As the United States recorded its highest daily Covid cases on Sunday, a top public health official has warned that the country is failing to handle the situation.

"We should not really have ever got to the place we are," said Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, on a local news show. "In that regard, yes, we are failing."

His statement came as the US reported 100,000 daily seven-day average for new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-brisbane-to-lift-lockdown-new-south-wales-witnesses-covid-19-surge-403854">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases. Total daily new cases soared to 118,999 — the highest since February.

Daily Covid-related deaths have also increased by 89 per cent in the past two weeks, and the new surge in the country has majorly targetted children.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-covid-19-cases-reach-6-months-high-404086">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-covid-19-cases-reach-6-months-high-404086/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This surge is believed to be caused by the Delta variant, which is dubbed as a ‘variant of concern’ and can reportedly affect adults as well as children.

"We would not be in the place we are right now with this Delta surge if we had been more effective in getting everybody (vaccinated)," Collins said. "Now we're paying a terrible price."

Meanwhile, the head of the White House’s Covid task force and infectious disease specialist, Dr Anthony Fauci, warned everyone that the chances of a new variant emerging can increase if the Delta variant is not controlled. The new variants, he warned "could be more problematic than Delta".

"If you give the virus the chance to continue to change, you're leading to a vulnerability that we might get a worse variant and then that will impact not only the unvaccinated, that will impact the vaccinated, because that variant could evade the protection of the vaccine," Fauci said in a local news show.

As the United States recorded its highest daily Covid cases on Sunday, a top public health official has warned that the country is failing to handle the situation.

As the United States recorded its highest daily Covid cases on Sunday, a top public health official has warned that the country is failing to handle the situation. "We should not really have ever got to the place we are," said Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, on a local news show. "In that regard, yes, we are failing." His statement came as the US reported 100,000 daily seven-day average for new coronavirus cases. Total daily new cases soared to 118,999 — the highest since February. Daily Covid-related deaths have also increased by 89 per cent in the past two weeks, and the new surge in the country has majorly targetted children. WATCH | This surge is believed to be caused by the Delta variant, which is dubbed as a ‘variant of concern’ and can reportedly affect adults as well as children. "We would not be in the place we are right now with this Delta surge if we had been more effective in getting everybody (vaccinated)," Collins said. "Now we're paying a terrible price." Meanwhile, the head of the White House’s Covid task force and infectious disease specialist, Dr Anthony Fauci, warned everyone that the chances of a new variant emerging can increase if the Delta variant is not controlled. The new variants, he warned "could be more problematic than Delta". "If you give the virus the chance to continue to change, you're leading to a vulnerability that we might get a worse variant and then that will impact not only the unvaccinated, that will impact the vaccinated, because that variant could evade the protection of the vaccine," Fauci said in a local news show.

Experts say US is 'failing' to control Covid; Fauci warns against 'worse variant'

An expert from the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that new variants of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> might emerge, and these might be able to evade the existing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=coronavirus+vaccine">Covid vaccines</a>.

Maria Van Kerkhove, the COVID-19 technical lead of WHO, said it is very much possible that new variants might be stronger than the existing vaccines. She requested countries to "do everything we can" rather than simply relying on Covid vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-averages-100000-covid-19-cases-as-delta-variant-surges-florida-worst-hit-403955" hreflang="en">US averages 100,000 COVID-19 cases as Delta variant surges; Florida worst-hit</a>

She also informed that the WHO is now looking at new names in case they finish all 24 letters of the Greek alphabet. As of now, 11 variants have been named, of which Delta, Beta and Alpha have had the main focus.

"We will possibly run out of the Greek alphabet, but we're already looking at the next series of names," she said.

The team of experts is trying to focus on constellation names now. "We're actually considering star constellations. We were going to go with Greek gods or goddesses, and I said please, please don't make me say that publicly," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-fuels-anxiety-and-mask-debates-as-students-return-to-school-403822" hreflang="en">Delta variant fuels anxiety and mask debates as students return to school</a>

She also assured that the names will be chosen keeping in mind no one is offended or upset with the names.

Last year, it was Maria Van Kerkhove who urged everyone to not associate countries with the strain names as she feared it would lead to "stigmatising" a country or place.

An expert from the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that new variants of coronavirus might emerge, and these might be able to evade the existing Covid vaccines.

An expert from the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that new variants of coronavirus might emerge, and these might be able to evade the existing Covid vaccines. Maria Van Kerkhove, the COVID-19 technical lead of WHO, said it is very much possible that new variants might be stronger than the existing vaccines. She requested countries to "do everything we can" rather than simply relying on Covid vaccines. Also read | US averages 100,000 COVID-19 cases as Delta variant surges; Florida worst-hit She also informed that the WHO is now looking at new names in case they finish all 24 letters of the Greek alphabet. As of now, 11 variants have been named, of which Delta, Beta and Alpha have had the main focus. "We will possibly run out of the Greek alphabet, but we're already looking at the next series of names," she said. The team of experts is trying to focus on constellation names now. "We're actually considering star constellations. We were going to go with Greek gods or goddesses, and I said please, please don't make me say that publicly," she added. Also read | Delta variant fuels anxiety and mask debates as students return to school She also assured that the names will be chosen keeping in mind no one is offended or upset with the names. Last year, it was Maria Van Kerkhove who urged everyone to not associate countries with the strain names as she feared it would lead to "stigmatising" a country or place.

Constellation names for new Covid variants that could evade vaccines: WHO

When Diego started going out again to meet friends he never expected to be among a growing number of&nbsp;young&nbsp;Mexicans&nbsp;hospitalised by a highly contagious&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;variant&nbsp;driving another wave of infections.

"I let my guard down thinking that I wasn't going to catch it, but in the end I did," the 20-year-old student told AFP at a private clinic in a suburb north of Mexico City.

"This is&nbsp;no&nbsp;joke. It's a pretty cruel disease," said Diego, who did not want to give his full name.

He is one of 16 coronavirus patients being treated in the same&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;in Coacalco.

Unlike during the first two waves of the pandemic, most of the sick are in their 20s and 30s.

Mexico's official&nbsp;Covid-19 death toll of more than 244,000 is the fourth highest in the world, and the actual figure is believed to be significantly higher.

The government says that is partly a reflection of the country's large population, but is also due to the prevalence of underlying health problems, including obesity, hypertension and diabetes.

The country has registered nearly three million confirmed cases since the pandemic began, of which around 138,000 are active.

No&nbsp;lockdown

Experts say the latest wave of infections is due to the arrival of the Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;of the virus, as well as reduced social distancing, particularly among younger&nbsp;Mexicans.

The Mexico City authorities on Friday ruled out imposing any new lockdown measures, despite the health ministry raising the capital's alert status to the highest level.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-says-thousands-fled-fighting-in-syrias-daraa-403264">Also read |&nbsp;UN says thousands fled fighting in Syria's Daraa</a>

"Right now it seems that neither the government nor anyone is interested in making people stay at home again," said Jesus Victoria, the head of nursing at the&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;in Coacalco.

Although people aged between 18 and 29 began to be vaccinated in late July, it was too late for some of the patients at the clinic, he said.

"We've been able to discharge most of them, but we have also had many deaths of&nbsp;young&nbsp;people," Victoria said.

"I don't know if as a society we are failing, if the government is failing. Shopping centres are open, cinemas, sports centres. It complicates things," he added.

Thanks to vaccinations, hospitalisations remain far below a peak seen in January when occupancy rose above 90 percent.

Now around half of general beds and 58 percent of those equipped with ventilators are available, according to the government.

Almost 50 million people in the country of 126 million have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and 27 million of them are fully vaccinated, the health ministry says.

&nbsp;Bars, parties

Hector Lopez, a 26-year-old computer programmer who is also hospitalised for&nbsp;Covid-19, said that in hindsight his family was not careful enough.

"Usually I don't go out. The problem is that my relatives do," he said.

"I had been taking care of myself. I hadn't gone out unless it was necessary," he added, as machines monitored his vital signs.

Lopez, who is expected to be discharged soon, said he had seen on social media that friends were going out more, despite the risks.

"It was very easy to see that they were in a bar or at a party as if nothing was happening," he said.

Mayra Jimenez, another patient, believes the Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;is so infectious that anyone who has avoided catching it without taking extra care is very lucky.

"We didn't go to parties or gatherings," said the 39-year-old, who is using a medical device to help her lungs recover.

"Fortunately I came through it okay, but there are people who are in a really bad way," she said.

When Diego started going out again to meet friends he never expected to be among a growing number of young Mexicans hospitalised by a highly contagious Covid-19 variant driving another wave of infections.

When Diego started going out again to meet friends he never expected to be among a growing number of young Mexicans hospitalised by a highly contagious Covid-19 variant driving another wave of infections. "I let my guard down thinking that I wasn't going to catch it, but in the end I did," the 20-year-old student told AFP at a private clinic in a suburb north of Mexico City. "This is no joke. It's a pretty cruel disease," said Diego, who did not want to give his full name. He is one of 16 coronavirus patients being treated in the same hospital in Coacalco. Unlike during the first two waves of the pandemic, most of the sick are in their 20s and 30s. Mexico's official Covid-19 death toll of more than 244,000 is the fourth highest in the world, and the actual figure is believed to be significantly higher. The government says that is partly a reflection of the country's large population, but is also due to the prevalence of underlying health problems, including obesity, hypertension and diabetes. The country has registered nearly three million confirmed cases since the pandemic began, of which around 138,000 are active. No lockdown Experts say the latest wave of infections is due to the arrival of the Delta variant of the virus, as well as reduced social distancing, particularly among younger Mexicans. The Mexico City authorities on Friday ruled out imposing any new lockdown measures, despite the health ministry raising the capital's alert status to the highest level. Also read | UN says thousands fled fighting in Syria's Daraa "Right now it seems that neither the government nor anyone is interested in making people stay at home again," said Jesus Victoria, the head of nursing at the hospital in Coacalco. Although people aged between 18 and 29 began to be vaccinated in late July, it was too late for some of the patients at the clinic, he said. "We've been able to discharge most of them, but we have also had many deaths of young people," Victoria said. "I don't know if as a society we are failing, if the government is failing. Shopping centres are open, cinemas, sports centres. It complicates things," he added. Thanks to vaccinations, hospitalisations remain far below a peak seen in January when occupancy rose above 90 percent. Now around half of general beds and 58 percent of those equipped with ventilators are available, according to the government. Almost 50 million people in the country of 126 million have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and 27 million of them are fully vaccinated, the health ministry says. Bars, parties Hector Lopez, a 26-year-old computer programmer who is also hospitalised for Covid-19, said that in hindsight his family was not careful enough. "Usually I don't go out. The problem is that my relatives do," he said. "I had been taking care of myself. I hadn't gone out unless it was necessary," he added, as machines monitored his vital signs. Lopez, who is expected to be discharged soon, said he had seen on social media that friends were going out more, despite the risks. "It was very easy to see that they were in a bar or at a party as if nothing was happening," he said. Mayra Jimenez, another patient, believes the Delta variant is so infectious that anyone who has avoided catching it without taking extra care is very lucky. "We didn't go to parties or gatherings," said the 39-year-old, who is using a medical device to help her lungs recover. "Fortunately I came through it okay, but there are people who are in a really bad way," she said.

COVID-19 variant 'no joke,' young Mexicans warn from hospital

In a recent development, it has been revealed that the Delta variant of Sars-CoV-2 indicate that the people vaccinated against coronavirus disease may transmit the highly contagious strain as easily as the unvaccinated, Public Health England said.

The findings come after concerns raised by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over people’s infectiousness amid Delta variant spread.

In a statement, PHE said, "Some initial findings ... indicate that levels of virus in those who become infected with Delta having already been vaccinated may be similar to levels found in unvaccinated people".

Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 infections recorded worldwide passed 200 million on Thursday, an AFP count showed, as the pandemic surges around the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where the Australian city of Melbourne locked down again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-announces-five-additions-to-global-terrorist-list-403595">Also read |&nbsp;US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list</a>

Authorities in Australia's Melbourne announced another lockdown as Sydney continued to witness a surge in coronavirus cases.

The Delta variant has been running rampant in Southeast Asia, with Thailand recording 20,000 new daily cases for the first time on Wednesday, and again on Thursday.

The country also announced 160 deaths in 24 hours, as exhausted morgue workers struggle to cope with the mounting bodies.

"I've seen our personnel faint quite a few times lately so fatigue is definitely starting to set in and we're almost at our limits," forensic scientist Thanitchet Khetkham told AFP.

Indonesia's total Covid death toll passed 100,000 on Wednesday after it recorded 1,739 of the 10,245 fatalities registered worldwide, the global toll rising past 4.25 million.

Japan's capital Tokyo had a new record number of daily cases with 5,042, just three days before the end of the Olympics.

Africa also posted a new record with the 6,400 deaths in the week to August 1 representing the continent's most since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization said.&nbsp;

In a recent development, it has been revealed that the Delta variant of Sars-CoV-2 indicate that the people vaccinated against coronavirus disease may transmit the highly contagious strain as easily as the unvaccinated, Public Health England said.

In a recent development, it has been revealed that the Delta variant of Sars-CoV-2 indicate that the people vaccinated against coronavirus disease may transmit the highly contagious strain as easily as the unvaccinated, Public Health England said. The findings come after concerns raised by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over people’s infectiousness amid Delta variant spread. In a statement, PHE said, "Some initial findings ... indicate that levels of virus in those who become infected with Delta having already been vaccinated may be similar to levels found in unvaccinated people". Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 infections recorded worldwide passed 200 million on Thursday, an AFP count showed, as the pandemic surges around the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where the Australian city of Melbourne locked down again. Also read | US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list Authorities in Australia's Melbourne announced another lockdown as Sydney continued to witness a surge in coronavirus cases. The Delta variant has been running rampant in Southeast Asia, with Thailand recording 20,000 new daily cases for the first time on Wednesday, and again on Thursday. The country also announced 160 deaths in 24 hours, as exhausted morgue workers struggle to cope with the mounting bodies. "I've seen our personnel faint quite a few times lately so fatigue is definitely starting to set in and we're almost at our limits," forensic scientist Thanitchet Khetkham told AFP. Indonesia's total Covid death toll passed 100,000 on Wednesday after it recorded 1,739 of the 10,245 fatalities registered worldwide, the global toll rising past 4.25 million. Japan's capital Tokyo had a new record number of daily cases with 5,042, just three days before the end of the Olympics. Africa also posted a new record with the 6,400 deaths in the week to August 1 representing the continent's most since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization said.

COVID-19 vaccines may not stop Delta transmission

The number of COVID-19 infections recorded worldwide passed 200 million on Thursday, an AFP count showed, as the pandemic surges around the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where the Australian city of Melbourne locked down again.

The number of COVID-19 infections recorded worldwide passed 200 million on Thursday, an AFP count showed, as the pandemic surges around the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where the Australian city of Melbourne locked down again. Authorities in Australia's Melbourne announced another lockdown as Sydney continued to witness a surge in coronavirus coronavirus cases. Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews said there was "no alternatives to lockdown". "This thing moves so fast. There is no debate or discussion about this - the Delta variant moves at lightning speed and by the time you get the people they have already infected, all the people they live with," Victoria premier Dan Andrews said. "We can't allow that to happen otherwise we are locked down until Christmas," the Victorian premier informed. At least half of Australia will be under lockdown when Victoria enters into a lockdown later on Thursday. Meanwhile, Sydney continued to witness a surge in coronavirus cases as New South Wales recorded 262 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday which was the highest since the pandemic began along with five deaths. Officials said people in New South Wales will receive additional 180,000 Pfizer-BioNTech doses next week as the government considers relaxing restrictions on August 29 for the vaccination campaign. New South Wales has reported 4,300 cases in the last seven weeks with Sydney's southwest area becoming the epicentre of the virus as officials extended stay-at-home restrictions to neighbouring areas. The authorities urged people to be vaccinated as Newcastle and Hunter region announced a week-long lockdown. Australia has vaccinated just 20 per cent of its population even as it closed its border since the pandemic began and put mandatory travel quarantine. Also read | Australia: Melbourne enters another lockdown, Sydney reports record COVID-19 cases The Delta variant has been running rampant in Southeast Asia, with Thailand recording 20,000 new daily cases for the first time on Wednesday, and again on Thursday. The country also announced 160 deaths in 24 hours, as exhausted morgue workers struggle to cope with the mounting bodies. "I've seen our personnel faint quite a few times lately so fatigue is definitely starting to set in and we're almost at our limits," forensic scientist Thanitchet Khetkham told AFP. Indonesia's total Covid death toll passed 100,000 on Wednesday after it recorded 1,739 of the 10,245 fatalities registered worldwide, the global toll rising past 4.25 million. Japan's capital Tokyo had a new record number of daily cases with 5,042, just three days before the end of the Olympics. Africa also posted a new record with the 6,400 deaths in the week to August 1 representing the continent's most since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization said.

COVID-19 cases top 200 million worldwide as Delta variant poses threat

US top coronavirus adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on Wednesday (local time) said that Covid-19 cases may double as variant worse than Delta could be coming.

"If America's current COVID-19 surge continues unabated into the fall and winter, the country will likely face an even more deadly strain of the virus that could evade the current coronavirus vaccines, Fauci told McClatchy, reported Axios.

His comments underscore the importance of acting quickly to vaccinate the tens of millions of Americans who have not been inoculated against the virus.

The current surge in coronavirus cases nationwide is being driven by the Delta variant, which is already more contagious than the original strain of the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-covid-comforter-to-sex-assault-accused-new-york-governor-cuomos-fall-from-grace-403032">Also read |&nbsp;From Covid comforter to sex assault accused: New York Governor Cuomo's fall from grace</a>

Recent data shows that vaccinated people who still get infected with the delta variant also have high viral loads and can spread it to others, even when they aren't showing symptoms or are experiencing mild disease. "We're now dealing with, really, a different virus," said Fauci.

As the virus continues to spread due to insufficient vaccination rates, it is being given "ample" time to mutate into a more dangerous new variant in the fall and winter, Fauci said.

"Quite frankly, we're very lucky that the vaccines that we have now do very well against the variants, particularly against severe illness," Fauci said, emphasising that this might not be the case with a new variant.

"If another one comes along that has an equally high capability of transmitting but also is much more severe, then we could really be in trouble," he said.

"People who are not getting vaccinated mistakenly think it's only about them. But it isn't. It's about everybody else, also."

Moreover, other variants are already cropping up. South Korea has reported two cases of highly transmissible delta plus variant of the coronavirus.

It is the first time that the country has reported the Delta Plus variant, considered a sublineage of the Delta variant, Yonhap News Agency reported on Tuesday citing the country's Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

Some experts believe the Delta Plus variant could be more contagious than the Delta variant.

The Lambda variant, which originated from Peru last year, has already been detected in the US, reported Axios.

US top coronavirus adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on Wednesday (local time) said that Covid-19 cases may double as variant worse than Delta could be coming. "If America's current COVID-19 surge continues unabated into the fall and winter, the country will likely face an even more deadly strain of the virus that could evade the current coronavirus vaccines, Fauci told McClatchy, reported Axios.

US top coronavirus adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on Wednesday (local time) said that Covid-19 cases may double as variant worse than Delta could be coming. "If America's current COVID-19 surge continues unabated into the fall and winter, the country will likely face an even more deadly strain of the virus that could evade the current coronavirus vaccines, Fauci told McClatchy, reported Axios. His comments underscore the importance of acting quickly to vaccinate the tens of millions of Americans who have not been inoculated against the virus. The current surge in coronavirus cases nationwide is being driven by the Delta variant, which is already more contagious than the original strain of the virus. Also read | From Covid comforter to sex assault accused: New York Governor Cuomo's fall from grace Recent data shows that vaccinated people who still get infected with the delta variant also have high viral loads and can spread it to others, even when they aren't showing symptoms or are experiencing mild disease. "We're now dealing with, really, a different virus," said Fauci. As the virus continues to spread due to insufficient vaccination rates, it is being given "ample" time to mutate into a more dangerous new variant in the fall and winter, Fauci said. "Quite frankly, we're very lucky that the vaccines that we have now do very well against the variants, particularly against severe illness," Fauci said, emphasising that this might not be the case with a new variant. "If another one comes along that has an equally high capability of transmitting but also is much more severe, then we could really be in trouble," he said. "People who are not getting vaccinated mistakenly think it's only about them. But it isn't. It's about everybody else, also." Moreover, other variants are already cropping up. South Korea has reported two cases of highly transmissible delta plus variant of the coronavirus. It is the first time that the country has reported the Delta Plus variant, considered a sublineage of the Delta variant, Yonhap News Agency reported on Tuesday citing the country's Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Some experts believe the Delta Plus variant could be more contagious than the Delta variant. The Lambda variant, which originated from Peru last year, has already been detected in the US, reported Axios.

COVID-19 cases may double in US as variant worse than Delta could be coming, says Fauci

China on Thursday reported small coronavirus outbreaks due to the Delta variant in three provinces. This comes as a cluster linked to an eastern airport spreads even after mass testing and a vaccination drive.

It began after nine workers at the Nanjing airport tested positive on July 20. After that, 171 cases have been detected in Jiangsu province, while infections have spread to at least four other provinces.

It is geographically the largest spread for several months.

Officials in Jiangsu have locked down hundreds of thousands of residents, Lu Jing, a member of the epidemic prevention taskforce, told reporters Thursday. He said, "Internet cafes, gyms, cinemas and karaoke bars and even libraries in Nanjing have been shut down".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-wuhan-lab-leak-study-china-opposes-virus-origins-probe-399644">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Wuhan lab leak study — China opposes virus origins probe</a>

The southwestern province of Sichuan reported three new cases Thursday while Beijing reported two locally transmitted infections, the first in six months.

Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the city's centre for disease control said, "It is currently the summer vacation, a peak period of tourism, travel and gatherings... There should be no slack in prevention and control of the epidemic".

Meanwhile, China is blocking the World Health Organization's call for a new investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which includes looking into whether it leaked from a lab, claiming that there is no proof for the theory and that it violates common sense.&nbsp;

China warned that a WHO plan to inspect Chinese labs as part of a larger investigation into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak demonstrates "disrespect" and "arrogance toward science."

China on Thursday reported small coronavirus outbreaks due to the Delta variant in three provinces. This comes as a cluster linked to an eastern airport spreads even after mass testing and a vaccination drive.

China on Thursday reported small coronavirus outbreaks due to the Delta variant in three provinces. This comes as a cluster linked to an eastern airport spreads even after mass testing and a vaccination drive. It began after nine workers at the Nanjing airport tested positive on July 20. After that, 171 cases have been detected in Jiangsu province, while infections have spread to at least four other provinces. It is geographically the largest spread for several months. Officials in Jiangsu have locked down hundreds of thousands of residents, Lu Jing, a member of the epidemic prevention taskforce, told reporters Thursday. He said, "Internet cafes, gyms, cinemas and karaoke bars and even libraries in Nanjing have been shut down". Also read | COVID-19: Wuhan lab leak study — China opposes virus origins probe The southwestern province of Sichuan reported three new cases Thursday while Beijing reported two locally transmitted infections, the first in six months. Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the city's centre for disease control said, "It is currently the summer vacation, a peak period of tourism, travel and gatherings... There should be no slack in prevention and control of the epidemic". Meanwhile, China is blocking the World Health Organization's call for a new investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which includes looking into whether it leaked from a lab, claiming that there is no proof for the theory and that it violates common sense. China warned that a WHO plan to inspect Chinese labs as part of a larger investigation into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak demonstrates "disrespect" and "arrogance toward science."

Delta variant now in three Chinese provinces

The daily pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has increased in about a dozen countries due to the arrival of the more contagious Delta variant and governments expanding their vaccination drives, a data analysis by Reuters found.

Israel's rate of vaccinations has seen a sharp pickup. The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, Singapore and Spain are all vaccinating at their fastest speed to date. Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are not far behind.

But it is a different story in the United States. At its current, declining pace, 70% of the US&nbsp;population will not receive the first dose of vaccine until Dec. 1, according to the Reuters analysis of Our World in Data vaccination figures.

At the current pace, Canada, Chile, the United Kingdom, and eight others will reach that benchmark before the end of the month. And if the current pace is maintained, five more countries will hit 70% by the end of August. Those dates could change depending on many factors, including approvals to vaccinate younger children.

VACCINATION BURNOUT?

In Israel, the vaccination rate had plateaued in April as new COVID-19 infections were on a months-long steady decline. But when the arrival of Delta brought a spike of cases in June, the government jumped in quickly with a new campaign urging teenagers to get the shot and parents to vaccinate their children aged 12 to 15.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-proposes-second-phase-of-studies-into-the-origins-of-covid-19-in-china-398556">Also read |&nbsp;WHO proposes second phase of studies into the origins of COVID-19 in China</a>

In many countries, vaccination drives slowed before reaching 70% or more of the population - a threshold some experts say could help largely curb COVID-19 transmission through so-called herd immunity, when combined with people who developed immunity following infection.&nbsp;

The ability of the coronavirus to mutate quickly into new variants, such as Delta, that reduce the effectiveness of vaccines has cast doubt on whether herd immunity can be achieved. However, various governments have still set national vaccination goals close to that number to encourage citizens to get inoculated. The European Union, for instance, has distributed enough vaccines for 70% of its population.

In some places, regulators have just recently authorized use of the shots in 12 to 15-year-olds; in others, supply is catching up with demand.

Many of those countries had initially focused on giving shots to older populations and other high-risk groups. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been authorized by the US&nbsp;and European Union for people aged 12 and over, but others such as AstraZeneca are only available to adults.

With the spread of the Delta variant, countries are trying to reignite their campaigns by overcoming skepticism about the vaccine and misconceptions that the young do not need a shot.

Heidi Larson, director of the international Vaccine Confidence Project and a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said a rise in vaccinations due to Delta variant concerns may have been held back by changes seen as signaling an end to the pandemic, such as lifting mask mandates and travel bans.

"We're giving a lot of mixed messages right now," Larson said. Israel is an exception, she said. It has reimposed measures such as requiring mask use indoors.

While a decline in vaccination rates is to be expected, it has created pockets where groups including children, the elderly and homeless remain at risk, experts say.

"A deceleration of vaccination in itself is a logical phenomenon," said Vincent Marechal, a senior virologist with France's Sorbonne University. But slowing down too early opens the door to the virus spreading - mostly among children - and evolving to become more dangerous for them.

THE YOUNG DRIVE GAINS

Portugal, where the Delta variant accounts for more than 90% of cases, has the highest number of new cases in the European Union since mid-June. It has also doubled its pace of vaccinations from a low of around 60,000 inoculations per day, in part by including 18 to 29-year-olds.

In Singapore, the rate of vaccinations has recently gone up after opening its vaccination program to people aged 12 to 39 years old. It also hastened the delivery of vaccine supplies to help it accelerate the rollout.

In Britain, where 87% of adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the government stepped up its target to have all adults vaccinated by July 19, when its COVID-19 restrictions are slated to be lifted. It has begun giving second shots sooner as well to fight the Delta variant.

NO MAGICAL SOLUTION

In France, where 53.3% of the adult population has received one dose of a vaccine and 41.3% two doses or a single-dose shot, authorities are ramping up outreach to those who have not made vaccination appointments.

"We are indeed hitting a glass ceiling and trying to come up every day with ideas, and the good news is we are seeing a very recent pick up in bookings," a source close to the health ministry said last week.

The source added the government was still hoping to see 40 million adults receive the first dose by the end of August versus 35.9 million as of July 12.

France is about to open temporary vaccination centers at cultural venues across the country such as in Avignon, home to a world-famous theatre festival, and vaccination buses will tour the Bordeaux wine region of Gironde to catch seasonal workers.

COVID-19 jabs will be mandatory for France's health workers and anyone wanting to get into a cinema or board a train will soon need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test under new rules announced by President Emmanuel Macron on Monday.

In the United States, where young people have been eligible since April, vaccinations are stagnant. The Biden administration missed its goal of 70% of adults have had at least one COVID-19 shot by July 4 and has struggled to reach 50% fully vaccinated even as it has warned of outbreaks due to the Delta variant.

Younger people have lagged older ones in seeking vaccines while shots among Black and Hispanic Americans have trailed those of Asian and white Americans, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Whether governments throw in incentives or coercive measures, there is no magical solution," said Martin Blachier, an epidemiologist with Paris-based healthcare data analysis firm Public Health Expertise. "Some will just not get the vaccine."

The daily pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has increased in about a dozen countries due to the arrival of the more contagious Delta variant and governments expanding their vaccination drives, a data analysis by Reuters found.

The daily pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has increased in about a dozen countries due to the arrival of the more contagious Delta variant and governments expanding their vaccination drives, a data analysis by Reuters found. Israel's rate of vaccinations has seen a sharp pickup. The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Spain are all vaccinating at their fastest speed to date. Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are not far behind. But it is a different story in the United States. At its current, declining pace, 70% of the US population will not receive the first dose of vaccine until Dec. 1, according to the Reuters analysis of Our World in Data vaccination figures. At the current pace, Canada, Chile, the United Kingdom, and eight others will reach that benchmark before the end of the month. And if the current pace is maintained, five more countries will hit 70% by the end of August. Those dates could change depending on many factors, including approvals to vaccinate younger children. VACCINATION BURNOUT? In Israel, the vaccination rate had plateaued in April as new COVID-19 infections were on a months-long steady decline. But when the arrival of Delta brought a spike of cases in June, the government jumped in quickly with a new campaign urging teenagers to get the shot and parents to vaccinate their children aged 12 to 15. Also read | WHO proposes second phase of studies into the origins of COVID-19 in China In many countries, vaccination drives slowed before reaching 70% or more of the population - a threshold some experts say could help largely curb COVID-19 transmission through so-called herd immunity, when combined with people who developed immunity following infection. The ability of the coronavirus to mutate quickly into new variants, such as Delta, that reduce the effectiveness of vaccines has cast doubt on whether herd immunity can be achieved. However, various governments have still set national vaccination goals close to that number to encourage citizens to get inoculated. The European Union, for instance, has distributed enough vaccines for 70% of its population. In some places, regulators have just recently authorized use of the shots in 12 to 15-year-olds; in others, supply is catching up with demand. Many of those countries had initially focused on giving shots to older populations and other high-risk groups. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been authorized by the US and European Union for people aged 12 and over, but others such as AstraZeneca are only available to adults. With the spread of the Delta variant, countries are trying to reignite their campaigns by overcoming skepticism about the vaccine and misconceptions that the young do not need a shot. Heidi Larson, director of the international Vaccine Confidence Project and a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said a rise in vaccinations due to Delta variant concerns may have been held back by changes seen as signaling an end to the pandemic, such as lifting mask mandates and travel bans. "We're giving a lot of mixed messages right now," Larson said. Israel is an exception, she said. It has reimposed measures such as requiring mask use indoors. While a decline in vaccination rates is to be expected, it has created pockets where groups including children, the elderly and homeless remain at risk, experts say. "A deceleration of vaccination in itself is a logical phenomenon," said Vincent Marechal, a senior virologist with France's Sorbonne University. But slowing down too early opens the door to the virus spreading - mostly among children - and evolving to become more dangerous for them. THE YOUNG DRIVE GAINS Portugal, where the Delta variant accounts for more than 90% of cases, has the highest number of new cases in the European Union since mid-June. It has also doubled its pace of vaccinations from a low of around 60,000 inoculations per day, in part by including 18 to 29-year-olds. In Singapore, the rate of vaccinations has recently gone up after opening its vaccination program to people aged 12 to 39 years old. It also hastened the delivery of vaccine supplies to help it accelerate the rollout. In Britain, where 87% of adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the government stepped up its target to have all adults vaccinated by July 19, when its COVID-19 restrictions are slated to be lifted. It has begun giving second shots sooner as well to fight the Delta variant. NO MAGICAL SOLUTION In France, where 53.3% of the adult population has received one dose of a vaccine and 41.3% two doses or a single-dose shot, authorities are ramping up outreach to those who have not made vaccination appointments. "We are indeed hitting a glass ceiling and trying to come up every day with ideas, and the good news is we are seeing a very recent pick up in bookings," a source close to the health ministry said last week. The source added the government was still hoping to see 40 million adults receive the first dose by the end of August versus 35.9 million as of July 12. France is about to open temporary vaccination centers at cultural venues across the country such as in Avignon, home to a world-famous theatre festival, and vaccination buses will tour the Bordeaux wine region of Gironde to catch seasonal workers. COVID-19 jabs will be mandatory for France's health workers and anyone wanting to get into a cinema or board a train will soon need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test under new rules announced by President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. In the United States, where young people have been eligible since April, vaccinations are stagnant. The Biden administration missed its goal of 70% of adults have had at least one COVID-19 shot by July 4 and has struggled to reach 50% fully vaccinated even as it has warned of outbreaks due to the Delta variant. Younger people have lagged older ones in seeking vaccines while shots among Black and Hispanic Americans have trailed those of Asian and white Americans, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Whether governments throw in incentives or coercive measures, there is no magical solution," said Martin Blachier, an epidemiologist with Paris-based healthcare data analysis firm Public Health Expertise. "Some will just not get the vaccine."

After vaccination burnout, Delta variant spurs countries to speed up shots

Countries all across the globe have hit new pandemic highs and reimposed COVID-19 restrictions after the G20 finance ministers warned that the economic recovery was threatened by variants and uneven vaccination campaigns.

The highly transmissible Delta variant, which was first detected in India, is sweeping the world.

The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown. As the countries stopped functioning, economies took a huge hit and people struggled to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.

However, as 2021 began, people started to gain some hope, especially due to the commencement of vaccine drives all around the globe. Unfortunately, that ray of hope disappeared soon as new variants of COVID-19 started popping out in different cities of the world.

Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</a>

"The recovery is characterised by great divergences across and within countries and remains exposed to downside risks, in particular the spread of new variants of the Covid-19 virus and different paces of vaccination," the G20 finance ministers said in a final statement.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, "By tomorrow, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe".

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the proportion of adults aged 18 years or over fully vaccinated in the EU and European Economic Area is still only 44.1 per cent.

Meanwhile, London police warned England football fans to not to gather in large numbers in the British capital for Euro 2020 final at Wembley. The police added that they would enforce "proportionately and as appropriate" nationwide virus restrictions not set to be lifted until July 19.&nbsp;

Countries all across the globe have hit new pandemic highs and reimposed COVID-19 restrictions after the G20 finance ministers warned that the economic recovery was threatened by variants and uneven vaccination campaigns.

Countries all across the globe have hit new pandemic highs and reimposed COVID-19 restrictions after the G20 finance ministers warned that the economic recovery was threatened by variants and uneven vaccination campaigns. The highly transmissible Delta variant, which was first detected in India, is sweeping the world. The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown. As the countries stopped functioning, economies took a huge hit and people struggled to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. However, as 2021 began, people started to gain some hope, especially due to the commencement of vaccine drives all around the globe. Unfortunately, that ray of hope disappeared soon as new variants of COVID-19 started popping out in different cities of the world. Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant "The recovery is characterised by great divergences across and within countries and remains exposed to downside risks, in particular the spread of new variants of the Covid-19 virus and different paces of vaccination," the G20 finance ministers said in a final statement. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, "By tomorrow, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe". According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the proportion of adults aged 18 years or over fully vaccinated in the EU and European Economic Area is still only 44.1 per cent. Meanwhile, London police warned England football fans to not to gather in large numbers in the British capital for Euro 2020 final at Wembley. The police added that they would enforce "proportionately and as appropriate" nationwide virus restrictions not set to be lifted until July 19.

Delta variant hampers the return to post COVID-19 normality

In a strange revelation, a 90-year-old Belgian woman who died after falling ill with COVID-19 was infected with both the Alpha and Beta variants at the same time.

The unvaccinated woman was admitted to the OLV hospital in the city of Aalst after a spate of falls in March and tested positive for COVID-19.

Initially, her oxygen levels were good. However, her condition deteriorated and she died after few days.&nbsp;

Molecular biologist Anne Vankeerberghen from the OLV hospital is termed by The Guardian as saying, "Both these variants were circulating in Belgium at the time, so it is likely that the lady was co-infected with different viruses from two different people".&nbsp;

He added, “Unfortunately we don’t know how she became infected.”

As per the researchers, it was difficult to determine if the co-infection played a role in the fast deterioration of the patient.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</a>

The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown. As the countries stopped functioning, economies took a huge hit and people struggled to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.

However, as 2021 began, people started to gain some hope, especially due to the commencement of vaccine drives all around the globe. Unfortunately, that ray of hope disappeared soon as new variants of COVID-19 started popping out in different cities of the world.

Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation.

Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.

In a strange revelation, a 90-year-old Belgian woman who died after falling ill with COVID-19 was infected with both the Alpha and Beta variants at the same time.

In a strange revelation, a 90-year-old Belgian woman who died after falling ill with COVID-19 was infected with both the Alpha and Beta variants at the same time. The unvaccinated woman was admitted to the OLV hospital in the city of Aalst after a spate of falls in March and tested positive for COVID-19. Initially, her oxygen levels were good. However, her condition deteriorated and she died after few days. Molecular biologist Anne Vankeerberghen from the OLV hospital is termed by The Guardian as saying, "Both these variants were circulating in Belgium at the time, so it is likely that the lady was co-infected with different viruses from two different people". He added, “Unfortunately we don’t know how she became infected.” As per the researchers, it was difficult to determine if the co-infection played a role in the fast deterioration of the patient. Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown. As the countries stopped functioning, economies took a huge hit and people struggled to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. However, as 2021 began, people started to gain some hope, especially due to the commencement of vaccine drives all around the globe. Unfortunately, that ray of hope disappeared soon as new variants of COVID-19 started popping out in different cities of the world. Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.

Woman infected with Alpha and Beta COVID-19 variants at the same time dies

The Delta variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> will have a greater effect on the young people of Australia, epidemiologists have warned after recent research.

This warning has come after the country reported an increase in hospitalisations of people under the age of 55 during Sydney’s current outbreak. Currently, there are 37 people admitted to hospitals due to Covid. Out of these 37, 14 patients are under the age of 55, of which eight have not even yet turned 35, New South Wales chief health officer, Dr Kerry Chant reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-at-a-perilous-point-covid-19-death-toll-crosses-4-million-worldwide-396576" hreflang="en">'World at a perilous point': COVID-19 death toll crosses 4 million worldwide</a>

Labelling this as a 'wake-up call', Chant said young people should now "dispel the myth this is something that only impacts on the elderly".

She also urged people to not take the Delta variant lightly and explained that "the Delta strain is not a mild disease. It can be mild in some but, for many, it can lead to hospitalisation and death."

Another expert, Prof Cassandra Berry, a researcher of viral immunology at Murdoch University, said that considering the Delta mutations are more transmissible, there is a huge chance that the younger population will be more at risk now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJjbDFqdHxAhUpyjgGHaN5B2kQFjAAegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3nC3vt3LUEYagYy1ituNHV" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450" target="_blank">COVID-19: All you need to know about&nbsp;Delta Plus&nbsp;variant</a>

Berry explained that some of the biological defences that protected the young people from the deadly coronavirus till now, might be becoming less effective now in the newer strains of the variants.

The older variants were being blocked by young people's immune systems. However, the newer mutations of the variants are able to evade the early responses as it binds better to younger people's cell receptors.

"This form of virus also has a counterattack measure, it is using stealth to hide away and can block our very early innate responses. These are rapid immune responses that normally kick in within 15 minutes and are more effective in young people, but this mutation appears to be evading that early response," Berry explained. "It's able to replicate at a higher level earlier on in young people."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cdc-says-delta-variant-dominant-in-us-makes-up-more-than-half-of-covid-19-cases-396567" hreflang="en">CDC says Delta variant dominant in US, makes up more than half of COVID-19 cases</a>

Medical experts have raised this problem with the aim of explaining to the government and locals that it is high time the younger population of the country is also vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. Till now, approximately 70 per cent of the population of people over the age of 70 has been vaccinated.

"This is a sign that it’s time to progress the discussion in Australia around vaccinating younger Australians and children," Berry said. "It's the younger people in Australia that are now proportionately unprotected."

The Delta variant of coronavirus will have a greater effect on the young people of Australia, epidemiologists have warned after recent research. This warning has come after the country reported an increase in hospitalisations of people under the age of 55 during Sydney’s current outbreak.

The Delta variant of coronavirus will have a greater effect on the young people of Australia, epidemiologists have warned after recent research. This warning has come after the country reported an increase in hospitalisations of people under the age of 55 during Sydney’s current outbreak. Currently, there are 37 people admitted to hospitals due to Covid. Out of these 37, 14 patients are under the age of 55, of which eight have not even yet turned 35, New South Wales chief health officer, Dr Kerry Chant reported. Also read | 'World at a perilous point': COVID-19 death toll crosses 4 million worldwide Labelling this as a 'wake-up call', Chant said young people should now "dispel the myth this is something that only impacts on the elderly". She also urged people to not take the Delta variant lightly and explained that "the Delta strain is not a mild disease. It can be mild in some but, for many, it can lead to hospitalisation and death." Another expert, Prof Cassandra Berry, a researcher of viral immunology at Murdoch University, said that considering the Delta mutations are more transmissible, there is a huge chance that the younger population will be more at risk now. Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant Berry explained that some of the biological defences that protected the young people from the deadly coronavirus till now, might be becoming less effective now in the newer strains of the variants. The older variants were being blocked by young people's immune systems. However, the newer mutations of the variants are able to evade the early responses as it binds better to younger people's cell receptors. "This form of virus also has a counterattack measure, it is using stealth to hide away and can block our very early innate responses. These are rapid immune responses that normally kick in within 15 minutes and are more effective in young people, but this mutation appears to be evading that early response," Berry explained. "It's able to replicate at a higher level earlier on in young people." Also read | CDC says Delta variant dominant in US, makes up more than half of COVID-19 cases Medical experts have raised this problem with the aim of explaining to the government and locals that it is high time the younger population of the country is also vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. Till now, approximately 70 per cent of the population of people over the age of 70 has been vaccinated. "This is a sign that it’s time to progress the discussion in Australia around vaccinating younger Australians and children," Berry said. "It's the younger people in Australia that are now proportionately unprotected."

Young people more vulnerable to Delta mutations of Covid, experts warn

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization has recently warned that the rich nations are sharing vaccines with low-income countries too slowly to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid, putting at risks millions of lives.&nbsp;

Tedros said that world leaders must ensure that at least 10 per cent of people in all countries should be vaccinated by the end of September.&nbsp;

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Speaking about the Delta variant, he said, "The Delta variant is dangerous and is continuing to evolve and mutate, which requires constant evaluation and careful adjustment of the public health response". He further added, “Delta has been detected in at least 98 countries, and is spreading quickly in countries with low and high vaccination coverage. The world must equitably share protective gear, oxygen, tests, treatments and vaccines".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</a>

He said, "Public health &amp; social measures like strong surveillance, strategic testing, early case detection, isolation &amp; clinical care remain critical. As well as masking, physical distance, avoiding crowded places &amp; keeping indoor areas well ventilated".

Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation.

Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.

However, medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization has recently warned that the rich nations are sharing vaccines with low-income countries too slowly to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid, putting at risks millions of lives.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization has recently warned that the rich nations are sharing vaccines with low-income countries too slowly to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid, putting at risks millions of lives. Tedros said that world leaders must ensure that at least 10 per cent of people in all countries should be vaccinated by the end of September. Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros https://t.co/OBWl31s1It — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 2, 2021 × Speaking about the Delta variant, he said, "The Delta variant is dangerous and is continuing to evolve and mutate, which requires constant evaluation and careful adjustment of the public health response". He further added, “Delta has been detected in at least 98 countries, and is spreading quickly in countries with low and high vaccination coverage. The world must equitably share protective gear, oxygen, tests, treatments and vaccines". Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant He said, "Public health & social measures like strong surveillance, strategic testing, early case detection, isolation & clinical care remain critical. As well as masking, physical distance, avoiding crowded places & keeping indoor areas well ventilated". Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants. However, medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments.

WHO urges countries to vaccinate more people as Delta variant now in 98 countries

Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said late Thursday that its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine showed strong promise against the Delta variant and other emerging strains and also provided durable protection against the infection more broadly.

Data showed that the durability of immune response for recipients of its vaccine lasted at least eight months, the healthcare company said, adding that its vaccine was 85% effective and could also help prevent hospitalization and death.

First identified in India, Delta is becoming the globally dominant variant of the coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-report-of-china-building-more-than-100-nuclear-missile-silos-concerning-395234">Also Read |&nbsp;US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning'</a>

"Current data for the eight months studied so far shows that the single-shot&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine generates a strong neutralizing antibody response that does not wane; rather, we observe an improvement over time," Mathai Mammen, head of research &amp; development at J&amp;J's drugs business, said in the statement.

Recipients of the vaccine produced strong neutralizing antibodies against all variants including the Delta, the U.S.-based company said.

The Delta variant contributed to a surge in COVID-19 cases in India that resulted in the highest daily death tally in the world, and also prompted the UK to delay its reopening by one month in June.

Johnson & Johnson said late Thursday that its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine showed strong promise against the Delta variant and other emerging strains and also provided durable protection against the infection more broadly.

Johnson & Johnson said late Thursday that its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine showed strong promise against the Delta variant and other emerging strains and also provided durable protection against the infection more broadly. Data showed that the durability of immune response for recipients of its vaccine lasted at least eight months, the healthcare company said, adding that its vaccine was 85% effective and could also help prevent hospitalization and death. First identified in India, Delta is becoming the globally dominant variant of the coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization. Also Read | US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning' "Current data for the eight months studied so far shows that the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine generates a strong neutralizing antibody response that does not wane; rather, we observe an improvement over time," Mathai Mammen, head of research & development at J&J's drugs business, said in the statement. Recipients of the vaccine produced strong neutralizing antibodies against all variants including the Delta, the U.S.-based company said. The Delta variant contributed to a surge in COVID-19 cases in India that resulted in the highest daily death tally in the world, and also prompted the UK to delay its reopening by one month in June.

J&J's COVID-19 vaccine shows promise against Delta variant

India's daily COVID-19 infections rose by 50,040 on Sunday, official data showed, as concerns grew about the detection of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus in some states. 
 
The COVID-19 death toll in the country rose by 1,258, including 511 deaths reported from the state of Maharashtra, the health ministry data showed. 
 
New variants are a particular concern in India, where more than half the population has not been vaccinated. Less than 6% of India's adult population of 950 million has received two doses. 
 
At least 20 cases have been found linked to the Delta variant, which India last week designated a variant of concern, according to the health ministry. 
 
India's official death count is now 395,751. Of the 35.51 million people infected, 29.25 million have recovered. 
 
State governments eased lockdown restrictions earlier this month after a fall in cases, but scientists fear that the presence of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, and the slow pace of vaccination could trigger another wave of infections.

India's daily COVID-19 infections rose by 50,040 on Sunday, official data showed, as concerns grew about the detection of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus in some states.

India's daily COVID-19 infections rose by 50,040 on Sunday, official data showed, as concerns grew about the detection of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus in some states. The COVID-19 death toll in the country rose by 1,258, including 511 deaths reported from the state of Maharashtra, the health ministry data showed. New variants are a particular concern in India, where more than half the population has not been vaccinated. Less than 6% of India's adult population of 950 million has received two doses. At least 20 cases have been found linked to the Delta variant, which India last week designated a variant of concern, according to the health ministry. India's official death count is now 395,751. Of the 35.51 million people infected, 29.25 million have recovered. State governments eased lockdown restrictions earlier this month after a fall in cases, but scientists fear that the presence of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, and the slow pace of vaccination could trigger another wave of infections.

India COVID-19 cases rise by 50,040 amid concern about Delta variant

Germany&nbsp;on Friday classed Portugal and Russia as so-called coronavirus variant countries, banning most arrivals from both nations.

From Tuesday, only citizens and residents of&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;will be allowed in from the two countries, with air, rail and bus companies prohibited from transporting other passengers.

Those allowed to enter from Russia and Portugal will be subject to a two-week quarantine, regardless of whether they can provide a negative Covid-19 test.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chauvin-gets-22-12-years-in-prison-for-george-floyds-death-394037">Also Read |&nbsp;Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death</a>

Both countries are currently reporting a surge in cases over the Delta variant.

Fourteen other countries have already been placed in&nbsp;Germany's highest-risk "virus variant" category.

They include Britain, India, South Africa and Brazil, where highly transmissible strains of Covid-19 are circulating.

German health authorities have issued repeated warnings about the Delta variant, which was first detected in India and is prevalent in Britain.

Robert Wieler, who heads the disease control agency RKI, has said the Delta variant is expected to become the dominant strain in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;by the autumn.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged fellow EU leaders to take a firm line on travel from Britain to prevent the variant spreading in the bloc.

Germany on Friday classed Portugal and Russia as so-called coronavirus variant countries, banning most arrivals from both nations. From Tuesday, only citizens and residents of Germany will be allowed in from the two countries, with air, rail and bus companies prohibited from transporting other passengers.

Germany on Friday classed Portugal and Russia as so-called coronavirus variant countries, banning most arrivals from both nations. From Tuesday, only citizens and residents of Germany will be allowed in from the two countries, with air, rail and bus companies prohibited from transporting other passengers. Those allowed to enter from Russia and Portugal will be subject to a two-week quarantine, regardless of whether they can provide a negative Covid-19 test. Also Read | Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death Both countries are currently reporting a surge in cases over the Delta variant. Fourteen other countries have already been placed in Germany's highest-risk "virus variant" category. They include Britain, India, South Africa and Brazil, where highly transmissible strains of Covid-19 are circulating. German health authorities have issued repeated warnings about the Delta variant, which was first detected in India and is prevalent in Britain. Robert Wieler, who heads the disease control agency RKI, has said the Delta variant is expected to become the dominant strain in Germany by the autumn. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged fellow EU leaders to take a firm line on travel from Britain to prevent the variant spreading in the bloc.

Germany bans most travel from Portugal, Russia over variant

Central Sydney's streets were deserted on Saturday as Australia's largest city began a week-long lockdown to contain the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant, with authorities warning broader restrictions could follow.

Central Sydney's streets were deserted on Saturday as Australia's largest city began a week-long lockdown to contain the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant, with authorities warning broader restrictions could follow. More than 80 Covid-19 cases have been reported so far in an infection surge linked to an international flight crew transported to a quarantine hotel from the airport. The flare-up was a shock for a city that had returned to relative normality after months with very few local cases. The sudden curbs took effect at midnight, affecting an estimated one million people across Sydney's business district and affluent eastern suburbs. But the spread of the outbreak beyond the four neighbourhoods already under lockdown was spurring "growing and more intense concern", New South Wales state health minister Brad Hazzard said. "The Delta variant is proving to be a very formidable foe," he told reporters. "No matter what defensive steps were taking at the moment, the virus seems to understand how to counter-attack." Health officials have been alarmed by the rapid spread of the Delta variant first seen in India, noting instances of people passing on the virus during fleeting encounters in shops and then quickly infecting close family contacts. They have flagged a string of new possible virus exposure sites, including a popular city bar, in addition to the scores of businesses and public places already identified as risks. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said a crisis meeting with public health officials would be held later Saturday to decide whether expanding the lockdown to other areas of Sydney was needed. "I am putting everybody on notice that we may need to extend that during the course of the day or tomorrow," Berejiklian said. Sydney residents subject to the current restrictions have been ordered to stay home for at least a week, only venturing out to purchase essential goods, obtain medical care, exercise, go to school or if they are unable to work from home. An earlier ban on people leaving the city was also extended on Friday, as traces of the virus were detected in sewage in the far-flung outback town of Bourke, about nine hours drive northwest of Sydney. It is the latest in a string of snap "circuit-breaker" lockdowns across major cities around Australia, with most cases linked to returning travellers held in hotel quarantine. Australia has been among the world's most successful countries in containing Covid-19, with just over 30,000 cases and 910 deaths in a population of about 25 million.

Sydney flags broader lockdown as Delta variant cases swell

Vietnam's envoy to India Pham Sanh Chau has said that his country is waiting for World Health Organization (WHO) to give approval to the Indian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> Covaxin, even as they are sourcing more vaccines globally.

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Pham Sanh Chau said, "Covaxin is not yet approved by WHO for emergency use, that is why we are waiting for this approval by WHO and then we will intensify the discussion".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-50-million-pfizer-vaccines-ready-to-be-delivered-to-india-talks-ongoing-for-partial-indemnity-388951" hreflang="en">Over 50 million Pfizer vaccines ready to be delivered to India; talks ongoing for 'partial indemnity'</a>

Covaxin is an Indian vaccine made by Bharat Biotech, headquartered in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech submitted its application to the WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) on April 19 and a pre-submission meeting will happen later this month.

Chau, himself, has been recently got Covaxin jab at Delhi's Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/spreads-through-air-vietnam-reports-new-variant-of-coronavirus-388243" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/spreads-through-air-vietnam-reports-new-variant-of-coronavirus-388243&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwibud7W1vjwAhXjILcAHaImD4MQFjACegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14bcGnXoshT20jfqSvPX_Q" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spreads-through-air-vietnam-reports-new-variant-of-coronavirus-388243" target="_blank">'Spreads through air': Vietnam reports new&nbsp;variant&nbsp;of coronavirus</a>

Vietnam also sent assistance to India amid the second wave of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic in the country. The first batch of aid consisted 109 ventilators and 50 oxygen cylinders. The next batch had&nbsp;100 ventilators, 275 concentrators, 1300 oxygen cylinders, and 50,000 masks.

WION: How is Vietnam assisting India when it comes to the coronavirus crisis in the country? 
Pham Sanh Chau: I think one of the most salient features of the relief that Vietnam provided to India is that most of the relief comes from people, from individuals and organisations which are not state agencies. So, there is a big campaign at the national level of collecting relief to provide to Indian friends. From children to the elderly, to the religious people, everyone is trying to contribute small things in order to support India. So, this is the solidarity, sentiment and love that Vietnamese people give to Indian friends at this difficult moment.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Vietnam has recently reported a new hybrid variant&nbsp;found in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">UK (Alpha) and India (delta)</a>. How is the country dealing with the pandemic? 
Pham Sanh Chau: We have just been hit by the fourth wave as it has been identified since April 27. This has increased the cases&nbsp;from 1600 to more than 6000. It means over the past one month, the number of infections has doubled the total infection that Vietnam has incurred over the past one and half years. This mutant is spreading very fast. So, we are still analysing the sources of that and are waiting for the final certification of health authorities.

WION: What kind of global cooperation is underway when it comes to Vietnam, especially on vaccines? 
Pham Sanh Chau: Like other Asian countries,&nbsp;Vietnam badly needs vaccines. Recently, we placed an&nbsp;order recently with Pfizer and are in the process of negotiating with Moderna. We have also signed an agreement with AstraZeneca. Vietnam also has the opportunity to purchase Covaxin, but it is not yet approved by WHO for emergency use. We&nbsp;are waiting for this approval by WHO and then we will intensify the discussion and drafting of the contract for the purchase of this Covaxin for Vietnamese people.

Vietnam's envoy to India Pham Sanh Chau has said that his country is waiting for World Health Organization (WHO) to give approval to the Indian coronavirus vaccine Covaxin, even as they are sourcing more vaccines globally.

Vietnam's envoy to India Pham Sanh Chau has said that his country is waiting for World Health Organization (WHO) to give approval to the Indian coronavirus vaccine Covaxin, even as they are sourcing more vaccines globally. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Pham Sanh Chau said, "Covaxin is not yet approved by WHO for emergency use, that is why we are waiting for this approval by WHO and then we will intensify the discussion". Also read | Over 50 million Pfizer vaccines ready to be delivered to India; talks ongoing for 'partial indemnity' Covaxin is an Indian vaccine made by Bharat Biotech, headquartered in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech submitted its application to the WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) on April 19 and a pre-submission meeting will happen later this month. Chau, himself, has been recently got Covaxin jab at Delhi's Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital. Also read | 'Spreads through air': Vietnam reports new variant of coronavirus Vietnam also sent assistance to India amid the second wave of coronavirus pandemic in the country. The first batch of aid consisted 109 ventilators and 50 oxygen cylinders. The next batch had 100 ventilators, 275 concentrators, 1300 oxygen cylinders, and 50,000 masks. WION: How is Vietnam assisting India when it comes to the coronavirus crisis in the country? Pham Sanh Chau: I think one of the most salient features of the relief that Vietnam provided to India is that most of the relief comes from people, from individuals and organisations which are not state agencies. So, there is a big campaign at the national level of collecting relief to provide to Indian friends. From children to the elderly, to the religious people, everyone is trying to contribute small things in order to support India. So, this is the solidarity, sentiment and love that Vietnamese people give to Indian friends at this difficult moment. WION: Vietnam has recently reported a new hybrid variant found in the UK (Alpha) and India (delta). How is the country dealing with the pandemic? Pham Sanh Chau: We have just been hit by the fourth wave as it has been identified since April 27. This has increased the cases from 1600 to more than 6000. It means over the past one month, the number of infections has doubled the total infection that Vietnam has incurred over the past one and half years. This mutant is spreading very fast. So, we are still analysing the sources of that and are waiting for the final certification of health authorities. WION: What kind of global cooperation is underway when it comes to Vietnam, especially on vaccines? Pham Sanh Chau: Like other Asian countries, Vietnam badly needs vaccines. Recently, we placed an order recently with Pfizer and are in the process of negotiating with Moderna. We have also signed an agreement with AstraZeneca. Vietnam also has the opportunity to purchase Covaxin, but it is not yet approved by WHO for emergency use. We are waiting for this approval by WHO and then we will intensify the discussion and drafting of the contract for the purchase of this Covaxin for Vietnamese people.

Waiting for Covaxin's approval by WHO, says Vietnam envoy to WION

The first-ever case of the highly infectious B.1.617 variant of coronavirus, first identified in India, has been detected in Pakistan despite a ban on travellers from the neighbouring country since April, the country's top health institute here has said.&nbsp;

The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Friday shared the results of whole-genome sequencing of SARS CoV-2 samples collected during the first three weeks of May 2021, The Express Tribune reported on Friday.&nbsp;

The sequencing results confirmed the detection of seven cases of B.1.351 (South African variant) and one case of B.1.617.2 (first identified in India). This is the first in-country detection of the latter strain, the NIH said in a statement.&nbsp;

As per protocols, contact tracing of all the cases is in progress by the Field Epidemiology &amp; Disease Surveillance Division and District Health Office (DHO), Islamabad, the report said.&nbsp;

The NIH said the continued detection of global strains highlighted the ongoing need for observation of guidelines, usage of masks and need for vaccination.&nbsp;

After India's outbreak of COVID-19 fuelled by the new strain earlier this year, Pakistan in April imposed a ban on travellers arriving from the neighbouring country via the air, sea and land routes, the report said.&nbsp;

However, in May, the variant was detected in Thai travellers, who had visited Pakistan, the report said.&nbsp;

Health authorities in Thailand had confirmed the country's first cases of the variant first identified in India in a Thai woman and her four-year-old son, who were reportedly put in state quarantine since arriving from Pakistan, it said.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) earlier said that the B.1.617 strain of coronavirus was found in dozens of countries all over the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The first-ever case of the highly infectious B.1.617 variant of coronavirus, first identified in India, has been detected in Pakistan despite a ban on travellers from the neighbouring country since April, the country's top health institute here has said.

The first-ever case of the highly infectious B.1.617 variant of coronavirus, first identified in India, has been detected in Pakistan despite a ban on travellers from the neighbouring country since April, the country's top health institute here has said. The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Friday shared the results of whole-genome sequencing of SARS CoV-2 samples collected during the first three weeks of May 2021, The Express Tribune reported on Friday. The sequencing results confirmed the detection of seven cases of B.1.351 (South African variant) and one case of B.1.617.2 (first identified in India). This is the first in-country detection of the latter strain, the NIH said in a statement. As per protocols, contact tracing of all the cases is in progress by the Field Epidemiology & Disease Surveillance Division and District Health Office (DHO), Islamabad, the report said. The NIH said the continued detection of global strains highlighted the ongoing need for observation of guidelines, usage of masks and need for vaccination. After India's outbreak of COVID-19 fuelled by the new strain earlier this year, Pakistan in April imposed a ban on travellers arriving from the neighbouring country via the air, sea and land routes, the report said. However, in May, the variant was detected in Thai travellers, who had visited Pakistan, the report said. Health authorities in Thailand had confirmed the country's first cases of the variant first identified in India in a Thai woman and her four-year-old son, who were reportedly put in state quarantine since arriving from Pakistan, it said. The World Health Organization (WHO) earlier said that the B.1.617 strain of coronavirus was found in dozens of countries all over the world.

First case of B.1.617 COVID-19 variant found in Pakistan 

The UK government on Tuesday faced accusations of 'confusion and uncertainty' after it introduced additional guidance to curtail non-essential travel in and out of so-called hotspots of the B1.617.2 variant of concern (VOC), first identified in India, as part of measures to control the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Local authorities in the affected areas said they were not consulted or informed as the government's coronavirus restrictions website changed its guidance over the last few days for people living in eight areas of Bedford council, Blackburn with Darwen council, Bolton Metropolitan council, Burnley council, Kirklees council, Leicester council, Hounslow council and North Tyneside council.&nbsp;

The guidance also calls upon residents of these regions of England to avoid indoor gatherings, which is now currently permitted in most other parts of the country as part of the lockdown lifting roadmap.&nbsp;

"In the areas listed... Wherever possible, you should try to meet outside rather than inside where possible; keep 2 metres apart from people that you don't live with (unless you have formed a support bubble with them), this includes friends and family you don't live with; avoid travelling in and out of affected areas unless it is essential, for example for work (if you cannot work from home) or education," the website notes.&nbsp;

However, a row has broken out after the new guidance appeared to have been issued without a widespread announcement.&nbsp;

"This is a major change to policy that will have a huge impact on people's lives. Simply updating the government website without an official announcement is a recipe for confusion and uncertainty," said Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus.&nbsp;

"It seems crucial lessons have still not been learnt about the importance of clear messaging during a pandemic," she said.&nbsp;

Cabinet minister Therese Coffey told 'Sky News', the government had been "working in close contact" with affected areas and she was "surprised to hear that people think this has come out of the blue, "it hasn't".&nbsp;

"This is just part of a coordinated effort and the guidance is simply a formality recognising people need to be extra careful in those communities in particular where the issue has been spreading," she said, adding that all the guidance does is simply formalise what was already effectively happening in practice in the locality.&nbsp;

A Downing Street source told the BBC that all the areas were informed about the latest advice and pointed out that it was advice rather than law and therefore dismissed allegations of localised lockdown by stealth.&nbsp;

According to the latest Public Health England (PHE) data released last week, B1.617.2 VOC cases had risen by 2,111 over the previous week to hit 3,424 cases across the UK and experts are certain of its higher transmissibility than the dominant local B1.1.7 VOC, first discovered in the England county of Kent. The health officials continue to monitor both mutations to try and keep the UK's planned end to lockdown on track for June 21.&nbsp;

The UK has reported more than 4,480,760 confirmed cases and over 127,986 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracker.&nbsp;

The UK government on Tuesday faced accusations of 'confusion and uncertainty' after it introduced additional guidance to curtail non-essential travel in and out of so-called hotspots of the B1.

The UK government on Tuesday faced accusations of 'confusion and uncertainty' after it introduced additional guidance to curtail non-essential travel in and out of so-called hotspots of the B1.617.2 variant of concern (VOC), first identified in India, as part of measures to control the spread of the virus. Local authorities in the affected areas said they were not consulted or informed as the government's coronavirus restrictions website changed its guidance over the last few days for people living in eight areas of Bedford council, Blackburn with Darwen council, Bolton Metropolitan council, Burnley council, Kirklees council, Leicester council, Hounslow council and North Tyneside council. The guidance also calls upon residents of these regions of England to avoid indoor gatherings, which is now currently permitted in most other parts of the country as part of the lockdown lifting roadmap. "In the areas listed... Wherever possible, you should try to meet outside rather than inside where possible; keep 2 metres apart from people that you don't live with (unless you have formed a support bubble with them), this includes friends and family you don't live with; avoid travelling in and out of affected areas unless it is essential, for example for work (if you cannot work from home) or education," the website notes. However, a row has broken out after the new guidance appeared to have been issued without a widespread announcement. "This is a major change to policy that will have a huge impact on people's lives. Simply updating the government website without an official announcement is a recipe for confusion and uncertainty," said Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus. "It seems crucial lessons have still not been learnt about the importance of clear messaging during a pandemic," she said. Cabinet minister Therese Coffey told 'Sky News', the government had been "working in close contact" with affected areas and she was "surprised to hear that people think this has come out of the blue, "it hasn't". "This is just part of a coordinated effort and the guidance is simply a formality recognising people need to be extra careful in those communities in particular where the issue has been spreading," she said, adding that all the guidance does is simply formalise what was already effectively happening in practice in the locality. A Downing Street source told the BBC that all the areas were informed about the latest advice and pointed out that it was advice rather than law and therefore dismissed allegations of localised lockdown by stealth. According to the latest Public Health England (PHE) data released last week, B1.617.2 VOC cases had risen by 2,111 over the previous week to hit 3,424 cases across the UK and experts are certain of its higher transmissibility than the dominant local B1.1.7 VOC, first discovered in the England county of Kent. The health officials continue to monitor both mutations to try and keep the UK's planned end to lockdown on track for June 21. The UK has reported more than 4,480,760 confirmed cases and over 127,986 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracker.

COVID-19: UK issues localised directions on travel, gatherings to tackle B1.617.2 variant  

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday Britain would accelerate its COVID-19 vaccination programme, to try to contain a fast-spreading variant first identified in India that could knock a re-opening of the economy off track.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom has delivered one of the world's fastest inoculation campaigns, giving a first shot to almost 70% of the adult population and a second to 36%, helping to reduce infection rates and deaths.&nbsp;

But the emergence of the B.1.617.2 variant in parts of northern England and London has prompted some scientists to call for the reopening to be delayed, and a rethink on the speed of the vaccine rollout. &nbsp;

"I believe we should trust in our vaccines to protect the public whilst monitoring the situation very closely because the race between our vaccination programme and the virus may be about to become a great deal tighter," Johnson told a news conference.&nbsp;

He said the government would accelerate remaining second doses to the over 50s and those clinically vulnerable to just eight weeks after the first dose, and would prioritise first doses for those eligible who had not yet come forward.&nbsp;

Even so, the spread of the variant could disrupt Britain's progress out of lockdown, making it more difficult to move to the final stage of a staggered reopening of the economy in June, he said.&nbsp;

Johnson had aimed to lift all restrictions on June 21, after allowing people in England from Monday to hug again, meet in small groups indoors and travel abroad.&nbsp;

Chris Whitty, England chief medical officer, said there was now confidence that B.1.617.2 was more transmissible than the 'Kent' variant that fuelled England's second wave of infections. He said B.1.617.2 could come to dominate in Britain.&nbsp;

Public Health England said on Thursday there had been 1,313 cases in England of B.1.617.2 in a week, more than double the previous week's figure, with four confirmed deaths.&nbsp;

Whitty said so far there had not been a significant increase in hospitalisations from the variant, which may be because more people had been vaccinated.&nbsp;

But both Johnson and Whitty said it was still early days, and scientists would need to scrutinise data over the next two or three weeks to truly see the impact of the variant.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday Britain would accelerate its COVID-19 vaccination programme, to try to contain a fast-spreading variant first identified in India that could knock a re-opening of the economy off track.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday Britain would accelerate its COVID-19 vaccination programme, to try to contain a fast-spreading variant first identified in India that could knock a re-opening of the economy off track. The United Kingdom has delivered one of the world's fastest inoculation campaigns, giving a first shot to almost 70% of the adult population and a second to 36%, helping to reduce infection rates and deaths. But the emergence of the B.1.617.2 variant in parts of northern England and London has prompted some scientists to call for the reopening to be delayed, and a rethink on the speed of the vaccine rollout. "I believe we should trust in our vaccines to protect the public whilst monitoring the situation very closely because the race between our vaccination programme and the virus may be about to become a great deal tighter," Johnson told a news conference. He said the government would accelerate remaining second doses to the over 50s and those clinically vulnerable to just eight weeks after the first dose, and would prioritise first doses for those eligible who had not yet come forward. Even so, the spread of the variant could disrupt Britain's progress out of lockdown, making it more difficult to move to the final stage of a staggered reopening of the economy in June, he said. Johnson had aimed to lift all restrictions on June 21, after allowing people in England from Monday to hug again, meet in small groups indoors and travel abroad. Chris Whitty, England chief medical officer, said there was now confidence that B.1.617.2 was more transmissible than the 'Kent' variant that fuelled England's second wave of infections. He said B.1.617.2 could come to dominate in Britain. Public Health England said on Thursday there had been 1,313 cases in England of B.1.617.2 in a week, more than double the previous week's figure, with four confirmed deaths. Whitty said so far there had not been a significant increase in hospitalisations from the variant, which may be because more people had been vaccinated. But both Johnson and Whitty said it was still early days, and scientists would need to scrutinise data over the next two or three weeks to truly see the impact of the variant. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to speed up vaccinations, warns B.1.617.2 variant may delay full reopening 

Authorities in northern Italy announced on Monday, they had identified two cases of the Indian variant of coronavirus, in a father and daughter recently returned from India.

The news follows reports of another case in the central region of Tuscany last month, and comes after the Italian government banned arrivals from the virus-hit country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="'Finally!' Italy reopens as parliament debates recovery plan">'Finally!' Italy reopens as parliament debates recovery plan</a>

"Today in (the city of) Bassano we have the first two patients, two Indians," announced Luca Zaia, head of the Veneto region.

Bassano, in the province of Vicenza, lies some 65 kilometres (40 miles) north-east of Venice.&nbsp;

The two patients were identified as a father and adult daughter of Indian origin who recently returned from a trip to India. They are currently isolating at home.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza on Sunday announced a new ban on anyone entering Italy who has been in India in the past 14 days.&nbsp;

India is battling a catastrophic, record-breaking outbreak that has overwhelmed hospitals and set crematoriums&nbsp;working at full capacity.

Authorities in northern Italy announced on Monday, they had identified two cases of the Indian variant of coronavirus, in a father and daughter recently returned from India.

Authorities in northern Italy announced on Monday, they had identified two cases of the Indian variant of coronavirus, in a father and daughter recently returned from India. The news follows reports of another case in the central region of Tuscany last month, and comes after the Italian government banned arrivals from the virus-hit country. Also read: 'Finally!' Italy reopens as parliament debates recovery plan "Today in (the city of) Bassano we have the first two patients, two Indians," announced Luca Zaia, head of the Veneto region. Bassano, in the province of Vicenza, lies some 65 kilometres (40 miles) north-east of Venice. The two patients were identified as a father and adult daughter of Indian origin who recently returned from a trip to India. They are currently isolating at home. Health Minister Roberto Speranza on Sunday announced a new ban on anyone entering Italy who has been in India in the past 14 days. India is battling a catastrophic, record-breaking outbreak that has overwhelmed hospitals and set crematoriums working at full capacity.

Indian Covid variant found in northern Italy

Italy has joined other countries by imposing restrictions on travel from India to avert the spread of a COVID-19 variant as the Asian nation struggles with a surge in infections.&nbsp;

Italy's Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Twitter,&nbsp;he had signed an order barring foreign&nbsp;travellers, who have been in India in the past 14 days from entering the country.&nbsp;

India, which is facing a health crisis, is battling a 'double mutant' strain of COVID-19. On Sunday, the country posted the world's highest single-day increase in cases for a fourth day.&nbsp;

Italian residents will be allowed to return from India with a negative test result at their departure and one at their arrival and then have to go into quarantine, the minister said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those already in Italy and who travelled from India in the past 14 days were requested to undergo a swab.&nbsp;"Our scientists are at work to study the new Indian variant," Speranza said.&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;Germany’s Health Minister Jens Spahn said, the country will shut out all&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;arriving from India apart from its own citizens as a new variant has made the South Asian country the latest coronavirus hotspot.&nbsp;

"We're very worried about the new mutation of the virus discovered in India. So as not to endanger our vaccination&nbsp;programme, India travel has to be significantly limited," Spahn told the Funke newspaper group.&nbsp;

Only German citizens will be allowed to enter the country when arriving from India, he added.&nbsp;

As Spahn plans to designate India a ‘virus variant zone’,&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;will have to be tested before departure for Germany and immediately enter a 14-day quarantine on arrival.&nbsp;

Berlin had already dubbed India a 'zone with particularly high risk of infection'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Italy has joined other countries by imposing restrictions on travel from India to avert the spread of a COVID-19 variant as the Asian nation struggles with a surge in infections.

Italy has joined other countries by imposing restrictions on travel from India to avert the spread of a COVID-19 variant as the Asian nation struggles with a surge in infections. Italy's Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Twitter, he had signed an order barring foreign travellers, who have been in India in the past 14 days from entering the country. India, which is facing a health crisis, is battling a 'double mutant' strain of COVID-19. On Sunday, the country posted the world's highest single-day increase in cases for a fourth day. Italian residents will be allowed to return from India with a negative test result at their departure and one at their arrival and then have to go into quarantine, the minister said. Those already in Italy and who travelled from India in the past 14 days were requested to undergo a swab. "Our scientists are at work to study the new Indian variant," Speranza said. Earlier, Germany’s Health Minister Jens Spahn said, the country will shut out all travellers arriving from India apart from its own citizens as a new variant has made the South Asian country the latest coronavirus hotspot. "We're very worried about the new mutation of the virus discovered in India. So as not to endanger our vaccination programme, India travel has to be significantly limited," Spahn told the Funke newspaper group. Only German citizens will be allowed to enter the country when arriving from India, he added. As Spahn plans to designate India a ‘virus variant zone’, travellers will have to be tested before departure for Germany and immediately enter a 14-day quarantine on arrival. Berlin had already dubbed India a 'zone with particularly high risk of infection'. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy imposes travel ban from India over COVID-19 variant 

Florida health officials said on Thursday they have evidence that the Covid-19 variant first detected in the United Kingdom has been found in a patient there, making it the third state to report the strain.

The state Health Department tweeted that the strain was identified in a 20-year-old man in Martin County with no history of travel. The county is on Florida's east coast, south of Port St. Lucie.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Florida has evidence of the first identified case of the UK COVID-19 variant in Martin County. The individual is a male in his 20s with no history of travel. The Department is working with the CDC on this investigation. We encourage all to continue practicing COVID-19 mitigation.
— Florida Dept. Health (@HealthyFla) <a href="https://twitter.com/HealthyFla/status/1344815068479954944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The Department is working with the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) on this investigation," it tweeted.

The Covid-19 variant is believed to be more transmissible but not more deadly than the strain that started the pandemic, and there is no evidence that vaccines are any less effective against it, health officials say.

On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom said the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 had been identified in Southern California.

A day earlier, Colorado Governor Jared Polis said the variant had been identified there, while another state health official said a second possible case was being investigated.

The cases, found in individuals who had not recent traveled, showed the likely community spread of the variant from person-to-person in the United States. Health experts have said they believe the new variant is more infectious but recently approved vaccines should provide protection against it.

Health officials have stressed that the best way to avoid getting what is referred to as the U.K. variant is the same as for other forms of the coronavirus: washing hands, keeping away from crowds and other people and wearing a mask.

(With inputs from agencies)

Florida health officials said on Thursday they have evidence that the Covid-19 variant first detected in the United Kingdom has been found in a patient there, making it the third state to report the strain.

Florida health officials said on Thursday they have evidence that the Covid-19 variant first detected in the United Kingdom has been found in a patient there, making it the third state to report the strain. The state Health Department tweeted that the strain was identified in a 20-year-old man in Martin County with no history of travel. The county is on Florida's east coast, south of Port St. Lucie. Florida has evidence of the first identified case of the UK COVID-19 variant in Martin County. The individual is a male in his 20s with no history of travel. The Department is working with the CDC on this investigation. We encourage all to continue practicing COVID-19 mitigation. — Florida Dept. Health (@HealthyFla) January 1, 2021 × "The Department is working with the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) on this investigation," it tweeted. The Covid-19 variant is believed to be more transmissible but not more deadly than the strain that started the pandemic, and there is no evidence that vaccines are any less effective against it, health officials say. On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom said the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 had been identified in Southern California. A day earlier, Colorado Governor Jared Polis said the variant had been identified there, while another state health official said a second possible case was being investigated. The cases, found in individuals who had not recent traveled, showed the likely community spread of the variant from person-to-person in the United States. Health experts have said they believe the new variant is more infectious but recently approved vaccines should provide protection against it. Health officials have stressed that the best way to avoid getting what is referred to as the U.K. variant is the same as for other forms of the coronavirus: washing hands, keeping away from crowds and other people and wearing a mask. (With inputs from agencies)

More infections variant of Covid-19 found in Florida

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