In the western part of Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district, more than 29 people, aged between two to 45 years, had been infected with a mystery fever, which has been identified as scrub typhus.

Following complaints of infection in the area, medical teams collected samples from people at Koh village, which found that more people have been infected with scrub typhus.

Apart from Mathura, other districts like Firozabad and Mainpuri have also been witnessing a spike in similar cases cases. Health officials have sounded alter following a surge in cases.

On August 27, there were reports that even Assam has also registered cases of scrub typhus. According to local media reports, the state health department had to temporarily shit down a Covid hospital in Guwahati where 29 cases were.

What is scrub typhus?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a disease caused by a bacteria called Orientia Tsutsugamushi. The infection spreads to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites).

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of scrub typhus usually begin within 10 days of being bitten. Signs and symptoms may include: Fever and chills, headache, body aches and muscle pain, a dark, scab-like region at the site of the chigger bite (also known as eschar), mental changes, ranging from confusion to coma, enlarged lymph nodes and rash.

CDC states that people with severe illness may develop organ failure and bleeding, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-the-west-nile-virus-the-infection-russia-has-warned-may-spread-409520">What is the West Nile virus, the infection Russia has warned may spread?</a>

Is there any vaccine for the prevention of scrub typhus?

According to CDC, no vaccine is available to prevent scrub typhus at the moment. The organisation has suggested to avoid contact with anyone infected by chiggers. It has also asked to take precaution while travelling to areas where scrub typhus is common, areas with lots of vegetation and brush where chiggers may be found.

How to treat the infection?

The CDC says that if someone gets infected by scrub typhus, the person should be treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. People who are treated early with doxycycline usually recover quickly, according to the agency.

It has further advised people to dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting in order to keep scrub typhus at bay. It also asked them to treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin as it kills chiggers.

Any other countries where scrub typhus has been reported?

Apart from India, cases of scrub typhus have been reported from rural areas of Indonesia, China, Japan and northern Australia.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the western part of Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district, more than 29 people, aged between two to 45 years, had been infected with a mystery fever, which has been identified as scrub typhus.

In the western part of Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district, more than 29 people, aged between two to 45 years, had been infected with a mystery fever, which has been identified as scrub typhus. Following complaints of infection in the area, medical teams collected samples from people at Koh village, which found that more people have been infected with scrub typhus. Apart from Mathura, other districts like Firozabad and Mainpuri have also been witnessing a spike in similar cases cases. Health officials have sounded alter following a surge in cases. On August 27, there were reports that even Assam has also registered cases of scrub typhus. According to local media reports, the state health department had to temporarily shit down a Covid hospital in Guwahati where 29 cases were. What is scrub typhus? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scrub typhus, also known as bush typhus, is a disease caused by a bacteria called Orientia Tsutsugamushi. The infection spreads to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites). What are the symptoms? Symptoms of scrub typhus usually begin within 10 days of being bitten. Signs and symptoms may include: Fever and chills, headache, body aches and muscle pain, a dark, scab-like region at the site of the chigger bite (also known as eschar), mental changes, ranging from confusion to coma, enlarged lymph nodes and rash. CDC states that people with severe illness may develop organ failure and bleeding, which can be fatal if left untreated. Also read | What is the West Nile virus, the infection Russia has warned may spread? Is there any vaccine for the prevention of scrub typhus? According to CDC, no vaccine is available to prevent scrub typhus at the moment. The organisation has suggested to avoid contact with anyone infected by chiggers. It has also asked to take precaution while travelling to areas where scrub typhus is common, areas with lots of vegetation and brush where chiggers may be found. How to treat the infection? The CDC says that if someone gets infected by scrub typhus, the person should be treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. People who are treated early with doxycycline usually recover quickly, according to the agency. It has further advised people to dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting in order to keep scrub typhus at bay. It also asked them to treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin as it kills chiggers. Any other countries where scrub typhus has been reported? Apart from India, cases of scrub typhus have been reported from rural areas of Indonesia, China, Japan and northern Australia. (With inputs from agencies)

Scrub typhus: All about the mystery fever that has been gripping Indian states

At least 10,000 children in South Africa have dropped out of school since the pandemic started, with students learning half or less than average in 2020 due to coronavirus, the education ministry said Sunday.

Face-to-face lessons have only partially resumed since South Africa's schools reopened in June last year, after more than two months of home-schooling to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Public schools have since been shut again over shorter periods -- including a delayed start to the 2021 academic year -- and most students still only physically attend class on a rotational basis to avoid crowding.

Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Sunday said that as a result, children in 2020 learnt between 50 and 75 percent less than the previous year's average.

Coronavirus interruptions have also affected attendance, with 10,000 fewer children aged between seven and 14 enrolled in school in 2021, according to a preliminary analysis by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-visits-us-air-base-to-pay-tribute-to-service-personnel-killed-in-kabul-409232">Also read |&nbsp;Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul</a>

Enrolment was also 25,000 lower than expected for children aged between four and six, although less concerning for secondary school students.

"The unprecedented closures of our schools, and the unplanned disruptions to teaching and learning, have resulted in the reversal of gains made in the last 20 years," Motshekga said at a press briefing.

Most learning losses were observed in poorer rural areas and townships, where internet access is limited.

"If children are not in contact with teachers, especially children from disadvantaged communities, learning does not happen as it should," DBE researcher Martin Gustafsson told the briefing.

He added that primary school children were still only in class for an average of three days a week and had already missed half of planned learning this year.

South Africa is the continent's worst virus-hit country, with over 2.7 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 81,000 deaths.

The nation is currently battling a persistent third infection wave that experts warn could overlap with a looming fourth.

At least 10,000 children in South Africa have dropped out of school since the pandemic started, with students learning half or less than average in 2020 due to coronavirus, the education ministry said Sunday.

At least 10,000 children in South Africa have dropped out of school since the pandemic started, with students learning half or less than average in 2020 due to coronavirus, the education ministry said Sunday. Face-to-face lessons have only partially resumed since South Africa's schools reopened in June last year, after more than two months of home-schooling to limit the spread of COVID-19. Public schools have since been shut again over shorter periods -- including a delayed start to the 2021 academic year -- and most students still only physically attend class on a rotational basis to avoid crowding. Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Sunday said that as a result, children in 2020 learnt between 50 and 75 percent less than the previous year's average. Coronavirus interruptions have also affected attendance, with 10,000 fewer children aged between seven and 14 enrolled in school in 2021, according to a preliminary analysis by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul Enrolment was also 25,000 lower than expected for children aged between four and six, although less concerning for secondary school students. "The unprecedented closures of our schools, and the unplanned disruptions to teaching and learning, have resulted in the reversal of gains made in the last 20 years," Motshekga said at a press briefing. Most learning losses were observed in poorer rural areas and townships, where internet access is limited. "If children are not in contact with teachers, especially children from disadvantaged communities, learning does not happen as it should," DBE researcher Martin Gustafsson told the briefing. He added that primary school children were still only in class for an average of three days a week and had already missed half of planned learning this year. South Africa is the continent's worst virus-hit country, with over 2.7 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 81,000 deaths. The nation is currently battling a persistent third infection wave that experts warn could overlap with a looming fourth.

Virus sets South Africa schools back 20 years: Minister

In a report,&nbsp;the US intelligence community has said,&nbsp;SARS-CoV-2, the virus, which causes COVID-19, was 'not developed' as a biological weapon.

The development comes even as US President Joe Biden has been reiterating the allegation that China continues to reject calls for transparency and withholds information about the origins of the virus.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: America's COVID crisis: Walled by the western press

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Prepared by the Director of National Intelligence at the direction of the president, the report&nbsp;on Friday said "SARS-CoV-2 probably emerged and infected humans through an initial small-scale exposure that occurred no later than November 2019 with the first known cluster of COVID-19 cases arising in Wuhan, China in December 2019."

Meanwhile,&nbsp;according to the results released on Friday, US intelligence agencies remain divided on the origins of the coronavirus but believe China's leaders did not know about the virus before the start of the pandemic.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-bears-the-brunt-of-the-covid-pandemic-408884" hreflang="en">USA bears the brunt of the Covid pandemic</a>

Four members of the US intelligence community say with low confidence that the virus was initially transmitted from an animal to a human, as per the unclassified summary. A fifth intelligence agency believes with moderate confidence that the first human infection was linked to a lab.&nbsp;

China's refusal to fully cooperate with the US and other international investigations of the virus has hampered reviews of the virus' origins. On Friday, the Director of National Intelligence, said, "China continues to hinder the global investigation, resist sharing information&nbsp;and blame other countries including the United States."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a report, the US intelligence community has said, SARS-CoV-2, the virus, which causes COVID-19, was 'not developed' as a biological weapon. The development comes even as US President Joe Biden has been reiterating the allegation that China continues to reject calls for transparency and withholds information about the origins of the virus.

In a report, the US intelligence community has said, SARS-CoV-2, the virus, which causes COVID-19, was 'not developed' as a biological weapon. The development comes even as US President Joe Biden has been reiterating the allegation that China continues to reject calls for transparency and withholds information about the origins of the virus. Watch | Gravitas: America's COVID crisis: Walled by the western press × Prepared by the Director of National Intelligence at the direction of the president, the report on Friday said "SARS-CoV-2 probably emerged and infected humans through an initial small-scale exposure that occurred no later than November 2019 with the first known cluster of COVID-19 cases arising in Wuhan, China in December 2019." Meanwhile, according to the results released on Friday, US intelligence agencies remain divided on the origins of the coronavirus but believe China's leaders did not know about the virus before the start of the pandemic. Also Read: USA bears the brunt of the Covid pandemic Four members of the US intelligence community say with low confidence that the virus was initially transmitted from an animal to a human, as per the unclassified summary. A fifth intelligence agency believes with moderate confidence that the first human infection was linked to a lab. China's refusal to fully cooperate with the US and other international investigations of the virus has hampered reviews of the virus' origins. On Friday, the Director of National Intelligence, said, "China continues to hinder the global investigation, resist sharing information and blame other countries including the United States." (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon

Tokyo on Thursday reported another massive jump in COVID-19 cases as the government expanded restrictions to eight more regions just days before the Olympics ends.

Tokyo is already under a virus state of emergency. However, it is seeing exponential growth in cases, driven by the more contagious Delta variant.

On Thursday, the city reported a record 5,042 cases, up from 3,865 a week earlier, and 1,979 the week before that.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting said, "Infections are spreading with a speed we have never experienced before".

He added, "With the rapid increase of cases, the number of patients in serious condition, which had been contained, is growing".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-set-to-expand-coroanvirus-emergency-restrictions-amid-surge-in-hospitalisations-403056">Also read |&nbsp;Japan set to expand coroanvirus emergency restrictions amid surge in hospitalisations</a>

Six parts of Japan are under a virus emergency.

Other parts of Japan are under quasi-emergency measures, with the government expanding those restrictions to another eight areas on Thursday.

"At this point in time we really need to introduce some other kind of measures in order to tackle this situation," warned health expert Koji Wada, a professor at Japan's International University of Health and Welfare.

The spike comes with the Olympic Games in full swing in Tokyo, taking place largely without spectators. The organisers have reported 353 cases among Games staff, officials, teams and media since July 1.

Tokyo on Thursday reported another massive jump in COVID-19 cases as the government expanded restrictions to eight more regions just days before the Olympics ends.

Tokyo on Thursday reported another massive jump in COVID-19 cases as the government expanded restrictions to eight more regions just days before the Olympics ends. Tokyo is already under a virus state of emergency. However, it is seeing exponential growth in cases, driven by the more contagious Delta variant. On Thursday, the city reported a record 5,042 cases, up from 3,865 a week earlier, and 1,979 the week before that. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting said, "Infections are spreading with a speed we have never experienced before". He added, "With the rapid increase of cases, the number of patients in serious condition, which had been contained, is growing". Also read | Japan set to expand coroanvirus emergency restrictions amid surge in hospitalisations Six parts of Japan are under a virus emergency. Other parts of Japan are under quasi-emergency measures, with the government expanding those restrictions to another eight areas on Thursday. "At this point in time we really need to introduce some other kind of measures in order to tackle this situation," warned health expert Koji Wada, a professor at Japan's International University of Health and Welfare. The spike comes with the Olympic Games in full swing in Tokyo, taking place largely without spectators. The organisers have reported 353 cases among Games staff, officials, teams and media since July 1.

Covid cases in Tokyo at record high as government expands restrictions

Millions of Americans could find themselves homeless starting Sunday when a nationwide ban on evictions expires, even as billions in government funds meant to help them go untapped.

Millions of Americans could find themselves homeless starting Sunday when a nationwide ban on evictions expires, even as billions in government funds meant to help them go untapped. The wave of evictions would come as the fast-spreading Delta variant has taken hold in the country and rental housing is in high demand in the hot real estate market. US President Joe Biden on Thursday urged Congress to extend the 11-month-old eviction moratorium after a recent Supreme Court ruling meant the White House could not extend the measure through September as intended. Democratic leaders in Congress were pushing for an extension, but it was unclear if they had the votes, even among moderates in their own party, to prevent the ban from expiring. Efforts stalled on Friday in the House after a move to pass the extension was unsuccessful, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying in a statement, that "not a single Republican would support this measure." The day before, she had said called the extension "a moral imperative." She also called on governors and local officials "to take whatever steps are necessary to distribute the rental assistance that Congress already allocated." Unlike other pandemic-related aid that was distributed from Washington, such as stimulus checks, it was states, counties and cities that were responsible for building programs from the ground up to dole out assistance earmarked for renters. The Treasury Department said that as of June, only $3 billion in aid had reached households out of the $25 billion sent to states and localities in early February, less than three weeks after Biden took office. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ordered the eviction moratorium in September 2020, as the world's largest economy lost over 20 million jobs amid the pandemic shutdowns. The CDC feared increasing homelessness would boost coronavirus infections. Although more than half of those lost jobs were recovered as businesses were able to reopen, many families still have not caught up on missed rent payments. The Census Bureau's latest Household Pulse survey through the first week of July showed that of 51 million renters surveyed, 7.4 million were behind on their rent and nearly half of those said they were at risk of being evicted in the next two months. Where is the help? Through the end of June, only about 450,000 households had received aid through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and some states and localities have yet to pay out any funds, according to Treasury data. The Treasury launched a campaign this week to spread the word about the program and help authorities get their systems up and running, modelling those in Virginia and Houston, which have been successful in helping struggling families. Also read | Unvaccinated travellers to undergo COVID-19 tests, declares Germany amid rise coronavirus cases Immediately after taking over, the Biden administration had eased paperwork and eligibility requirements for the program, but the Treasury says management remains in the hands of state and local officials. The White House also shifted responsibility to states. Biden said, "there can be no excuse for any state or locality not accelerating funds to landlords and tenants that have been hurt during this pandemic." "Every state and local government must get these funds out to ensure we prevent every eviction we can," he said in a statement Friday. And while the White House cannot act, there is nothing preventing state and local authorities from instituting their own protections, Biden added. 'Pulling out all the stops' Pelosi called the delays an unjust "bureaucratic situation." California Democrat Maxine Waters, chair of the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the bill to extend the prohibition of evictions. "I'm pulling out all the stops right now," she tweeted Friday. But some Democrats oppose the move, and a congressional source confirmed to AFP that several were planning to leave town rather than participate in a vote, making it hard for the party to use their slim majority to push through a bill. A handful of states and Washington, DC have imposed their own temporary eviction protections, and the White House also asked government departments involved in housing to extend eviction bans for federally insured properties they control. Another $21.5 billion is available in the second round of funding, but it will not go out until the first tranche is spent.

Millions of Americans at risk of losing homes as virus cases spike

As rising prices and the spread of new COVID-19&nbsp;variants&nbsp;increase risks to the US economy, Federal Reserve officials are expected to maintain their easy money policies intended to help American companies and workers survive the pandemic damage.

But as the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) begins its two-day policy meeting Tuesday, markets and traders will be watching for hints of when it will begin tapering its massive monthly debt purchases.

The bond buying program aimed to ease lending conditions during the crisis, but has come under scrutiny recently as&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;has soared to record levels as businesses reopen and consumers spend the savings built up during the worst months of the pandemic.

And focus also will be on any sign the&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;is rethinking its pledge to keep the benchmark lending rate at zero until the economy achieves maximum employment.

Fed&nbsp;Chair Jerome Powell has repeatedly said the rise in&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;is a temporary effect of the economy getting back to normal, and that the&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;has tools to respond if the surge goes on too long.

But Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research said the swiftness of the price spike likely has surprised the&nbsp;central bank.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-cuba-for-repressing-protests-399987">Also read |&nbsp;US sanctions Cuba for repressing protests</a>

"I think they're still saying it's transitory but they're squirming in their seats, feeling a bit anxious that the numbers have come in higher than expected," he said.

However, the&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;is not expected to alter its stimulative policies this week or at any point this year.

Powell has promised to communicate clearly in advance of any policy shift, and analysts believe he may wait to do that at the annual central banking conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming scheduled for August.

Troubled&nbsp;recovery

Central bankers are convening during an uncertain moment for the world's largest economy.&nbsp;The fast-spreading Delta variant of COVID-19&nbsp;has prompted some parts of the United States to reimpose mask-wearing rules and sparked worries it could undermine the&nbsp;recovery.

At the same time data is showing prices surging across the economy, a consequence of supply chain snarls, shortages of components, unique dynamics like rental car companies moving to rebuild fleets and "base effects," or the comparison to the depressed prices of the year-ago period.

At the&nbsp;Fed's last meeting in June, signs of growing hawkishness appeared, with a majority of FOMC members predicting at least two rate hikes in 2023, and seven expecting one as soon as next year, according to quarterly economic projections. In March, a majority foresaw no rate hikes until after 2023.

Powell has downplayed those predictions, but Daniel Morris, chief market strategist at BNP Paribas, said analysts will be watching to see if the&nbsp;central bank&nbsp;chief's thinking has changed, particularly when he speaks to reporters after the meeting.

"I think there's still that kind of debate, are they more hawkish?" he said. "Any info we can get from Powell during the press conference to try to help settle that debate will be important and useful."

But Stovall said not to expect much in the way of details.

"On the one hand, they will try to assure people that the&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;is ever vigilant and does have the ability to make a difference. But on the other hand (they) will be pretty unspecific on what and when they plan to do things," he said.

A more-pressing decision for the&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;will be what to do about its monthly purchases of at least $80 billion &nbsp;in Treasury debt and at least $40 billion in agency mortgage-backed securities, which were part of the emergency measures taken as the economy collapsed last year.

Morris said the&nbsp;Fed&nbsp;must figure out when to scale them back, and how to do it without causing stock markets to gyrate.

"It's still tricky with them, and Powell is going to be very careful," he said.

As rising prices and the spread of new COVID-19 variants increase risks to the US economy, Federal Reserve officials are expected to maintain their easy money policies intended to help American companies and workers survive the pandemic damage.

As rising prices and the spread of new COVID-19 variants increase risks to the US economy, Federal Reserve officials are expected to maintain their easy money policies intended to help American companies and workers survive the pandemic damage. But as the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) begins its two-day policy meeting Tuesday, markets and traders will be watching for hints of when it will begin tapering its massive monthly debt purchases. The bond buying program aimed to ease lending conditions during the crisis, but has come under scrutiny recently as inflation has soared to record levels as businesses reopen and consumers spend the savings built up during the worst months of the pandemic. And focus also will be on any sign the Fed is rethinking its pledge to keep the benchmark lending rate at zero until the economy achieves maximum employment. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has repeatedly said the rise in inflation is a temporary effect of the economy getting back to normal, and that the Fed has tools to respond if the surge goes on too long. But Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research said the swiftness of the price spike likely has surprised the central bank. Also read | US sanctions Cuba for repressing protests "I think they're still saying it's transitory but they're squirming in their seats, feeling a bit anxious that the numbers have come in higher than expected," he said. However, the Fed is not expected to alter its stimulative policies this week or at any point this year. Powell has promised to communicate clearly in advance of any policy shift, and analysts believe he may wait to do that at the annual central banking conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming scheduled for August. Troubled recovery Central bankers are convening during an uncertain moment for the world's largest economy. The fast-spreading Delta variant of COVID-19 has prompted some parts of the United States to reimpose mask-wearing rules and sparked worries it could undermine the recovery. At the same time data is showing prices surging across the economy, a consequence of supply chain snarls, shortages of components, unique dynamics like rental car companies moving to rebuild fleets and "base effects," or the comparison to the depressed prices of the year-ago period. At the Fed's last meeting in June, signs of growing hawkishness appeared, with a majority of FOMC members predicting at least two rate hikes in 2023, and seven expecting one as soon as next year, according to quarterly economic projections. In March, a majority foresaw no rate hikes until after 2023. Powell has downplayed those predictions, but Daniel Morris, chief market strategist at BNP Paribas, said analysts will be watching to see if the central bank chief's thinking has changed, particularly when he speaks to reporters after the meeting. "I think there's still that kind of debate, are they more hawkish?" he said. "Any info we can get from Powell during the press conference to try to help settle that debate will be important and useful." But Stovall said not to expect much in the way of details. "On the one hand, they will try to assure people that the Fed is ever vigilant and does have the ability to make a difference. But on the other hand (they) will be pretty unspecific on what and when they plan to do things," he said. A more-pressing decision for the Fed will be what to do about its monthly purchases of at least $80 billion in Treasury debt and at least $40 billion in agency mortgage-backed securities, which were part of the emergency measures taken as the economy collapsed last year. Morris said the Fed must figure out when to scale them back, and how to do it without causing stock markets to gyrate. "It's still tricky with them, and Powell is going to be very careful," he said.

Fed to meet as inflation, virus variants complicate US recovery

China on Saturday reported the first human infection and death caused by "Monkey B Virus". According to the journal "China CDC Weekly", a veterinary surgeon caught the virus after dissecting two dead monkeys in March.

The "Monkey B Virus" is found among macaque monkeys. It is largely present in the saliva, feces, urine, brain or the spinal cord tissue of the monkeys. The virus can survive on surfaces for hours, especially in moist conditions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-reports-first-human-death-caused-by-monkey-b-virus-398994" hreflang="en">China reports first human death caused by 'Monkey B Virus'</a>

The risk of transmission for the general population remains extremely low. But laboratory workers, veterinarians and others involved in animal care specifically involving monkeys are at high risk.

The veterinarian who died was 53 and started showing virus-like symptoms including nausea and vomiting a month after coming in contact. Another month later, the person began experiencing fever and neurological symptoms.

According to details made public in China CDC Weekly, the veterinarian succumbed to the virus on May 27.

Symptoms of Monkey B Virus 
 
Just like COVID-19, the "Monkey B Virus" exhibits flu-like symptoms like fever, muscle ache, chills, fatigue, headache. After catching the virus, the person may develop blisters on the wound. Other serious symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and hiccups.

When the disease advances, a person may experience adverse reactions like swelling of the brain and spinal cord. This results in neurological disturbances and causes inflammation, which in turn triggers muscle coordination issues and potential brain damage.

How does Monkey B Virus spread?

Monkey B Virus was initially isolated in 1932 after being spotted in macaques. According to China CDC Weekly, the virus is usually transmitted through direct contact and exchange of bodily fluids.

In case the virus jumps from monkeys to humans, the fatality rate is between 70-80%.&nbsp;

The US National Library of Medicine claims that B Virus can attack the central nervous system if transmitted to humans. According to CDC, a person with Monkey B Virus shows symptoms between one day and three weeks after the first contact.

The only way to treat the virus is through timely antiviral intervention. Otherwise, there is no vaccine available to fight the virus. The United States Centers for Disease Controls&nbsp;and Prevention (CDC) claims that the Monkey B Virus has infected only 50 people since 1932. Out of these, 21 died. The agency claims it's an extremely rare disease.

China on Saturday reported the first human infection and death caused by "Monkey B Virus". According to the journal "China CDC Weekly", a veterinary surgeon caught the virus after dissecting two dead monkeys in March.

China on Saturday reported the first human infection and death caused by "Monkey B Virus". According to the journal "China CDC Weekly", a veterinary surgeon caught the virus after dissecting two dead monkeys in March. The "Monkey B Virus" is found among macaque monkeys. It is largely present in the saliva, feces, urine, brain or the spinal cord tissue of the monkeys. The virus can survive on surfaces for hours, especially in moist conditions. Also read: China reports first human death caused by 'Monkey B Virus' The risk of transmission for the general population remains extremely low. But laboratory workers, veterinarians and others involved in animal care specifically involving monkeys are at high risk. The veterinarian who died was 53 and started showing virus-like symptoms including nausea and vomiting a month after coming in contact. Another month later, the person began experiencing fever and neurological symptoms. According to details made public in China CDC Weekly, the veterinarian succumbed to the virus on May 27. Symptoms of Monkey B Virus Just like COVID-19, the "Monkey B Virus" exhibits flu-like symptoms like fever, muscle ache, chills, fatigue, headache. After catching the virus, the person may develop blisters on the wound. Other serious symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and hiccups. When the disease advances, a person may experience adverse reactions like swelling of the brain and spinal cord. This results in neurological disturbances and causes inflammation, which in turn triggers muscle coordination issues and potential brain damage. How does Monkey B Virus spread? Monkey B Virus was initially isolated in 1932 after being spotted in macaques. According to China CDC Weekly, the virus is usually transmitted through direct contact and exchange of bodily fluids. In case the virus jumps from monkeys to humans, the fatality rate is between 70-80%. The US National Library of Medicine claims that B Virus can attack the central nervous system if transmitted to humans. According to CDC, a person with Monkey B Virus shows symptoms between one day and three weeks after the first contact. The only way to treat the virus is through timely antiviral intervention. Otherwise, there is no vaccine available to fight the virus. The United States Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC) claims that the Monkey B Virus has infected only 50 people since 1932. Out of these, 21 died. The agency claims it's an extremely rare disease.

China reports first 'Monkey B Virus' death. How does it spread? What are its symptoms?

Dutch&nbsp;Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a number of measures Friday to curb a rapid spike in coronavirus infections in the country, including closing discos and nightclubs and curbing restaurant hours.

Infections rose sevenfold in the lowlands country in one week, with 7,000 new cases reported on Friday, Rutte said, forcing the government to walk back an easing of restrictions.

"There is a dark cloud in front of the sun. At the moment infection rates are rocketing, mainly because of the highly-infectuous Delta variant," Rutte told a news conference.

"If we don't do something the tempo of infections are&nbsp;simply going to rise. It's clear that we need to nip the rapid spread of the virus in the bud," he said.

The government, therefore, decided to order the closure of all discos and nightclubs and the closure of restaurants at midnight.

All visitors to restaurants and cafes must now adhere to the 1.5-metre social distancing rule, Rutte said, adding that no live music or entertainment would be allowed.

Events lasting longer than 24 hours have been put on ice, the top&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;official added.

Measures will start at 6 am (0400 GMT) on Saturday and last until at least August 13.

"Two weeks ago all signals were on green,"&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;Health Minister Hugo de Jonge told journalists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-police-clash-with-anti-lockdown-rioters-in-two-cities-359117">Also read |&nbsp;Dutch police clash with anti-lockdown rioters in two cities</a>

"But now there's a reason to intervene. This is a result of the rapid spread of the Delta variant in Europe and the Netherlands," he said.

"This is unprecedented. The previous week we sat at around 500 new cases per day. Today there are 7,000 new infections," De Jonge said.

But the new measures did not mean the Netherlands would return to a lockdown or curfew as in previous months, or a compulsory rule to wear face masks indoors.

Rutte however urged people to "stick to the basic rules -- keeping social distance and washing hands".

"If we do that, we can yet make it a beautiful summer," he said.

The nation of 17 million has recorded more than 1.7 million coronavirus cases and over 17,700 deaths during the pandemic.

Around 80 percent of the population have received at least one vaccine jab, while about 50 percent received two, De Jonge said.

Most of the infections were among younger people, the health minister added.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a number of measures Friday to curb a rapid spike in coronavirus infections in the country, including closing discos and nightclubs and curbing restaurant hours.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a number of measures Friday to curb a rapid spike in coronavirus infections in the country, including closing discos and nightclubs and curbing restaurant hours. Infections rose sevenfold in the lowlands country in one week, with 7,000 new cases reported on Friday, Rutte said, forcing the government to walk back an easing of restrictions. "There is a dark cloud in front of the sun. At the moment infection rates are rocketing, mainly because of the highly-infectuous Delta variant," Rutte told a news conference. "If we don't do something the tempo of infections are simply going to rise. It's clear that we need to nip the rapid spread of the virus in the bud," he said. The government, therefore, decided to order the closure of all discos and nightclubs and the closure of restaurants at midnight. All visitors to restaurants and cafes must now adhere to the 1.5-metre social distancing rule, Rutte said, adding that no live music or entertainment would be allowed. Events lasting longer than 24 hours have been put on ice, the top Dutch official added. Measures will start at 6 am (0400 GMT) on Saturday and last until at least August 13. "Two weeks ago all signals were on green," Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge told journalists. Also read | Dutch police clash with anti-lockdown rioters in two cities "But now there's a reason to intervene. This is a result of the rapid spread of the Delta variant in Europe and the Netherlands," he said. "This is unprecedented. The previous week we sat at around 500 new cases per day. Today there are 7,000 new infections," De Jonge said. But the new measures did not mean the Netherlands would return to a lockdown or curfew as in previous months, or a compulsory rule to wear face masks indoors. Rutte however urged people to "stick to the basic rules -- keeping social distance and washing hands". "If we do that, we can yet make it a beautiful summer," he said. The nation of 17 million has recorded more than 1.7 million coronavirus cases and over 17,700 deaths during the pandemic. Around 80 percent of the population have received at least one vaccine jab, while about 50 percent received two, De Jonge said. Most of the infections were among younger people, the health minister added.

Dutch reimpose some curbs after virus spike

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's main zoo on Friday said it was seeking&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;help&nbsp;to&nbsp;treat&nbsp;a&nbsp;lion&nbsp;that tested positive for Covid-19 -- the first animal on the island known to be infected.

The Department of National Zoological Gardens said it was consulting vets at the Central Zoo Authority of India to&nbsp;treat&nbsp;11-year-old Thor, a&nbsp;lion&nbsp;gifted by Seoul's zoo in 2013.

"We are seeking guidance from the Central Zoo Authority in treating Thor," Director General Ishini Wickremesinghe said in a statement.

Thor had been experiencing breathing difficulties and refused food, prompting authorities at the Dehiwala Zoo, near the&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan capital, to test it for coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/do-rhinos-scare-you-well-this-one-was-taller-than-a-giraffe-392421">Also Read |&nbsp;Do rhinos scare you? Well, this one was taller than a giraffe</a>

Wickremesinghe said several PCR tests were carried out to confirm that the&nbsp;lion&nbsp;had contracted the virus after an initial antigen test result was negative.

Officials said Thor was receiving oxygen treatment and four other lions at the zoo had been isolated. Their keepers have been sent to quarantine.

In India, at least two lions have reportedly died of Covid-19 this month -- the first being a nine-year-old lioness at a Tamil Nadu zoo.&nbsp;

Authorities there have also tested dozens of elephants for the virus at a forest reserve.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;has banned travellers from India to prevent a more virulent strain of Covid-19 entering the nation as it battles a third wave of infections.

At least 2,425 people have died in the country and more than 233,000 have been infected, with the island currently under a month-long lockdown.

Sri Lanka's main zoo on Friday said it was seeking Indian help to treat a lion that tested positive for Covid-19 -- the first animal on the island known to be infected.

Sri Lanka's main zoo on Friday said it was seeking Indian help to treat a lion that tested positive for Covid-19 -- the first animal on the island known to be infected. The Department of National Zoological Gardens said it was consulting vets at the Central Zoo Authority of India to treat 11-year-old Thor, a lion gifted by Seoul's zoo in 2013. "We are seeking guidance from the Central Zoo Authority in treating Thor," Director General Ishini Wickremesinghe said in a statement. Thor had been experiencing breathing difficulties and refused food, prompting authorities at the Dehiwala Zoo, near the Sri Lankan capital, to test it for coronavirus. Also Read | Do rhinos scare you? Well, this one was taller than a giraffe Wickremesinghe said several PCR tests were carried out to confirm that the lion had contracted the virus after an initial antigen test result was negative. Officials said Thor was receiving oxygen treatment and four other lions at the zoo had been isolated. Their keepers have been sent to quarantine. In India, at least two lions have reportedly died of Covid-19 this month -- the first being a nine-year-old lioness at a Tamil Nadu zoo. Authorities there have also tested dozens of elephants for the virus at a forest reserve. Sri Lanka has banned travellers from India to prevent a more virulent strain of Covid-19 entering the nation as it battles a third wave of infections. At least 2,425 people have died in the country and more than 233,000 have been infected, with the island currently under a month-long lockdown.

Sri Lanka seeks Indian help to treat virus-hit lion

Public Health officials in UK's North Wales said two cases of monkeypox had been reported in the region.

After one of them contracted monkeypox while abroad, Public Health Wales (PHW) confirmed that two members of the same family had developed the disease, which causes pains, fever, and a scabby rash.&nbsp;

Both Public Health Wales and Public Health England are keeping track of the two people's hospitalisation in England.&nbsp;

"Confirmed cases of monkeypox are a rare event in the UK, and the risk to the general public is very low. We have worked with multi-agency colleagues, following tried and tested protocols and procedures, and identified all close contacts. Actions have been put in place to minimise the likelihood of further infection," said Richard Firth, PHW's consultant in health protection.

What is Monkeypox?&nbsp;

According to the World Health Organization, the monkeypox virus causes an illness with symptoms that are comparable to smallpox but are less severe (WHO).

Fever, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes are common symptoms of the infection.

It is primarily transmitted to humans by wild animals such as rats and monkeys, although it can also be passed from person to person. It’s possible that up to a tenth of those infected with the virus will die.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Public Health officials in UK's North Wales said two cases of monkeypox had been reported in the region. After one of them contracted monkeypox while abroad, Public Health Wales (PHW) confirmed that two members of the same family had developed the disease, which causes pains, fever, and a scabby rash.

Public Health officials in UK's North Wales said two cases of monkeypox had been reported in the region. After one of them contracted monkeypox while abroad, Public Health Wales (PHW) confirmed that two members of the same family had developed the disease, which causes pains, fever, and a scabby rash. Both Public Health Wales and Public Health England are keeping track of the two people's hospitalisation in England. "Confirmed cases of monkeypox are a rare event in the UK, and the risk to the general public is very low. We have worked with multi-agency colleagues, following tried and tested protocols and procedures, and identified all close contacts. Actions have been put in place to minimise the likelihood of further infection," said Richard Firth, PHW's consultant in health protection. What is Monkeypox? According to the World Health Organization, the monkeypox virus causes an illness with symptoms that are comparable to smallpox but are less severe (WHO). Fever, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes are common symptoms of the infection. It is primarily transmitted to humans by wild animals such as rats and monkeys, although it can also be passed from person to person. It’s possible that up to a tenth of those infected with the virus will die. (With inputs from agencies)

Monkeypox outbreak in the UK: Two treated for rare viral infection in North Wales

European Union lawmakers on Wednesday endorsed a new travel certificate that will allow people to move between European countries without having to quarantine or undergo extra coronavirus tests, paving the way for the pass to start in time for summer.

The widely awaited certificate is aimed at saving Europe's travel industry and prime tourist sites from another disastrous vacation season. Key travel destinations like Greece have led the drive to have the certificate, which will have both paper and digital forms, rapidly introduced.

Several EU countries have already begun using the system, including Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece and Poland.

Right now, travelling in the EU's 27 nations is a trial for tourists and airlines alike. Countries have various COVID-19 traffic-light systems, where those in green are considered safe and those in red to be avoided.

But each nation is applying different rules and standards, making travel confusing for all. The new regulations governing the vaccine certificates were adopted in two votes at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Rules for EU citizens were passed 546 to 93, with 51 abstentions. Those for people from outside the bloc passed 553 to 91, with 46 abstentions. The vote must still be rubber-stamped by EU nations, but that's likely a formality. It means that beginning July 1 for 12 months, all EU countries must recognise the vaccine certificate.

They will be issued free and certify that a person has either been fully vaccinated against the virus, has recently tested negative or has recovered from the disease. The rules will not be heavily enforced for 6 weeks to allow countries to prepare.

The passes will be issued by individual nations, not from a centralised European system. They will contain a QR code with advanced security features. Personal data will not be shared with other countries.

Spanish Socialist lawmaker Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar, who chaperoned the votes through parliament, said, "EU states are encouraged to refrain from imposing further restrictions, unless strictly necessary and proportionate."

People coming from outside the EU, the overwhelming majority of whom should be vaccinated to enter, will be able to get a certificate if they can convince authorities in the EU country they enter that they qualify for one.

European Union lawmakers on Wednesday endorsed a new travel certificate that will allow people to move between European countries without having to quarantine or undergo extra coronavirus tests, paving the way for the pass to start in time for summer.

European Union lawmakers on Wednesday endorsed a new travel certificate that will allow people to move between European countries without having to quarantine or undergo extra coronavirus tests, paving the way for the pass to start in time for summer. The widely awaited certificate is aimed at saving Europe's travel industry and prime tourist sites from another disastrous vacation season. Key travel destinations like Greece have led the drive to have the certificate, which will have both paper and digital forms, rapidly introduced. Several EU countries have already begun using the system, including Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece and Poland. Right now, travelling in the EU's 27 nations is a trial for tourists and airlines alike. Countries have various COVID-19 traffic-light systems, where those in green are considered safe and those in red to be avoided. But each nation is applying different rules and standards, making travel confusing for all. The new regulations governing the vaccine certificates were adopted in two votes at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Rules for EU citizens were passed 546 to 93, with 51 abstentions. Those for people from outside the bloc passed 553 to 91, with 46 abstentions. The vote must still be rubber-stamped by EU nations, but that's likely a formality. It means that beginning July 1 for 12 months, all EU countries must recognise the vaccine certificate. They will be issued free and certify that a person has either been fully vaccinated against the virus, has recently tested negative or has recovered from the disease. The rules will not be heavily enforced for 6 weeks to allow countries to prepare. The passes will be issued by individual nations, not from a centralised European system. They will contain a QR code with advanced security features. Personal data will not be shared with other countries. Spanish Socialist lawmaker Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar, who chaperoned the votes through parliament, said, "EU states are encouraged to refrain from imposing further restrictions, unless strictly necessary and proportionate." People coming from outside the EU, the overwhelming majority of whom should be vaccinated to enter, will be able to get a certificate if they can convince authorities in the EU country they enter that they qualify for one.

EU lawmakers OK virus pass, boosting summer travel hopes

Tokyo Olympics chief on Friday said that Japan was committed to holding the Summer Olympics this year despite a surge in coronavirus cases which has resulted in fresh calls for the Games to again be postponed or cancelled.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/are-the-olympics-being-cancelled-it-remains-an-option-says-japanese-official-377711" hreflang="en">Will Olympics be cancelled? It remains an option, says Japan official</a>

"We're not thinking of cancelling the Olympics," Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said, speaking on behalf of the organising committee.

"We will continue to do what we can to implement a thorough safety regimen that will make people feel complete safety."

The Japanese government will be expanding quasi-emergency measures to 10 regions due to the fourth wave of coronavirus, which has raised doubts regarding hosting the Games.&nbsp;

Earlier, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters the government was considering adding Aichi, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba to six other prefectures already under contagion controls, including the cities of Tokyo and Osaka.

The final call is expected to be taken on Friday afternoon. According to the country's health experts, the COVID-19 pandemic has entered a fourth wave.

On Thursday, a senior from the ruling party said that cancelling this year's Olympics remains an option if the coronavirus situation if the virus outbreak worsens.&nbsp;

Japan has exhibited "poor performance" in containing virus transmission, along with limited testing capacity and a slow vaccination rollout, according to a commentary of health experts published in the British Medical Journal on Wednesday.

"Plans to hold the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer must be reconsidered as a matter of urgency," wrote lead author Kazuki Shimizu of the London School of Economics.

"Holding Tokyo 2020 for domestic political and economic purposes--ignoring scientific and moral imperatives--is contradictory to Japan's commitment to global health and human security."

(With inputs from agencies)

Tokyo Olympics chief on Friday said that Japan was committed to holding the Summer Olympics this year despite a surge in coronavirus cases which has resulted in fresh calls for the Games to again be postponed or cancelled.

Tokyo Olympics chief on Friday said that Japan was committed to holding the Summer Olympics this year despite a surge in coronavirus cases which has resulted in fresh calls for the Games to again be postponed or cancelled. ALSO READ: Will Olympics be cancelled? It remains an option, says Japan official "We're not thinking of cancelling the Olympics," Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said, speaking on behalf of the organising committee. "We will continue to do what we can to implement a thorough safety regimen that will make people feel complete safety." The Japanese government will be expanding quasi-emergency measures to 10 regions due to the fourth wave of coronavirus, which has raised doubts regarding hosting the Games. Earlier, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters the government was considering adding Aichi, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba to six other prefectures already under contagion controls, including the cities of Tokyo and Osaka. The final call is expected to be taken on Friday afternoon. According to the country's health experts, the COVID-19 pandemic has entered a fourth wave. On Thursday, a senior from the ruling party said that cancelling this year's Olympics remains an option if the coronavirus situation if the virus outbreak worsens. Japan has exhibited "poor performance" in containing virus transmission, along with limited testing capacity and a slow vaccination rollout, according to a commentary of health experts published in the British Medical Journal on Wednesday. "Plans to hold the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer must be reconsidered as a matter of urgency," wrote lead author Kazuki Shimizu of the London School of Economics. "Holding Tokyo 2020 for domestic political and economic purposes--ignoring scientific and moral imperatives--is contradictory to Japan's commitment to global health and human security." (With inputs from agencies)

Not thinking of cancelling the Olympics', says Tokyo 2020 chief amid surge in COVID infections

China has confirmed the world's first human case of a new strain of bird flu after a 41-year-old man was hospitalised with fever. 
 
The National Health Commission of China said on Tuesday that they have found one case of human infection with the H10N3 strain of bird flu in Jiangsu province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-first-cases-of-h5n8-bird-flu-in-humans-365072">Also read | Russia reports first cases of H5N8 bird flu in humans</a> 
 
The resident of Zhenjiang city was hospitalised on April 28 after developing several symptoms and was diagnosed as having the H10N3 avian influenza virus on May 28, the NHC said in a statement.

The man is stable and ready to be discharged from the hospital.

There has not been any case of human infection of H10N3 reported in the world before, NHC said. 
 
To date, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of the avian influenza virus. 
 
The world's first human cases of bird flu were reported in Hong Kong in 1997 when six people were killed by the H5N1 strain of the virus. Hundreds more have died worldwide in subsequent outbreaks, especially of highly virulent strains like H7N9. 
 
Earlier in February this year, Russia had found the world’s first cases of H5N8 avian influenza in humans. The virus, however, isn’t yet spreading among people.

The cases were detected in workers at a poultry farm in southern Russia and were immediately reported to the World Health Organization.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has confirmed the world's first human case of a new strain of bird flu after a 41-year-old man was hospitalised with fever. The National Health Commission of China said on Tuesday that they have found one case of human infection with the H10N3 strain of bird flu in Jiangsu province.

China has confirmed the world's first human case of a new strain of bird flu after a 41-year-old man was hospitalised with fever. The National Health Commission of China said on Tuesday that they have found one case of human infection with the H10N3 strain of bird flu in Jiangsu province. Also read | Russia reports first cases of H5N8 bird flu in humans The resident of Zhenjiang city was hospitalised on April 28 after developing several symptoms and was diagnosed as having the H10N3 avian influenza virus on May 28, the NHC said in a statement. The man is stable and ready to be discharged from the hospital. There has not been any case of human infection of H10N3 reported in the world before, NHC said. To date, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of the avian influenza virus. The world's first human cases of bird flu were reported in Hong Kong in 1997 when six people were killed by the H5N1 strain of the virus. Hundreds more have died worldwide in subsequent outbreaks, especially of highly virulent strains like H7N9. Earlier in February this year, Russia had found the world’s first cases of H5N8 avian influenza in humans. The virus, however, isn’t yet spreading among people. The cases were detected in workers at a poultry farm in southern Russia and were immediately reported to the World Health Organization. (With inputs from agencies)

China reports world's first human case of H10N3 avian influenza

In late 1910, a deadly plague started spreading in northeastern China, reaching the large city of Harbin. Tens of thousands of people coughed up blood; their skin pruned and turned purple. They all died.

This outbreak sent the Qing government into a tailspin: Officials didn’t know what illness was causing these deaths, let alone how to control it. So they brought in one of the best trained doctors in Asia at the time, Dr. Wu Lien-Teh. After performing autopsies, Wu found Yersinia pestis, a bacterium similar to the one that had caused bubonic plague in the West. He recognized Manchuria’s plague as a respiratory disease and urged everyone, especially health care professionals and law enforcement, to wear masks.

Chinese authorities, heeding his call, coupled masking with stringent lockdowns enforced by the police. Four months after the doctor was summoned, the plague ended. Although often overlooked in Western countries, Wu is recognised in world history as a pioneer of public health, helping to change the course of a respiratory disease spread by droplets that could have devastated China in the early 20th century, and perhaps spread far beyond its borders.

While the Chinese of that era complied with these strategies, public health professionals in the United States and other Western countries have struggled to get people to listen to them during the COVID-19 pandemic. China, too, ran into challenges early on, but the country’s institutional memory from previous viral outbreaks helped turn the tide. And as many Americans abandon masking, push to restore normality in places where risks of infection remain high and hesitate to get vaccinated, some public health experts have looked to Wu’s success, seeking lessons on handling not only COVID, but also future epidemics.

But some scholars who have studied Wu believe the wrong lesson is being drawn from his legacy: A single individual can’t save a nation. “We can’t always wait for historic figures,” said Alexandre White, a medical sociologist and historian at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Instead, he and other experts say countries like the United States need to reckon with their inequitable and fraught public health systems so they can better contend with health threats.

Wu was born to Chinese immigrants on March 10, 1879, on Penang, an island off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia, as Ngoh Lean Tuck. (He later changed his name to Wu Lien-Teh, sometimes spelled Wu Liande.)

When he was 17, Wu won a scholarship to study at Emmanuel College in England, and stayed to study medicine at St Mary’s Hospital in London. As part of his training, he studied infectious diseases at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the Pasteur Institute in Paris.

By 1903, when he returned to Malaysia, Wu was one of the earliest people of Chinese descent to graduate as a medical doctor from the West.

In May 1908, Wu and his wife went to China, where he was appointed vice director of the Imperial Army College near Beijing, making him well-placed to investigate when people began dying from an unknown disease in Manchuria.

Wu was entering a place where experts like him were in short supply and urgently needed. At the time, China was in political turmoil: Russia and Japan were vying for control over Manchuria and both saw the plague as an opportunity to advance their goals. Western countries at the time largely viewed China as “the sick man of the East,” a country overburdened by disease, opium addiction and an ineffective government.

Historians who study China say the government accepted and internalised that label. But when Wu stepped in, he had the social and political clout to be a catalyst for change.

Wu is often heralded as the “man behind the mask,” an inventor of using face coverings to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. Much of this narrative was by his own design in his autobiography, said Marta Hanson, a historian of medicine also at Johns Hopkins. Previous iterations of the mask existed in other countries, and some Chinese were already donning Japanese-style respirators before Wu arrived in Harbin.

The spring after the plague was brought under control in China, Wu hosted the International Plague Conference. Respirators and masks were a focal point of conversation, and many Western scholars believed that they could effectively prevent plague.

While masks became a political flash point in the United States and elsewhere during the Spanish flu pandemic, the idea of using them persisted in China, and gauze masks became an important tool in the political agenda of the Nationalist Party when it took over in 1928. Public health officials recommended all citizens wear gauze masks in public spaces during outbreaks of meningitis or cholera.

By then, masks became a symbol of hygienic modernity, contributing to the greater acceptance of mask-wearing in China today, Hanson said. In the early 21st century, the SARS epidemic once again drove home the necessity of masks and other public health interventions in China and other East Asian countries.

In 1930, Wu was appointed to head a new national health organisation. But after the Japanese invaded northern China in 1937, and his home in Shanghai was shelled, Wu sought refuge in his native Malaysia. He finished his career there as a family doctor, and died in 1960, at 80 years old.

Medical historians and public health experts have a few theories to explain Wu’s success in persuading Chinese authorities to control the plague.

A factor that likely helped Wu, medical historians say, is that he made masks affordable and accessible. A similar approach was used during the coronavirus pandemic in Hong Kong, which offered every resident a free, reusable mask and put kiosks in public to distribute them.

Countries that have provided significant support to their citizens to comply with public health mandates during this pandemic have generally fared better than places that left the same measures up to individuals, White of Johns Hopkins said.

Others say that public health is intrinsically tied to the legitimacy of the state promoting it. At the turn of the 20th century, China was in distress, Hanson said. Wu helped bring China out of a tumultuous period, and the enforcement of public health measures gave the country more legitimacy.

Because the current pandemic has laid bare shortcomings in the public health systems in the United States, Britain and other Western countries, some experts believe it can be a catalyst for change.

“Since the mid-19th century, the West has generally seen its ability to control infectious disease as a marker of their civilisational superiority over much of the rest of the world,” White said. While China was seen as the sick man of the world then, some commentators in China now attempt to brand the United States with that label.

Ruth Rogaski, a medical historian at Vanderbilt University who specialises in studying the Qing dynasty and modern China, believes that the coronavirus crisis similarly offers an opportunity for reflection, which can be very motivating.

“Epidemics can serve as inflection points,” Rogaski said. “Opportunities to rethink, retool and even revolutionise approaches to health.”

In late 1910, a deadly plague started spreading in northeastern China, reaching the large city of Harbin. Tens of thousands of people coughed up blood; their skin pruned and turned purple.

In late 1910, a deadly plague started spreading in northeastern China, reaching the large city of Harbin. Tens of thousands of people coughed up blood; their skin pruned and turned purple. They all died. This outbreak sent the Qing government into a tailspin: Officials didn’t know what illness was causing these deaths, let alone how to control it. So they brought in one of the best trained doctors in Asia at the time, Dr. Wu Lien-Teh. After performing autopsies, Wu found Yersinia pestis, a bacterium similar to the one that had caused bubonic plague in the West. He recognized Manchuria’s plague as a respiratory disease and urged everyone, especially health care professionals and law enforcement, to wear masks. Chinese authorities, heeding his call, coupled masking with stringent lockdowns enforced by the police. Four months after the doctor was summoned, the plague ended. Although often overlooked in Western countries, Wu is recognised in world history as a pioneer of public health, helping to change the course of a respiratory disease spread by droplets that could have devastated China in the early 20th century, and perhaps spread far beyond its borders. While the Chinese of that era complied with these strategies, public health professionals in the United States and other Western countries have struggled to get people to listen to them during the COVID-19 pandemic. China, too, ran into challenges early on, but the country’s institutional memory from previous viral outbreaks helped turn the tide. And as many Americans abandon masking, push to restore normality in places where risks of infection remain high and hesitate to get vaccinated, some public health experts have looked to Wu’s success, seeking lessons on handling not only COVID, but also future epidemics. But some scholars who have studied Wu believe the wrong lesson is being drawn from his legacy: A single individual can’t save a nation. “We can’t always wait for historic figures,” said Alexandre White, a medical sociologist and historian at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Instead, he and other experts say countries like the United States need to reckon with their inequitable and fraught public health systems so they can better contend with health threats. Wu was born to Chinese immigrants on March 10, 1879, on Penang, an island off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia, as Ngoh Lean Tuck. (He later changed his name to Wu Lien-Teh, sometimes spelled Wu Liande.) When he was 17, Wu won a scholarship to study at Emmanuel College in England, and stayed to study medicine at St Mary’s Hospital in London. As part of his training, he studied infectious diseases at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the Pasteur Institute in Paris. By 1903, when he returned to Malaysia, Wu was one of the earliest people of Chinese descent to graduate as a medical doctor from the West. In May 1908, Wu and his wife went to China, where he was appointed vice director of the Imperial Army College near Beijing, making him well-placed to investigate when people began dying from an unknown disease in Manchuria. Wu was entering a place where experts like him were in short supply and urgently needed. At the time, China was in political turmoil: Russia and Japan were vying for control over Manchuria and both saw the plague as an opportunity to advance their goals. Western countries at the time largely viewed China as “the sick man of the East,” a country overburdened by disease, opium addiction and an ineffective government. Historians who study China say the government accepted and internalised that label. But when Wu stepped in, he had the social and political clout to be a catalyst for change. Wu is often heralded as the “man behind the mask,” an inventor of using face coverings to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. Much of this narrative was by his own design in his autobiography, said Marta Hanson, a historian of medicine also at Johns Hopkins. Previous iterations of the mask existed in other countries, and some Chinese were already donning Japanese-style respirators before Wu arrived in Harbin. The spring after the plague was brought under control in China, Wu hosted the International Plague Conference. Respirators and masks were a focal point of conversation, and many Western scholars believed that they could effectively prevent plague. While masks became a political flash point in the United States and elsewhere during the Spanish flu pandemic, the idea of using them persisted in China, and gauze masks became an important tool in the political agenda of the Nationalist Party when it took over in 1928. Public health officials recommended all citizens wear gauze masks in public spaces during outbreaks of meningitis or cholera. By then, masks became a symbol of hygienic modernity, contributing to the greater acceptance of mask-wearing in China today, Hanson said. In the early 21st century, the SARS epidemic once again drove home the necessity of masks and other public health interventions in China and other East Asian countries. In 1930, Wu was appointed to head a new national health organisation. But after the Japanese invaded northern China in 1937, and his home in Shanghai was shelled, Wu sought refuge in his native Malaysia. He finished his career there as a family doctor, and died in 1960, at 80 years old. Medical historians and public health experts have a few theories to explain Wu’s success in persuading Chinese authorities to control the plague. A factor that likely helped Wu, medical historians say, is that he made masks affordable and accessible. A similar approach was used during the coronavirus pandemic in Hong Kong, which offered every resident a free, reusable mask and put kiosks in public to distribute them. Countries that have provided significant support to their citizens to comply with public health mandates during this pandemic have generally fared better than places that left the same measures up to individuals, White of Johns Hopkins said. Others say that public health is intrinsically tied to the legitimacy of the state promoting it. At the turn of the 20th century, China was in distress, Hanson said. Wu helped bring China out of a tumultuous period, and the enforcement of public health measures gave the country more legitimacy. Because the current pandemic has laid bare shortcomings in the public health systems in the United States, Britain and other Western countries, some experts believe it can be a catalyst for change. “Since the mid-19th century, the West has generally seen its ability to control infectious disease as a marker of their civilisational superiority over much of the rest of the world,” White said. While China was seen as the sick man of the world then, some commentators in China now attempt to brand the United States with that label. Ruth Rogaski, a medical historian at Vanderbilt University who specialises in studying the Qing dynasty and modern China, believes that the coronavirus crisis similarly offers an opportunity for reflection, which can be very motivating. “Epidemics can serve as inflection points,” Rogaski said. “Opportunities to rethink, retool and even revolutionise approaches to health.”

What can and can’t be learned from a doctor in China who pioneered masks

A coronavirus outbreak on Mount Everest has infected at least 100 climbers and support staff, an expert mountaineering guide said, giving the first comprehensive estimate amid official Nepalese denials that the disease has spread to the world's highest peak.&nbsp;

Lukas Furtenbach of Austria, who last week became the only prominent outfitter to halt his Everest expedition due to virus fears, said on Saturday one of his foreign guides and six Nepali Sherpa guides have tested positive.&nbsp;

"I think with all the confirmed cases, we know now confirmed from (rescue) pilots, from insurance, from doctors, from expedition leaders. I have the positive tests so we can prove this," Furtenbach said in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.&nbsp;

"We have at least 100 people positive for Covid in base camp, and then the numbers might be something like 150 or 200," he said.&nbsp;

He said it was obvious there were many cases at the Everest base camp because he could visibly see people were sick, and could hear people coughing in their tents.&nbsp;

A total of 408 foreign climbers were issued permits to climb Everest this season, aided by several hundred Sherpas and support staff, who've been stationed at base camp since April.&nbsp;

Nepalese mountaineering officials have denied there are any active cases this season among climbers and support staff at all base camps for the country's Himalayan mountains. Mountaineering was closed last year due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

Nepalese officials could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. Other climbing teams have not announced any COVID-19 infections among their members or staff. Several climbers have reported testing positive after they were brought down from the Everest base camp.&nbsp;

Furtenbach said most teams on the mountain were not carrying virus testing kits, and that before his team pulled out, they had helped conduct tests and had confirmed two cases.&nbsp;

Most teams are still at base camp, hoping for clear weather next week so they can make a final push to the summit before the climbing season closes at the end of the month, Furtenbach said.&nbsp;

In late April, a Norwegian climber became the first to test positive at the Everest base camp. He was flown by helicopter to Kathmandu, where he was treated and later returned home.&nbsp;

Nepal is experiencing a virus surge, with record numbers of new infections and deaths. China last week canceled climbing from its side of Mount Everest due to fears the virus could be spread from the Nepalese side.&nbsp;

Nepal reported 8,607 new infections and 177 deaths on Friday, bringing the nation's totals since the pandemic began to more than 497,000 infections and 6,024 deaths. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A coronavirus outbreak on Mount Everest has infected at least 100 climbers and support staff, an expert mountaineering guide said, giving the first comprehensive estimate amid official Nepalese denials that the disease has spread to the world's highest peak.

A coronavirus outbreak on Mount Everest has infected at least 100 climbers and support staff, an expert mountaineering guide said, giving the first comprehensive estimate amid official Nepalese denials that the disease has spread to the world's highest peak. Lukas Furtenbach of Austria, who last week became the only prominent outfitter to halt his Everest expedition due to virus fears, said on Saturday one of his foreign guides and six Nepali Sherpa guides have tested positive. "I think with all the confirmed cases, we know now confirmed from (rescue) pilots, from insurance, from doctors, from expedition leaders. I have the positive tests so we can prove this," Furtenbach said in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. "We have at least 100 people positive for Covid in base camp, and then the numbers might be something like 150 or 200," he said. He said it was obvious there were many cases at the Everest base camp because he could visibly see people were sick, and could hear people coughing in their tents. A total of 408 foreign climbers were issued permits to climb Everest this season, aided by several hundred Sherpas and support staff, who've been stationed at base camp since April. Nepalese mountaineering officials have denied there are any active cases this season among climbers and support staff at all base camps for the country's Himalayan mountains. Mountaineering was closed last year due to the pandemic. Nepalese officials could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. Other climbing teams have not announced any COVID-19 infections among their members or staff. Several climbers have reported testing positive after they were brought down from the Everest base camp. Furtenbach said most teams on the mountain were not carrying virus testing kits, and that before his team pulled out, they had helped conduct tests and had confirmed two cases. Most teams are still at base camp, hoping for clear weather next week so they can make a final push to the summit before the climbing season closes at the end of the month, Furtenbach said. In late April, a Norwegian climber became the first to test positive at the Everest base camp. He was flown by helicopter to Kathmandu, where he was treated and later returned home. Nepal is experiencing a virus surge, with record numbers of new infections and deaths. China last week canceled climbing from its side of Mount Everest due to fears the virus could be spread from the Nepalese side. Nepal reported 8,607 new infections and 177 deaths on Friday, bringing the nation's totals since the pandemic began to more than 497,000 infections and 6,024 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Guide: Over 100 virus cases on Everest despite Nepal denials 

Parisians returned to their beloved cafe terraces and museums on Wednesday after a six-month Covid-forced hiatus, a glimmer of normal life resuming but India grappled with a record daily number of coronavirus deaths. &nbsp;

As health workers administered the world's 1.5 billionth COVID-19 vaccine dose, Europeans and Americans continued to climb out from under long months of restrictions. &nbsp;

In recent days, Britons have hugged their loved ones and streamed into pubs, gyms and other indoor venues. Italy has relaxed curfews, Dutch music fans have readied for the Eurovision Song Contest and Portugal has welcomed returning tourists.&nbsp;

"It's nice to get away and be back here," said Barry Thompson, a 63-year-old retired policeman from Manchester, who landed in the sun-kissed southern Portuguese town of Faro with his wife and son.&nbsp;

In New York, an early virus epicentre rules requiring masks and social distancing are also set to ease, although some residents remain cautious about a disease that has upended life in almost every corner of the globe.&nbsp;

Manhattan restaurant manager Juan Rosas plans to still require masks, even for vaccinated patrons.&nbsp;

"I think it is too early," he said. "I think they rushed the decision."&nbsp;

In Paris, the terraces and rooftop gardens that define the city for many visitors have been booked out as outdoor dining returns across France, with a few lingering restrictions.&nbsp;

"Like a diesel engine, we'll be warming up slowly," bistro owner Stephanie Mathey said.&nbsp;

The City of Light's museums, cinemas and theatres are also reopening ahead of a full-scale unlocking of the economy on June 30.&nbsp;

"We are glad to be able to welcome you again," staff of the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, wrote on its website, where demand for tickets to a Renaissance sculpture show was brisk.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Parisians returned to their beloved cafe terraces and museums on Wednesday after a six-month Covid-forced hiatus, a glimmer of normal life resuming but India grappled with a record daily number of coronavirus deaths.

Parisians returned to their beloved cafe terraces and museums on Wednesday after a six-month Covid-forced hiatus, a glimmer of normal life resuming but India grappled with a record daily number of coronavirus deaths. As health workers administered the world's 1.5 billionth COVID-19 vaccine dose, Europeans and Americans continued to climb out from under long months of restrictions. In recent days, Britons have hugged their loved ones and streamed into pubs, gyms and other indoor venues. Italy has relaxed curfews, Dutch music fans have readied for the Eurovision Song Contest and Portugal has welcomed returning tourists. "It's nice to get away and be back here," said Barry Thompson, a 63-year-old retired policeman from Manchester, who landed in the sun-kissed southern Portuguese town of Faro with his wife and son. In New York, an early virus epicentre rules requiring masks and social distancing are also set to ease, although some residents remain cautious about a disease that has upended life in almost every corner of the globe. Manhattan restaurant manager Juan Rosas plans to still require masks, even for vaccinated patrons. "I think it is too early," he said. "I think they rushed the decision." In Paris, the terraces and rooftop gardens that define the city for many visitors have been booked out as outdoor dining returns across France, with a few lingering restrictions. "Like a diesel engine, we'll be warming up slowly," bistro owner Stephanie Mathey said. The City of Light's museums, cinemas and theatres are also reopening ahead of a full-scale unlocking of the economy on June 30. "We are glad to be able to welcome you again," staff of the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, wrote on its website, where demand for tickets to a Renaissance sculpture show was brisk. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris cafes reopen as virus restrictions ease 

Saudi Arabia plans to soon reopen to foreign tourists, a senior tourism official said on Monday after the kingdom announced the lifting of quarantine restrictions for certain foreign arrivals.

The kingdom announced late on Sunday that non-citizens arriving from certain countries and who were fully vaccinated against or recently recovered from COVID-19 would no longer be required to quarantine in designated government hotels.

Also read:<a href="'It's a great feeling': Saudis flock to Bahrain as curbs ease on travel abroad after over a year">&nbsp;'It's a great feeling': Saudis flock to Bahrain as curbs ease on travel abroad after over a year</a>

Those new measures, however, only apply to residents, government and business travellers or those visiting friends and family but not foreign tourists, according to the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Saudi Arabia decries Israel's 'flagrant violations' of Palestinian rights">Saudi Arabia decries Israel's 'flagrant violations' of Palestinian rights</a>

STA Chief Executive Fahd Hamidaddin told Reuters the kingdom would reopen to foreign tourists this year with an announcement expected to be made 'very soon.' Hamidaddin declined to say exactly when.

Saudi Arabia liberalised its tourism industry in 2019, making it easier for foreigners to apply for tourist visas to the kingdom that had been relatively closed off for decades.

Hamidaddin said the kingdom was still targeting 100 million annual visits by 2030, up from about 40 million a year before the pandemic.

It was also still targeting for tourism to account for 10% of GDP, up from 3%, by 2030, he said.

Saudi Arabia plans to soon reopen to foreign tourists, a senior tourism official said on Monday after the kingdom announced the lifting of quarantine restrictions for certain foreign arrivals.

Saudi Arabia plans to soon reopen to foreign tourists, a senior tourism official said on Monday after the kingdom announced the lifting of quarantine restrictions for certain foreign arrivals. The kingdom announced late on Sunday that non-citizens arriving from certain countries and who were fully vaccinated against or recently recovered from COVID-19 would no longer be required to quarantine in designated government hotels. Also read: 'It's a great feeling': Saudis flock to Bahrain as curbs ease on travel abroad after over a year Those new measures, however, only apply to residents, government and business travellers or those visiting friends and family but not foreign tourists, according to the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). Also read: Saudi Arabia decries Israel's 'flagrant violations' of Palestinian rights STA Chief Executive Fahd Hamidaddin told Reuters the kingdom would reopen to foreign tourists this year with an announcement expected to be made 'very soon.' Hamidaddin declined to say exactly when. Saudi Arabia liberalised its tourism industry in 2019, making it easier for foreigners to apply for tourist visas to the kingdom that had been relatively closed off for decades. Hamidaddin said the kingdom was still targeting 100 million annual visits by 2030, up from about 40 million a year before the pandemic. It was also still targeting for tourism to account for 10% of GDP, up from 3%, by 2030, he said.

Saudi Arabia to reopen to foreign tourists soon, official says

Health authorities in California have said that the most populous US state will not 'implement the CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to go without a mask in most situations'&nbsp;before June 15. 
 
Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that it was safe for fully vaccinated people to skip face coverings and social distancing in most situations, following which many states have lifted their mask mandates, reports Xinhua news agency.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="UK eases coronavirus restrictions further; reopens pubs, cafes">UK eases coronavirus restrictions further; reopens pubs, cafes</a> 
 
However, California Health &amp; Human Services Agency Secretary Mark Ghaly on Monday stressed that the 'Golden State'&nbsp;would keep the existing guidance until June 15, meaning 'in indoor settings, face coverings continue to be required regardless of vaccination status.'

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business ">Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business&nbsp;</a> 
 
California's rules permit people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus not to wear a mask outdoors unless they are attending crowded gatherings, but require persons to wear masks indoors unless they are meeting with other inoculated people. 
 
"There's certain areas where masking will and should continue. We'll be watching that list closely with the CDC, but for now we don't have any additions beyond what we've seen with the CDC's guidelines," Ghaly said. 
 
California's decision came amid confusing and seemingly contradictory messages from President Joe Biden, the CDC, Governors, state officials and local officials, who have been under pressure to ease mask restrictions. 
 
Since some supermarket chains including Trader Joe's, Costco and Walmart have dropped the mask requirement for fully vaccinated customers, Ghaly said on Monday these businesses need to align with the current state rules. 
 
One of the worst hit states in the US, California has so far reported 3,665,904 confirmed coronavirus cases and 61,510 deaths. 
 
The state has vaccinated 34,536,581 residents in total.

Health authorities in California have said that the most populous US state will not 'implement the CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to go without a mask in most situations' before June 15.

Health authorities in California have said that the most populous US state will not 'implement the CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to go without a mask in most situations' before June 15. Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that it was safe for fully vaccinated people to skip face coverings and social distancing in most situations, following which many states have lifted their mask mandates, reports Xinhua news agency. Also read- UK eases coronavirus restrictions further; reopens pubs, cafes However, California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Mark Ghaly on Monday stressed that the 'Golden State' would keep the existing guidance until June 15, meaning 'in indoor settings, face coverings continue to be required regardless of vaccination status.' Also read- Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business California's rules permit people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus not to wear a mask outdoors unless they are attending crowded gatherings, but require persons to wear masks indoors unless they are meeting with other inoculated people. "There's certain areas where masking will and should continue. We'll be watching that list closely with the CDC, but for now we don't have any additions beyond what we've seen with the CDC's guidelines," Ghaly said. California's decision came amid confusing and seemingly contradictory messages from President Joe Biden, the CDC, Governors, state officials and local officials, who have been under pressure to ease mask restrictions. Since some supermarket chains including Trader Joe's, Costco and Walmart have dropped the mask requirement for fully vaccinated customers, Ghaly said on Monday these businesses need to align with the current state rules. One of the worst hit states in the US, California has so far reported 3,665,904 confirmed coronavirus cases and 61,510 deaths. The state has vaccinated 34,536,581 residents in total.

California won't implement CDC mask guidance

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), along with 80-odd community bodies, launched its Oxygen for India marathon fundraiser to collect $2 million to send oxygen equipment to India, even as Ontario announced to send 2,000 more ventilators to the Covid-battered country. 
 
Almost $500,000 was raised during the very first session of the marathon fundraiser on Sunday.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators">Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators</a> 
 
It will be held for three hours every Sunday for four weeks. 
 
Surprisingly, the biggest contribution of $50,000 came from Canada's native or indigenous Metis people.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: More ventilators, oxygen cylinders arrive in India from Europe">COVID-19: More ventilators, oxygen cylinders arrive in India from Europe</a> 
 
"We have similarities with Indians even though we are from different parts of the world. India will be there for us when we need, and we should be there for them now. We will donate $50,000 to the ICCC and do more if needed," announced David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation. 
 
ICCC president Vijay Thomas said their initiative aims at garnering donations not only from the 1.6 million Indo-Canadian community, but also businesses and cities across Canada. 
 
"The money will be used to send oxygen concentrators and generators and we will find new pathways to send oxygen to India. We want to ensure that oxygen reaches tier 2 and 3 cities and towns before they get severely hit by the virus," Thomas said. 
 
Top political leaders, including the Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Mayors, business owners and medical professionals took part in the marathon fundraiser. 
 
Ford announced that 2,000 additional ventilators are being sent to India, in addition to 3,000 already delivered. 
 
"The whole plane-load of Air Canada is filled from front to back and arriving (in India) by Tuesday with all sorts of supplies. The people of India have been there for us and we will be there for them," the Ontario Premier said, referring to India's delivery of one million vaccine doses to Canada earlier this year. 
 
Markham city's Frank Scarpitti, who has been to India many times and is very well respected in the Indo-Canadian community, announced to donate $10,000 to the initiative by the ICCC. 
 
The mayors of Brampton and Mississauga, the outlying cities which are home to the biggest concentration of the Indo-Canadian community in Canada, urged their residents to donate liberally to the initiative.

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), along with 80-odd community bodies, launched its Oxygen for India marathon fundraiser to collect $2 million to send oxygen equipment to India, even as Ontario announced to send 2,000 more ventilators to the Covid-battered country.

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), along with 80-odd community bodies, launched its Oxygen for India marathon fundraiser to collect $2 million to send oxygen equipment to India, even as Ontario announced to send 2,000 more ventilators to the Covid-battered country. Almost $500,000 was raised during the very first session of the marathon fundraiser on Sunday. Also read- Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators It will be held for three hours every Sunday for four weeks. Surprisingly, the biggest contribution of $50,000 came from Canada's native or indigenous Metis people. Also read- COVID-19: More ventilators, oxygen cylinders arrive in India from Europe "We have similarities with Indians even though we are from different parts of the world. India will be there for us when we need, and we should be there for them now. We will donate $50,000 to the ICCC and do more if needed," announced David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation. ICCC president Vijay Thomas said their initiative aims at garnering donations not only from the 1.6 million Indo-Canadian community, but also businesses and cities across Canada. "The money will be used to send oxygen concentrators and generators and we will find new pathways to send oxygen to India. We want to ensure that oxygen reaches tier 2 and 3 cities and towns before they get severely hit by the virus," Thomas said. Top political leaders, including the Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Mayors, business owners and medical professionals took part in the marathon fundraiser. Ford announced that 2,000 additional ventilators are being sent to India, in addition to 3,000 already delivered. "The whole plane-load of Air Canada is filled from front to back and arriving (in India) by Tuesday with all sorts of supplies. The people of India have been there for us and we will be there for them," the Ontario Premier said, referring to India's delivery of one million vaccine doses to Canada earlier this year. Markham city's Frank Scarpitti, who has been to India many times and is very well respected in the Indo-Canadian community, announced to donate $10,000 to the initiative by the ICCC. The mayors of Brampton and Mississauga, the outlying cities which are home to the biggest concentration of the Indo-Canadian community in Canada, urged their residents to donate liberally to the initiative.

'Oxygen for India' marathon fundraiser to collect $2mn launched in Canada

There was excitement but no crowds early on Monday morning at Riyadh's international airport as Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on citizens travelling out of the Gulf state without prior permission from authorities.

Saudi nationals who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot a minimum two weeks prior to travel, those who have recovered from the coronavirus disease within the last six months, and those under 18 will be allowed to travel for the first time since March 2020.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble">Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble</a>

"It's a great feeling, thank God, we are happy, especially after the difficult period we and the entire world have suffered," said Bandar Al Nawash, a passenger waiting in the departure lounge of King Khalid International Airport.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban">Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban</a>

Fellow national Faisal Al Tamimi said he had expected large crowds at the airport, but there were only a few travellers early on Monday after the suspension was lifted at 1 a.m. local time.

"I think people are worried about the coronavirus variants such as the one in India, and new developments in some countries," Al Tamimi said.

There are 13 countries Saudi nationals are still banned from visiting without prior permission, whether through direct or indirect flights due to COVID-19 risks.

Saudi Arabia, with a population of some 30 million, reported 825 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, taking total caseload to 433,094, including 7,162 deaths.

Authorities said on Sunday more than 11.5 million vaccines had been administered in the Gulf Arab state so far.

"Thank God ... today we can travel whether for tourism or for business. God willing this pandemic will be over and everyone will be able to travel," said Jaber Al Mahadi, another traveller at the airport on Monday morning.

There was excitement but no crowds early on Monday morning at Riyadh's international airport as Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on citizens travelling out of the Gulf state without prior permission from authorities.

There was excitement but no crowds early on Monday morning at Riyadh's international airport as Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on citizens travelling out of the Gulf state without prior permission from authorities. Saudi nationals who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot a minimum two weeks prior to travel, those who have recovered from the coronavirus disease within the last six months, and those under 18 will be allowed to travel for the first time since March 2020. Also read: Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble "It's a great feeling, thank God, we are happy, especially after the difficult period we and the entire world have suffered," said Bandar Al Nawash, a passenger waiting in the departure lounge of King Khalid International Airport. Also read: Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban Fellow national Faisal Al Tamimi said he had expected large crowds at the airport, but there were only a few travellers early on Monday after the suspension was lifted at 1 a.m. local time. "I think people are worried about the coronavirus variants such as the one in India, and new developments in some countries," Al Tamimi said. There are 13 countries Saudi nationals are still banned from visiting without prior permission, whether through direct or indirect flights due to COVID-19 risks. Saudi Arabia, with a population of some 30 million, reported 825 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, taking total caseload to 433,094, including 7,162 deaths. Authorities said on Sunday more than 11.5 million vaccines had been administered in the Gulf Arab state so far. "Thank God ... today we can travel whether for tourism or for business. God willing this pandemic will be over and everyone will be able to travel," said Jaber Al Mahadi, another traveller at the airport on Monday morning.

'It's a great feeling': Saudis flock to Bahrain as curbs ease on travel abroad after over a year

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east&nbsp;Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of&nbsp;school&nbsp;for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach.

"Look at my phone. How do you expect my son to&nbsp;study&nbsp;on it?" asked his father Abdel Nasser, sitting cross-legged inside the family's tent in the Bekaa Valley.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools">China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools</a>

"The screen is cracked... and I have no internet."

Eleven-year-old Mohammad and his siblings are among tens of thousands of Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian children who have been left for months without schooling due to coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge due to Covid">US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge&nbsp;due to Covid</a>

An accelerating economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;means they may never return to&nbsp;school&nbsp;in what rights groups are calling an 'education catastrophe', especially affecting refugees who already struggled to access learning before the pandemic.

"We can't afford to buy a cellphone for everyone. We must first be able to feed our children," said their mother Shamaa.

Mohammad arrived in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;from Syria in 2012 -- a year into an ongoing conflict that has killed 388,000 people and displaced millions.

But he wasn't enrolled in&nbsp;school&nbsp;until 2019 because&nbsp;Lebanon's public&nbsp;school&nbsp;system didn't open its doors to Syrian refugees until 2013, and even then only to a limited number.&nbsp;

Mohammad's first&nbsp;school&nbsp;year coincided with the Covid pandemic, which brought all classes to a halt by the second term.&nbsp;

"He doesn't even know how to multiply one by one," his father said.

Mohammad's older sisters Hind, Sarah and Amal, aged 12 to 14, had already been in&nbsp;school&nbsp;for four years when the education ministry in March 2020 said it was shifting to online learning.&nbsp;

"I was happy before," 14-year-old Amal said, sobbing. "I was studying Arabic, English, science and geography.

"But now my parents can't afford to give me an online education."

More than 1.2 million children in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;have been out of&nbsp;school&nbsp;since the country's coronavirus outbreak began last year, the UK-based charity Save the Children says.

It warned last month that a large number of children may never get back into a classroom, either because they have already missed so much&nbsp;school&nbsp;or because their families can't afford to enrol them.

"Education for thousands of children in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;is hanging by a thread," it said.

Lebanon's economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;is at its worst since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the local population now living in poverty.

Poverty rates are even higher among Syrians, with 90 per cent of families barely able to survive.&nbsp;

Lisa Abou Khaled of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says this is impacting education.

"Some Syrian children have had to give up their studies to work and help their families," she told AFP.

Citing data from&nbsp;Lebanon's education ministry, she said 25,000 Syrian students should have re-enrolled or entered grade one in 2020-2021 but did not.&nbsp;

"We think the real number is higher than that," she added, estimating that more than half of Syrian&nbsp;school-aged children were currently out of the classroom.&nbsp;

The education catastrophe is also real for the tens of thousands of Lebanese who have lost jobs or seen their income slashed since the economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;accelerated in 2019.&nbsp;

Inside a cramped apartment in the eastern Beirut suburb of Burj Hammoud, 11-year-old Pamela points to a keyboard -- the only thing that remains from a desktop computer destroyed during last summer's huge Beirut port explosion.

The August 4 blast, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed swaths of the capital, hit Pamela's home and piled new misery on a family already brought to its knees by the financial downturn.&nbsp;

The family couldn't afford to buy a replacement as it had become far too expensive due to the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese pound.&nbsp;

"So I started to follow lessons on my cellphone," Pamela said.&nbsp;

As she has impaired vision, a small screen was already a nuisance.

But then power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day also left her struggling to keep her phone alive and connected to the internet.

She decided to drop out.

"I was disgusted with online education, I couldn't take it anymore," she said.

Her father, an out-of-work taxi driver, said he had wanted Pamela to drop out months ago.

"I don't give a damn about education or this country," he said.&nbsp;

But Pamela hasn't entirely abandoned hopes of returning to&nbsp;school.

"I&nbsp;want&nbsp;to&nbsp;study&nbsp;so that I can get a decent job later and be able to help my parents."

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of school for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach.

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of school for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach. "Look at my phone. How do you expect my son to study on it?" asked his father Abdel Nasser, sitting cross-legged inside the family's tent in the Bekaa Valley. Also read- China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools "The screen is cracked... and I have no internet." Eleven-year-old Mohammad and his siblings are among tens of thousands of Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian children who have been left for months without schooling due to coronavirus restrictions. Also read: US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge due to Covid An accelerating economic crisis means they may never return to school in what rights groups are calling an 'education catastrophe', especially affecting refugees who already struggled to access learning before the pandemic. "We can't afford to buy a cellphone for everyone. We must first be able to feed our children," said their mother Shamaa. Mohammad arrived in Lebanon from Syria in 2012 -- a year into an ongoing conflict that has killed 388,000 people and displaced millions. But he wasn't enrolled in school until 2019 because Lebanon's public school system didn't open its doors to Syrian refugees until 2013, and even then only to a limited number. Mohammad's first school year coincided with the Covid pandemic, which brought all classes to a halt by the second term. "He doesn't even know how to multiply one by one," his father said. Mohammad's older sisters Hind, Sarah and Amal, aged 12 to 14, had already been in school for four years when the education ministry in March 2020 said it was shifting to online learning. "I was happy before," 14-year-old Amal said, sobbing. "I was studying Arabic, English, science and geography. "But now my parents can't afford to give me an online education." More than 1.2 million children in Lebanon have been out of school since the country's coronavirus outbreak began last year, the UK-based charity Save the Children says. It warned last month that a large number of children may never get back into a classroom, either because they have already missed so much school or because their families can't afford to enrol them. "Education for thousands of children in Lebanon is hanging by a thread," it said. Lebanon's economic crisis is at its worst since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the local population now living in poverty. Poverty rates are even higher among Syrians, with 90 per cent of families barely able to survive. Lisa Abou Khaled of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says this is impacting education. "Some Syrian children have had to give up their studies to work and help their families," she told AFP. Citing data from Lebanon's education ministry, she said 25,000 Syrian students should have re-enrolled or entered grade one in 2020-2021 but did not. "We think the real number is higher than that," she added, estimating that more than half of Syrian school-aged children were currently out of the classroom. The education catastrophe is also real for the tens of thousands of Lebanese who have lost jobs or seen their income slashed since the economic crisis accelerated in 2019. Inside a cramped apartment in the eastern Beirut suburb of Burj Hammoud, 11-year-old Pamela points to a keyboard -- the only thing that remains from a desktop computer destroyed during last summer's huge Beirut port explosion. The August 4 blast, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed swaths of the capital, hit Pamela's home and piled new misery on a family already brought to its knees by the financial downturn. The family couldn't afford to buy a replacement as it had become far too expensive due to the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese pound. "So I started to follow lessons on my cellphone," Pamela said. As she has impaired vision, a small screen was already a nuisance. But then power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day also left her struggling to keep her phone alive and connected to the internet. She decided to drop out. "I was disgusted with online education, I couldn't take it anymore," she said. Her father, an out-of-work taxi driver, said he had wanted Pamela to drop out months ago. "I don't give a damn about education or this country," he said. But Pamela hasn't entirely abandoned hopes of returning to school. "I want to study so that I can get a decent job later and be able to help my parents."

'I want to study': Lebanon crisis cancels school for many

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal.&nbsp;

Spot gold was up 0.6% at $1,853.50 per ounce by 0519 GMT, hitting its highest since February 10. US gold futures jumped 0.9% to $1,854.10.&nbsp;

"Treasury yields are falling and on the other hand, there seems to be fears about virus resurgence in Singapore, Taiwan and broader Asian-Pacific markets... driving up demand for safety," said Margaret Yang, a strategist at DailyFX.&nbsp;

Benchmark US 10-year Treasury yields slipped to their lowest in nearly a week, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing gold. &nbsp;

Singapore will shut most schools from Wednesday after the city-state reported the highest number of local COVID-19 infections in months, while Taiwan imposed new curbs on gatherings and movement.&nbsp;

In India, the world's second-worst pandemic-hit country after the United States, the tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday.&nbsp;

Investors now await minutes of the US Federal Reserve's last meeting due on Wednesday for more cues on the central bank's monetary policy and any comments on rising inflation.&nbsp;

"Inflation is going to be a strong driver behind gold in the short- and medium-term. There are always concerns about Fed tapering, but the latest non-farm payroll report is helping to contain that fear," Yang said.&nbsp;

Gold is seen as a hedge against rising inflation.&nbsp;

Spot gold may rise to $1,876 per ounce, as it has broken a resistance at $1,847, according to technical analyst Wang Tao.&nbsp;

Elsewhere, silver was up 0.9% at $27.65 per ounce, after hitting a one-week high earlier in the day. Platinum gained 0.2% to $1,228 and palladium edged 0.4% higher to $2,904.72. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal.

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal. Spot gold was up 0.6% at $1,853.50 per ounce by 0519 GMT, hitting its highest since February 10. US gold futures jumped 0.9% to $1,854.10. "Treasury yields are falling and on the other hand, there seems to be fears about virus resurgence in Singapore, Taiwan and broader Asian-Pacific markets... driving up demand for safety," said Margaret Yang, a strategist at DailyFX. Benchmark US 10-year Treasury yields slipped to their lowest in nearly a week, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing gold. Singapore will shut most schools from Wednesday after the city-state reported the highest number of local COVID-19 infections in months, while Taiwan imposed new curbs on gatherings and movement. In India, the world's second-worst pandemic-hit country after the United States, the tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday. Investors now await minutes of the US Federal Reserve's last meeting due on Wednesday for more cues on the central bank's monetary policy and any comments on rising inflation. "Inflation is going to be a strong driver behind gold in the short- and medium-term. There are always concerns about Fed tapering, but the latest non-farm payroll report is helping to contain that fear," Yang said. Gold is seen as a hedge against rising inflation. Spot gold may rise to $1,876 per ounce, as it has broken a resistance at $1,847, according to technical analyst Wang Tao. Elsewhere, silver was up 0.9% at $27.65 per ounce, after hitting a one-week high earlier in the day. Platinum gained 0.2% to $1,228 and palladium edged 0.4% higher to $2,904.72. (With inputs from agencies)

Gold hits over three-month high on virus worries, lower US yields 

Australia&nbsp;carried&nbsp;out&nbsp;its&nbsp;first&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;flight&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;after&nbsp;temporarily&nbsp;banning all&nbsp;travel&nbsp;from&nbsp;the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday&nbsp;from&nbsp;New Delhi.

Passengers had to show two negative COVID-19 tests before boarding the government-backed Qantas&nbsp;flight&nbsp;and were taken upon arrival to a converted mining camp in Howard Springs in the Northern Territory for a two-week quarantine.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded">COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded</a>

The&nbsp;Australian government came under fire for temporarily barring all&nbsp;travel&nbsp;to and&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;last month, a policy that drew heavy criticism&nbsp;from&nbsp;lawmakers, expatriates and the&nbsp;Indian diaspora.

A total of 70 passengers were barred&nbsp;from&nbsp;boarding the&nbsp;flight&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;after&nbsp;they or their close contacts tested positive for the coronavirus.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky">Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky</a>

"We are following the medical advice and ensuring that we protect&nbsp;Australians here and I'm pleased that that&nbsp;first&nbsp;flight&nbsp;has arrived, and obviously there will be more&nbsp;flights to come," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a televised briefing.

"It's important to do the testing that we are doing right now, before people come on those planes to&nbsp;Australia. That's the process we are following, and we will continue to follow."

Two more Royal&nbsp;Australian Air Force&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;flights to the Northern Territory are scheduled this month, with about&nbsp;1,000 people planned to return by the end of June. About&nbsp;9,000&nbsp;Australians in&nbsp;India&nbsp;have registered with the federal government, requesting to return home.

The government aims to more than double the capacity of the quarantine facility in Howard Springs, 25 km (16 miles) southeast of the city of Darwin, so that it can cope with the arrival of 2,000 people every two weeks&nbsp;from&nbsp;June.

India&nbsp;has reported more than 300,000 infections a day over the past three weeks, overwhelming its health care system and leaving many without&nbsp;hospital beds, oxygen and adequate treatment.

By contrast,&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;has been one of the world's most successful countries in curbing the pandemic, with snap lockdowns, border closures and swift contact-tracing. It has reported just under 29,950 coronavirus infections and 910 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started.

Australia carried out its first repatriation flight from India after temporarily banning all travel from the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday from New Delhi.

Australia carried out its first repatriation flight from India after temporarily banning all travel from the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday from New Delhi. Passengers had to show two negative COVID-19 tests before boarding the government-backed Qantas flight and were taken upon arrival to a converted mining camp in Howard Springs in the Northern Territory for a two-week quarantine. Also read- COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded The Australian government came under fire for temporarily barring all travel to and from India last month, a policy that drew heavy criticism from lawmakers, expatriates and the Indian diaspora. A total of 70 passengers were barred from boarding the flight on Friday after they or their close contacts tested positive for the coronavirus. Also read- Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky "We are following the medical advice and ensuring that we protect Australians here and I'm pleased that that first flight has arrived, and obviously there will be more flights to come," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a televised briefing. "It's important to do the testing that we are doing right now, before people come on those planes to Australia. That's the process we are following, and we will continue to follow." Two more Royal Australian Air Force repatriation flights to the Northern Territory are scheduled this month, with about 1,000 people planned to return by the end of June. About 9,000 Australians in India have registered with the federal government, requesting to return home. The government aims to more than double the capacity of the quarantine facility in Howard Springs, 25 km (16 miles) southeast of the city of Darwin, so that it can cope with the arrival of 2,000 people every two weeks from June. India has reported more than 300,000 infections a day over the past three weeks, overwhelming its health care system and leaving many without hospital beds, oxygen and adequate treatment. By contrast, Australia has been one of the world's most successful countries in curbing the pandemic, with snap lockdowns, border closures and swift contact-tracing. It has reported just under 29,950 coronavirus infections and 910 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started.

Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban

Pakistan on Sunday started easing coronavirus restrictions on transportation and commercial activities, which were suspended for a week to curb the spread of the virus during Eid holidays.

The easing of restrictions came even as the country's coronavirus positivity rose to 7.83 per cent on Sunday, a day after falling to more than two months low to about 5 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani ">Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani&nbsp;</a>

All businesses and public transport were suspended from May 10-16 to stop mass movement during the Eid al-Fitr holidays to curb the spread of the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar">Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar</a>

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decided to resume public transport from Sunday.

The restriction on transport was eased to help people come back from far off places to join their offices and other duties from Monday when businesses would also open.

The lockdown worked well to contain the spread and pull down the curve as only 1,531 new cases were reported on Saturday, registering a positivity rate of 5.8 per cent which was the lowest since March 8.

But the cases rose to 2,379 in the last 24 hours, taking the national COVID-19 tally to 877,130.

The death toll rose to 19,543, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

The government also started the registration of people aged 30 years and above for vaccination.

Pakistan on Sunday started easing coronavirus restrictions on transportation and commercial activities, which were suspended for a week to curb the spread of the virus during Eid holidays.

Pakistan on Sunday started easing coronavirus restrictions on transportation and commercial activities, which were suspended for a week to curb the spread of the virus during Eid holidays. The easing of restrictions came even as the country's coronavirus positivity rose to 7.83 per cent on Sunday, a day after falling to more than two months low to about 5 per cent. Also read: Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani All businesses and public transport were suspended from May 10-16 to stop mass movement during the Eid al-Fitr holidays to curb the spread of the virus. Also read: Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decided to resume public transport from Sunday. The restriction on transport was eased to help people come back from far off places to join their offices and other duties from Monday when businesses would also open. The lockdown worked well to contain the spread and pull down the curve as only 1,531 new cases were reported on Saturday, registering a positivity rate of 5.8 per cent which was the lowest since March 8. But the cases rose to 2,379 in the last 24 hours, taking the national COVID-19 tally to 877,130. The death toll rose to 19,543, according to the Ministry of National Health Services. The government also started the registration of people aged 30 years and above for vaccination.

Pakistan eases Covid restrictions on transportation and commercial activities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday discussed the COVID-19 situation with the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry over a phone call.

Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh are among the ten states that cumulatively account for 74.69 per cent of India's total active cases, said the Union Health Ministry.

Also read: <a href="Delhi extends lockdown by another week">Delhi extends lockdown by another week</a>

Rajasthan has 2,08,698 active cases of COVID-19, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 1,77,643 and Chhattisgarh at 1,10,401 cases.

As per the ministry, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are among the ten states that reported 74.7 per cent of the new cases in the last 24 hours.

Also read:<a href="India adds 311,170 daily coronavirus infections to nearly 24.7 million">&nbsp;India adds 311,170 daily coronavirus infections to nearly 24.7 million</a>

While Rajasthan reported 13,575 new cases in the last 24 hours, Uttar Pradesh recorded 12,513 new cases.

These two states are also among the ten states that account for 75.55 per cent of the new COVID deaths in the last 24 hours, said the ministry.

Uttar Pradesh reported 281 deaths while Rajasthan recorded 149 casualties in the last 24 hours, informed the ministry.

Meanwhile, India reported 3,11,170 new COVID-19 cases and 3,62,437 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Sunday.

The cumulative caseload stands at 2,46,84,077, including 2,07,95,335 recoveries and 36,18,458 active cases. The death toll, meanwhile, stands at 2,70,284.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday discussed the COVID-19 situation with the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry over a phone call.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday discussed the COVID-19 situation with the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry over a phone call. Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh are among the ten states that cumulatively account for 74.69 per cent of India's total active cases, said the Union Health Ministry. Also read: Delhi extends lockdown by another week Rajasthan has 2,08,698 active cases of COVID-19, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 1,77,643 and Chhattisgarh at 1,10,401 cases. As per the ministry, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are among the ten states that reported 74.7 per cent of the new cases in the last 24 hours. Also read: India adds 311,170 daily coronavirus infections to nearly 24.7 million While Rajasthan reported 13,575 new cases in the last 24 hours, Uttar Pradesh recorded 12,513 new cases. These two states are also among the ten states that account for 75.55 per cent of the new COVID deaths in the last 24 hours, said the ministry. Uttar Pradesh reported 281 deaths while Rajasthan recorded 149 casualties in the last 24 hours, informed the ministry. Meanwhile, India reported 3,11,170 new COVID-19 cases and 3,62,437 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Sunday. The cumulative caseload stands at 2,46,84,077, including 2,07,95,335 recoveries and 36,18,458 active cases. The death toll, meanwhile, stands at 2,70,284.

PM Modi reviews COVID-19 situation with CMs of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, UP, Puducherry

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines.

Health officials planned to roll out mandatory inoculations for the 370,000 domestic workers in the city, mostly poorly paid women from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report">Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report</a>

Those wanting to apply for work visas -- or renew their current ones -- would need to show they had received two doses.

But on Tuesday city leader Carrie Lam announced a U-turn.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it">China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it</a>

" The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts,"&nbsp;she said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin had previously warned the initial proposal "smacked of discrimination".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16">Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16</a>

Hong Kong health officials announced the mandatory vaccination plan after two domestic workers were found to be infected with one of the more virulent strains of the coronavirus.

They said domestic workers were 'high risk'&nbsp;because they often work with the elderly and meet in parks on Sundays -- usually their one day off a week.

Labour groups representing domestic workers said they felt they were being singled out, noting that the families they worked for -- as well as locals working in environments such as care homes -- were not required to get vaccinated.

They also pointed out that wealthier foreign migrants such as the city's white-collar financial workers were not forced to get vaccines when outbreaks of the coronavirus were traced to their well-heeled districts.

Thanks to strict quarantine measures and economically painful social distancing rules, Hong Kong has kept infections to just under 12,000 cases and 210 deaths.

It has secured ample vaccine doses but the public take-up has been very low.

So far just 16 percent of the city's 7.5 million people have received one or more doses, a long way from the 60-70 percent considered necessary for herd immunity.

Regular polling shows Hong Kongers have some of the lowest support ratings for inoculation in the world.

Some of Hong Kong's BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines will pass their shelf-life in September and officials fret they may be in the unenviable position of throwing away good doses.

The vaccination drive has been hampered by the government's public trust deficit.

After huge democracy protests exploded in 2019, Hong Kong's unpopular unelected leaders -- with the backing of Beijing -- have overseen a sweeping crackdown in dissent in the city.

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines.

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines. Health officials planned to roll out mandatory inoculations for the 370,000 domestic workers in the city, mostly poorly paid women from the Philippines and Indonesia. Also read | Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report Those wanting to apply for work visas -- or renew their current ones -- would need to show they had received two doses. But on Tuesday city leader Carrie Lam announced a U-turn. Also read | China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it " The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts," she said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia. Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin had previously warned the initial proposal "smacked of discrimination". Also read | Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16 Hong Kong health officials announced the mandatory vaccination plan after two domestic workers were found to be infected with one of the more virulent strains of the coronavirus. They said domestic workers were 'high risk' because they often work with the elderly and meet in parks on Sundays -- usually their one day off a week. Labour groups representing domestic workers said they felt they were being singled out, noting that the families they worked for -- as well as locals working in environments such as care homes -- were not required to get vaccinated. They also pointed out that wealthier foreign migrants such as the city's white-collar financial workers were not forced to get vaccines when outbreaks of the coronavirus were traced to their well-heeled districts. Thanks to strict quarantine measures and economically painful social distancing rules, Hong Kong has kept infections to just under 12,000 cases and 210 deaths. It has secured ample vaccine doses but the public take-up has been very low. So far just 16 percent of the city's 7.5 million people have received one or more doses, a long way from the 60-70 percent considered necessary for herd immunity. Regular polling shows Hong Kongers have some of the lowest support ratings for inoculation in the world. Some of Hong Kong's BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines will pass their shelf-life in September and officials fret they may be in the unenviable position of throwing away good doses. The vaccination drive has been hampered by the government's public trust deficit. After huge democracy protests exploded in 2019, Hong Kong's unpopular unelected leaders -- with the backing of Beijing -- have overseen a sweeping crackdown in dissent in the city.

Hong Kong scraps mandatory vaccines for foreign domestic workers

Spain has lifted a state of emergency in place since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months.

"It's like New Year's," said 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with shouts, applause and music.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders">Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders</a>

"We're getting a bit of normality back, of freedom, but we have to keep in mind that the virus is still around," he added.

"I was fed up with not being able to get out of Madrid," jewellery designer Blaca Valls told AFP on Saturday, echoing the relief of many in the country over the easing of restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Spain to enforce quarantine on travellers from India">Spain to enforce quarantine on travellers from India</a>

"I felt frustrated, locked down, with no freedom," added the 46-year-old who plans to go to Galicia, in northwest Spain, next weekend to celebrate a birthday.

Argentina Enriquez, a 37-year-old Mexican student, said she was impatiently waiting to head to the countryside to enjoy barbecues with friends, play the guitar and go for walks.

"Just being together... a lot of emotions," she said.

Although the emergency measure, which expired at midnight (2200 GMT Saturday) will lead to more freedoms, it is a headache for the country's 17 regional governments responsible for health care.

The state of emergency provided them with a legal framework to impose measures -- such as nighttime curfews or a ban on non-essential travel between regions -- that limited freedoms.

Except for a few days over Christmas when the restrictions were lifted, people have not been able to travel to other regions, go on holiday, or see family.

Discouraged by the surge in infections after Christmas, the authorities did not loosen internal travel restrictions during Easter week, normally a peak travel period in Spain.

But what really angered Spaniards was the fact that foreign tourists were able to pour into the country on holiday while they were banned from travelling to the beach or visiting loved ones.

While intra-regional travel bans have ended and curfews have been lifted, not all of the restrictions are being relaxed in Spain, one of Europe's hardest-hit nations with nearly 79,000 deaths and 3.5 million infections.

Regions can still restrict opening hours and impose capacity limits in bars and restaurants.

They can also seek court approval for stricter measures such as reimposing curfews, capping the number allowed at home gatherings or extending a ban on internal travel.

But the courts have offered different rulings, leading to a patchwork of measures across the country.

A court in the eastern Valencia region approved a midnight-to-6:00 am curfew, while the top court in the northern Basque Country said the area could not keep its nighttime curfew.

To avoid this scenario, several regions have lobbied Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government to extend the emergency.

But his administration has refused, saying the measures could not remain in place indefinitely, pointing out that the infection rate was stable and that Spain's vaccination programme was progressing rapidly.

Even so, it passed a decree allowing regions the right to appeal to the Supreme Court if a local court strikes down a proposed measure.&nbsp;

At the head of a minority government, Sanchez had faced an uphill struggle to cobble together enough support to approve an extension of the state of emergency.

State-owned rail operator&nbsp;Renfe says ticket sales for next week are up 13 percent over the last seven days.

But after more than a year of restrictions, and with the weather turning hot and sunny, the authorities have warned people against letting down their guard.&nbsp;

Spaniards must be careful "not to get the wrong impression about what ending the state of emergency means... it doesn't mean an end to the restrictions," the health ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said on Thursday.

Everyone must continue to behave responsibly, he insisted.

"Nothing can be ruled out in terms of the evolution of the pandemic."

Spain has lifted a state of emergency in place since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months. "It's like New Year's," said 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with shouts, applause and music.

Spain has lifted a state of emergency in place since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months. "It's like New Year's," said 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with shouts, applause and music. Also read | Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders "We're getting a bit of normality back, of freedom, but we have to keep in mind that the virus is still around," he added. "I was fed up with not being able to get out of Madrid," jewellery designer Blaca Valls told AFP on Saturday, echoing the relief of many in the country over the easing of restrictions. Also read | Spain to enforce quarantine on travellers from India "I felt frustrated, locked down, with no freedom," added the 46-year-old who plans to go to Galicia, in northwest Spain, next weekend to celebrate a birthday. Argentina Enriquez, a 37-year-old Mexican student, said she was impatiently waiting to head to the countryside to enjoy barbecues with friends, play the guitar and go for walks. "Just being together... a lot of emotions," she said. Although the emergency measure, which expired at midnight (2200 GMT Saturday) will lead to more freedoms, it is a headache for the country's 17 regional governments responsible for health care. The state of emergency provided them with a legal framework to impose measures -- such as nighttime curfews or a ban on non-essential travel between regions -- that limited freedoms. Except for a few days over Christmas when the restrictions were lifted, people have not been able to travel to other regions, go on holiday, or see family. Discouraged by the surge in infections after Christmas, the authorities did not loosen internal travel restrictions during Easter week, normally a peak travel period in Spain. But what really angered Spaniards was the fact that foreign tourists were able to pour into the country on holiday while they were banned from travelling to the beach or visiting loved ones. While intra-regional travel bans have ended and curfews have been lifted, not all of the restrictions are being relaxed in Spain, one of Europe's hardest-hit nations with nearly 79,000 deaths and 3.5 million infections. Regions can still restrict opening hours and impose capacity limits in bars and restaurants. They can also seek court approval for stricter measures such as reimposing curfews, capping the number allowed at home gatherings or extending a ban on internal travel. But the courts have offered different rulings, leading to a patchwork of measures across the country. A court in the eastern Valencia region approved a midnight-to-6:00 am curfew, while the top court in the northern Basque Country said the area could not keep its nighttime curfew. To avoid this scenario, several regions have lobbied Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government to extend the emergency. But his administration has refused, saying the measures could not remain in place indefinitely, pointing out that the infection rate was stable and that Spain's vaccination programme was progressing rapidly. Even so, it passed a decree allowing regions the right to appeal to the Supreme Court if a local court strikes down a proposed measure. At the head of a minority government, Sanchez had faced an uphill struggle to cobble together enough support to approve an extension of the state of emergency. State-owned rail operator Renfe says ticket sales for next week are up 13 percent over the last seven days. But after more than a year of restrictions, and with the weather turning hot and sunny, the authorities have warned people against letting down their guard. Spaniards must be careful "not to get the wrong impression about what ending the state of emergency means... it doesn't mean an end to the restrictions," the health ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said on Thursday. Everyone must continue to behave responsibly, he insisted. "Nothing can be ruled out in terms of the evolution of the pandemic."

COVID 19 : Spain ends Covid state of emergency

Describing the surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India as "nothing short of heartbreaking", Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday that the country's welfare is critically important to the United States.

Pledging that the Biden administration is determined to help India in its hour of need, Harris said that the entire government machinery has been galvanised to help the country in this hour of crisis.

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 4,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India ">US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India&nbsp;</a>

"At the beginning of the pandemic, when our hospital beds were stretched, India sent assistance. And today, we are determined to help India in its hour of need", Harris said in her remarks at the State Department's Diaspora outreach event on US COVID Relief for India.

"We do this as friends of India, as members of the Asian Quad, and as part of the global community. I believe that if we continue to work together across nations and sectors we will all get through this",&nbsp;Harris said.

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $100 million assistance to India to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In about a week's time, as many as six plane loads of COVID-19 assistance have landed in India.

The entire administration has been galvanized to help India in this hour of crisis. The White House and the State Department is coordinating with the corporate sector, which has mounted an unprecedented private sector relief for any country ever.

Indian-Americans have been raising millions of dollars and have been sending life-saving health care equipment and medicines to India.

Sewa International USA has raised more than USD 10 million, American Association of Physicians of Indian-Origin or AAPI have raised $3.5 million and Indiaspora more than $2 million, to name some of them.

In her remarks, Harris recognised the contribution of Indian-Americans on the issue.

"For years, diaspora groups like Indiaspora and the American India Foundation have built bridges between the United States and India. And this past year, you have provided vital contributions to COVID-19 relief efforts. Thank you for your work," said the vice president.

"As many of you know, generations of my family come from India. My mother was born and raised in India. And I have family members who live in India today. The welfare of India is critically important to the United States,&nbsp;Harris said.

"The surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India is nothing short of heartbreaking. To those of you who have lost loved ones, I send my deepest condolences. As soon as the dire nature of the situation became apparent, our Administration took action", she said, referring to the steps that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to help India in this hour of crisis.

On April 26, President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer America's support.

By April 30, US military members and civilians were delivering relief on the ground, she said, referring to the whole-of-government approach that the administration has taken to help India.&nbsp;

Describing the surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India as "nothing short of heartbreaking", Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday that the country's welfare is critically important to the United States.

Describing the surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India as "nothing short of heartbreaking", Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday that the country's welfare is critically important to the United States. Pledging that the Biden administration is determined to help India in its hour of need, Harris said that the entire government machinery has been galvanised to help the country in this hour of crisis. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 4,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. Also read | US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India "At the beginning of the pandemic, when our hospital beds were stretched, India sent assistance. And today, we are determined to help India in its hour of need", Harris said in her remarks at the State Department's Diaspora outreach event on US COVID Relief for India. "We do this as friends of India, as members of the Asian Quad, and as part of the global community. I believe that if we continue to work together across nations and sectors we will all get through this", Harris said. The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $100 million assistance to India to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In about a week's time, as many as six plane loads of COVID-19 assistance have landed in India. The entire administration has been galvanized to help India in this hour of crisis. The White House and the State Department is coordinating with the corporate sector, which has mounted an unprecedented private sector relief for any country ever. Indian-Americans have been raising millions of dollars and have been sending life-saving health care equipment and medicines to India. Sewa International USA has raised more than USD 10 million, American Association of Physicians of Indian-Origin or AAPI have raised $3.5 million and Indiaspora more than $2 million, to name some of them. In her remarks, Harris recognised the contribution of Indian-Americans on the issue. "For years, diaspora groups like Indiaspora and the American India Foundation have built bridges between the United States and India. And this past year, you have provided vital contributions to COVID-19 relief efforts. Thank you for your work," said the vice president. "As many of you know, generations of my family come from India. My mother was born and raised in India. And I have family members who live in India today. The welfare of India is critically important to the United States, Harris said. "The surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India is nothing short of heartbreaking. To those of you who have lost loved ones, I send my deepest condolences. As soon as the dire nature of the situation became apparent, our Administration took action", she said, referring to the steps that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to help India in this hour of crisis. On April 26, President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer America's support. By April 30, US military members and civilians were delivering relief on the ground, she said, referring to the whole-of-government approach that the administration has taken to help India.

COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris

Mexican authorities announced Friday a further easing of pandemic&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;measures in the&nbsp;capital&nbsp;and the resumption of earthquake simulation&nbsp;drills, reflecting a decline in new coronavirus cases and deaths.

Mexico City&nbsp;will move next week to yellow status, the second lowest of four under the country's traffic-light system, Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum announced.

The move will&nbsp;ease&nbsp;restrictions on capacity or opening hours for businesses including shops, cinemas, casinos, amusement parks and banks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Relatives of Mexico metro crash victims demand justice">Relatives of Mexico metro crash victims demand justice</a>

The government also announced nationwide plans to restart earthquake and other disaster&nbsp;drills&nbsp;that were suspended last year because of the pandemic.

The exercises, held regularly before the health crisis, aim to prepare the country for the inevitable next major tremor to strike one of the most seismically active regions on Earth.

In&nbsp;Mexico City&nbsp;and other areas of seismic risk, the May 19&nbsp;drills&nbsp;will simulate an earthquake with a magnitude greater than seven, while elsewhere authorities will pick a different type of disaster.

Alarms will ring out in the&nbsp;capital, whose warning system using seismic monitors aims to give residents up to two minutes' warning of earthquakes with epicenters along the Pacific Coast.

Mexico's official Covid-19 death toll of around 218,000 is one of the highest in the world, and the actual figure is believed to be significantly worse.

But in contrast to many parts of the world, new cases and fatalities have declined since a surge in January that the authorities blamed on social gatherings around the New Year.

Hospitalizations for Covid-19 have declined for 16 consecutive weeks, according to the health ministry.

In&nbsp;Mexico City, hospital occupancy has fallen to 16.5 per cent, from a peak of 90 per cent.

The country of 126 million has administered 20.5 million coronavirus vaccine doses, including more than 600,000 on Wednesday -- the most yet in a single day.

Mexican authorities announced Friday a further easing of pandemic lockdown measures in the capital and the resumption of earthquake simulation drills, reflecting a decline in new coronavirus cases and deaths.

Mexican authorities announced Friday a further easing of pandemic lockdown measures in the capital and the resumption of earthquake simulation drills, reflecting a decline in new coronavirus cases and deaths. Mexico City will move next week to yellow status, the second lowest of four under the country's traffic-light system, Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum announced. The move will ease restrictions on capacity or opening hours for businesses including shops, cinemas, casinos, amusement parks and banks. Also read | Relatives of Mexico metro crash victims demand justice The government also announced nationwide plans to restart earthquake and other disaster drills that were suspended last year because of the pandemic. The exercises, held regularly before the health crisis, aim to prepare the country for the inevitable next major tremor to strike one of the most seismically active regions on Earth. In Mexico City and other areas of seismic risk, the May 19 drills will simulate an earthquake with a magnitude greater than seven, while elsewhere authorities will pick a different type of disaster. Alarms will ring out in the capital, whose warning system using seismic monitors aims to give residents up to two minutes' warning of earthquakes with epicenters along the Pacific Coast. Mexico's official Covid-19 death toll of around 218,000 is one of the highest in the world, and the actual figure is believed to be significantly worse. But in contrast to many parts of the world, new cases and fatalities have declined since a surge in January that the authorities blamed on social gatherings around the New Year. Hospitalizations for Covid-19 have declined for 16 consecutive weeks, according to the health ministry. In Mexico City, hospital occupancy has fallen to 16.5 per cent, from a peak of 90 per cent. The country of 126 million has administered 20.5 million coronavirus vaccine doses, including more than 600,000 on Wednesday -- the most yet in a single day.

Mexico to ease capital lockdown, resume quake drills

Pakistan&nbsp;on Saturday began a nine-day&nbsp;shutdown&nbsp;affecting travel and tourist hotspots in a bid to prevent a surge in Covid-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;during the Muslim&nbsp;holiday&nbsp;of&nbsp;Eid&nbsp;al-Fitr.

Already battling a third wave of infections and increasingly nervous about the crisis across the border in India, the government has imposed the most severe restrictions since a one-month lockdown in April last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave">Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave</a>

"These measures have been necessitated by the extremely dangerous situation which has been created in the region with the spread of virulent mutations of the&nbsp;virus," tweeted planning&nbsp;minister Asad Umar, who has been leading the government response to the outbreak.

Eid, which comes at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, usually sees the mass movement of people around the country and tourist spots crowded with Pakistanis.

Last year the country saw a spike in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;in the weeks after the celebrations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan to receive 45 million doses of 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines">Pakistan to receive 45 million doses of 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines</a>

Businesses, hotels and restaurants as well as markets and parks will be closed, while public transport between provinces and within cities has been halted.

The military has been mobilised to monitor the restrictions.

Mosques, however, which have been packed each night throughout Ramadan -- with few people wearing masks -- will remain open. Authorities fear curbs on places of worship could ignite confrontation in the deeply conservative Islamic republic.

Impoverished&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;has recorded more than 850,000 infections and 18,600 deaths, but with limited testing and a ramshackle healthcare sector, many fear the true extent of the disease is much worse.

Health officials have warned that hospitals are operating at close to capacity and they have rushed to increase the number of intensive care beds.

International flights have been slashed and border crossings with Iran and Afghanistan closed, except for trade.

Flights and land crossings with neighbouring India -- reeling from a devastating outbreak with hundreds of thousands of new&nbsp;cases&nbsp;a day -- were closed before the pandemic because of political tensions.

Pakistan, which has so far vaccinated only a fraction of its population, received its first batch of 1.2 million AstraZeneca doses Saturday under the delayed Covax global vaccine sharing scheme.

Pakistan on Saturday began a nine-day shutdown affecting travel and tourist hotspots in a bid to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

Pakistan on Saturday began a nine-day shutdown affecting travel and tourist hotspots in a bid to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Already battling a third wave of infections and increasingly nervous about the crisis across the border in India, the government has imposed the most severe restrictions since a one-month lockdown in April last year. Also read | Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave "These measures have been necessitated by the extremely dangerous situation which has been created in the region with the spread of virulent mutations of the virus," tweeted planning minister Asad Umar, who has been leading the government response to the outbreak. Eid, which comes at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, usually sees the mass movement of people around the country and tourist spots crowded with Pakistanis. Last year the country saw a spike in cases in the weeks after the celebrations. Also read | Pakistan to receive 45 million doses of 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines Businesses, hotels and restaurants as well as markets and parks will be closed, while public transport between provinces and within cities has been halted. The military has been mobilised to monitor the restrictions. Mosques, however, which have been packed each night throughout Ramadan -- with few people wearing masks -- will remain open. Authorities fear curbs on places of worship could ignite confrontation in the deeply conservative Islamic republic. Impoverished Pakistan has recorded more than 850,000 infections and 18,600 deaths, but with limited testing and a ramshackle healthcare sector, many fear the true extent of the disease is much worse. Health officials have warned that hospitals are operating at close to capacity and they have rushed to increase the number of intensive care beds. International flights have been slashed and border crossings with Iran and Afghanistan closed, except for trade. Flights and land crossings with neighbouring India -- reeling from a devastating outbreak with hundreds of thousands of new cases a day -- were closed before the pandemic because of political tensions. Pakistan, which has so far vaccinated only a fraction of its population, received its first batch of 1.2 million AstraZeneca doses Saturday under the delayed Covax global vaccine sharing scheme.

Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar

More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount&nbsp;Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain.

Nepal's tourism industry suffered a devastating blow last year when the pandemic prompted a complete shutdown of its summits, costing millions in lost revenue.

This year authorities have eased quarantine rules in an effort to lure back foreign adventurers and have issued&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;permits to more than 400 people, a new record.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak">COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak</a>

An&nbsp;Everest&nbsp;permit alone costs $11,000 and climbers pay upward of $40,000 for an expedition.

But the warmer weather that ushers in safer conditions for scaling Nepal's dangerous, snow-capped peaks has coincided with a deadly second wave of&nbsp;Covid-19 infections, with active cases in the country rising six-fold in the last two weeks.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive">Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive</a>

Norwegian climber Erlend Ness spent two nights sleeping in his tent at base camp last month, unsure of what was making him ill.

"I was evacuated to Kathmandu and was tested. My result was positive for&nbsp;Covid," he told AFP, becoming the first climber with an&nbsp;Everest&nbsp;permit to confirm his infection.

"I think I'm not the only one... Every team at the base camp knows the risk of&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;is there and they have to be careful, they should be careful," he said.

Fellow climber Gina Marie Han-Lee decided to abandon her expedition last week over fears the disease was spreading around base camp.&nbsp;

"I have taken a helicopter out of EBC (Everest&nbsp;base camp) back to Kathmandu after 1 day. The&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;situation at EBC is a total shitstorm. I had no clue what I was flying into," the US citizen wrote on her Facebook page on April 29.

"It was a heartbreaking decision but I'm putting my health first.&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;at a high altitude does not sound like something I want to play with."&nbsp;

Officials at a health clinic catering to the climbers say more than 30 people have been flown off the camp in recent weeks.

At least two have tested positive after returning to the capital Kathmandu.&nbsp;

But the government has yet to confirm a single&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;case on&nbsp;Everest.

"Some evacuated may have tested positive in Kathmandu. They did not test at the base camp, so we cannot be sure where they got infected," said Nepal's tourism department chief Rudra Singh Tamang.

Health professionals at the camp say they do not have the capacity to test for the disease.

"We have permission to only work as a clinic so we don't have tests here. We have made requests but nothing has happened yet," a doctor there said.

More than a thousand people are typically camped at the bustling tent city at the foot of&nbsp;Everest, including foreign climbers and the teams of Nepali guides that escort them to the peak.

But the usual reverie and loud communal parties are absent this year after expedition groups were asked to keep to themselves and avoid socialising with others.&nbsp;

Customary religious ceremonies held before an ascent to pray for a safe expedition have also been turned into quiet and private affairs.&nbsp;

"We are taking all precautions possible to make sure that there are no infections," said Tashi Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, the largest&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;agency at&nbsp;Everest.

"We are not visiting other tents, and even groups within the camps are not mixing."

More than 400 people in Nepal have died over the last two weeks after contracting&nbsp;Covid.

The country's health system has been overwhelmed by the sudden spike, with hospitals filling fast and relatives of patients scrambling for medicine and intensive care beds.

Climbers on peaks elsewhere in the country have also run into problems.&nbsp;

An expedition on Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world, is in limbo after at least three members tested positive for&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;this week.&nbsp;

Nine are being evacuated and others are being tested, the head of their expedition said.

Breathing is already difficult at high altitudes so any coronavirus outbreak among&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;groups could pose severe health risks.

Evacuating ill climbers from the remote peaks poses a major logistical challenge.

"We are very scared, there are many rumours and we don't know what is really going on," said Harshvardhan Joshi, an Indian climber hoping to summit&nbsp;Everest.&nbsp;

"What if someone shows symptoms after reaching a higher camp?"

More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain.

More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain. Nepal's tourism industry suffered a devastating blow last year when the pandemic prompted a complete shutdown of its summits, costing millions in lost revenue. This year authorities have eased quarantine rules in an effort to lure back foreign adventurers and have issued climbing permits to more than 400 people, a new record. Also read- COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak An Everest permit alone costs $11,000 and climbers pay upward of $40,000 for an expedition. But the warmer weather that ushers in safer conditions for scaling Nepal's dangerous, snow-capped peaks has coincided with a deadly second wave of Covid-19 infections, with active cases in the country rising six-fold in the last two weeks. Also read- Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive Norwegian climber Erlend Ness spent two nights sleeping in his tent at base camp last month, unsure of what was making him ill. "I was evacuated to Kathmandu and was tested. My result was positive for Covid," he told AFP, becoming the first climber with an Everest permit to confirm his infection. "I think I'm not the only one... Every team at the base camp knows the risk of Covid is there and they have to be careful, they should be careful," he said. Fellow climber Gina Marie Han-Lee decided to abandon her expedition last week over fears the disease was spreading around base camp. "I have taken a helicopter out of EBC (Everest base camp) back to Kathmandu after 1 day. The Covid situation at EBC is a total shitstorm. I had no clue what I was flying into," the US citizen wrote on her Facebook page on April 29. "It was a heartbreaking decision but I'm putting my health first. Covid at a high altitude does not sound like something I want to play with." Officials at a health clinic catering to the climbers say more than 30 people have been flown off the camp in recent weeks. At least two have tested positive after returning to the capital Kathmandu. But the government has yet to confirm a single Covid case on Everest. "Some evacuated may have tested positive in Kathmandu. They did not test at the base camp, so we cannot be sure where they got infected," said Nepal's tourism department chief Rudra Singh Tamang. Health professionals at the camp say they do not have the capacity to test for the disease. "We have permission to only work as a clinic so we don't have tests here. We have made requests but nothing has happened yet," a doctor there said. More than a thousand people are typically camped at the bustling tent city at the foot of Everest, including foreign climbers and the teams of Nepali guides that escort them to the peak. But the usual reverie and loud communal parties are absent this year after expedition groups were asked to keep to themselves and avoid socialising with others. Customary religious ceremonies held before an ascent to pray for a safe expedition have also been turned into quiet and private affairs. "We are taking all precautions possible to make sure that there are no infections," said Tashi Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, the largest climbing agency at Everest. "We are not visiting other tents, and even groups within the camps are not mixing." More than 400 people in Nepal have died over the last two weeks after contracting Covid. The country's health system has been overwhelmed by the sudden spike, with hospitals filling fast and relatives of patients scrambling for medicine and intensive care beds. Climbers on peaks elsewhere in the country have also run into problems. An expedition on Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world, is in limbo after at least three members tested positive for Covid this week. Nine are being evacuated and others are being tested, the head of their expedition said. Breathing is already difficult at high altitudes so any coronavirus outbreak among climbing groups could pose severe health risks. Evacuating ill climbers from the remote peaks poses a major logistical challenge. "We are very scared, there are many rumours and we don't know what is really going on," said Harshvardhan Joshi, an Indian climber hoping to summit Everest. "What if someone shows symptoms after reaching a higher camp?"

Covid threatens Everest climbing comeback plans as infections rise

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