Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;across&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;for prayers.

Anxious over the virus's deadly rampage through neighbouring India, officials have steadily tightened restrictions and banned travel during the upcoming Eid holiday, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review">Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review</a>

But they have turned a blind eye to religious gatherings, fearing a crackdown could ignite widespread confrontation in the deeply conservative Islamic republic.

"There is so much concern about backlash from religious groups," said Saeedullah Shah, a doctor with the&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;Islamic Medical Association&nbsp;Covid-19 task force.&nbsp;

"It's a very weak government," he told AFP. "Everything is half-hearted."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="London woman shot dead in Pakistan after refusing to marry local">London woman shot dead in Pakistan after refusing to marry local</a>

Pakistan&nbsp;has recorded more than 840,000 cases and 18,500 deaths, but with limited testing and a ramshackle health sector, many fear the true extent of the disease is much worse.&nbsp;

Covid&nbsp;wards in several cities have been&nbsp;full&nbsp;or close to capacity for weeks as a more contagious variant of the virus has pushed cases to record numbers.

But even as the government pleads with the public to follow "standard operating procedures", as the virus guidelines are popularly known nationally,&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;are almost another country.

Maulana Muhammad Iqbal Rizvi -- who oversees the historic Markazi Jamia mosque in the garrison city of Rawalpindi -- said the faithful had little to fear, and dismissed comparisons to India.&nbsp;

"Our prayers are different," he said, and insisted restrictions were enforced -- at least under his watch.

"They are non-believers and we are Muslims. Repenting to Allah is our faith; they don't repent, that's the reason," he told AFP.

That sentiment permeates all levels of society, with Prime Minister Imran Khan saying Thursday: "In India, people are dying on streets... Allah has been kind to us compared to the rest of the world."

Still, he urged caution, adding: "Next two weeks are very important for us, we have to bring corona cases down."

Earlier this week Shiite Muslims gathered across the country to mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali, one of Prophet Muhammad's companions.

At a rally in the capital, initial caution gave way to emotion as masks were removed and participants dressed in black chanted songs and beat their chests in tight crowds.

Thousands also gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, with the most demonstratively pious flagellating themselves and whipping their backs raw.&nbsp;

"We are ready to sacrifice our lives, children and families," Haji Shahzad Jaffry told AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The disease has been around for the last year, but those who have been against our gathering and mourning have been doing it for the past 1,400 years."

Health experts in India say religious gatherings there have been a major contributor to what has become one of the world's worst outbreaks.

But that has not spurred changes in policy or behaviour in&nbsp;Pakistan.

Ashfaq Ahmed, who recently returned to&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;from Britain, said he was shocked when he saw crowds pressed into&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;and paying little concern to basic precautions such as social distancing.&nbsp;

"It seems people here are in complete denial," Ahmed told AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite&nbsp;the evidence, Pakistani officials insist guidelines are being followed.

"If there is one place where&nbsp;Covid-19 guidelines are being followed that is at the&nbsp;mosques," said Imran Siddiqui, a spokesman for the ministry of religious affairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I can take you to a market and then to a close-by mosque and you can see it yourself that people at&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;are better at complying with safety measures."

Still, according to a poll published by Gallup&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;this week, 64 percent of people believe coronavirus is not as dangerous as it is made out to be.

Despite&nbsp;the warnings — and mounting death toll —&nbsp;the faithful continue to flock to prayer.&nbsp;

"God is kind to us," said Sohail Arshad at the Markazi Jamia Mosque in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"If he has sent the disease he is the one who will cure us."

Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to mosques across Pakistan for prayers.

Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to mosques across Pakistan for prayers. Anxious over the virus's deadly rampage through neighbouring India, officials have steadily tightened restrictions and banned travel during the upcoming Eid holiday, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Also read | Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review But they have turned a blind eye to religious gatherings, fearing a crackdown could ignite widespread confrontation in the deeply conservative Islamic republic. "There is so much concern about backlash from religious groups," said Saeedullah Shah, a doctor with the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association Covid-19 task force. "It's a very weak government," he told AFP. "Everything is half-hearted." Also read | London woman shot dead in Pakistan after refusing to marry local Pakistan has recorded more than 840,000 cases and 18,500 deaths, but with limited testing and a ramshackle health sector, many fear the true extent of the disease is much worse. Covid wards in several cities have been full or close to capacity for weeks as a more contagious variant of the virus has pushed cases to record numbers. But even as the government pleads with the public to follow "standard operating procedures", as the virus guidelines are popularly known nationally, mosques are almost another country. Maulana Muhammad Iqbal Rizvi -- who oversees the historic Markazi Jamia mosque in the garrison city of Rawalpindi -- said the faithful had little to fear, and dismissed comparisons to India. "Our prayers are different," he said, and insisted restrictions were enforced -- at least under his watch. "They are non-believers and we are Muslims. Repenting to Allah is our faith; they don't repent, that's the reason," he told AFP. That sentiment permeates all levels of society, with Prime Minister Imran Khan saying Thursday: "In India, people are dying on streets... Allah has been kind to us compared to the rest of the world." Still, he urged caution, adding: "Next two weeks are very important for us, we have to bring corona cases down." Earlier this week Shiite Muslims gathered across the country to mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali, one of Prophet Muhammad's companions. At a rally in the capital, initial caution gave way to emotion as masks were removed and participants dressed in black chanted songs and beat their chests in tight crowds. Thousands also gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, with the most demonstratively pious flagellating themselves and whipping their backs raw. "We are ready to sacrifice our lives, children and families," Haji Shahzad Jaffry told AFP. "The disease has been around for the last year, but those who have been against our gathering and mourning have been doing it for the past 1,400 years." Health experts in India say religious gatherings there have been a major contributor to what has become one of the world's worst outbreaks. But that has not spurred changes in policy or behaviour in Pakistan. Ashfaq Ahmed, who recently returned to Pakistan from Britain, said he was shocked when he saw crowds pressed into mosques and paying little concern to basic precautions such as social distancing. "It seems people here are in complete denial," Ahmed told AFP. Despite the evidence, Pakistani officials insist guidelines are being followed. "If there is one place where Covid-19 guidelines are being followed that is at the mosques," said Imran Siddiqui, a spokesman for the ministry of religious affairs. "I can take you to a market and then to a close-by mosque and you can see it yourself that people at mosques are better at complying with safety measures." Still, according to a poll published by Gallup Pakistan this week, 64 percent of people believe coronavirus is not as dangerous as it is made out to be. Despite the warnings — and mounting death toll — the faithful continue to flock to prayer. "God is kind to us," said Sohail Arshad at the Markazi Jamia Mosque in Rawalpindi. "If he has sent the disease he is the one who will cure us."

Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday said a lockdown to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases could be inevitable if people do not cooperate.

"People are not following the Janata Curfew properly. They are not abiding by our warnings. Hence, lockdown could be inevitable," he told reporters near Annamma Devi Temple here ahead of a crucial meeting later Friday in view of the alarming rise in coronavirus cases.

According to him, the government will finalise in a day or two about the stringent measures required to control Covid.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083">India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083</a>

"If people wish that stringent measures should not be taken, then people should cooperate by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing," the Chief Minister said.

Otherwise, strong measures will become necessary, he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: 14 days of lockdown in Karnataka starting April 27 night">COVID-19: 14 days of lockdown in Karnataka starting April 27 night</a>

Regarding the oxygen crisis, Yediyurappa said he has been trying to resolve the issue honestly.

To a question on Covid patients and their relatives coming to the CM's house and Vidhana Soudha seeking a hospital bed, he said this was improper and people should stop it.

"I won't say it is wrong to voice their woes. I understand their sufferings and I am trying to resolve their problems because we are pro-people," the Chief Minister said.

He said people should avoid coming to CM House or Vidhana Soudha as the officials would get in touch with them.

The Chief Minister hailed Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya for exposing the hospital bed scam in which the beds reserved for Covid&nbsp;patients in private hospitals were blocked by a few people and allotted for a bribe.

"Tejasvi Surya had obtained the list (of scamsters) after much effort and brought the irregularities in allotment of bed to the Covid&nbsp;patients to the notice of the government," Yediyurappa said.

He, however, took a dig at Congress MLA and former minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan for speaking ill of Tejasvi Surya.

Yediyurappa was referring to the expose`by the young MP and BJP Yuva Morcha president Tejasvi Surya who claimed that 4,065 hospital beds were blocked and allotted for a bribe in the city.

During the live expose, Surya read out the names of 17 Muslims, who were deployed at the Covid war room, seeking their credentials.

The Basavanagudi BJP MLA Ravi Subramanya, who accompanied Surya, asked the officials whether they have converted the Covid War Room into a Madrassa.

Taking strong exception to framing only Muslims, Khan said in a video message in social media as to why Surya did not see anyone else other than Muslims.

"There were 205 employees of Crystal Company, who were deployed in the Covid&nbsp;War Room on contract basis but you singled out only 16 Muslims. How fair is this It shows how venomous you are, Tejasvi Surya," Khan said.

Khan even claimed that only one person, Mohammed Zaid was assigned with the task of bed allotment while others were given different jobs.

The Covid cases in Karnataka have increased at an alarming proportion.

The state is reporting about 50,000 cases daily and has about 5.5 lakh active cases.

The daily fatalities too were exceeding 300.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday said a lockdown to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases could be inevitable if people do not cooperate. "People are not following the Janata Curfew properly.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday said a lockdown to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases could be inevitable if people do not cooperate. "People are not following the Janata Curfew properly. They are not abiding by our warnings. Hence, lockdown could be inevitable," he told reporters near Annamma Devi Temple here ahead of a crucial meeting later Friday in view of the alarming rise in coronavirus cases. According to him, the government will finalise in a day or two about the stringent measures required to control Covid. Also read: India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083 "If people wish that stringent measures should not be taken, then people should cooperate by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing," the Chief Minister said. Otherwise, strong measures will become necessary, he added. Also read: COVID-19: 14 days of lockdown in Karnataka starting April 27 night Regarding the oxygen crisis, Yediyurappa said he has been trying to resolve the issue honestly. To a question on Covid patients and their relatives coming to the CM's house and Vidhana Soudha seeking a hospital bed, he said this was improper and people should stop it. "I won't say it is wrong to voice their woes. I understand their sufferings and I am trying to resolve their problems because we are pro-people," the Chief Minister said. He said people should avoid coming to CM House or Vidhana Soudha as the officials would get in touch with them. The Chief Minister hailed Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya for exposing the hospital bed scam in which the beds reserved for Covid patients in private hospitals were blocked by a few people and allotted for a bribe. "Tejasvi Surya had obtained the list (of scamsters) after much effort and brought the irregularities in allotment of bed to the Covid patients to the notice of the government," Yediyurappa said. He, however, took a dig at Congress MLA and former minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan for speaking ill of Tejasvi Surya. Yediyurappa was referring to the expose`by the young MP and BJP Yuva Morcha president Tejasvi Surya who claimed that 4,065 hospital beds were blocked and allotted for a bribe in the city. During the live expose, Surya read out the names of 17 Muslims, who were deployed at the Covid war room, seeking their credentials. The Basavanagudi BJP MLA Ravi Subramanya, who accompanied Surya, asked the officials whether they have converted the Covid War Room into a Madrassa. Taking strong exception to framing only Muslims, Khan said in a video message in social media as to why Surya did not see anyone else other than Muslims. "There were 205 employees of Crystal Company, who were deployed in the Covid War Room on contract basis but you singled out only 16 Muslims. How fair is this It shows how venomous you are, Tejasvi Surya," Khan said. Khan even claimed that only one person, Mohammed Zaid was assigned with the task of bed allotment while others were given different jobs. The Covid cases in Karnataka have increased at an alarming proportion. The state is reporting about 50,000 cases daily and has about 5.5 lakh active cases. The daily fatalities too were exceeding 300.

Covid in India: Karnataka chief minister says lockdown inevitable if people do not cooperate with curbs

The CoWIN system is introducing a new feature of four-digit security code from May 8 to minimise data entry errors about vaccination status that would subsequently reduce inconvenience caused to citizens, the health ministry said.

It has been noticed in some instances that citizens who had booked their appointment for COVID-19 vaccination through the CoWIN portal but did not actually go for vaccination on the scheduled date have received SMS notification that a vaccine dose has been administered to them, it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="13.2 million Indians register for third phase of vaccinations but unable to book slots">13.2 million Indians register for third phase of vaccinations but unable to book slots</a>

Upon examination, it has been found to occur largely on account of the vaccinator wrongly marking the citizen as vaccinated, an instance of data entry error by the vaccinator, it stated.

"In order to minimize such errors and the subsequent inconvenience caused to the citizens, the CoWIN system is introducing a new feature of four-digit security code in the CoWIN application from May 8.

"Now, after verification, if the beneficiary is been found eligible, before administering the vaccine dose, the verifier/vaccinator will ask the beneficiary about his four-digit code and then enter the same in the CoWIN system to correctly record the vaccination status," the ministry said in its statement.

This new feature will be applicable only for citizens who have done an online booking for a vaccination slot. 
The four-digit security code will be printed in the appointment acknowledgement slip and will not be known to the vaccinator. The code will also be present in the confirmation SMS sent to beneficiary after successful booking of an appointment.

The appointment acknowledgement slip can also be saved and shown from the mobile.

This will ensure that for those citizens who have booked an online appointment, the data entries regarding vaccination status of a citizen are recorded correctly, the ministry said in a statement.

This will also reduce the opportunities of impersonation and wrongful use of flexibilities provided in CoWIN for facilitating vaccination coverage.

The ministry advised the citizens must carry a digital or physical copy of their appointment slip and the registered mobile phone with appointment confirmation SMS, so that the security code can be furnished for easy completion of vaccination recording process.

Citizens must provide the security code to the vaccinator as the digital certificate will be generated only after the vaccination record has been updated with the security code. Citizen should get a confirmation SMS after the process has been successfully completed.

The confirmation SMS indicates that the vaccination process has been completed successfully and the digital certificate has been generated. If one does not get the confirmation SMS, one should get in touch with the vaccinator or the vaccination centre in-charge, the ministry said.

The CoWIN system is introducing a new feature of four-digit security code from May 8 to minimise data entry errors about vaccination status that would subsequently reduce inconvenience caused to citizens, the health ministry said.

The CoWIN system is introducing a new feature of four-digit security code from May 8 to minimise data entry errors about vaccination status that would subsequently reduce inconvenience caused to citizens, the health ministry said. It has been noticed in some instances that citizens who had booked their appointment for COVID-19 vaccination through the CoWIN portal but did not actually go for vaccination on the scheduled date have received SMS notification that a vaccine dose has been administered to them, it said. Also read: 13.2 million Indians register for third phase of vaccinations but unable to book slots Upon examination, it has been found to occur largely on account of the vaccinator wrongly marking the citizen as vaccinated, an instance of data entry error by the vaccinator, it stated. "In order to minimize such errors and the subsequent inconvenience caused to the citizens, the CoWIN system is introducing a new feature of four-digit security code in the CoWIN application from May 8. "Now, after verification, if the beneficiary is been found eligible, before administering the vaccine dose, the verifier/vaccinator will ask the beneficiary about his four-digit code and then enter the same in the CoWIN system to correctly record the vaccination status," the ministry said in its statement. This new feature will be applicable only for citizens who have done an online booking for a vaccination slot. The four-digit security code will be printed in the appointment acknowledgement slip and will not be known to the vaccinator. The code will also be present in the confirmation SMS sent to beneficiary after successful booking of an appointment. The appointment acknowledgement slip can also be saved and shown from the mobile. This will ensure that for those citizens who have booked an online appointment, the data entries regarding vaccination status of a citizen are recorded correctly, the ministry said in a statement. This will also reduce the opportunities of impersonation and wrongful use of flexibilities provided in CoWIN for facilitating vaccination coverage. The ministry advised the citizens must carry a digital or physical copy of their appointment slip and the registered mobile phone with appointment confirmation SMS, so that the security code can be furnished for easy completion of vaccination recording process. Citizens must provide the security code to the vaccinator as the digital certificate will be generated only after the vaccination record has been updated with the security code. Citizen should get a confirmation SMS after the process has been successfully completed. The confirmation SMS indicates that the vaccination process has been completed successfully and the digital certificate has been generated. If one does not get the confirmation SMS, one should get in touch with the vaccinator or the vaccination centre in-charge, the ministry said.

Covid in India: 4-digit security code in CoWIN from May 8 to minimise data entry error about vaccination status

The&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic has caused nearly 6.9 million&nbsp;deaths across the world,&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;double&nbsp;the number&nbsp;officially recorded, a new analysis from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimated.

Deaths go unreported as most countries only record those that occur in hospitals or of patients with a confirmed infection, the report showed.

The&nbsp;IHME&nbsp;is an independent health research organization that provides comparable measurement of the world's health problems and has been cited in the past by the White House and its reports are watched closely by public health&nbsp;officials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="India to see over 1 million deaths by the start of August: US study projects">India to see over 1 million deaths by the start of August: US study projects</a>

The reported&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;mortality is strongly related to the levels of testing in a country, the&nbsp;IHME&nbsp;said.

"If you don't test very much, you're most likely to miss&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;deaths," Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, said in a briefing call with journalists.

IHME&nbsp;estimated total&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;deaths by comparing anticipated&nbsp;deaths from all causes based on pre-pandemic trends with the actual number of all&nbsp;deaths caused during the pandemic.

In the United States, the analysis estimated&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;related&nbsp;deaths of&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;905,000.&nbsp;Official&nbsp;figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday estimated 575,491&nbsp;deaths due to the novel coronavirus.

The CDC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report.

The report only includes&nbsp;deaths caused directly by the virus, not&nbsp;deaths caused by the pandemic's disruption to healthcare systems and communities.

"Many countries have devoted exceptional effort to measuring the pandemic's&nbsp;toll, but our analysis shows how difficult it is to accurately track a new and rapidly spreading infectious disease," Murray said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused nearly 6.9 million deaths across the world, more than double the number officially recorded, a new analysis from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimated.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused nearly 6.9 million deaths across the world, more than double the number officially recorded, a new analysis from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimated. Deaths go unreported as most countries only record those that occur in hospitals or of patients with a confirmed infection, the report showed. The IHME is an independent health research organization that provides comparable measurement of the world's health problems and has been cited in the past by the White House and its reports are watched closely by public health officials. Also read: India to see over 1 million deaths by the start of August: US study projects The reported COVID-19 mortality is strongly related to the levels of testing in a country, the IHME said. "If you don't test very much, you're most likely to miss COVID deaths," Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, said in a briefing call with journalists. IHME estimated total COVID-19 deaths by comparing anticipated deaths from all causes based on pre-pandemic trends with the actual number of all deaths caused during the pandemic. In the United States, the analysis estimated COVID-19 related deaths of more than 905,000. Official figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday estimated 575,491 deaths due to the novel coronavirus. The CDC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report. The report only includes deaths caused directly by the virus, not deaths caused by the pandemic's disruption to healthcare systems and communities. "Many countries have devoted exceptional effort to measuring the pandemic's toll, but our analysis shows how difficult it is to accurately track a new and rapidly spreading infectious disease," Murray said.

Global COVID-19 death toll more than double official estimates - IHME

Hong Kong authorities are planning to reduce the compulsory quarantine period for fully vaccinated people from Friday, as per local reports. However, the length of new quarantine period&nbsp;is still unknown.

The move comes after lawmaker Ann Chiang questioned why residents were quarantined even after receiving two jabs.

Currently, Hong Kong residents are supposed to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period if they&nbsp;came close to positive patients, and two weeks for those travelling from low-risk countries. There is a strict rule for other foreign travellers to go through a 21-day hotel quarantine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Hong Kong authorities are planning to reduce the compulsory quarantine period for fully vaccinated people from Friday, the SCMP reported. However, the newspaper did not reveal the length of new quarantine periods. The move comes after lawmaker Ann Chiang questioned why residents were quarantined even after receiving two jabs. Currently, Hong Kong residents are supposed to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period who came close to positive patients and two weeks for those travelling from low-risk countries. There is a strict rule for travellers to go for a 21-day hotel quarantine. This policy shift came after health experts pressurised the government to ease the restrictions and urged the government to review its policy of quarantining everybody in the places of new variant discovery. Also read: China detects 18 cases of double mutant COVID-19 variant first found in India Some experts think that if the trend continues in Hong Kong, the Beijing-backed state will have to face serious repercussions because of the low rate of inoculation. Meanwhile, some sources reveal the plan to shorten the quarantine period is not beneficial to all. It is restricted only to those who have received both the doses of vaccine at least 14 days prior to this announcement. Along with reducing the quarantine period, the government is also planning to reopen bars and restaurants for its fully vaccinated population seeking inspiration from Singapore. In an online petition with more than 5,500 signatures this week, some residents of Royalton I and Caribbean Coast urged the government to reduce their quarantine period and allow them to quarantine in their homes. They wrote, &quot; The decision of importing 1,027 residents to quarantine camps and hotels is not sound as it posses a threat to health and well-being of everyone.&quot; They believe this move had impacted their health and finances drastically.">China detects 18 cases of double mutant COVID-19 variant first found in India</a>

The move for the new policy shift came after health experts pressurised the government to ease the restrictions and urged the government to review its policy of quarantining everybody in the places of new variant discovery.

Some experts think that if the trend continues in Hong Kong, it will have to face serious repercussions because of the low rate of inoculation.

Meanwhile, some sources said the plan to shorten the quarantine period is not beneficial to all. It is restricted only to those who have received both the doses of vaccine at least 14 days prior to this announcement.

Along with reducing the quarantine period, the government is also planning to reopen bars and restaurants for its fully vaccinated population, seeking inspiration from Singapore.

In an online petition with more than 5,500 signatures this week, some residents of Royalton I and Caribbean Coast urged the government to reduce their quarantine period and allow them to quarantine in their homes. "The decision of importing 1,027 residents to quarantine camps and hotels is not sound as it posses a threat to health and well-being of everyone," they wrote.

They believe this move had impacted their health and finances drastically.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong authorities are planning to reduce the compulsory quarantine period for fully vaccinated people from Friday, as per local reports. However, the length of new quarantine period is still unknown.

Hong Kong authorities are planning to reduce the compulsory quarantine period for fully vaccinated people from Friday, as per local reports. However, the length of new quarantine period is still unknown. The move comes after lawmaker Ann Chiang questioned why residents were quarantined even after receiving two jabs. Currently, Hong Kong residents are supposed to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period if they came close to positive patients, and two weeks for those travelling from low-risk countries. There is a strict rule for other foreign travellers to go through a 21-day hotel quarantine. Also read | China detects 18 cases of double mutant COVID-19 variant first found in India The move for the new policy shift came after health experts pressurised the government to ease the restrictions and urged the government to review its policy of quarantining everybody in the places of new variant discovery. Some experts think that if the trend continues in Hong Kong, it will have to face serious repercussions because of the low rate of inoculation. Meanwhile, some sources said the plan to shorten the quarantine period is not beneficial to all. It is restricted only to those who have received both the doses of vaccine at least 14 days prior to this announcement. Along with reducing the quarantine period, the government is also planning to reopen bars and restaurants for its fully vaccinated population, seeking inspiration from Singapore. In an online petition with more than 5,500 signatures this week, some residents of Royalton I and Caribbean Coast urged the government to reduce their quarantine period and allow them to quarantine in their homes. "The decision of importing 1,027 residents to quarantine camps and hotels is not sound as it posses a threat to health and well-being of everyone," they wrote. They believe this move had impacted their health and finances drastically. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Hong Kong plans to ease 3-week mandatory quarantine for vaccinated travellers

The second wave of COVID-19 in India is a tragedy, US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy has said, underlining the need for countries to help each other during the crisis.

"If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's that we need each other to get through this pandemic."

"As a world, we need each other in terms of countries to step up to help make sure that the world has an adequate supply of vaccine, to ensure people have treatments available, supply of PPE because the threat of COVID in any part of the world is ultimately a threat to every country," Indian-American Murthy told a news channel in an interview.

To a question on the current Covid crisis in India and if the US might face a similar situation, Murthy hoped that it never happens.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083">India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083</a>

"But it is always a possibility and that we have to be mindful of. And I'm cautiously optimistic that we will do well in this country, especially if we keep up our efforts at the vaccination campaign,&nbsp;he said on Thursday.

"What's happening in India is a tragedy. And India has two challenges or has many challenges, but in terms of their variants, it has to B117 variant, which is the predominant one circulating here, which we know is at least 50 per cent or more contagious than the variant we were dealing with last year in the US,&nbsp;Murthy said.

The 617 variant of the deadly virus may or may not be more transmissible, he said, adding that doctors are still trying to understand it.

"It's just what they do. But they can't mutate, if they're not spreading, if they're not replicating within people. That's why we got to work hard. Just remember, this is not an effort that one person can take care of on their own or one country on its own," said the Indian-American surgeon general.&nbsp;

The second wave of COVID-19 in India is a tragedy, US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy has said, underlining the need for countries to help each other during the crisis.

The second wave of COVID-19 in India is a tragedy, US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy has said, underlining the need for countries to help each other during the crisis. "If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's that we need each other to get through this pandemic." "As a world, we need each other in terms of countries to step up to help make sure that the world has an adequate supply of vaccine, to ensure people have treatments available, supply of PPE because the threat of COVID in any part of the world is ultimately a threat to every country," Indian-American Murthy told a news channel in an interview. To a question on the current Covid crisis in India and if the US might face a similar situation, Murthy hoped that it never happens. Also read: India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083 "But it is always a possibility and that we have to be mindful of. And I'm cautiously optimistic that we will do well in this country, especially if we keep up our efforts at the vaccination campaign, he said on Thursday. "What's happening in India is a tragedy. And India has two challenges or has many challenges, but in terms of their variants, it has to B117 variant, which is the predominant one circulating here, which we know is at least 50 per cent or more contagious than the variant we were dealing with last year in the US, Murthy said. The 617 variant of the deadly virus may or may not be more transmissible, he said, adding that doctors are still trying to understand it. "It's just what they do. But they can't mutate, if they're not spreading, if they're not replicating within people. That's why we got to work hard. Just remember, this is not an effort that one person can take care of on their own or one country on its own," said the Indian-American surgeon general.

Covid second wave in India a tragedy, says US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy

Amid a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to increase the duration of the weekend lockdown till 7 am on May 10, an official spokesman said here.

"The corona curfew from Friday 8 pm to Tuesday 7 am, which was extended on May 3 for 48 hours and is in force till May 6 till 7 am has been further extended till Monday (May 10) 7 am," an official spokesman said here.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-in-india-bihar-to-go-into-lockdown-night-curfew-to-continue-in-chandigarh-382759">COVID-19 in India: Bihar to go into lockdown; night curfew to continue in Chandigarh</a>

All shops and establishments will now remain closed till Monday 7 am.

The official said that further decision to extend the curfew will be taken on Sunday.

The decision for extension has been taken for breaking the chain of coronavirus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-immediate-concern-is-to-break-the-chain-of-covid-infection-382627">India's immediate concern is to break the chain of Covid infection</a>

During this period, all essential services will be allowed and vaccination drive will continue, a senior official said, but refused to term it as a "lockdown", preferring "closure" instead.

On April 29, the state government had announced that weekend lockdowns will now cover Mondays too and on May 3 it was extended till May 6.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to increase the duration of the weekend lockdown till 7 am on May 10, an official spokesman said here.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to increase the duration of the weekend lockdown till 7 am on May 10, an official spokesman said here. "The corona curfew from Friday 8 pm to Tuesday 7 am, which was extended on May 3 for 48 hours and is in force till May 6 till 7 am has been further extended till Monday (May 10) 7 am," an official spokesman said here. Also read | COVID-19 in India: Bihar to go into lockdown; night curfew to continue in Chandigarh All shops and establishments will now remain closed till Monday 7 am. The official said that further decision to extend the curfew will be taken on Sunday. The decision for extension has been taken for breaking the chain of coronavirus. Also read | India's immediate concern is to break the chain of Covid infection During this period, all essential services will be allowed and vaccination drive will continue, a senior official said, but refused to term it as a "lockdown", preferring "closure" instead. On April 29, the state government had announced that weekend lockdowns will now cover Mondays too and on May 3 it was extended till May 6.

COVID-19: Curfew in Uttar Pradesh extended till May 10

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a major easing of coronavirus restrictions Monday, including the imminent resumption of 24-hour&nbsp;operations&nbsp;on the city&nbsp;subway.

The announcement highlights how far the Big Apple, once the epicentre of the United States's outbreak, has come in getting the virus under control.

From May 19, percentage limits on occupancy will be scrapped for many business and cultural venues in the city,&nbsp;including shops, restaurants, cinemas and museums, Cuomo said.

These limits currently vary between 33 and 75 per cent capacity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a>

Businesses will be allowed to welcome as many people as they want provided six feet of social distancing is maintained, as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"It's fully open, subject to six feet," Cuomo told reporters. The six-feet rule does not apply if all customers provide proof of vaccination or a negative test.

"All the arrows are pointing in the right direction," he added, pointing to declining Covid-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations, which are at their lowest since November, and rising vaccination levels.

Outdoor gathering limits will double from 250 to 500 people, while 250 people will be able to get together indoors, up from 100.

Larger gatherings will be allowed if everyone in attendance is either vaccinated or recently tested negative.&nbsp;

The announcement paves the way for&nbsp;New&nbsp;York's famous theaters to plan their return.

"We look forward to reopening at full capacity and are working to safely welcome audiences and employees back to Broadway theatres this fall," said the Broadway League trade association.

Large-scale indoor event venues will be able to operate at 30 percent capacity, up from 10 percent currently, while outdoor sports stadia will operate at 33 percent.

Cuomo said underground trains services in the Big Apple will resume around the clock on May 17.

In May 2020, when&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;was being ravaged by the disease, services were halted overnight to allow for trains to be disinfected. Services currently stop running between 2:00 am and 4:00 am.

Monday's announcement, made in coordination with the neighboring states of&nbsp;New&nbsp;Jersey and Connecticut, came as 80,000 city government workers returned to offices, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

De Blasio has said he hopes&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;City can "fully reopen" by July 1.

Many private employers have yet to set a return date though, and the business districts in Midtown and Wall Street remain deserted with many staff still working from home.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a major easing of coronavirus restrictions Monday, including the imminent resumption of 24-hour operations on the city subway.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a major easing of coronavirus restrictions Monday, including the imminent resumption of 24-hour operations on the city subway. The announcement highlights how far the Big Apple, once the epicentre of the United States's outbreak, has come in getting the virus under control. From May 19, percentage limits on occupancy will be scrapped for many business and cultural venues in the city, including shops, restaurants, cinemas and museums, Cuomo said. These limits currently vary between 33 and 75 per cent capacity. Also read: EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer Businesses will be allowed to welcome as many people as they want provided six feet of social distancing is maintained, as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "It's fully open, subject to six feet," Cuomo told reporters. The six-feet rule does not apply if all customers provide proof of vaccination or a negative test. "All the arrows are pointing in the right direction," he added, pointing to declining Covid-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations, which are at their lowest since November, and rising vaccination levels. Outdoor gathering limits will double from 250 to 500 people, while 250 people will be able to get together indoors, up from 100. Larger gatherings will be allowed if everyone in attendance is either vaccinated or recently tested negative. The announcement paves the way for New York's famous theaters to plan their return. "We look forward to reopening at full capacity and are working to safely welcome audiences and employees back to Broadway theatres this fall," said the Broadway League trade association. Large-scale indoor event venues will be able to operate at 30 percent capacity, up from 10 percent currently, while outdoor sports stadia will operate at 33 percent. Cuomo said underground trains services in the Big Apple will resume around the clock on May 17. In May 2020, when New York was being ravaged by the disease, services were halted overnight to allow for trains to be disinfected. Services currently stop running between 2:00 am and 4:00 am. Monday's announcement, made in coordination with the neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut, came as 80,000 city government workers returned to offices, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio. De Blasio has said he hopes New York City can "fully reopen" by July 1. Many private employers have yet to set a return date though, and the business districts in Midtown and Wall Street remain deserted with many staff still working from home.

New York to lift many COVID-19 restrictions on transit, eateries, museums, theatres

The United States is expected to authorise the&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine for children age 12 and up by early next week, US media reported on Monday.

Pfizer&nbsp;has applied for emergency use authorisation for its Covid vaccine for children and teenagers between ages 12 and 15, according to CNN, citing a government official.

"The FDA will have to amend the emergency use authorization for the vaccine, but the process should be straightforward," CNN reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Pfizer donates 'largest humanitarian relief' worth $70 million to India">Pfizer donates 'largest humanitarian relief' worth $70 million to India</a>

The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to grant that approval by early next week. After the FDA decision, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee will meet to recommend how the vaccine should be used.

A spokeswoman for the FDA declined to give details on the approval timeline, telling The Washington Post: "We are working to review this request as quickly and transparently as possible."

The&nbsp;Pfizer&nbsp;vaccine is currently authorised for people 16 and older in the United States.

The US pharmaceutical giant said in late March it had submitted data from a clinical trial of 2,260 12- to 15-year-olds that showed the vaccine was highly effective and well-tolerated.

Further testing on younger children is ongoing.

Moderna is conducting trials of its vaccine in teens, with results expected in the summer, as well as in younger children.

Johnson &amp; Johnson is also planning pediatric trials for its vaccine.

Expanding vaccine authorization to include adolescents could open up the US mass vaccination program to millions more people.

The national vaccination rate peaked around April 11, according to official data, and although 55 percent of US adults now have had one or more doses, there's still a long way to go to achieve population immunity against Covid.

The people most eager to get their shots have, for the most part, already rolled up their sleeves and done so.

But vaccine hesitancy remains a major obstacle: a large percentage of US adults don't plan to get the shot and could potentially refuse to get their children vaccinated.

Among Republican voters, 29 per cent say they will never take the vaccine, compared to five per cent of Democrats and nine per cent of independents, according to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation.&nbsp;

The United States is expected to authorise the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine for children age 12 and up by early next week, US media reported on Monday. Pfizer has applied for emergency use authorisation for its Covid vaccine for children and teenagers between ages 12 and 15, according to CNN, citing a government official.

The United States is expected to authorise the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine for children age 12 and up by early next week, US media reported on Monday. Pfizer has applied for emergency use authorisation for its Covid vaccine for children and teenagers between ages 12 and 15, according to CNN, citing a government official. "The FDA will have to amend the emergency use authorization for the vaccine, but the process should be straightforward," CNN reported. Also read: Pfizer donates 'largest humanitarian relief' worth $70 million to India The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to grant that approval by early next week. After the FDA decision, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee will meet to recommend how the vaccine should be used. A spokeswoman for the FDA declined to give details on the approval timeline, telling The Washington Post: "We are working to review this request as quickly and transparently as possible." The Pfizer vaccine is currently authorised for people 16 and older in the United States. The US pharmaceutical giant said in late March it had submitted data from a clinical trial of 2,260 12- to 15-year-olds that showed the vaccine was highly effective and well-tolerated. Further testing on younger children is ongoing. Moderna is conducting trials of its vaccine in teens, with results expected in the summer, as well as in younger children. Johnson & Johnson is also planning pediatric trials for its vaccine. Expanding vaccine authorization to include adolescents could open up the US mass vaccination program to millions more people. The national vaccination rate peaked around April 11, according to official data, and although 55 percent of US adults now have had one or more doses, there's still a long way to go to achieve population immunity against Covid. The people most eager to get their shots have, for the most part, already rolled up their sleeves and done so. But vaccine hesitancy remains a major obstacle: a large percentage of US adults don't plan to get the shot and could potentially refuse to get their children vaccinated. Among Republican voters, 29 per cent say they will never take the vaccine, compared to five per cent of Democrats and nine per cent of independents, according to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

US to authorise Pfizer vaccine for age 12 and up: Report

US biotech firm&nbsp;Novavax&nbsp;said on Monday it had started clinical trials of its proposed Covid vaccine on children, in a programme that will involve up to 3,000 adolescents aged 12-17.

Far fewer children have been sick with Covid&nbsp;compared to adults, and most have mild to no symptoms, but they can be infected and spread the virus.

Novavax&nbsp;said the trials would test "the efficacy (and) safety" of the vaccine, with participants receiving either the vaccine candidate or placebo in two doses, 21 days apart.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Pfizer donates 'largest humanitarian relief' worth $70 million to India">Pfizer donates 'largest humanitarian relief' worth $70 million to India</a>

Participants will be monitored for up to two years after their injections.

The&nbsp;Novavax&nbsp;vaccine has not yet been authorised in any country, including for adults, but the company plans to file for emergency authorisation in Britain "in the second quarter of 2021", followed by in the United States.

Novavax&nbsp;announced at the end of January that clinical trials conducted in Britain involving 15,000 adults showed 89.3 per cent efficacy.

The&nbsp;Novavax&nbsp;vaccine, which uses different technology from the doses already widely licensed around the world, is a protein-based vaccine engineered from the genetic sequence of the first strain of the coronavirus.

It can be stored at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (35 - 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

Other vaccine companies including Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson and Pfizer are also conducting trials in adolescents.

Europe's medicines watchdog said Monday it had begun evaluating the use of Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds, after a similar request in the United States.

Vaccine authorisation for children is seen as a crucial step towards achieving herd immunity.

US biotech firm Novavax said on Monday it had started clinical trials of its proposed Covid vaccine on children, in a programme that will involve up to 3,000 adolescents aged 12-17.

US biotech firm Novavax said on Monday it had started clinical trials of its proposed Covid vaccine on children, in a programme that will involve up to 3,000 adolescents aged 12-17. Far fewer children have been sick with Covid compared to adults, and most have mild to no symptoms, but they can be infected and spread the virus. Novavax said the trials would test "the efficacy (and) safety" of the vaccine, with participants receiving either the vaccine candidate or placebo in two doses, 21 days apart. Also read: Pfizer donates 'largest humanitarian relief' worth $70 million to India Participants will be monitored for up to two years after their injections. The Novavax vaccine has not yet been authorised in any country, including for adults, but the company plans to file for emergency authorisation in Britain "in the second quarter of 2021", followed by in the United States. Novavax announced at the end of January that clinical trials conducted in Britain involving 15,000 adults showed 89.3 per cent efficacy. The Novavax vaccine, which uses different technology from the doses already widely licensed around the world, is a protein-based vaccine engineered from the genetic sequence of the first strain of the coronavirus. It can be stored at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (35 - 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Other vaccine companies including Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer are also conducting trials in adolescents. Europe's medicines watchdog said Monday it had begun evaluating the use of Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds, after a similar request in the United States. Vaccine authorisation for children is seen as a crucial step towards achieving herd immunity.

Novavax starts Covid vaccine trials on children

Venezuela this month will begin clinical trials of the Cuban coronavirus vaccine candidate&nbsp;Abdala, and plans to produce enough doses locally to vaccinate 4 million people, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Monday.

Cuba in March approved late-stage trials of&nbsp;Abdala, named after a poem by the 19th-century Cuban independence hero Jose Marti.

The trials of the protein subunit-based vaccine, which is designed to be administered in three shots at 14-day intervals, are to be completed in July and the first results published in August, according Cuban to state media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="WHO gives emergency use authorisation to Moderna's COVID-19 jab">WHO gives emergency use authorisation to Moderna's COVID-19 jab</a>

"We will be starting a clinical study with this vaccine, but simultaneously, adapting our national vaccine laboratory to produce, if all goes well as we hope, more than four million doses of&nbsp;Abdala&nbsp;vaccines for four million people," Alvarado told Venezuelan state television.

Alvarado spoke at Venezuela's main airport, where he announced that the country had received another 50,000 Russian Sputnik V vaccines.

Venezuela has now received a total of 1.48 million doses coronavirus vaccine doses, he said.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro expects to begin receiving vaccines from the global COVAX vaccine programme by July, he added, without saying which vaccines would be arriving.

Venezuela in March said it would not allow the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine following reports of blood clotting.

COVAX said in February that it had set aside up to 2.4 million AstraZeneca doses for Venezuela.

Venezuela this month will begin clinical trials of the Cuban coronavirus vaccine candidate Abdala, and plans to produce enough doses locally to vaccinate 4 million people, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Monday.

Venezuela this month will begin clinical trials of the Cuban coronavirus vaccine candidate Abdala, and plans to produce enough doses locally to vaccinate 4 million people, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Monday. Cuba in March approved late-stage trials of Abdala, named after a poem by the 19th-century Cuban independence hero Jose Marti. The trials of the protein subunit-based vaccine, which is designed to be administered in three shots at 14-day intervals, are to be completed in July and the first results published in August, according Cuban to state media. Also read: WHO gives emergency use authorisation to Moderna's COVID-19 jab "We will be starting a clinical study with this vaccine, but simultaneously, adapting our national vaccine laboratory to produce, if all goes well as we hope, more than four million doses of Abdala vaccines for four million people," Alvarado told Venezuelan state television. Alvarado spoke at Venezuela's main airport, where he announced that the country had received another 50,000 Russian Sputnik V vaccines. Venezuela has now received a total of 1.48 million doses coronavirus vaccine doses, he said. The government of President Nicolas Maduro expects to begin receiving vaccines from the global COVAX vaccine programme by July, he added, without saying which vaccines would be arriving. Venezuela in March said it would not allow the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine following reports of blood clotting. COVAX said in February that it had set aside up to 2.4 million AstraZeneca doses for Venezuela.

Venezuela to begin clinical trials of Cuba's Abdala vaccine candidate

Daily lateral flow tests could be used as a way to prevent home-isolation in the UK for those who have been in contact with someone tested positive for coronavirus, British media reported. 
 
Currently, these people are required to quarantine at home for 10 days but the measure could be scrapped if a trial in England, which gives daily lateral flow tests to as many as 40,000 people, is successful, Xinhua news agency quoted a Sky News report as saying on Sunday. 
 
"This new pilot could help shift the dial in our favour by offering a viable alternative to self-isolation for people who are contacts of positive Covid&nbsp;cases, and one that would allow people to carry on going to work and living their lives," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="UK locals urge government to let them 'hug' as Covid lockdown eases">UK locals urge government to let them 'hug' as Covid lockdown eases</a> 
 
The trial will begin on May 9 and close contacts of people with coronavirus will be contacted by phone and sent seven days of the tests if they decide to participate in the study. 
 
They will have to test themselves every morning for seven days and will be exempt from the home isolation rule every day they test negative, as long as they do not show any symptoms of coronavirus. 
 
Lateral flow tests give results in about 30 minutes but are considered less sensitive than PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, whose results usually return in 24 hours or so, according to the BBC. 
 
More than 34.3 million people have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures. 
 
Experts have warned that despite progress in vaccine rollout, the UK is "still not out of the woods" amid concerns over new variants, particularly those first emerged in South Africa, Brazil and India, and the third wave of pandemic on the European continent.

Daily lateral flow tests could be used as a way to prevent home-isolation in the UK for those who have been in contact with someone tested positive for coronavirus, British media reported.

Daily lateral flow tests could be used as a way to prevent home-isolation in the UK for those who have been in contact with someone tested positive for coronavirus, British media reported. Currently, these people are required to quarantine at home for 10 days but the measure could be scrapped if a trial in England, which gives daily lateral flow tests to as many as 40,000 people, is successful, Xinhua news agency quoted a Sky News report as saying on Sunday. "This new pilot could help shift the dial in our favour by offering a viable alternative to self-isolation for people who are contacts of positive Covid cases, and one that would allow people to carry on going to work and living their lives," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Also read: UK locals urge government to let them 'hug' as Covid lockdown eases The trial will begin on May 9 and close contacts of people with coronavirus will be contacted by phone and sent seven days of the tests if they decide to participate in the study. They will have to test themselves every morning for seven days and will be exempt from the home isolation rule every day they test negative, as long as they do not show any symptoms of coronavirus. Lateral flow tests give results in about 30 minutes but are considered less sensitive than PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, whose results usually return in 24 hours or so, according to the BBC. More than 34.3 million people have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures. Experts have warned that despite progress in vaccine rollout, the UK is "still not out of the woods" amid concerns over new variants, particularly those first emerged in South Africa, Brazil and India, and the third wave of pandemic on the European continent.

UK mulls scrapping quarantine for Covid contacts

&nbsp;Russia's state statistical service says the number of deaths nationwide in the first three months of 2021 was more than 25% higher than the same period a year ago, and it reported thousands more deaths due to COVID-19 in March than tallied by the country's coronavirus task force.

More than 583,000 people died in January-March of this year, compared with 460,000 for those months in 2020, the Rosstat agency said in a report issued Friday.

The agency did not provide an explanation for the sharply higher death toll, but critics have suggested that Russia underplays the severity of the pandemic in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Worldwide COVID-19 situation continues to deteriorate; death toll tops 3.18 million">Worldwide COVID-19 situation continues to deteriorate; death toll tops 3.18 million</a>

The national coronavirus task force counted more than 12,300 deaths from COVID-19 in March, but Rosstat gave a substantially higher number.

The agency said there were 15,003 deaths that month in which the coronavirus was the leading cause, along with 2,454 cases in which COVID-19 was believed to be the leading cause and 1,401 deaths in which COVID-19 influenced the development of other diseases and accelerated death.

According to the task force, throughout the pandemic 110,502 people have died in Russia of COVID-19 as of Saturday&nbsp;392 of them in the past day. The country has recorded more than 4.8 million confirmed cases.

Although Russia has boasted of being the first country to authorise a coronavirus vaccine, the pace of its vaccination program is lagging well behind many other countries.

Only about 8% of residents have gotten at least one shot, while 5% have been fully vaccinated. That puts Russia far behind the United States, where 43% of the population has gotten at least one shot, and the European Union with nearly 27%.

Russia's state statistical service says the number of deaths nationwide in the first three months of 2021 was more than 25% higher than the same period a year ago, and it reported thousands more deaths due to COVID-19 in March than tallied by the country's coronavirus task force.

Russia's state statistical service says the number of deaths nationwide in the first three months of 2021 was more than 25% higher than the same period a year ago, and it reported thousands more deaths due to COVID-19 in March than tallied by the country's coronavirus task force. More than 583,000 people died in January-March of this year, compared with 460,000 for those months in 2020, the Rosstat agency said in a report issued Friday. The agency did not provide an explanation for the sharply higher death toll, but critics have suggested that Russia underplays the severity of the pandemic in the country. Also read: Worldwide COVID-19 situation continues to deteriorate; death toll tops 3.18 million The national coronavirus task force counted more than 12,300 deaths from COVID-19 in March, but Rosstat gave a substantially higher number. The agency said there were 15,003 deaths that month in which the coronavirus was the leading cause, along with 2,454 cases in which COVID-19 was believed to be the leading cause and 1,401 deaths in which COVID-19 influenced the development of other diseases and accelerated death. According to the task force, throughout the pandemic 110,502 people have died in Russia of COVID-19 as of Saturday 392 of them in the past day. The country has recorded more than 4.8 million confirmed cases. Although Russia has boasted of being the first country to authorise a coronavirus vaccine, the pace of its vaccination program is lagging well behind many other countries. Only about 8% of residents have gotten at least one shot, while 5% have been fully vaccinated. That puts Russia far behind the United States, where 43% of the population has gotten at least one shot, and the European Union with nearly 27%.

Virus-hit Russia reports 25% death increase in January-March

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus.

According to sources, the medical supply from France was received on Sunday includes eight oxygen generators, 28 ventilators, 200 electric syringe pumps, 28 AFNOR/BS Flexible tubes, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 500 machine filters and 500 related patient circuits.

The total weight of these materials is more than 28 tonnes.These eight generators are Novair Premium RX 400 Hospital Level Oxygen Generators, with each unit capable of providing year-long oxygen for 250 beds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad">COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad</a>

These world-class generators would make 8 hospitals oxygen autonomous for over 10 years, informed sources.

"A testament to India-France strategic partnership &amp; friendship! 28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospital-level oxygen generators and other medical supplies arrives from France. Deeply appreciate the support from France. Will bolster our oxygen capacities," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. According to a press release, this airfreight is the first phase of France's solidarity mission.

Furthermore, a second delivery of oxygen generators and medical equipment is underway due to the numerous contributions made by French companies in India with the active involvement of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI).

Moreover, in the following days, French company Air Liquide will begin shipments of several hundred tonnes of oxygen through a dedicated logistical bridge organised by both governments and implemented with the Indian armed forces.

According to the release, the oxygen plants will be delivered to eight Indian hospitals, including six in Delhi, one in Haryana and one in Telangana, based on needs as identified by the Indian authorities.

The 28 ventilators and 200 electric syringe pumps will be distributed to several hospitals based on needs to enhance their ICU capacities.

This special cargo flight has been chartered free of charge by the French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM through its air cargo division.

Alongside CMA CGM, many other French companies present in India have stepped up to pool their contributions and resources with the French government to carry out this exceptional solidarity mission.

This support also falls within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). "We stand by India in these difficult times, just as India has always stood by France. In Spring 2020, when French hospitals were facing acute shortages, India provided lifesaving help through the export of critical medical drugs. The French people have not forgotten. India has, in fact, been at the forefront of international cooperation against the pandemic, including through sharing its massive vaccine production capacity with the countries most in need," said the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, on this occasion.

Quoting French President Emmanuel Macron, Lenain said that solidarity is at the heart of the strategic partnership between France and India and that a partnership between sovereign countries that have built an exceptional mutual trust and work together to enhance each other's strategic autonomy.

"We know now that healthcare is also a pillar of sovereignty. And that is the meaning of our contribution: each of these oxygen generator plants will make an Indian hospital fully oxygen aatmanirbhar for more than 10 years.&nbsp;I believe healthcare can be a new field to develop our strategic partnership, building on our respective strengths. Together, we will prevail," he added. On April 27, Macron had conveyed the message of solidarity in Hindi via a social media post.

"No one is untouched by the epidemic we are going through. We know that India is going through a difficult period. France and India have always been united: we are ready to provide our support," he had said.

Meanwhile, the MEA also announced that India has received a shipment of 9,000 vials of Remdesivir from Belgium. Earlier on Saturday night, India received several medical supplies from countries including Germany, the United States and Uzbekistan.

As India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus, several countries around the globe including the United Kingdom and Russia have extended support as the country continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising infections.

India for the first time reported more than four lakh new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. A total of 4,01,993 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded on Saturday, taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,91,64,969, the Union Health Ministry reported.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus. According to sources, the medical supply from France was received on Sunday includes eight oxygen generators, 28 ventilators, 200 electric syringe pumps, 28 AFNOR/BS Flexible tubes, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 500 machine filters and 500 related patient circuits. The total weight of these materials is more than 28 tonnes.These eight generators are Novair Premium RX 400 Hospital Level Oxygen Generators, with each unit capable of providing year-long oxygen for 250 beds. Also read: COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad These world-class generators would make 8 hospitals oxygen autonomous for over 10 years, informed sources. "A testament to India-France strategic partnership & friendship! 28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospital-level oxygen generators and other medical supplies arrives from France. Deeply appreciate the support from France. Will bolster our oxygen capacities," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. According to a press release, this airfreight is the first phase of France's solidarity mission. Furthermore, a second delivery of oxygen generators and medical equipment is underway due to the numerous contributions made by French companies in India with the active involvement of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI). Moreover, in the following days, French company Air Liquide will begin shipments of several hundred tonnes of oxygen through a dedicated logistical bridge organised by both governments and implemented with the Indian armed forces. According to the release, the oxygen plants will be delivered to eight Indian hospitals, including six in Delhi, one in Haryana and one in Telangana, based on needs as identified by the Indian authorities. The 28 ventilators and 200 electric syringe pumps will be distributed to several hospitals based on needs to enhance their ICU capacities. This special cargo flight has been chartered free of charge by the French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM through its air cargo division. Alongside CMA CGM, many other French companies present in India have stepped up to pool their contributions and resources with the French government to carry out this exceptional solidarity mission. This support also falls within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). "We stand by India in these difficult times, just as India has always stood by France. In Spring 2020, when French hospitals were facing acute shortages, India provided lifesaving help through the export of critical medical drugs. The French people have not forgotten. India has, in fact, been at the forefront of international cooperation against the pandemic, including through sharing its massive vaccine production capacity with the countries most in need," said the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, on this occasion. Quoting French President Emmanuel Macron, Lenain said that solidarity is at the heart of the strategic partnership between France and India and that a partnership between sovereign countries that have built an exceptional mutual trust and work together to enhance each other's strategic autonomy. "We know now that healthcare is also a pillar of sovereignty. And that is the meaning of our contribution: each of these oxygen generator plants will make an Indian hospital fully oxygen aatmanirbhar for more than 10 years. I believe healthcare can be a new field to develop our strategic partnership, building on our respective strengths. Together, we will prevail," he added. On April 27, Macron had conveyed the message of solidarity in Hindi via a social media post. "No one is untouched by the epidemic we are going through. We know that India is going through a difficult period. France and India have always been united: we are ready to provide our support," he had said. Meanwhile, the MEA also announced that India has received a shipment of 9,000 vials of Remdesivir from Belgium. Earlier on Saturday night, India received several medical supplies from countries including Germany, the United States and Uzbekistan. As India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus, several countries around the globe including the United Kingdom and Russia have extended support as the country continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising infections. India for the first time reported more than four lakh new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. A total of 4,01,993 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded on Saturday, taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,91,64,969, the Union Health Ministry reported.

India receives essential medical supplies from France to combat COVID-19 surge

Israel has temporarily barred its citizens from travelling to India and six other countries, citing high COVID-19 infection rates there.

A joint press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Health Ministry on Friday said that Israelis will not be allowed to travel to Ukraine, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Mexico and Turkey.

This regulation will come into force on May 3 and will remain in place until May 16.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines ">Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines&nbsp;</a>

Non-Israelis, however, will be able to travel to these countries, provided they plan to reside there permanently, the press release said.

The regulation will not be applicable to those who stay at airports in transit in one of these countries for a time period of up to 12 hours while waiting for a connecting flight.

The Israeli government also authorised its health and interior ministers to appoint representatives to head an appeal committee and the panel reviewing special cases.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry proposed that those returning from the seven countries enter a two-week mandatory quarantine, even if they have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, local media reports said.

Those who have received two negative COVID-19 test reports will be required to be in a 10-day quarantine, they said.

These additional restrictions are also expected to come into force on May 3, but are subject to the approval of the Knesset's (Israeli parliament) Arrangements Committee.

A record 3,689 daily COVID-19 fatalities pushed India's death toll to 2,15,542, while the infection count reached 1,95,57,457 with 3,92,488 more people being confirmed positive for the disease, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The active cases have crossed the 33-lakh mark, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Israel has reported 838,481 COVID-19 cases so far with 6,363 deaths.

Israel has temporarily barred its citizens from travelling to India and six other countries, citing high COVID-19 infection rates there. A joint press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Health Ministry on Friday said that Israelis will not be allowed to travel to Ukraine, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Mexico and Turkey.

Israel has temporarily barred its citizens from travelling to India and six other countries, citing high COVID-19 infection rates there. A joint press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Health Ministry on Friday said that Israelis will not be allowed to travel to Ukraine, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Mexico and Turkey. This regulation will come into force on May 3 and will remain in place until May 16. Also read: Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines Non-Israelis, however, will be able to travel to these countries, provided they plan to reside there permanently, the press release said. The regulation will not be applicable to those who stay at airports in transit in one of these countries for a time period of up to 12 hours while waiting for a connecting flight. The Israeli government also authorised its health and interior ministers to appoint representatives to head an appeal committee and the panel reviewing special cases. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry proposed that those returning from the seven countries enter a two-week mandatory quarantine, even if they have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, local media reports said. Those who have received two negative COVID-19 test reports will be required to be in a 10-day quarantine, they said. These additional restrictions are also expected to come into force on May 3, but are subject to the approval of the Knesset's (Israeli parliament) Arrangements Committee. A record 3,689 daily COVID-19 fatalities pushed India's death toll to 2,15,542, while the infection count reached 1,95,57,457 with 3,92,488 more people being confirmed positive for the disease, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The active cases have crossed the 33-lakh mark, the data updated at 8 am showed. Israel has reported 838,481 COVID-19 cases so far with 6,363 deaths.

Israel bans travel to India, six other countries

Nigeria will ban entry to non-Nigerian passengers, who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in those three nations, health authorities said on Sunday.

The travel ban does not apply to passengers, who have transited through those countries, the presidential steering committee on Covid said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines ">Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines&nbsp;</a>

"These precautionary measures are a necessary step to minimise the risk of a surge in COVID-19 cases introduced to Nigeria from other countries," the statement said.

Nigerians and permanent residents who have been in those countries in the last 14 days will have to undergo mandatory quarantine for a week in a government-approved facility on arrival, it said.

All passengers arriving in Nigeria will now have to show a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel rather then the previous 96 hours period.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has reported just over 165,000 cases of the coronavirus and 2,063 deaths since the virus first emerged in China at the end of 2019.

Nigeria will ban entry to non-Nigerian passengers, who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in those three nations, health authorities said on Sunday.

Nigeria will ban entry to non-Nigerian passengers, who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in those three nations, health authorities said on Sunday. The travel ban does not apply to passengers, who have transited through those countries, the presidential steering committee on Covid said in a statement. Also read: Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines "These precautionary measures are a necessary step to minimise the risk of a surge in COVID-19 cases introduced to Nigeria from other countries," the statement said. Nigerians and permanent residents who have been in those countries in the last 14 days will have to undergo mandatory quarantine for a week in a government-approved facility on arrival, it said. All passengers arriving in Nigeria will now have to show a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel rather then the previous 96 hours period. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has reported just over 165,000 cases of the coronavirus and 2,063 deaths since the virus first emerged in China at the end of 2019.

Nigeria restricts passengers from India, Brazil, Turkey over virus

Boeing on Friday announced a USD10,000,000 emergency assistance package to support India's COVID-19 response.

The assistance from Boeing will be directed to organisations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling COVID-19, the company said in a statement.

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated communities across the globe and our hearts go out to our friends in India who are going through a very difficult time.

Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths&nbsp;

Boeing is a global citizen, and in India, we are directing our pandemic response to the communities most impacted by this recent surge of cases," said Dave Calhoun, president and CEO of Boeing.

Boeing said it will partner with local and international relief organisations to deploy the USD10,000,000 to the areas of greatest need in consultation with medical, government and public health experts.

In a statement, the company said that its employees also have an opportunity to donate personally to charitable organisations supporting COVID-19 relief in India.

As part of the Boeing Gift Match programme, the company will match monetary donations dollar for dollar, extending the reach of assistance being provided to the Indian people.

"Boeing not only stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to confront this pandemic, we will be a part of the solution.

We will continue to monitor the pandemic response in India and work to support our employees, customers, and partners through this crisis," it said.

Previously, Mastercard had also announced an assistance of USD10,000,000 towards COVID-19 response efforts in India.

Boeing on Friday announced a USD10,000,000 emergency assistance package to support India's COVID-19 response. The assistance from Boeing will be directed to organisations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling COVID-19, the company said in a statement.

Boeing on Friday announced a USD10,000,000 emergency assistance package to support India's COVID-19 response. The assistance from Boeing will be directed to organisations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling COVID-19, the company said in a statement. The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated communities across the globe and our hearts go out to our friends in India who are going through a very difficult time. Also read: COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths Boeing is a global citizen, and in India, we are directing our pandemic response to the communities most impacted by this recent surge of cases," said Dave Calhoun, president and CEO of Boeing. Boeing said it will partner with local and international relief organisations to deploy the USD10,000,000 to the areas of greatest need in consultation with medical, government and public health experts. In a statement, the company said that its employees also have an opportunity to donate personally to charitable organisations supporting COVID-19 relief in India. As part of the Boeing Gift Match programme, the company will match monetary donations dollar for dollar, extending the reach of assistance being provided to the Indian people. "Boeing not only stands in solidarity with the Indian people in their effort to confront this pandemic, we will be a part of the solution. We will continue to monitor the pandemic response in India and work to support our employees, customers, and partners through this crisis," it said. Previously, Mastercard had also announced an assistance of USD10,000,000 towards COVID-19 response efforts in India.

Boeing announces USD10,000,000 aid for India's fight against COVID-19

If you're traveling on a plane, train or bus, don't put that face mask away yet.

The Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, it will extend its mask requirement, which also applies in airports and train stations, through September&nbsp;13. The rule took effect on February 1 and was set to expire on May 11.

The agency said that children up to two and people with certain disabilities will continue to be exempted from the mask rule.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins">Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins</a>

Violations can carry fines of up to USD1,500 for repeat offenders.

Separately, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday that the FAA will continue its zero-tolerance policy against disruptive airline passengers as long as the TSA mask rule is in effect.

The FAA is seeking much larger civil penalties some topping $30,000 against a small number of passengers that it accuses of interfering with airline crews.

TSA officials said the mask rule matches health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC recently said that fully vaccinated people can travel safely, but it still recommends that they wear masks and maintain distance from other people. About 100,000,000&nbsp;Americans, roughly half the nation's adults, have been fully immunised against COVID-19.

Airlines and their unions had pushed for an extension of the federal mask rule as a stronger alternative to airline-imposed rules.

Continuing the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will keep passengers and aviation workers safe, said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

If you're traveling on a plane, train or bus, don't put that face mask away yet. The Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, it will extend its mask requirement, which also applies in airports and train stations, through September 13.

If you're traveling on a plane, train or bus, don't put that face mask away yet. The Transportation Security Administration said on Friday, it will extend its mask requirement, which also applies in airports and train stations, through September 13. The rule took effect on February 1 and was set to expire on May 11. The agency said that children up to two and people with certain disabilities will continue to be exempted from the mask rule. Also read: Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins Violations can carry fines of up to USD1,500 for repeat offenders. Separately, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday that the FAA will continue its zero-tolerance policy against disruptive airline passengers as long as the TSA mask rule is in effect. The FAA is seeking much larger civil penalties some topping $30,000 against a small number of passengers that it accuses of interfering with airline crews. TSA officials said the mask rule matches health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recently said that fully vaccinated people can travel safely, but it still recommends that they wear masks and maintain distance from other people. About 100,000,000 Americans, roughly half the nation's adults, have been fully immunised against COVID-19. Airlines and their unions had pushed for an extension of the federal mask rule as a stronger alternative to airline-imposed rules. Continuing the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will keep passengers and aviation workers safe, said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

US extends face-mask requirement on planes until September

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday listed the Moderna coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, adding another shot to its arsenal in the fight against the coronavirus. According to The Hill, the shot from Moderna joins shots from Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca-SK Bio, Serum Institute of India and Janssen on WHO's list of emergency use vaccines."

Today, WHO listed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA 1273) for emergency use, making it the fifth vaccine to receive emergency validation from WHO," it said in a statement, according to Sputnik.

WHO experts recommend using the vaccine for patients over 18 years of age. The drug is mRNA-based, it has an efficacy of 94.1 per cent, according to WHO estimates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Pfizer/BioNTech seek Covid jab approval for 12-15-year-olds in EU">Pfizer/BioNTech seek Covid jab approval for 12-15-year-olds in EU</a>

The vaccine can be stored between -25oC and -15oC, but it can also be stored for up to 30 days at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C.

The addition of Moderna's shot to the WHO's emergency use listing is a prerequisite for it to be a part of COVAX, the programme to disseminate shots to low-income countries.

It also allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

The US&nbsp;granted emergency use authorisation to the Moderna shot in December, with the European Union following shortly after in January.

The authorisation comes as the world works to ramp up its coronavirus vaccinations to significantly curb the pandemic over a year after it broke out in Wuhan, China.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday listed the Moderna coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, adding another shot to its arsenal in the fight against the coronavirus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday listed the Moderna coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, adding another shot to its arsenal in the fight against the coronavirus. According to The Hill, the shot from Moderna joins shots from Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca-SK Bio, Serum Institute of India and Janssen on WHO's list of emergency use vaccines." Today, WHO listed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA 1273) for emergency use, making it the fifth vaccine to receive emergency validation from WHO," it said in a statement, according to Sputnik. WHO experts recommend using the vaccine for patients over 18 years of age. The drug is mRNA-based, it has an efficacy of 94.1 per cent, according to WHO estimates. Also read: Pfizer/BioNTech seek Covid jab approval for 12-15-year-olds in EU The vaccine can be stored between -25oC and -15oC, but it can also be stored for up to 30 days at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. The addition of Moderna's shot to the WHO's emergency use listing is a prerequisite for it to be a part of COVAX, the programme to disseminate shots to low-income countries. It also allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer the COVID-19 vaccine. The US granted emergency use authorisation to the Moderna shot in December, with the European Union following shortly after in January. The authorisation comes as the world works to ramp up its coronavirus vaccinations to significantly curb the pandemic over a year after it broke out in Wuhan, China.

WHO gives emergency use authorisation to Moderna's COVID-19 jab

At least 12 Covid-19 patients died on Saturday in the latest in a series of hospital fires in India, local media reported, as the country's healthcare system buckles under a surge in cases.

There were around 50 other patients at the four-storey hospital in Bharuch in the western state of Gujarat when the blaze began at 1&nbsp;am (0730 GMT). It has since been put out.

Also read: <a href="Several signs were ignored as India battered by fresh wave of coronavirus">Several signs were ignored as India battered by fresh wave of coronavirus</a>

"As per information at 6.30 am, the death toll in the tragedy stood at 18. Immediately after the fire, we had confirmation of 12 deaths," the Press Trust of India quoted a local police official as saying.

On April 23 a fire on the outskirts of Mumbai killed 13 Covid patients, a few days after another blaze left 22 people dead at another clinic, also in Maharashtra state.

Last month 22 other coronavirus patients died at a hospital in the same state when the oxygen supply to their ventilators was disrupted by a leak.

India's healthcare system has long suffered from underfunding, and the new virus outbreak has seen critical shortages in oxygen, drugs and hospital beds, with patients dying outside hospitals in some areas.

At least 12 Covid-19 patients died on Saturday in the latest in a series of hospital fires in India, local media reported, as the country's healthcare system buckles under a surge in cases.

At least 12 Covid-19 patients died on Saturday in the latest in a series of hospital fires in India, local media reported, as the country's healthcare system buckles under a surge in cases. There were around 50 other patients at the four-storey hospital in Bharuch in the western state of Gujarat when the blaze began at 1 am (0730 GMT). It has since been put out. Also read: Several signs were ignored as India battered by fresh wave of coronavirus "As per information at 6.30 am, the death toll in the tragedy stood at 18. Immediately after the fire, we had confirmation of 12 deaths," the Press Trust of India quoted a local police official as saying. On April 23 a fire on the outskirts of Mumbai killed 13 Covid patients, a few days after another blaze left 22 people dead at another clinic, also in Maharashtra state. Last month 22 other coronavirus patients died at a hospital in the same state when the oxygen supply to their ventilators was disrupted by a leak. India's healthcare system has long suffered from underfunding, and the new virus outbreak has seen critical shortages in oxygen, drugs and hospital beds, with patients dying outside hospitals in some areas.

Indian hospital's fire kills 12 Covid patients: Reports

Britain said on Friday it would host a summit in 2022 to raise money for vaccine research and development to support an international coalition seeking to speed up the production of shots for future diseases.

Britain is using its presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations to highlight the need to prepare for future pandemics in light of the devastating consequences of the coronavirus crisis.

Britain said the summit with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) next year would support the body`s goal of cutting the development time for new vaccines to 100 days in future pandemics.

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"We look forward to working with CEPI to speed up vaccine development, creating a global solution to ensure we`re better prepared for future pandemics," health minister Matt Hancock said.

The summit is aimed at raising investment from the international community, though there was no immediate word on which governments or organisations would be invited to attend.

CEPI, a partnership created in 2017 between public, private, philanthropic and civil society groups, played a leading role in funding early development of a range of candidate vaccines against COVID-19.

Britain said global health would be on the agenda of a May meeting of G7 foreign ministers, and it would urge international partners to work to strengthen global health security.

"Now is a moment to capitalise on the rare alignment of political will, practical experience, and technical and scientific progress emerging from COVID-19 to prevent such devastation happening again," said Richard Hatchett, Chief Executive of CEPI.

"CEPI has laid out an ambitious plan that aims to dramatically reduce or eliminate the risk of future pandemics and the UK has embraced the central pillar of that plan – the aspiration to compress vaccine development timelines to as little as 100 days – as part of its G7 agenda."

Britain said on Friday it would host a summit in 2022 to raise money for vaccine research and development to support an international coalition seeking to speed up the production of shots for future diseases.

Britain said on Friday it would host a summit in 2022 to raise money for vaccine research and development to support an international coalition seeking to speed up the production of shots for future diseases. Britain is using its presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations to highlight the need to prepare for future pandemics in light of the devastating consequences of the coronavirus crisis. Britain said the summit with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) next year would support the body`s goal of cutting the development time for new vaccines to 100 days in future pandemics. Also read: Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 looking for new 'Q' spy tech master "We look forward to working with CEPI to speed up vaccine development, creating a global solution to ensure we`re better prepared for future pandemics," health minister Matt Hancock said. The summit is aimed at raising investment from the international community, though there was no immediate word on which governments or organisations would be invited to attend. CEPI, a partnership created in 2017 between public, private, philanthropic and civil society groups, played a leading role in funding early development of a range of candidate vaccines against COVID-19. Britain said global health would be on the agenda of a May meeting of G7 foreign ministers, and it would urge international partners to work to strengthen global health security. "Now is a moment to capitalise on the rare alignment of political will, practical experience, and technical and scientific progress emerging from COVID-19 to prevent such devastation happening again," said Richard Hatchett, Chief Executive of CEPI. "CEPI has laid out an ambitious plan that aims to dramatically reduce or eliminate the risk of future pandemics and the UK has embraced the central pillar of that plan – the aspiration to compress vaccine development timelines to as little as 100 days – as part of its G7 agenda."

Britain to host 2022 vaccine summit to prepare for future pandemics

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday promised to do the utmost in supporting India's fight against the COVID-19 surge and said that anti-pandemic materials produced in China were entering India at a faster pace.

In a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Wang said that the Chinese side "shares empathy for the challenges facing India and expresses sincere sympathy".

"The coronavirus is the common enemy of mankind, and the international community needs solidarity and coordination for a concerted response.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="China: 10 sailors infected with 'imported' Covid variant">China: 10 sailors infected with 'imported' Covid variant</a>

The Chinese side firmly supports the Indian Government and people in fighting the pandemic," he wrote in the letter, a copy of which was tweeted by Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong.

Wang said that anti pandemic materials produced in China are entering India at a faster pace to help India fight the epidemic.

"The Chinese side will continue to do its utmost to provide support and help according to the needs of India. We hope and believe that under the leadership of the Indian Government, the Indian people will surely prevail over the epidemic at an early date,&nbsp;he added.

Wang's letter came even as the militaries of the two countries are yet to resolve the disengagement from the remaining areas of eastern Ladakh after the withdrawal from Pangong lake area in February.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Thursday termed as "fake news" the reports of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's (USISPF) allegations that Beijing has stopped shipments of oxygen concentrators being procured from China to be delivered to India to meet the oxygen shortages in view of the surge of COVID-19 cases.

Asked about the media reports quoting Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of Washington based USISPF, stating China has stopped all-cargo flights delaying his organisation's efforts to source one lakh oxygen concentrators from China to India, Wang Wenbin said it is a "fake news".

Aghi was quoted as saying that in order to overcome logistics challenges, his organisation is sourcing the oxygen concentrators from China for easy transportation to India.

He alleged that in view of Chinese action to stop the logistics flights to India, the concentrators are to be routed through Tokyo and Dubai resulting in delay.

"This is fake news reports that China has stopped transport of oxygen generators procured by the USA to India is fake news," the spokesman said.

He, however, declined to respond to questions about when state-run Sichuan Airlines which had suspended all 11 of its cargo flights to India resulting in disruption of procurement of oxygen concentrators would resume its flights.

After the announcement to suspend the flights on April 26 in view of the COVID-19, the airline retracted its decision and said it is working out a new plan to resume the services. But so far it has not announced any new schedule.

Asked when the airline would resume its operations, Wang Wenbin said, "I would refer you to the relevant airline". 
"China shows deep sympathy to India as the country struggles with rampant COVID-19 and China expresses its sincere condolences to the Indian people. We reiterate China's willingness to help and support India as per its needs,&nbsp;he said.

"Chinese companies have been led by the government to take actions. The first batch of oxygen concentrators have arrived in India. We would like to cooperate with India in multiple ways to provide assistance. We believe India will defeat the virus," he said.

Asked how many oxygen concentrators have been sent to India, he said, ?for specific numbers you may refer to websites of Chinese embassy and Consulates in India.

China's Ambassador to India Sun Weidong in a tweet on Wednesday said Chinese medical suppliers are working overtime on orders from India, at least 25000 orders for oxygen concentrators in recent days. Cargo planes are under plan for medical supplies. Chinese customs will facilitate relevant process.

Wu Zunyou, a chief epidemiologist with the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention told the media here, the Indian strain' of the coronavirus has been detected in some Chinese cities.

The surge in COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries has again sounded the alarm that the prevention and control of COVID-19 is far from over, which, instead, is difficult, complex, recurrent and long-term, Wu said, the state-run CGTN-TV reported.

According to official media reports, about 11 Chinese crew members of a cargo ship tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from India.

Wu also pointed out that the mutation of the novel coronavirus has been occurring since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will not stop as long as the pandemic continues. But the transmission of different virus variants can be stopped, Wu said.

"Implementing containment measures is crucial both to stop the spread of the mutant strains and to prevent the occurrence of new mutations," he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday promised to do the utmost in supporting India's fight against the COVID-19 surge and said that anti-pandemic materials produced in China were entering India at a faster pace.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday promised to do the utmost in supporting India's fight against the COVID-19 surge and said that anti-pandemic materials produced in China were entering India at a faster pace. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Wang said that the Chinese side "shares empathy for the challenges facing India and expresses sincere sympathy". "The coronavirus is the common enemy of mankind, and the international community needs solidarity and coordination for a concerted response. Also read: China: 10 sailors infected with 'imported' Covid variant The Chinese side firmly supports the Indian Government and people in fighting the pandemic," he wrote in the letter, a copy of which was tweeted by Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong. Wang said that anti pandemic materials produced in China are entering India at a faster pace to help India fight the epidemic. "The Chinese side will continue to do its utmost to provide support and help according to the needs of India. We hope and believe that under the leadership of the Indian Government, the Indian people will surely prevail over the epidemic at an early date, he added. Wang's letter came even as the militaries of the two countries are yet to resolve the disengagement from the remaining areas of eastern Ladakh after the withdrawal from Pangong lake area in February. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Thursday termed as "fake news" the reports of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum's (USISPF) allegations that Beijing has stopped shipments of oxygen concentrators being procured from China to be delivered to India to meet the oxygen shortages in view of the surge of COVID-19 cases. Asked about the media reports quoting Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of Washington based USISPF, stating China has stopped all-cargo flights delaying his organisation's efforts to source one lakh oxygen concentrators from China to India, Wang Wenbin said it is a "fake news". Aghi was quoted as saying that in order to overcome logistics challenges, his organisation is sourcing the oxygen concentrators from China for easy transportation to India. He alleged that in view of Chinese action to stop the logistics flights to India, the concentrators are to be routed through Tokyo and Dubai resulting in delay. "This is fake news reports that China has stopped transport of oxygen generators procured by the USA to India is fake news," the spokesman said. He, however, declined to respond to questions about when state-run Sichuan Airlines which had suspended all 11 of its cargo flights to India resulting in disruption of procurement of oxygen concentrators would resume its flights. After the announcement to suspend the flights on April 26 in view of the COVID-19, the airline retracted its decision and said it is working out a new plan to resume the services. But so far it has not announced any new schedule. Asked when the airline would resume its operations, Wang Wenbin said, "I would refer you to the relevant airline". "China shows deep sympathy to India as the country struggles with rampant COVID-19 and China expresses its sincere condolences to the Indian people. We reiterate China's willingness to help and support India as per its needs, he said. "Chinese companies have been led by the government to take actions. The first batch of oxygen concentrators have arrived in India. We would like to cooperate with India in multiple ways to provide assistance. We believe India will defeat the virus," he said. Asked how many oxygen concentrators have been sent to India, he said, ?for specific numbers you may refer to websites of Chinese embassy and Consulates in India. China's Ambassador to India Sun Weidong in a tweet on Wednesday said Chinese medical suppliers are working overtime on orders from India, at least 25000 orders for oxygen concentrators in recent days. Cargo planes are under plan for medical supplies. Chinese customs will facilitate relevant process. Wu Zunyou, a chief epidemiologist with the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention told the media here, the Indian strain' of the coronavirus has been detected in some Chinese cities. The surge in COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries has again sounded the alarm that the prevention and control of COVID-19 is far from over, which, instead, is difficult, complex, recurrent and long-term, Wu said, the state-run CGTN-TV reported. According to official media reports, about 11 Chinese crew members of a cargo ship tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from India. Wu also pointed out that the mutation of the novel coronavirus has been occurring since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will not stop as long as the pandemic continues. But the transmission of different virus variants can be stopped, Wu said. "Implementing containment measures is crucial both to stop the spread of the mutant strains and to prevent the occurrence of new mutations," he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promises to do utmost in supporting India's fight against COVID-19 surge

Belgium's cafe terraces will not re-open to thirsty&nbsp;beer&nbsp;drinkers for another week but the country's renowned brewers are already all hands to the pump.

Six months after the country went into a second coronavirus lockdown, proud bar owners and&nbsp;beer&nbsp;makers alike are keen to&nbsp;get&nbsp;back to business.

They are confident their countrymen and women have not lost their taste for&nbsp;Belgium's world-famous brews, but the task of getting new barrels into cellars is huge.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers">Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers</a>

And -- with interior service still banned and social distancing in place -- time is running out for some in an industry that has already been hit hard by the pandemic.

"It's a whole machine that needs to be put back on the road," explains Lionel Van Der Haegen, director of the Silly brewery, in the Belgian village of the same name.

The brewery is working hard, but Van Der Haegen fears for the&nbsp;bars&nbsp;that take his&nbsp;beer. "Some have gone bankrupt," he told AFP. "Every day counts. We need to reopen as soon as possible."

Halting&nbsp;Belgium's draft&nbsp;beer&nbsp;cycle in October was a massive logistical exercise it its own right.

In normal times, heavy&nbsp;beer&nbsp;barrels are rolled into bar cellars full and pulled back out when they are empty and hence much lighter.&nbsp;

But after&nbsp;bars&nbsp;were ordered closed at the end of last October, stocks of&nbsp;beer&nbsp;meant to last for several weeks had to be laboriously hauled up and sent back.

Belgium's&nbsp;beer&nbsp;culture is recognised by UNESCO as a heritage of international standing and there was no question for Silly, which prides itself on freshness, of simply storing stale&nbsp;beer.

The unsold beers were disposed of carefully, and now an entirely new batch is under production ahead of May 8,&nbsp;Belgium's&nbsp;reopening&nbsp;day.

"It takes between a month and six weeks between the start of brewing and tasting a Silly&nbsp;beer," said Van Der Haegen, showing AFP around his busy plant.&nbsp;

The Silly brewery dominates the village of just over 7,000. In normal times it produces two-and-a-half million litres per year -- pale ales, saison, abbey beers, fruit beers, Pilseners, wheat beers and Scotch ale.&nbsp;

As AFP toured the plant a local farmer pulled up in a tractor to collect a trailer-load of distillers grains -- dried barley mash left over by the brewing process -- to feed his livestock.

The brewery has been in operation since 1850, employs 24 people at full strength, supplies&nbsp;bars&nbsp;across the region and exports bottled&nbsp;beer&nbsp;as far as the United States and China.

But it's at 70 percent capacity now, and Van Der Haegen does not know how fast things will pick up.&nbsp;

"We're prepared for it, we're building up stock, and we're calling in the teams to set up logistics and prepare orders, call clients, plan deliveries," the director said.

The&nbsp;reopening&nbsp;will be a relief for&nbsp;beer&nbsp;drinkers, as well as bar owners and brewers, but much uncertainty remains. To begin with,&nbsp;bars&nbsp;and restaurants will only open as outdoor terraces.

There will be pent-up demand and some drinkers will doubtless want to celebrate liberally -- but others may be nervous of crowds as the pandemic continues.

A rebellious mood is building. Venues in the city of Liege threatened to break lockdown early, and police with water cannons and horses had to break up a mass gathering in a Brussels park.

But bar managers like Sebastien Weverbergh, who runs an independent cafe adjoining the Silly brewery, argue that no-one is better placed than they are to manage a safe return to normal service.

The industry has experience of installing hygiene measures and dealing with exuberant customers, he said, and&nbsp;Belgium&nbsp;needs to&nbsp;get&nbsp;back to the pub.

"Not seeing our clients is a bit like being punished, as if we no longer had the right to see the people who in the end become our friends in this profession," he said.

"The other difficulty is obviously financial. The state has helped us, it has done what it could, but its means are sometimes a little derisory compared to the costs that a restaurant or a cafe generates."

Belgium&nbsp;has decided to slash value-added tax from 21 percent to six to support the&nbsp;reopening, setting aside 835 million euros ($1.0 billion) to put some fizz back into the sector.

But bar owners argue that European countries could do more and the industry is pushing the idea of bar reopenings as a motor for post-virus recovery.

"I think it is a symbol of the start of the recovery from Covid, for the whole of society," said Simon Spillane, director of communications for the association Brewers of Europe.

"And yes, we're hoping for a boom."

Before the crisis there were 11,000 breweries in Europe, and the number was surging by almost 1,000 per year as the fashion for small-scale specialists spread.

But the industry is at 50 percent capacity across the continent, sales in&nbsp;bars&nbsp;and restaurants dropped by 42 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, and increased shop sales did not fill the gap.

"When you're having a&nbsp;beer&nbsp;on a terrace&nbsp;with your friends, you're not just supporting the brewers," Spillane says. "You're supporting people's jobs and you're supporting the whole economy and the recovery of European society."&nbsp;

Belgium's cafe terraces will not re-open to thirsty beer drinkers for another week but the country's renowned brewers are already all hands to the pump. Six months after the country went into a second coronavirus lockdown, proud bar owners and beer makers alike are keen to get back to business.

Belgium's cafe terraces will not re-open to thirsty beer drinkers for another week but the country's renowned brewers are already all hands to the pump. Six months after the country went into a second coronavirus lockdown, proud bar owners and beer makers alike are keen to get back to business. They are confident their countrymen and women have not lost their taste for Belgium's world-famous brews, but the task of getting new barrels into cellars is huge. Also read: Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers And -- with interior service still banned and social distancing in place -- time is running out for some in an industry that has already been hit hard by the pandemic. "It's a whole machine that needs to be put back on the road," explains Lionel Van Der Haegen, director of the Silly brewery, in the Belgian village of the same name. The brewery is working hard, but Van Der Haegen fears for the bars that take his beer. "Some have gone bankrupt," he told AFP. "Every day counts. We need to reopen as soon as possible." Halting Belgium's draft beer cycle in October was a massive logistical exercise it its own right. In normal times, heavy beer barrels are rolled into bar cellars full and pulled back out when they are empty and hence much lighter. But after bars were ordered closed at the end of last October, stocks of beer meant to last for several weeks had to be laboriously hauled up and sent back. Belgium's beer culture is recognised by UNESCO as a heritage of international standing and there was no question for Silly, which prides itself on freshness, of simply storing stale beer. The unsold beers were disposed of carefully, and now an entirely new batch is under production ahead of May 8, Belgium's reopening day. "It takes between a month and six weeks between the start of brewing and tasting a Silly beer," said Van Der Haegen, showing AFP around his busy plant. The Silly brewery dominates the village of just over 7,000. In normal times it produces two-and-a-half million litres per year -- pale ales, saison, abbey beers, fruit beers, Pilseners, wheat beers and Scotch ale. As AFP toured the plant a local farmer pulled up in a tractor to collect a trailer-load of distillers grains -- dried barley mash left over by the brewing process -- to feed his livestock. The brewery has been in operation since 1850, employs 24 people at full strength, supplies bars across the region and exports bottled beer as far as the United States and China. But it's at 70 percent capacity now, and Van Der Haegen does not know how fast things will pick up. "We're prepared for it, we're building up stock, and we're calling in the teams to set up logistics and prepare orders, call clients, plan deliveries," the director said. The reopening will be a relief for beer drinkers, as well as bar owners and brewers, but much uncertainty remains. To begin with, bars and restaurants will only open as outdoor terraces. There will be pent-up demand and some drinkers will doubtless want to celebrate liberally -- but others may be nervous of crowds as the pandemic continues. A rebellious mood is building. Venues in the city of Liege threatened to break lockdown early, and police with water cannons and horses had to break up a mass gathering in a Brussels park. But bar managers like Sebastien Weverbergh, who runs an independent cafe adjoining the Silly brewery, argue that no-one is better placed than they are to manage a safe return to normal service. The industry has experience of installing hygiene measures and dealing with exuberant customers, he said, and Belgium needs to get back to the pub. "Not seeing our clients is a bit like being punished, as if we no longer had the right to see the people who in the end become our friends in this profession," he said. "The other difficulty is obviously financial. The state has helped us, it has done what it could, but its means are sometimes a little derisory compared to the costs that a restaurant or a cafe generates." Belgium has decided to slash value-added tax from 21 percent to six to support the reopening, setting aside 835 million euros ($1.0 billion) to put some fizz back into the sector. But bar owners argue that European countries could do more and the industry is pushing the idea of bar reopenings as a motor for post-virus recovery. "I think it is a symbol of the start of the recovery from Covid, for the whole of society," said Simon Spillane, director of communications for the association Brewers of Europe. "And yes, we're hoping for a boom." Before the crisis there were 11,000 breweries in Europe, and the number was surging by almost 1,000 per year as the fashion for small-scale specialists spread. But the industry is at 50 percent capacity across the continent, sales in bars and restaurants dropped by 42 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, and increased shop sales did not fill the gap. "When you're having a beer on a terrace with your friends, you're not just supporting the brewers," Spillane says. "You're supporting people's jobs and you're supporting the whole economy and the recovery of European society."

Belgium races to get beer to bars for great reopening

Cruise&nbsp;ships&nbsp;may be able to resume sailing from ports in Florida in mid-July&nbsp;after being shut down for over a year by the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidelines from US health authorities.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informed&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;companies on Wednesday of the requirements they would need to meet to begin sailing&nbsp;again.

At least 98 percent of the crew and 95 percent of passengers will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to the letter obtained by AFP on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a>

"Ships&nbsp;may now bypass simulated voyages and move directly to open water sailing with passengers if a ship attests that 98 percent of its crew and 95 percent of its passengers are fully vaccinated," the CDC said.

Cruise&nbsp;lines were asked to submit their plans "as soon as possible to maintain the timeline of passenger voyages by mid-July."

The multi-billion dollar&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;industry employs thousands of people in Florida and is critical to a state that relies largely on tourism.

The three largest&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;lines in the world -- Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean -- run operations out of south Florida.

Norwegian announced on April 5 that it would require proof of vaccination for passengers and crew in the hope that the CDC would lift the sailing ban in&nbsp;July.&nbsp;

A Norwegian spokesman said the company "is encouraged by the ongoing constructive dialogue (with the CDC) that resulted in recent meaningful modifications to previously issued technical guidelines and the incorporation of vaccines."

Jonathan Fishman, a Royal Caribbean spokesman, said the company was encouraged "that we now see a pathway to a healthy and achievable return to service."

A Carnival spokesperson said the company is still reviewing the new CDC guidelines.

Cruise&nbsp;operations were suspended on March 14, 2020 when the CDC issued a "no&nbsp;sail&nbsp;order" to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

Several&nbsp;ships&nbsp;had already had deadly outbreaks on board.

Some&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;ships&nbsp;resumed operations in Europe and elsewhere last year but the ban remained in place in the United States.

The CDC issued a roadmap in October for&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;ships&nbsp;to resume operations and updated it in April.

Didier Arino, head of the Protourisme consulting firm in Paris, told AFP this month that the pandemic has caused $48.3 billion in losses to the&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;industry and he doesn't expect it to resume normal activity until 2025.

Cruise ships may be able to resume sailing from ports in Florida in mid-July after being shut down for over a year by the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidelines from US health authorities.

Cruise ships may be able to resume sailing from ports in Florida in mid-July after being shut down for over a year by the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidelines from US health authorities. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informed cruise companies on Wednesday of the requirements they would need to meet to begin sailing again. At least 98 percent of the crew and 95 percent of passengers will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to the letter obtained by AFP on Thursday. Also read: EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer "Ships may now bypass simulated voyages and move directly to open water sailing with passengers if a ship attests that 98 percent of its crew and 95 percent of its passengers are fully vaccinated," the CDC said. Cruise lines were asked to submit their plans "as soon as possible to maintain the timeline of passenger voyages by mid-July." The multi-billion dollar cruise industry employs thousands of people in Florida and is critical to a state that relies largely on tourism. The three largest cruise lines in the world -- Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean -- run operations out of south Florida. Norwegian announced on April 5 that it would require proof of vaccination for passengers and crew in the hope that the CDC would lift the sailing ban in July. A Norwegian spokesman said the company "is encouraged by the ongoing constructive dialogue (with the CDC) that resulted in recent meaningful modifications to previously issued technical guidelines and the incorporation of vaccines." Jonathan Fishman, a Royal Caribbean spokesman, said the company was encouraged "that we now see a pathway to a healthy and achievable return to service." A Carnival spokesperson said the company is still reviewing the new CDC guidelines. Cruise operations were suspended on March 14, 2020 when the CDC issued a "no sail order" to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. Several ships had already had deadly outbreaks on board. Some cruise ships resumed operations in Europe and elsewhere last year but the ban remained in place in the United States. The CDC issued a roadmap in October for cruise ships to resume operations and updated it in April. Didier Arino, head of the Protourisme consulting firm in Paris, told AFP this month that the pandemic has caused $48.3 billion in losses to the cruise industry and he doesn't expect it to resume normal activity until 2025.

US cruise ships could sail again by July: CDC

The Russian Direct Investment Fund will deliver the Sputnik V vaccine to India as it battles the second wave of coronavirus, RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said on Monday. Dmitriev, in an interview with CNN on Monday, said that the first doses will arrive in India on May 1.

He also stated that India would be one of the key producers of Sputnik V.Meanwhile, Indian doctors are looking forward to getting access to Russia's Sputnik V vaccine soon, Senior Director of the centre for Chest and Respiratory Diseases at New Delhi`s Super Specialty Hospital Dr Sandeep Nayar told TASS Newsagency on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="Russia says Brazil's refusal to import Sputnik V is 'political'">Russia says Brazil's refusal to import Sputnik V is 'political'</a>

"The Sputnik vaccine has a very good study and very good backup, so I'm hoping that we have that vaccine too as early as possible," Tass reported, quoting Senior Director of the Center for Chest and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi`s Super Specialty Hospital Dr. SandeepNayar.At present, India is using two coronavirus vaccines, Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, and Covaxinmade by India's Bharat Biotech for vaccinating its citizens.

Sputnik V, the world's first registered coronavirus vaccine, has been approved for emergency use in 60 countries across the globe. According to an interim analysis from the trial published in The Lancet, the vaccine has 91.6 per cent efficacy.&nbsp;

The Russian Direct Investment Fund will deliver the Sputnik V vaccine to India as it battles the second wave of coronavirus, RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said on Monday.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund will deliver the Sputnik V vaccine to India as it battles the second wave of coronavirus, RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said on Monday. Dmitriev, in an interview with CNN on Monday, said that the first doses will arrive in India on May 1. He also stated that India would be one of the key producers of Sputnik V.Meanwhile, Indian doctors are looking forward to getting access to Russia's Sputnik V vaccine soon, Senior Director of the centre for Chest and Respiratory Diseases at New Delhi`s Super Specialty Hospital Dr Sandeep Nayar told TASS Newsagency on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Russia says Brazil's refusal to import Sputnik V is 'political' "The Sputnik vaccine has a very good study and very good backup, so I'm hoping that we have that vaccine too as early as possible," Tass reported, quoting Senior Director of the Center for Chest and Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi`s Super Specialty Hospital Dr. SandeepNayar.At present, India is using two coronavirus vaccines, Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, and Covaxinmade by India's Bharat Biotech for vaccinating its citizens. Sputnik V, the world's first registered coronavirus vaccine, has been approved for emergency use in 60 countries across the globe. According to an interim analysis from the trial published in The Lancet, the vaccine has 91.6 per cent efficacy.

India to get first doses of Sputnik V vaccine by May 1: RDIF CEO

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Monday it will give India at least 450,000 vials of its antiviral drug remdesivir and help boost production, as the world`s second-most populous country reels from surging coronavirus cases.

Remdesivir is approved in India for restricted emergency use to treat severe COVID-19 cases, but hospitals are facing supply shortages due to indiscriminate use and the drug is being sold at over 10 times its listed price in the black market.

The shortage has raised concerns about hoarding as people queue up outside clinics and hospitals to buy the drug and millions take to social media to secure supplies.

Also&nbsp;Read |&nbsp;<a href="India's Covid crisis: Bhutanese express solidarity, country to supply oxygen">India's Covid crisis: Bhutanese express solidarity, country to supply oxygen</a>

Earlier this month, India banned the export of the drug and the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) used to make it.

Seven Indian companies have licensed the drug from Gilead, with an installed capacity of about 3.9 million units per month. Gilead said on Monday all of them were scaling up their batch sizes and adding new manufacturing facilities and local contract manufacturers.

There are doubts about the drug's effectiveness in treating COVID-19. The World Health Organization in November issued a conditional recommendation against the use of remdesivir in hospitalised patients, but India has continued to use it.

A senior Indian government health official said last week that remdesivir is only for those patients who need oxygen.

"I am appealing that the hype over this medicine should be decreased, and it should be used in a rational manner," Vinod Kumar Paul said.

On Monday, Russian pharmaceutical firm Pharmasyntez said it was ready to ship up to 1 million packs of remdesivir to India by the end-May once it received the Russian government's approval.

India has reported more than 300,000 new COVID-19 cases per day over the past six days. It has an official tally of 17.31 million infections and 195,123 deaths, health ministry data showed, although health experts say the figures likely run higher.

Nations including Britain, Germany and the United States have pledged support, while the World Health Organization termed the situation as "beyond heartbreaking".

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Monday it will give India at least 450,000 vials of its antiviral drug remdesivir and help boost production, as the world`s second-most populous country reels from surging coronavirus cases.

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Monday it will give India at least 450,000 vials of its antiviral drug remdesivir and help boost production, as the world`s second-most populous country reels from surging coronavirus cases. Remdesivir is approved in India for restricted emergency use to treat severe COVID-19 cases, but hospitals are facing supply shortages due to indiscriminate use and the drug is being sold at over 10 times its listed price in the black market. The shortage has raised concerns about hoarding as people queue up outside clinics and hospitals to buy the drug and millions take to social media to secure supplies. Also Read | India's Covid crisis: Bhutanese express solidarity, country to supply oxygen Earlier this month, India banned the export of the drug and the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) used to make it. Seven Indian companies have licensed the drug from Gilead, with an installed capacity of about 3.9 million units per month. Gilead said on Monday all of them were scaling up their batch sizes and adding new manufacturing facilities and local contract manufacturers. There are doubts about the drug's effectiveness in treating COVID-19. The World Health Organization in November issued a conditional recommendation against the use of remdesivir in hospitalised patients, but India has continued to use it. A senior Indian government health official said last week that remdesivir is only for those patients who need oxygen. "I am appealing that the hype over this medicine should be decreased, and it should be used in a rational manner," Vinod Kumar Paul said. On Monday, Russian pharmaceutical firm Pharmasyntez said it was ready to ship up to 1 million packs of remdesivir to India by the end-May once it received the Russian government's approval. India has reported more than 300,000 new COVID-19 cases per day over the past six days. It has an official tally of 17.31 million infections and 195,123 deaths, health ministry data showed, although health experts say the figures likely run higher. Nations including Britain, Germany and the United States have pledged support, while the World Health Organization termed the situation as "beyond heartbreaking".

Gilead to help speed up Remdesivir availability in India

China, which is hosting a meeting of Foreign Ministers of some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation, said on Tuesday that the virtual conference is open to all countries in the region, including India.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are invited to the virtual Foreign Ministerial level meeting being hosted on Tuesday by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. India, Maldives and Bhutan are conspicuously absent from the meeting.

Asked why India has not been invited to the meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that "China follows the spirit of openness and inclusiveness".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks ">China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks&nbsp;</a>

"This meeting is open to South Asian countries, including India. We welcome the participation of all countries," he said.

This meeting is part of China's cooperation with South Asian countries and regional and international cooperation to fight the coronavirus pandemic, he said.

"We follow an open attitude and we are open for the participation of other South Asian countries,? Wang said. 
About China's offer of extending support and assistance to India, which is currently experiencing a virulent second wave of coronavirus attack, Wang said, "China has expressed early on its willingness to provide India with support and help".

"We are promoting Chinese companies to meet India's procurement demands for oxygen concentrators and other anti-epidemic supplies. We are ready to work with India in multiple ways to provide assistance. We believe India will finally defeat the virus, he said.

China reported the first COVID-19 case in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and since then the deadly disease has snowballed into a pandemic, affecting more than 147,925,000 people and over 3,122,300 deaths worldwide.

About Tuesday's meeting the spokesman said, "as we speak, the virus is still spreading across the world. Against such a backdrop, China proposed to hold a video conference to demonstrate regional resolution to fight against COVID-19, deepen practical cooperation, consolidate momentum for economic recovery and safeguard outcomes and livelihood improvements.

"We hope that it will be a successful one and inject a new impetus to regional efforts to vanquish the virus and realise steady development,? he said.

"This meeting extends existing efforts by China at relevant South Asian countries to jointly fight COVID-19 and jointly resume socio-economic development, he said, adding that it also stands as an integral part of international, regional anti-epidemic cooperation.

"The meeting will be held under the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. Other interested countries are welcome to participate, he said.

On China's organising the meeting of the South Asian countries to combat COVID-19, Wang said that since the outbreak of COVID-19 China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have been standing together, providing assistance to one another and contributing to regional response.

Since July 2020, China has hosted a series of meetings on combating COVID-19 including one meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Vice Foreign Ministers of China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh and another fighting coronavirus and poverty alleviation at Director-General level of all the six countries, Wang said.

"The meetings effectively enhanced cooperation among countries to fight the virus and resume economic activities," he said.

China, which is hosting a meeting of Foreign Ministers of some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation, said on Tuesday that the virtual conference is open to all countries in the region, including India.

China, which is hosting a meeting of Foreign Ministers of some South Asian countries to deal with the COVID-19 situation, said on Tuesday that the virtual conference is open to all countries in the region, including India. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are invited to the virtual Foreign Ministerial level meeting being hosted on Tuesday by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. India, Maldives and Bhutan are conspicuously absent from the meeting. Asked why India has not been invited to the meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that "China follows the spirit of openness and inclusiveness". Also read: China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks "This meeting is open to South Asian countries, including India. We welcome the participation of all countries," he said. This meeting is part of China's cooperation with South Asian countries and regional and international cooperation to fight the coronavirus pandemic, he said. "We follow an open attitude and we are open for the participation of other South Asian countries,? Wang said. About China's offer of extending support and assistance to India, which is currently experiencing a virulent second wave of coronavirus attack, Wang said, "China has expressed early on its willingness to provide India with support and help". "We are promoting Chinese companies to meet India's procurement demands for oxygen concentrators and other anti-epidemic supplies. We are ready to work with India in multiple ways to provide assistance. We believe India will finally defeat the virus, he said. China reported the first COVID-19 case in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and since then the deadly disease has snowballed into a pandemic, affecting more than 147,925,000 people and over 3,122,300 deaths worldwide. About Tuesday's meeting the spokesman said, "as we speak, the virus is still spreading across the world. Against such a backdrop, China proposed to hold a video conference to demonstrate regional resolution to fight against COVID-19, deepen practical cooperation, consolidate momentum for economic recovery and safeguard outcomes and livelihood improvements. "We hope that it will be a successful one and inject a new impetus to regional efforts to vanquish the virus and realise steady development,? he said. "This meeting extends existing efforts by China at relevant South Asian countries to jointly fight COVID-19 and jointly resume socio-economic development, he said, adding that it also stands as an integral part of international, regional anti-epidemic cooperation. "The meeting will be held under the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. Other interested countries are welcome to participate, he said. On China's organising the meeting of the South Asian countries to combat COVID-19, Wang said that since the outbreak of COVID-19 China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have been standing together, providing assistance to one another and contributing to regional response. Since July 2020, China has hosted a series of meetings on combating COVID-19 including one meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Vice Foreign Ministers of China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh and another fighting coronavirus and poverty alleviation at Director-General level of all the six countries, Wang said. "The meetings effectively enhanced cooperation among countries to fight the virus and resume economic activities," he said.

China says its South Asian Foreign Ministers' meet on Covid-19 is 'open' to India

With COVID-19 numbers dropping, officials in the nation's capital are relaxing a number of restrictions after more than a year of lockdown.

The changes represent a step toward normality for Washington&nbsp;DC, residents and long-term hope for the city's vital tourism and convention industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="US will 'immediately' send vaccine components, medical supplies to India, says Biden">US will 'immediately' send vaccine components, medical supplies to India, says Biden</a>

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Monday that starting on May 1, gyms and fitness centers can operate at 50 per cent capacity, and live music will be permitted in gardens and outdoor spaces. Restaurants will be permitted to seat 10 people per table outdoors, up from the previous limit of six per table. However, the 25 per cent capacity limit for indoor dining will remain unchanged for now.

Retail businesses can increase admittance from 25 per cent to 50 per cent capacity. Houses of worship can increase to 40 per cent capacity, though Bowser said the government was still encouraging residents to attend virtual or outdoor services for now.

Earlier in April, Bowser had announced some other changes that will also take effect in May. These include allowing entertainment venues like concert halls and movie theaters to increase to 25 per cent capacity and allowing public pools to open this summer at 50 per cent capacity.

The Smithsonian network of museums had previously announced that several museums and the National Zoo will reopen on a staggered schedule over several weeks during the month of May. The National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will reopen on May 5.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery will reopen on May 14.

The National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian and the National Zoo will reopen on May 21.

All Smithsonian facilities will required timed entry passes to limit the crowds; the passes are free and available from the Smithsonian website.

As of Monday, Washington's daily infection rate has dropped to 14 cases per 100,000, the lowest number since last fall.

But Bowser still preached caution, saying residents needed to remain patient as the vaccination programme continued.

The way we get open is to crush the virus and get people vaccinated,&nbsp;she said. So we're trying to do all of those things&nbsp;moderate the restrictions where they're warranted and safe, but really focus on crushing those numbers of infections and getting people vaccinated.

Bowser said that approximately 237,000 residents had received at least one vaccine dose, out of about 500,000 adults in the District of Columbia. The government will also begin offering vaccinations to residents as young as 16, she said.

City Health Director Dr&nbsp;LaQuandra Nesbitt acknowledged that vaccine reluctance remained an issue, but called on residents to encourage skeptical friends and relatives to take the step.

It's time for people to start having talks with their friends and say, Hey, we're not hanging out with you unless you get vaccinated, Nesbitt said.

With COVID-19 numbers dropping, officials in the nation's capital are relaxing a number of restrictions after more than a year of lockdown. The changes represent a step toward normality for Washington DC, residents and long-term hope for the city's vital tourism and convention industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic.

With COVID-19 numbers dropping, officials in the nation's capital are relaxing a number of restrictions after more than a year of lockdown. The changes represent a step toward normality for Washington DC, residents and long-term hope for the city's vital tourism and convention industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic. Also Read: US will 'immediately' send vaccine components, medical supplies to India, says Biden Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Monday that starting on May 1, gyms and fitness centers can operate at 50 per cent capacity, and live music will be permitted in gardens and outdoor spaces. Restaurants will be permitted to seat 10 people per table outdoors, up from the previous limit of six per table. However, the 25 per cent capacity limit for indoor dining will remain unchanged for now. Retail businesses can increase admittance from 25 per cent to 50 per cent capacity. Houses of worship can increase to 40 per cent capacity, though Bowser said the government was still encouraging residents to attend virtual or outdoor services for now. Earlier in April, Bowser had announced some other changes that will also take effect in May. These include allowing entertainment venues like concert halls and movie theaters to increase to 25 per cent capacity and allowing public pools to open this summer at 50 per cent capacity. The Smithsonian network of museums had previously announced that several museums and the National Zoo will reopen on a staggered schedule over several weeks during the month of May. The National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will reopen on May 5. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery will reopen on May 14. The National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian and the National Zoo will reopen on May 21. All Smithsonian facilities will required timed entry passes to limit the crowds; the passes are free and available from the Smithsonian website. As of Monday, Washington's daily infection rate has dropped to 14 cases per 100,000, the lowest number since last fall. But Bowser still preached caution, saying residents needed to remain patient as the vaccination programme continued. The way we get open is to crush the virus and get people vaccinated, she said. So we're trying to do all of those things moderate the restrictions where they're warranted and safe, but really focus on crushing those numbers of infections and getting people vaccinated. Bowser said that approximately 237,000 residents had received at least one vaccine dose, out of about 500,000 adults in the District of Columbia. The government will also begin offering vaccinations to residents as young as 16, she said. City Health Director Dr LaQuandra Nesbitt acknowledged that vaccine reluctance remained an issue, but called on residents to encourage skeptical friends and relatives to take the step. It's time for people to start having talks with their friends and say, Hey, we're not hanging out with you unless you get vaccinated, Nesbitt said.

Washington DC, to loosen virus restrictions this weekend

Hong Kong will reopen bars and nightclubs from April 29 for people who have been vaccinated and who use a government mobile phone application, the Asian financial hub's health secretary said on Tuesday.

Sophia Chan told a press briefing the measures extended to bathhouses and karaoke lounges and would enable the venues to stay open until 2&nbsp;am. All staff and customers must have received at least one vaccine dose for the venue to be operational and they must operate at half capacity, she said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="Hong Kong's new immigration bill could give authorities arbitrary control over people's movement">Hong Kong's new immigration bill could give authorities arbitrary control over people's movement</a>

We all hope life can return to normal but we need to allow some time for everyone to adapt to these new measures," Chan said.

The former British colony has recorded over 11,700 total coronavirus cases, far lower than other developed cities. 
Hong Kong has banned non-residents in the city since March 2020, but announced this week a long-delayed travel bubble with Singapore will begin on May 26, its first bilateral resumption of travel ties with another city.

Chan's announcement comes as authorities try to incentivise residents to get vaccinated with only around 11% of the city's 7.5 million population having received their first vaccine dose.

The take up of vaccines has been sluggish since the scheme began in the Chinese special administrative region in February due to a lack of confidence in China's Sinovac vaccine and fears of adverse reactions.

Hong Kong began vaccinating residents with doses from Sinovac in February and started offering a vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech in March.

The BioNTech shot has shown far greater take up since its launch with two to three times more people booking it on a daily basis than for Sinovac, according to government figures.

Under the new rules, restaurants in the city will be allowed to increase the number of diners per table to six from four currently, provided staff and customers have also received their first vaccine dose. They will be able to dine until midnight, from 10&nbsp;pm&nbsp;now.

Restaurants will set up different areas for customers who are not vaccinated and for those who choose to write their contact details down on paper rather than registering with the government app. This segment will only be allowed to dine up to four people to a table.

A tracing app pushed by the government has met with distrust.

Hong Kong will reopen bars and nightclubs from April 29 for people who have been vaccinated and who use a government mobile phone application, the Asian financial hub's health secretary said on Tuesday.

Hong Kong will reopen bars and nightclubs from April 29 for people who have been vaccinated and who use a government mobile phone application, the Asian financial hub's health secretary said on Tuesday. Sophia Chan told a press briefing the measures extended to bathhouses and karaoke lounges and would enable the venues to stay open until 2 am. All staff and customers must have received at least one vaccine dose for the venue to be operational and they must operate at half capacity, she said. Also Read: Hong Kong's new immigration bill could give authorities arbitrary control over people's movement We all hope life can return to normal but we need to allow some time for everyone to adapt to these new measures," Chan said. The former British colony has recorded over 11,700 total coronavirus cases, far lower than other developed cities. Hong Kong has banned non-residents in the city since March 2020, but announced this week a long-delayed travel bubble with Singapore will begin on May 26, its first bilateral resumption of travel ties with another city. Chan's announcement comes as authorities try to incentivise residents to get vaccinated with only around 11% of the city's 7.5 million population having received their first vaccine dose. The take up of vaccines has been sluggish since the scheme began in the Chinese special administrative region in February due to a lack of confidence in China's Sinovac vaccine and fears of adverse reactions. Hong Kong began vaccinating residents with doses from Sinovac in February and started offering a vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech in March. The BioNTech shot has shown far greater take up since its launch with two to three times more people booking it on a daily basis than for Sinovac, according to government figures. Under the new rules, restaurants in the city will be allowed to increase the number of diners per table to six from four currently, provided staff and customers have also received their first vaccine dose. They will be able to dine until midnight, from 10 pm now. Restaurants will set up different areas for customers who are not vaccinated and for those who choose to write their contact details down on paper rather than registering with the government app. This segment will only be allowed to dine up to four people to a table. A tracing app pushed by the government has met with distrust.

Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers

Morocco's Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned the Spanish ambassador on Sunday to convey the government's 'regret' over Spain's decision to receive for medical treatment of the leader of a regional group fighting Morocco for independence.&nbsp;

Spanish officials revealed last week that Brahim Ghali, 73, is hospitalised in Spain for treatment of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Ghali heads the Polisario Front, which has long fought for the independence from Morocco of Western Sahara, periodically engaging the Moroccan armed forces.&nbsp;

The Moroccan foreign ministry said Spain's stance is inconsistent with the spirit of partnership and good neighborliness. Morocco is seeking an explanation of Spain's position, the ministry said.&nbsp;

The diplomatic tension between Rabat and Madrid comes as Spain seeks Morocco's cooperation in stemming the flow of migrants across the sea to Spanish territory. The Spanish government is also seeking to deepen economic ties with Africa.&nbsp;

An official from Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said last week that Ghali had been taken in 'for strictly humanitarian reasons’.&nbsp;

Western Sahara stretches along Africa's Atlantic coast south of the Moroccan resort city of Agadir, and borders Algeria and Mauritania. It has a population of 600,000 people. It was colonised by Spain in the 19th century and annexed by Morocco in 1975.&nbsp;

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, the self-declared government also led by Ghali, says he is recovering favorably in an unidentified Spanish hospital. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Morocco's Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned the Spanish ambassador on Sunday to convey the government's 'regret' over Spain's decision to receive for medical treatment of the leader of a regional group fighting Morocco for independence.

Morocco's Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned the Spanish ambassador on Sunday to convey the government's 'regret' over Spain's decision to receive for medical treatment of the leader of a regional group fighting Morocco for independence. Spanish officials revealed last week that Brahim Ghali, 73, is hospitalised in Spain for treatment of COVID-19. Ghali heads the Polisario Front, which has long fought for the independence from Morocco of Western Sahara, periodically engaging the Moroccan armed forces. The Moroccan foreign ministry said Spain's stance is inconsistent with the spirit of partnership and good neighborliness. Morocco is seeking an explanation of Spain's position, the ministry said. The diplomatic tension between Rabat and Madrid comes as Spain seeks Morocco's cooperation in stemming the flow of migrants across the sea to Spanish territory. The Spanish government is also seeking to deepen economic ties with Africa. An official from Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said last week that Ghali had been taken in 'for strictly humanitarian reasons’. Western Sahara stretches along Africa's Atlantic coast south of the Moroccan resort city of Agadir, and borders Algeria and Mauritania. It has a population of 600,000 people. It was colonised by Spain in the 19th century and annexed by Morocco in 1975. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, the self-declared government also led by Ghali, says he is recovering favorably in an unidentified Spanish hospital. (With inputs from agencies)

Morocco scolds Spain over virus help for independence leader 

The on-going Pakistan Super League has been postponed indefinitely due to a coronavirus outbreak. The decision was taken in a meeting between the organising committee and the team owners and management on Thursday due to recent COVID-19 cases reported in the league.&nbsp;

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"The decision was made after seven cases were reported in the competition, which had started on 20 February," an official release from the PCB stated.

The board took this decision a day after three people tested positive for coronavirus. This included Quetta Gladiators batsman Tom Baton and Karachi Kings fielding coach Kamran Khan.

Earlier, a PSL fixture was postponed by a day after Quetta's Fawad Ahmed testing positive for the contagious virus.&nbsp;

The previous edition of the T20 league faced postponement due to coronavirus pandemic, and the league was rescheduled and hosted it last November.

The on-going Pakistan Super League has been postponed indefinitely due to a coronavirus outbreak. The decision was taken in a meeting between the organising committee and the team owners and management on Thursday due to recent COVID-19 cases reported in the league.

The on-going Pakistan Super League has been postponed indefinitely due to a coronavirus outbreak. The decision was taken in a meeting between the organising committee and the team owners and management on Thursday due to recent COVID-19 cases reported in the league. ALSO READ: 'Welcome to the club': Yuvraj Singh congratulates Kieron Pollard on smashing 6 sixes "The decision was made after seven cases were reported in the competition, which had started on 20 February," an official release from the PCB stated. The board took this decision a day after three people tested positive for coronavirus. This included Quetta Gladiators batsman Tom Baton and Karachi Kings fielding coach Kamran Khan. Earlier, a PSL fixture was postponed by a day after Quetta's Fawad Ahmed testing positive for the contagious virus. The previous edition of the T20 league faced postponement due to coronavirus pandemic, and the league was rescheduled and hosted it last November.

Pakistan Super League postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19: PCB

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