan's Tablighi Jamaat who had attended a major congregation in early March in its headquarters in Lahore have been tracked down across the country and placed in quarantine centres.

According to Pakistani media, "more than 100,000 people” attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Lahore.

The event was organised in Lahore between March 10 and 12, had been described as being a "super-spreader" of coronavirus.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, The biggest COVID-19 hotspot in India has been the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz in Nizamuddin, New Delhi where a congregation of thousands of people took place between 1-15 March.

On Sunday, during the daily press briefing Lav Agarwal, a senior official in the Union ministry of health and family welfare, said that due to the Tablighi Jamaat event, coronavirus cases were rising in India every four days. Agarwal said that “had the incident not happened, the case doubling rate in the country would have been 7.4 days". 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan reached 3,278 on Monday as Imran Khan's govt scramble to contain the spread of the lethal disease. Over 300 Tablighi Jamaat members and total 20, 000 people related to the event have been quarantined till Sunday in Pakistan’s Punjab province, amid efforts by authorities to track down and quarantine thousands of people who attended a massive congregation of the group last month.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan reached 3,278 on Monday as Imran Khan's govt scramble to contain the spread of the lethal disease. Over 300 Tablighi Jamaat members and total 20, 000 people related to the event have been quarantined till Sunday in Pakistan’s Punjab province, amid efforts by authorities to track down and quarantine thousands of people who attended a massive congregation of the group last month. A large number of preachers of Pakitan's Tablighi Jamaat who had attended a major congregation in early March in its headquarters in Lahore have been tracked down across the country and placed in quarantine centres. According to Pakistani media, "more than 100,000 people” attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Lahore. The event was organised in Lahore between March 10 and 12, had been described as being a "super-spreader" of coronavirus. Meanwhile, The biggest COVID-19 hotspot in India has been the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz in Nizamuddin, New Delhi where a congregation of thousands of people took place between 1-15 March. On Sunday, during the daily press briefing Lav Agarwal, a senior official in the Union ministry of health and family welfare, said that due to the Tablighi Jamaat event, coronavirus cases were rising in India every four days. Agarwal said that “had the incident not happened, the case doubling rate in the country would have been 7.4 days". (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus in Pakistan: 20,000 quarantined as 300 Tablighi Jamaat members test positive

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Chunabhatti in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday for allegedly uploading a post on Facebook claiming the novel coronavirus outbreak was a government conspiracy and that people should not reveal information to authorities. An official identified him as Shamim Iftekhar Khan, a resident of Qureshi Nagar in Kurla East.

“His Facebook post claimed the virus does not exist and it was a conspiracy to target certain communities by the government. He also asked people not to give information to authorities during surveys in connection with the outbreak,” he said.

He was arrested under sections 188 (disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of IPC, and provisions of Disaster Management Act, the Chunabatti police station official said.

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Chunabhatti in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday for allegedly uploading a post on Facebook claiming the novel coronavirus outbreak was a government conspiracy and that people should not reveal information to authorities.

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Chunabhatti in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday for allegedly uploading a post on Facebook claiming the novel coronavirus outbreak was a government conspiracy and that people should not reveal information to authorities. An official identified him as Shamim Iftekhar Khan, a resident of Qureshi Nagar in Kurla East. “His Facebook post claimed the virus does not exist and it was a conspiracy to target certain communities by the government. He also asked people not to give information to authorities during surveys in connection with the outbreak,” he said. He was arrested under sections 188 (disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of IPC, and provisions of Disaster Management Act, the Chunabatti police station official said.

Mumbai man claims coronavirus a govt conspiracy in Facebook post, arrested

Amid a nationwide lockdown to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has set an example for the world by effectively battling coronavirus.&nbsp;

"India's efforts have set an example before the world in tackling Coronavisus Pandemic. India is one of the countries which understood the seriousness of this disease&amp;waged a timely war against it. India took several decisions&amp;tried its best to implement them on the ground. India has worked rapidly with a holistic approach that is being appreciated by not only Indians but also WHO. All countries should come together and fight this, so India had active participation in the meeting of the SAARC countries and the G20 meeting," he said.

PM Modi was speaking on the occasion of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 40th Foundation Day.&nbsp;

"This foundation day of BJP has come at a time when not only the country but also the world is going through a difficult time. Humanity is facing a crisis, our devotion to service of the country creates our path during this challenging time," &nbsp;he said.

Amid a nationwide lockdown to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has set an example for the world by effectively battling coronavirus.

Amid a nationwide lockdown to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has set an example for the world by effectively battling coronavirus. "India's efforts have set an example before the world in tackling Coronavisus Pandemic. India is one of the countries which understood the seriousness of this disease&waged a timely war against it. India took several decisions&tried its best to implement them on the ground. India has worked rapidly with a holistic approach that is being appreciated by not only Indians but also WHO. All countries should come together and fight this, so India had active participation in the meeting of the SAARC countries and the G20 meeting," he said. PM Modi was speaking on the occasion of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 40th Foundation Day. "This foundation day of BJP has come at a time when not only the country but also the world is going through a difficult time. Humanity is facing a crisis, our devotion to service of the country creates our path during this challenging time," he said.

India's fight against coronavirus sets distinct example for world: PM Modi

The rate of new coronavirus infections and deaths in Spain slowed again on Sunday as the country, suffering from one of the world's worst outbreaks of the pandemic, began its fourth week under a near-total lockdown.

Deaths from the highly infectious COVID-19 respiratory disease rose to 12,418 on Saturday - the second-highest worldwide after Italy. However, the toll of 674 people who died during the past 24 hours was down from Saturday's 809 and well below Thursday's daily record of 950, the Health Ministry said.

Sunday's rise represented a 6% increase in total deaths, about half the rate reported a week ago.

The total number of registered infections rose to 130,759 from Saturday's 124,736.

"Today I unite (with colleagues) to give a small message of hope," said General Miguel Angel Villaroya, chief of the defence staff, during a coronavirus briefing on Sunday. "We are on the right track and we will beat it (the virus)."

The World Health Organization's director for Europe, Hans Kluge, tweeted about Spain: "Careful optimism as result of bold measures, innovative approaches &amp; courageous decisions".

On Palm Sunday, a week before Easter, churches stood silent and empty in the capital Madrid, while streets that are usually packed with the stalls of the Rastro flea market were deserted.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, in a televised address to the nation on Saturday, announced an extension of the state of emergency lockdown until April 26 to help tackle "the greatest crisis of our lives".

He said while lockdown measures would probably last even longer than the next 15 days, some economic restrictions, such as keeping all non-essential workers at home, would be lifted after Easter. Shops, bars and restaurants will, however, remain closed.

Business groups CEOE and CEPYME warned that while the new extension "will serve to accelerate the exit from the current health crisis" it could "deepen the economic recession in which many sectors and companies...are already mired".

They called for the government to extend aid for companies to 50 billion euros ($54.04 billion) from 20 billion and suspend taxes for particularly badly hit sectors.

Economy Minister Nadia Calvino rejected the idea in an interview with El Pais on Sunday. Asked when Spain would get back to normal, Calvino said, "We cannot return to normal from 0 to 100 in one day. We must guarantee security."

In an article published in a series of European newspapers on Sunday, Sanchez appealed for unity among the 27 European Union countries to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

"Solidarity is a key principle of the EU treaties. And it is shown at times like this. Without solidarity there can be no cohesion, without cohesion there will be disaffection and the credibility of the European project will be severely damaged."

The rate of new coronavirus infections and deaths in Spain slowed again on Sunday as the country, suffering from one of the world's worst outbreaks of the pandemic, began its fourth week under a near-total lockdown.

The rate of new coronavirus infections and deaths in Spain slowed again on Sunday as the country, suffering from one of the world's worst outbreaks of the pandemic, began its fourth week under a near-total lockdown. Deaths from the highly infectious COVID-19 respiratory disease rose to 12,418 on Saturday - the second-highest worldwide after Italy. However, the toll of 674 people who died during the past 24 hours was down from Saturday's 809 and well below Thursday's daily record of 950, the Health Ministry said. Sunday's rise represented a 6% increase in total deaths, about half the rate reported a week ago. The total number of registered infections rose to 130,759 from Saturday's 124,736. "Today I unite (with colleagues) to give a small message of hope," said General Miguel Angel Villaroya, chief of the defence staff, during a coronavirus briefing on Sunday. "We are on the right track and we will beat it (the virus)." The World Health Organization's director for Europe, Hans Kluge, tweeted about Spain: "Careful optimism as result of bold measures, innovative approaches & courageous decisions". On Palm Sunday, a week before Easter, churches stood silent and empty in the capital Madrid, while streets that are usually packed with the stalls of the Rastro flea market were deserted. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, in a televised address to the nation on Saturday, announced an extension of the state of emergency lockdown until April 26 to help tackle "the greatest crisis of our lives". He said while lockdown measures would probably last even longer than the next 15 days, some economic restrictions, such as keeping all non-essential workers at home, would be lifted after Easter. Shops, bars and restaurants will, however, remain closed. Business groups CEOE and CEPYME warned that while the new extension "will serve to accelerate the exit from the current health crisis" it could "deepen the economic recession in which many sectors and companies...are already mired". They called for the government to extend aid for companies to 50 billion euros ($54.04 billion) from 20 billion and suspend taxes for particularly badly hit sectors. Economy Minister Nadia Calvino rejected the idea in an interview with El Pais on Sunday. Asked when Spain would get back to normal, Calvino said, "We cannot return to normal from 0 to 100 in one day. We must guarantee security." In an article published in a series of European newspapers on Sunday, Sanchez appealed for unity among the 27 European Union countries to combat the coronavirus outbreak. "Solidarity is a key principle of the EU treaties. And it is shown at times like this. Without solidarity there can be no cohesion, without cohesion there will be disaffection and the credibility of the European project will be severely damaged."

Spain's coronavirus death toll rises by 674 but pace keeps slowing

The global death toll due to the lethal coronavirus has surpassed 64,000. Over 708 new COVID-19 deaths have been reported in UK in 24 hours. Despite several warnings from authorities to stay at home, people are not following guidelines.

UK residents hit beaches, parks amid lockdown | Coronavirus Pandemic

Queen Elizabeth II is set to address to the nation and commonwealth countries about the coronavirus pandemic. In the message, the Queen will urge people to rise to the challenge posed by the coronavirus outbreak and will personally thank frontline healthcare staff and other key workers for their efforts during the crisis.

Queen Elizabeth II to address nation over COVID-19

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