Africa has just lived through its most devastating week of the pandemic, but the worst is yet to come as the third wave gathers pace on the continent, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

"Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire pandemic week ever. But the worst is yet to come as the fast-moving third wave continues to gain speed and new ground," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-third-wave-hits-africa-as-vaccination-slows-393940">'Brutal' third wave hits Africa as vaccination slows</a>

Cases are doubling every 18 days, compared with every 21 days only a week ago, she said during a virtual press conference, adding that "the end to this precipitous rise is still weeks away."

Coronavirus cases have been rising in Africa since the start of the third wave on the continent on May 3. During the week ending July 4, more than 251,000 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases were recorded on the continent, a 20 per cent&nbsp;increase over the previous week and a 12 per cent jump from the previous January peak.

Sixteen African countries are now seeing a resurgence of the virus, with the more contagious Delta strain detected in 10 of them.

South Africa is the worst-hit country in Africa, with new daily infections hitting record highs of 26,000 cases over the weekend, fuelled by the Delta variant.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-south-africa-enters-strict-lockdown-to-battle-delta-variant-394526/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Vaccination</a> rates remain sluggish, with only 16 million people, 2 per cent&nbsp;of the African population, fully vaccinated.

But Moeti said there was some room for optimism because vaccine deliveries were picking up after grinding to a near halt in May and early June.

In the past two weeks, more than 1.6 million doses were delivered to Africa through the Covax scheme, which was set up to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines to poorer countries. &nbsp;

A US shipment of 20 million Johnson &amp; Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech is due to arrive soon, to be distributed to 49 countries. Donations from Norway and Sweden are due to follow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africas-covid-19-cases-surpass-443-million-africa-cdc-378916">Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC</a>

"Our appeals for 'we first and not me first' are finally turning talk into action. But the deliveries can't come soon enough because the third wave looms large across the continent," she said.

Africa has so far received 66 million doses and has administered 50 million of them.

Moeti urged governments to expand vaccination sites and take other measures to take advantage of the vaccine deliveries when they come.

According to the latest figures, Africa has officially registered &nbsp;5,730,638 cases and 147,125 deaths from COVID-19.

Africa has just lived through its most devastating week of the pandemic, but the worst is yet to come as the third wave gathers pace on the continent, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

Africa has just lived through its most devastating week of the pandemic, but the worst is yet to come as the third wave gathers pace on the continent, the World Health Organization said Thursday. "Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire pandemic week ever. But the worst is yet to come as the fast-moving third wave continues to gain speed and new ground," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa. Also read | 'Brutal' third wave hits Africa as vaccination slows Cases are doubling every 18 days, compared with every 21 days only a week ago, she said during a virtual press conference, adding that "the end to this precipitous rise is still weeks away." Coronavirus cases have been rising in Africa since the start of the third wave on the continent on May 3. During the week ending July 4, more than 251,000 new COVID-19 cases were recorded on the continent, a 20 per cent increase over the previous week and a 12 per cent jump from the previous January peak. Sixteen African countries are now seeing a resurgence of the virus, with the more contagious Delta strain detected in 10 of them. South Africa is the worst-hit country in Africa, with new daily infections hitting record highs of 26,000 cases over the weekend, fuelled by the Delta variant. Vaccination rates remain sluggish, with only 16 million people, 2 per cent of the African population, fully vaccinated. But Moeti said there was some room for optimism because vaccine deliveries were picking up after grinding to a near halt in May and early June. In the past two weeks, more than 1.6 million doses were delivered to Africa through the Covax scheme, which was set up to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines to poorer countries. A US shipment of 20 million Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech is due to arrive soon, to be distributed to 49 countries. Donations from Norway and Sweden are due to follow. Also read | Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC "Our appeals for 'we first and not me first' are finally turning talk into action. But the deliveries can't come soon enough because the third wave looms large across the continent," she said. Africa has so far received 66 million doses and has administered 50 million of them. Moeti urged governments to expand vaccination sites and take other measures to take advantage of the vaccine deliveries when they come. According to the latest figures, Africa has officially registered 5,730,638 cases and 147,125 deaths from COVID-19.

Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO

Adding to the list of grim milestones, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Coronavirus deaths</a> have crossed four million on Friday, World Health Organization (WHO) said. "The world is at a perilous point in this pandemic," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The grim milestone was crossed as several western countries are inching towards unlocking their economies completely. Meanwhile, several Asian countries are facing a Covid crisis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-will-not-follow-uks-live-with-covid-policy-jacinda-ardern-396563" hreflang="en">New Zealand will not follow UK's 'live with Covid' policy: Jacinda Ardern</a>

WHO chief took a dig at rich nations unlocking countries after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinating</a> a certain percentage of the population. He said some countries who have high vaccination coverage are "relaxing as though the pandemic is already over".

"Some countries with high vaccination coverage are now planning to rollout booster shots in the coming months and are dropping public health social measures and relaxing as though the #COVID19 pandemic is already over," Tedros said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cdc-says-delta-variant-dominant-in-us-makes-up-more-than-half-of-covid-19-cases-396567" hreflang="en">CDC says Delta variant dominant in US, makes up more than half of COVID-19 cases</a>

He also stressed the contrast between the rich and the poor nations. While the rich nations are unlocking after procuring and inoculating coronavirus vaccines, other countries are struggling to control the widespread of the Delta variant as they are unable to procure vaccines.

"Variants are currently winning the race against vaccines because of inequitable vaccine production &amp; distribution, which also threatens the global economic recovery. It didn’t have to be this way &amp; it doesn’t have to be this way going forward," Tedros said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-china-records-highest-daily-covid-cases-indonesia-reports-highest-deaths-396547" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: China records highest daily Covid cases, Indonesia reports highest deaths</a>

As per a Reuters analysis, it took nearly a year to record two million Covid deaths. However, the next two million deaths were recorded within 166 days. The US, Brazil, India, Russia and Mexico have recorded 50 per cent of total deaths in the world. Peru, Bosnia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Gibraltar have the highest death rates according to the population.

This grim milestone has come as Indonesia has reported the worst-ever Covid crisis in the country as locals struggle to get access to oxygen cylinders for their family members.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"The world is at a perilous point in this pandemic. 
 
We have just passed the tragic milestone of 4 million recorded <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> deaths, which likely underestimates the overall toll"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1412763048071344128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, the UK has announced plans to lift all Covid-related restrictions by July 19 – a plan which has gained criticism from all around the world. The WHO, however, has urged 'extreme caution' in lifting Covid restrictions.

Tedros also urged countries to drop 'vaccine nationalism' and help the poorer nations by donating vaccines to them through the Covax programme. "Vaccine nationalism, where a handful of nations have taken the lion’s share, is morally indefensible &amp; an ineffective public health strategy against a respiratory virus that is mutating quickly &amp; becoming increasingly effective at moving from human-to-human," he said. "At this stage in the #COVID19 pandemic, the fact that millions of health and care workers have still not been vaccinated is abhorrent."

"From a moral, epidemiological or economic point view, now is the time for the world to come together to tackle this pandemic collectively," he said.

Adding to the list of grim milestones, Coronavirus deaths have crossed four million on Friday, World Health Organization (WHO) said. "The world is at a perilous point in this pandemic," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Adding to the list of grim milestones, Coronavirus deaths have crossed four million on Friday, World Health Organization (WHO) said. "The world is at a perilous point in this pandemic," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The grim milestone was crossed as several western countries are inching towards unlocking their economies completely. Meanwhile, several Asian countries are facing a Covid crisis. Also read | New Zealand will not follow UK's 'live with Covid' policy: Jacinda Ardern WHO chief took a dig at rich nations unlocking countries after vaccinating a certain percentage of the population. He said some countries who have high vaccination coverage are "relaxing as though the pandemic is already over". "Some countries with high vaccination coverage are now planning to rollout booster shots in the coming months and are dropping public health social measures and relaxing as though the #COVID19 pandemic is already over," Tedros said. Also read | CDC says Delta variant dominant in US, makes up more than half of COVID-19 cases He also stressed the contrast between the rich and the poor nations. While the rich nations are unlocking after procuring and inoculating coronavirus vaccines, other countries are struggling to control the widespread of the Delta variant as they are unable to procure vaccines. "Variants are currently winning the race against vaccines because of inequitable vaccine production & distribution, which also threatens the global economic recovery. It didn’t have to be this way & it doesn’t have to be this way going forward," Tedros said. Also read | Coronavirus: China records highest daily Covid cases, Indonesia reports highest deaths As per a Reuters analysis, it took nearly a year to record two million Covid deaths. However, the next two million deaths were recorded within 166 days. The US, Brazil, India, Russia and Mexico have recorded 50 per cent of total deaths in the world. Peru, Bosnia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Gibraltar have the highest death rates according to the population. This grim milestone has come as Indonesia has reported the worst-ever Covid crisis in the country as locals struggle to get access to oxygen cylinders for their family members. "The world is at a perilous point in this pandemic. We have just passed the tragic milestone of 4 million recorded #COVID19 deaths, which likely underestimates the overall toll"-@DrTedros — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 7, 2021 × Meanwhile, the UK has announced plans to lift all Covid-related restrictions by July 19 – a plan which has gained criticism from all around the world. The WHO, however, has urged 'extreme caution' in lifting Covid restrictions. Tedros also urged countries to drop 'vaccine nationalism' and help the poorer nations by donating vaccines to them through the Covax programme. "Vaccine nationalism, where a handful of nations have taken the lion’s share, is morally indefensible & an ineffective public health strategy against a respiratory virus that is mutating quickly & becoming increasingly effective at moving from human-to-human," he said. "At this stage in the #COVID19 pandemic, the fact that millions of health and care workers have still not been vaccinated is abhorrent." "From a moral, epidemiological or economic point view, now is the time for the world to come together to tackle this pandemic collectively," he said.

'World at a perilous point': COVID-19 death toll crosses 4 million worldwide

As the countries are reopening their economies after repeated and extended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid lockdowns</a>, a World Health Organization (WHO) official has warned it to be a 'premature rush' back to normality.

This warning has come as the UK, the US and a few other European countries have decided to reopen shops, eateries and have eased social distancing and mask rules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australians-chasing-covid-19-vaccines-like-hunger-games-health-minister-amid-low-supply-396111" hreflang="en">Australians chasing COVID-19 vaccines like Hunger Games: Health minister amid low supply</a>

The WHO's head of emergencies programme, Mike Ryan, has warned authorities that if the same trend continues, a new wave of infections of coronavirus might not be very far.

"All of the countries of the Americas, we still have nearly 1 million cases a week. 1 million. A week. You know it's not, it isn't over. And the same in Europe. In the European region with half a million cases a week. It's not like this thing has gone away," Ryan warned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnsons-plan-to-ease-covid-restrictions-is-reckless-labour-party-396232">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnsons-plan-to-ease-covid-restrictions-is-reckless-labour-party-396232/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His warning has also come at a time when countries all over the world are reporting an increase in cases mainly due to the new Delta variant. This new variant is believed to be more transmissible which has resulted in a higher infection rate.

The Delta variant has now been reported in nearly 100 countries and WHO officials believe it could be the next dominant variant of COVID-19 now. An increase in Delta variant caused cases have been reported in areas where the population has not yet been vaccinated.

As the countries are reopening their economies after repeated and extended Covid lockdowns, a World Health Organization (WHO) official has warned it to be a 'premature rush' back to normality.

As the countries are reopening their economies after repeated and extended Covid lockdowns, a World Health Organization (WHO) official has warned it to be a 'premature rush' back to normality. This warning has come as the UK, the US and a few other European countries have decided to reopen shops, eateries and have eased social distancing and mask rules. Also read | Australians chasing COVID-19 vaccines like Hunger Games: Health minister amid low supply The WHO's head of emergencies programme, Mike Ryan, has warned authorities that if the same trend continues, a new wave of infections of coronavirus might not be very far. "All of the countries of the Americas, we still have nearly 1 million cases a week. 1 million. A week. You know it's not, it isn't over. And the same in Europe. In the European region with half a million cases a week. It's not like this thing has gone away," Ryan warned. WATCH | His warning has also come at a time when countries all over the world are reporting an increase in cases mainly due to the new Delta variant. This new variant is believed to be more transmissible which has resulted in a higher infection rate. The Delta variant has now been reported in nearly 100 countries and WHO officials believe it could be the next dominant variant of COVID-19 now. An increase in Delta variant caused cases have been reported in areas where the population has not yet been vaccinated.

Countries reopening economy is a 'premature rush' back to normality: WHO

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization has recently warned that the rich nations are sharing vaccines with low-income countries too slowly to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid, putting at risks millions of lives.&nbsp;

Tedros said that world leaders must ensure that at least 10 per cent of people in all countries should be vaccinated by the end of September.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Media briefing on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://t.co/OBWl31s1It">https://t.co/OBWl31s1It</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1410939796516597761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Speaking about the Delta variant, he said, "The Delta variant is dangerous and is continuing to evolve and mutate, which requires constant evaluation and careful adjustment of the public health response". He further added, “Delta has been detected in at least 98 countries, and is spreading quickly in countries with low and high vaccination coverage. The world must equitably share protective gear, oxygen, tests, treatments and vaccines".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</a>

He said, "Public health &amp; social measures like strong surveillance, strategic testing, early case detection, isolation &amp; clinical care remain critical. As well as masking, physical distance, avoiding crowded places &amp; keeping indoor areas well ventilated".

Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation.

Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.

However, medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments.

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

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

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

The World Health Organization, which is advising the International Olympic Committee in the run-up to the Tokyo Games opening later this month, is urging caution so as to stem the spread of the coronavirus, a senior WHO official said on Friday. 
 
Crowds at Euro 2020 soccer stadiums and in pubs and bars in host cities are driving the current rise in COVID-19 infections in Europe, the WHO`s regional office said on Thursday. 
 
Maria van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead on COVID-19 at its global headquarters, was asked what lessons it was drawing from the Euro 2020 tournament in order to advise the IOC and Tokyo organisers ahead of the event`s opening on July 23. 
 
"The IOC and others have outlined their plans in taking their approach for the Olympics, and we have been engaging with them and advising them on the best use of those plans," van Kerkhove told a Geneva news conference. 
 
She said the WHO was learning from Euro 2020, adding: "If the virus is present and precautions are not in place the virus will spread." 
 
"We urge caution. We urge everyone to take caution in what they do," she added. 
 
"We urge everybody to take a risk-based approach in what they do and the decisions that they make. The choices that they make and the events they attend have consequences, good and bad." 
 
Mike Ryan, head of WHO`s emergencies programme, said last month that it would discuss managing COVID-19 risks with Japanese authorities and the IOC, after organisers announced some spectators would be permitted to attend, although fans from overseas have already been banned. 
&nbsp;

The World Health Organization, which is advising the International Olympic Committee in the run-up to the Tokyo Games opening later this month, is urging caution so as to stem the spread of the coronavirus, a senior WHO official said on Friday.

The World Health Organization, which is advising the International Olympic Committee in the run-up to the Tokyo Games opening later this month, is urging caution so as to stem the spread of the coronavirus, a senior WHO official said on Friday. Crowds at Euro 2020 soccer stadiums and in pubs and bars in host cities are driving the current rise in COVID-19 infections in Europe, the WHO`s regional office said on Thursday. Maria van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead on COVID-19 at its global headquarters, was asked what lessons it was drawing from the Euro 2020 tournament in order to advise the IOC and Tokyo organisers ahead of the event`s opening on July 23. "The IOC and others have outlined their plans in taking their approach for the Olympics, and we have been engaging with them and advising them on the best use of those plans," van Kerkhove told a Geneva news conference. She said the WHO was learning from Euro 2020, adding: "If the virus is present and precautions are not in place the virus will spread." "We urge caution. We urge everyone to take caution in what they do," she added. "We urge everybody to take a risk-based approach in what they do and the decisions that they make. The choices that they make and the events they attend have consequences, good and bad." Mike Ryan, head of WHO`s emergencies programme, said last month that it would discuss managing COVID-19 risks with Japanese authorities and the IOC, after organisers announced some spectators would be permitted to attend, although fans from overseas have already been banned.

'We urge caution,' WHO says on Tokyo Olympics

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sent out a warning to Europe after two months of decline in COVID-19 cases. The organisation said that there will be a new wave in the European region unless we remain disciplined. The number of new cases across Europe rose by 10 percent last week.

WHO warns Europe against a new wave of COVID-19 as cases rise again

As Europe witnesses&nbsp;a surge in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization&nbsp;(WHO) said today that Euro 2020 football matches need to be better monitored with several thousand spectators attending the games.

"We need to look much beyond just the stadia themselves," WHO's Catherine Smallwood said emphasising that authorities need to closely look at spectators when they arrive and leave the stadium.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/7-eu-nations-include-covishield-in-green-pass-list-395113/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in London and Saint Petersburg in Russia which are both high profile venues of Euro 2020.

London's Wembley Stadium is due to host the semi-finals and final of the tournament next week with St Petersberg set to host Switzerland vs Spain quarterfinal clash on Friday.

Russia has been experiencing a surge in virus cases with Saint Petersburg hit hard with the virus.

Saint Petersburg recorded 115 deaths in the last 24 hours as Russia reported 672 coronavirus deaths.

WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge did not exclude the Euro 202O as a superspreader event, saying: "I hope not... but this can't be excluded."

"What we need to look at is around the stadia. How are people getting there? Are they travelling in large crowded convoys of buses? Are they taking individual measures when they are doing that?," Catherine Smallwood said.

Hans Kluge informed that that virus cases in Europe were on the rise once again after declining for two months as the continent battles the Delta variant.

Kluge added that the Delta variant has become the dominant strain in Europe while expressing&nbsp;doubts over the pace of vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

WHO's regional director said vaccines need to cover at least 80 per cent of the population however just 24 per cent of the region has been covered so far with the elderly and health workers still largely unprotected even as the virus spreads.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Europe witnesses a surge in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today that Euro 2020 football matches need to be better monitored with several thousand spectators attending the games.

As Europe witnesses a surge in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today that Euro 2020 football matches need to be better monitored with several thousand spectators attending the games. "We need to look much beyond just the stadia themselves," WHO's Catherine Smallwood said emphasising that authorities need to closely look at spectators when they arrive and leave the stadium. Watch: COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in London and Saint Petersburg in Russia which are both high profile venues of Euro 2020. London's Wembley Stadium is due to host the semi-finals and final of the tournament next week with St Petersberg set to host Switzerland vs Spain quarterfinal clash on Friday. Russia has been experiencing a surge in virus cases with Saint Petersburg hit hard with the virus. Saint Petersburg recorded 115 deaths in the last 24 hours as Russia reported 672 coronavirus deaths. WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge did not exclude the Euro 202O as a superspreader event, saying: "I hope not... but this can't be excluded." "What we need to look at is around the stadia. How are people getting there? Are they travelling in large crowded convoys of buses? Are they taking individual measures when they are doing that?," Catherine Smallwood said. Hans Kluge informed that that virus cases in Europe were on the rise once again after declining for two months as the continent battles the Delta variant. Kluge added that the Delta variant has become the dominant strain in Europe while expressing doubts over the pace of vaccine rollout. WHO's regional director said vaccines need to cover at least 80 per cent of the population however just 24 per cent of the region has been covered so far with the elderly and health workers still largely unprotected even as the virus spreads. (With inputs from Agencies)

WHO raises Euro 2020 monitoring issue amid virus surge in Europe

The World Health Organization on Thursday said that over two months of declining Covid cases in Europe had come to an end, warning a new wave would come "unless we remain disciplined."

WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge, in a press conference, said, "Last week, the number of cases rose by 10 per cent, driven by increased mixing, travel, gatherings and easing of social restrictions".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🎥🔴 Watch LIVE as <a href="https://twitter.com/hans_kluge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hans_kluge</a> and experts from WHO/Europe provide a situation update on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in the European Region before answering questions from journalists <a href="https://t.co/3hBj0dn5Mj">https://t.co/3hBj0dn5Mj</a>
— WHO/Europe (@WHO_Europe) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO_Europe/status/1410522364656250882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Kluge further said that if people decide to travel and gather, they should assess the risks carefully and do it safely, keeping all life-saving reflexes of masks and self-protections especially indoor and in crowd.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-urge-uk-to-expand-official-list-of-symptoms-for-covid-19-395089">Also Read |&nbsp;Scientists urge UK to expand official list of symptoms for Covid-19</a>

"We see many countries doing well, but the truth is that the average vaccine coverage in the region is 24% only, and more serious, half of our elders and 40% of our health care workers are still unprotected", Kluge said.

He further highlighted that the vaccine is 'effective' against the Delta variant. Urging people to get vaccinated, he said that a delay may cost lives and the economy.

Meanwhile, scientists have urged the UK to expand its official list of Covid symptoms to reduce the number of missed cases.

This will also help in people knowing if they should self-isolate.&nbsp;

Prof Calum Semple, a member of the government’s Sage committee of experts argues that the 'narrow' clinical definition of covid in the UK leads to delays in identifying people with the disease.&nbsp;

Semple, of the University of Liverpool, along with Dr Alex Crozier at UCL and others describe how Covid patients do not always experience the official UK symptoms of a high fever, a new continuous cough, or a loss of sense of smell or taste early on, or at any time in the course of the disease.

The World Health Organization on Thursday said that over two months of declining Covid cases in Europe had come to an end, warning a new wave would come "unless we remain disciplined.

The World Health Organization on Thursday said that over two months of declining Covid cases in Europe had come to an end, warning a new wave would come "unless we remain disciplined." WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge, in a press conference, said, "Last week, the number of cases rose by 10 per cent, driven by increased mixing, travel, gatherings and easing of social restrictions". 🎥🔴 Watch LIVE as @hans_kluge and experts from WHO/Europe provide a situation update on #COVID19 in the European Region before answering questions from journalists https://t.co/3hBj0dn5Mj — WHO/Europe (@WHO_Europe) July 1, 2021 × Kluge further said that if people decide to travel and gather, they should assess the risks carefully and do it safely, keeping all life-saving reflexes of masks and self-protections especially indoor and in crowd. Also Read | Scientists urge UK to expand official list of symptoms for Covid-19 "We see many countries doing well, but the truth is that the average vaccine coverage in the region is 24% only, and more serious, half of our elders and 40% of our health care workers are still unprotected", Kluge said. He further highlighted that the vaccine is 'effective' against the Delta variant. Urging people to get vaccinated, he said that a delay may cost lives and the economy. Meanwhile, scientists have urged the UK to expand its official list of Covid symptoms to reduce the number of missed cases. This will also help in people knowing if they should self-isolate. Prof Calum Semple, a member of the government’s Sage committee of experts argues that the 'narrow' clinical definition of covid in the UK leads to delays in identifying people with the disease. Semple, of the University of Liverpool, along with Dr Alex Crozier at UCL and others describe how Covid patients do not always experience the official UK symptoms of a high fever, a new continuous cough, or a loss of sense of smell or taste early on, or at any time in the course of the disease.

Covid cases in Europe up again after 10 weeks of decline, says WHO

In the United States, current guidelines concerning masks allow fully vaccinated people to be out in public without one. But on Friday the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that vaccinated people should wear face masks.

WHO's latest mask guidance goes against US CDC's

European Union's envoy to India Ugo Astuto has said that each EU member state can have WHO-approved vaccines on the national list for travel, days after it emerged that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) did not list India-made Covishield vaccine.

'WHO approved vaccines can be on national list for travel': Ugo Astuto

European Union's envoy to India&nbsp;Ugo Astuto has said that each EU member state can have WHO-approved vaccines on the national list for travel, days after it emerged that the&nbsp;European Medicines Agency (EMA)&nbsp;did&nbsp;not list India-made Covishield vaccine.&nbsp;

Speaking to our&nbsp;Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Astuto said, "individual member states will also have the option to accept the vaccination that has been authorised by the World Health Organization."

Covishield, while on WHO's authorised list, is not listed by the&nbsp;European Medicines Agency. EMA supervises medicinal products for marketing authorisation in the bloc. The EU green pass that comes into effect from July 1 and eases travel movement in the bloc&nbsp;uses the EMA list.&nbsp;

WION: What is the EU stance over the absence of Covishield vaccine&nbsp;when it comes to EU green pass?

Ugo Astuto: The EU digital Covid certificate is meant to facilitate safe movement during the pandemic within the European Union. It will serve as proof that the person was vaccinated against the virus&nbsp;or received a negative result or recovered from COVID-19.

The aim of the digital certificate is to facilitate free movement inside the European Union but it is not a pre-condition to travel. Persons for instance who have not been vaccinated will continue to travel&nbsp;based on the current restrictions and limitations which are familiar by now, quarantine, testing.

For the purpose of the digital Covid certificate, individual member states will also have the option to accept the vaccination that has been authorized by the WHO.

Besides the list of the vaccination authorised by EMA, individual member states can take the decision to include in own national list, other vaccination authorized by WHO, and I understand Covishield is in the situation.

As far as EMA authorisation is concerned, I have read a statement and as of yesterday, they have not received the request for approval of Covishield. I am sure, EMA will examine any such request based on its procedures.&nbsp;EMA does not investigate new drugs on its own and needs to receive a request from the relevant countries.

WION:&nbsp;What is the way forward to ease travel for Indian nationals? What is the basis of using the EMA list for the EU green pass? Has there been&nbsp;any inter-EU conversation on it?

Ugo Astuto: The council has adopted recently&nbsp;a revised recommendation updating approach to travel from outside the European Union.

Council recommendation aims to ease the current temporary restrictions on non-essential travelling to the EU taking into account the progress of vaccination campaigns, the development in the pandemic worldwide. The situation is constantly being reviewed, the experience will also serve as a test to explore how best to adapt to the easing of temporary restrictions from countries and develop appropriate modalities.

But this is a work in progress. When it comes to India, we have temporary restrictions in place on non-essential travel due to the situation of the pandemic&nbsp;as the viruses of interest and viruses of concern have been detected. The situation is fluid and it is regularly reviewed, lets hope for the best.

European Union's envoy to India Ugo Astuto has said that each EU member state can have WHO-approved vaccines on the national list for travel, days after it emerged that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) did not list India-made Covishield vaccine. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Astuto said, "individual member states will also have the option to accept the vaccination that has been authorised by the World Health Organization." Covishield, while on WHO's authorised list, is not listed by the European Medicines Agency. EMA supervises medicinal products for marketing authorisation in the bloc. The EU green pass that comes into effect from July 1 and eases travel movement in the bloc uses the EMA list. WION: What is the EU stance over the absence of Covishield vaccine when it comes to EU green pass? Ugo Astuto: The EU digital Covid certificate is meant to facilitate safe movement during the pandemic within the European Union. It will serve as proof that the person was vaccinated against the virus or received a negative result or recovered from COVID-19. The aim of the digital certificate is to facilitate free movement inside the European Union but it is not a pre-condition to travel. Persons for instance who have not been vaccinated will continue to travel based on the current restrictions and limitations which are familiar by now, quarantine, testing. For the purpose of the digital Covid certificate, individual member states will also have the option to accept the vaccination that has been authorized by the WHO. Besides the list of the vaccination authorised by EMA, individual member states can take the decision to include in own national list, other vaccination authorized by WHO, and I understand Covishield is in the situation. As far as EMA authorisation is concerned, I have read a statement and as of yesterday, they have not received the request for approval of Covishield. I am sure, EMA will examine any such request based on its procedures. EMA does not investigate new drugs on its own and needs to receive a request from the relevant countries. WION: What is the way forward to ease travel for Indian nationals? What is the basis of using the EMA list for the EU green pass? Has there been any inter-EU conversation on it? Ugo Astuto: The council has adopted recently a revised recommendation updating approach to travel from outside the European Union. Council recommendation aims to ease the current temporary restrictions on non-essential travelling to the EU taking into account the progress of vaccination campaigns, the development in the pandemic worldwide. The situation is constantly being reviewed, the experience will also serve as a test to explore how best to adapt to the easing of temporary restrictions from countries and develop appropriate modalities. But this is a work in progress. When it comes to India, we have temporary restrictions in place on non-essential travel due to the situation of the pandemic as the viruses of interest and viruses of concern have been detected. The situation is fluid and it is regularly reviewed, lets hope for the best.

WHO-approved vaccines can be on national list for travel, says EU envoy

Rich countries are opening up societies and vaccinating young people, who are not at great risk from COVID-19, while the poorest countries cruelly lack doses, the World Health Organization said on Friday, condemning a global failure. 
 
The situation in Africa, where new infections and deaths jumped by nearly 40% last week compared to the previous week, is 'so dangerous' as the Delta variant spreads globally, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. 
 
"Our world is failing, as the global community, we are failing," he told a news conference. 
 
Tedros, who is Ethiopian, chastised unnamed countries for reluctance to share doses with low-income countries. He compared it to the HIV/AIDS crisis, when some argued that African nations were unable to use complicated treatments. 
 
"I mean that attitude has to be a thing of the past," Tedros said. "The problem now is a supply problem, just give us the vaccines." 
 
"The difference is between the haves and the have nots,&nbsp;which is now completely exposing the unfairness of our world - the injustice, the inequality, let's face it," he said. 
 
Many developing countries are much better than industrialised countries in carrying out mass vaccination of their populations against infectious diseases from cholera to polio, WHO's top emergency expert Mike Ryan said. 
 
"The level of paternalism, the level of colonial mindset that say 'we can't give you something because we're afraid you won't use it'. I mean seriously, in the middle of a pandemic?" 
 
COVAX, run jointly by the GAVI vaccine alliance and the WHO, has delivered 90 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to 132 countries since February, but has faced major supply issues since India suspended vaccine exports. 
 
"We have through COVAX this month zero doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, zero doses of SII vaccines (Serum Institute of India), zero doses of J &amp; J (Johnson &amp; Johnson) vaccine," said Bruce Aylward, WHO senior adviser. 
 
"The situation right now is dire." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Rich countries are opening up societies and vaccinating young people, who are not at great risk from COVID-19, while the poorest countries cruelly lack doses, the World Health Organization said on Friday, condemning a global failure.

Rich countries are opening up societies and vaccinating young people, who are not at great risk from COVID-19, while the poorest countries cruelly lack doses, the World Health Organization said on Friday, condemning a global failure. The situation in Africa, where new infections and deaths jumped by nearly 40% last week compared to the previous week, is 'so dangerous' as the Delta variant spreads globally, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. "Our world is failing, as the global community, we are failing," he told a news conference. Tedros, who is Ethiopian, chastised unnamed countries for reluctance to share doses with low-income countries. He compared it to the HIV/AIDS crisis, when some argued that African nations were unable to use complicated treatments. "I mean that attitude has to be a thing of the past," Tedros said. "The problem now is a supply problem, just give us the vaccines." "The difference is between the haves and the have nots, which is now completely exposing the unfairness of our world - the injustice, the inequality, let's face it," he said. Many developing countries are much better than industrialised countries in carrying out mass vaccination of their populations against infectious diseases from cholera to polio, WHO's top emergency expert Mike Ryan said. "The level of paternalism, the level of colonial mindset that say 'we can't give you something because we're afraid you won't use it'. I mean seriously, in the middle of a pandemic?" COVAX, run jointly by the GAVI vaccine alliance and the WHO, has delivered 90 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to 132 countries since February, but has faced major supply issues since India suspended vaccine exports. "We have through COVAX this month zero doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, zero doses of SII vaccines (Serum Institute of India), zero doses of J & J (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine," said Bruce Aylward, WHO senior adviser. "The situation right now is dire." (With inputs from agencies)

Just give us the vaccines, WHO pleads, as poor countries go wanting

As Israel deals with a surge in cases caused by the Delta variant, health officials have suggested that up to half of new cases could be among the vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated people who come into contact with the Delta variant will be quarantined, according to Chezy Levy, the director-general of Israel's health ministry. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-eases-coronavirus-restrictions-amid-nationwide-vaccination-388778">Also read | Israel eases coronavirus restrictions amid nationwide vaccination</a> 
 
"Even though the numbers are low, the fact that this is reaching vaccinated people means ... that we are still checking how many vaccinated people have also been infected," Levy said, according to Haaretz.

On June 23, Israel gave health officials the authority to quarantine anyone who has been exposed to an extremely infectious variant of Covid-19, even if they have been vaccinated or have recovered from the sickness with supposed immunity.&nbsp;

The decision came after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a warning on Tuesday about fresh Delta-related outbreaks, with daily infections rising following weeks of low levels because to Israel's unprecedented mass vaccination campaign.

If authorities feel they may have been in "close contact with a carrier of a severe virus strain," authorities can force vaccinated or previously infected people to self-isolate for up to 14 days under the amended health ministry regulations.&nbsp;

The number of new cases recorded every day in Israel has risen to above 100, the highest level since May.

According to Levy, the Delta variety is responsible for almost 70% of the cases.

As daily cases remained in the single digits, Israel began to relax its viral restrictions, terminating indoor masking last week.

As Israel deals with a surge in cases caused by the Delta variant, health officials have suggested that up to half of new cases could be among the vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people who come into contact with the Delta variant will be quarantined, according to Chezy Levy, the director-general of Israel's health ministry.

As Israel deals with a surge in cases caused by the Delta variant, health officials have suggested that up to half of new cases could be among the vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people who come into contact with the Delta variant will be quarantined, according to Chezy Levy, the director-general of Israel's health ministry. Also read | Israel eases coronavirus restrictions amid nationwide vaccination "Even though the numbers are low, the fact that this is reaching vaccinated people means ... that we are still checking how many vaccinated people have also been infected," Levy said, according to Haaretz. On June 23, Israel gave health officials the authority to quarantine anyone who has been exposed to an extremely infectious variant of Covid-19, even if they have been vaccinated or have recovered from the sickness with supposed immunity. The decision came after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a warning on Tuesday about fresh Delta-related outbreaks, with daily infections rising following weeks of low levels because to Israel's unprecedented mass vaccination campaign. If authorities feel they may have been in "close contact with a carrier of a severe virus strain," authorities can force vaccinated or previously infected people to self-isolate for up to 14 days under the amended health ministry regulations. The number of new cases recorded every day in Israel has risen to above 100, the highest level since May. According to Levy, the Delta variety is responsible for almost 70% of the cases. As daily cases remained in the single digits, Israel began to relax its viral restrictions, terminating indoor masking last week.

COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused on Friday that Ethiopian authorities blocked ambulances from reaching victims of an airstrike this week. This was a rare statement that Dr Tedros made about conflict in his homeland.

Tedros is an ethnic Tigrayan and former Ethiopian Cabinet minister.

The airstrike hit a crowded market in his native region. &nbsp;

"Ambulances were blocked for more than a day from attending the scene and evacuating the wounded for medical care," Tedros said.

"WHO is currently providing life-saving trauma and surgical supplies to a hospital that is treating survivors who were able to reach care," Tedros said. "Attacks on civilians anywhere are completely unacceptable and so is denying them access to immediate care, because we lose lives."

Tedros has occasionally tweeted about the conflict in Tigray, but has rarely mentioned it while speaking publicly in his official capacity as head of the WHO.

Ethiopia's government has accused him in the past of supporting its opponents in the Tigray conflict, the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front, which he previously represented as Ethiopia's health minister and foreign minister.

Ethiopia's military has denied that any civilians were among those killed in the airstrike on the town of Togoga near the regional capital Mekelle. A military spokesman said on Thursday that all those struck were combatants, wearing civilian clothes.

Residents and doctors, however, have said that women and children were among the dead and wounded. A health official working on the response to the airstrike said on Friday the death toll had risen to 64 killed, with 180 other people wounded.

The incident was one of the deadliest in months in a conflict in which the government had said major fighting largely ended last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused on Friday that Ethiopian authorities blocked ambulances from reaching victims of an airstrike this week.

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused on Friday that Ethiopian authorities blocked ambulances from reaching victims of an airstrike this week. This was a rare statement that Dr Tedros made about conflict in his homeland. Tedros is an ethnic Tigrayan and former Ethiopian Cabinet minister. The airstrike hit a crowded market in his native region. "Ambulances were blocked for more than a day from attending the scene and evacuating the wounded for medical care," Tedros said. "WHO is currently providing life-saving trauma and surgical supplies to a hospital that is treating survivors who were able to reach care," Tedros said. "Attacks on civilians anywhere are completely unacceptable and so is denying them access to immediate care, because we lose lives." Tedros has occasionally tweeted about the conflict in Tigray, but has rarely mentioned it while speaking publicly in his official capacity as head of the WHO. Ethiopia's government has accused him in the past of supporting its opponents in the Tigray conflict, the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front, which he previously represented as Ethiopia's health minister and foreign minister. Ethiopia's military has denied that any civilians were among those killed in the airstrike on the town of Togoga near the regional capital Mekelle. A military spokesman said on Thursday that all those struck were combatants, wearing civilian clothes. Residents and doctors, however, have said that women and children were among the dead and wounded. A health official working on the response to the airstrike said on Friday the death toll had risen to 64 killed, with 180 other people wounded. The incident was one of the deadliest in months in a conflict in which the government had said major fighting largely ended last year. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO chief says victims of Ethiopia airstrike denied access to care

Failure to renew a cross-border aid operation into Syria which expires next month could result in a new "humanitarian disaster" for the country`s rebel-held region in the northwest, a World Health Organization spokesman said on Friday. 
 
Christian Lindmeier told a Geneva news briefing that a failure of the UN&nbsp;Security Council to renew the mandate for another year on July 10 would make it impossible to deliver vaccines to the region, including COVID-19 vaccines.

Failure to renew a cross-border aid operation into Syria which expires next month could result in a new "humanitarian disaster" for the country`s rebel-held region in the northwest, a World Health Organization spokesman said on Friday.

Failure to renew a cross-border aid operation into Syria which expires next month could result in a new "humanitarian disaster" for the country`s rebel-held region in the northwest, a World Health Organization spokesman said on Friday. Christian Lindmeier told a Geneva news briefing that a failure of the UN Security Council to renew the mandate for another year on July 10 would make it impossible to deliver vaccines to the region, including COVID-19 vaccines.

WHO warns of 'humanitarian disaster' in Syria if cross-border aid not renewed

Looking at the current trends, it is expected that the Delta variant will become the dominant lineage, warns the World Health Organization. As per the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update released on June 22 by the WHO, the variant Alpha has been reported in 170 countries, territories or areas, Beta in 119 countries, Gamma in 71 countries and Delta in 85 countries.

Looking at the current trends, it is expected that the Delta variant will become the dominant lineage, warns the World Health Organization. As per the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update released on June 22 by the WHO, the variant Alpha has been reported in 170 countries, territories or areas, Beta in 119 countries, Gamma in 71 countries and Delta in 85 countries. The Delta variant continues to be reported in new countries across all WHO Regions, 11 of which were newly reported in the past two weeks. The WHO said the four current ‘Variants of Concern’ being monitored closely Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta – are widespread and have been detected in all WHO regions. As per the update, India reported the highest numbers of new COVID19 cases, 441,976 over the past week. However, there was a decrease of 30 per cent as compared with the previous week. Also Read | Hong Kong citizens snap up final edition of Apple Daily, Taiwan edition to continue operations The South-East Asia Region reported over 600,000 new cases and over 19,000 new deaths. There was a 21 per cent and a 26 per cent decrease respectively compared to the previous week. The WHO claims that since the last detailed update on June 8, new evidence has been published on the phenotypic characteristics of the Delta variant. A study from Singapore revealed that infection with Delta variant was associated with higher odds of oxygen requirement, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, or death. Another study in Japan “estimating the relative instantaneous reproductive number (a measure of transmission at a specific point in time) showed that the Delta variant was associated with greater transmissibility" when compared to the Alpha variant. Delta has the potential "to be more fatal because it's more efficient in the way it transmits between humans," according to Dr Mike Ryan, the executive director of WHO's health-emergencies programme, who spoke at a Monday news conference. He said the Delta variant "will eventually find those vulnerable individuals who will become severely ill, have to be hospitalised, and potentially die." World leaders and public health professionals, Ryan said, can help protect the most vulnerable by donating and disseminating Covid vaccinations.

Delta variant reported in 85 countries globally, expected to become dominant lineage, warns WHO

More than 19 million balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and Union territories, the Union health ministry said on Thursday.

Two crore vaccine doses have been administered in the first 72 hours of the implementation of the newly revised guidelines of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the ministry said.

More than 300 million (30,33,27,440) vaccine doses have been provided by the Centre to states/UTs so far, through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and direct state procurement category.

Of this, the total consumption, including wastages, is 28,43,40,936 doses (according to the data available at 8 am on Thursday), the ministry said.

"More than 19 million (1, 89,86,504) balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.

"Furthermore, more than 21, 05,010 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days," the ministry said.

The Union government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.

The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on June 21.

The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advanced visibility of vaccine availability to states/UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain, the ministry said.

Under the nationwide vaccination drive, the Centre has been supporting the states/UTs by providing them Covid vaccines free of cost.

In the new phase of the universalisation of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Union government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by vaccine manufacturers in the country to states/UTs, it added.

More than 19 million balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and Union territories, the Union health ministry said on Thursday.

More than 19 million balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and Union territories, the Union health ministry said on Thursday. Two crore vaccine doses have been administered in the first 72 hours of the implementation of the newly revised guidelines of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the ministry said. More than 300 million (30,33,27,440) vaccine doses have been provided by the Centre to states/UTs so far, through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and direct state procurement category. Of this, the total consumption, including wastages, is 28,43,40,936 doses (according to the data available at 8 am on Thursday), the ministry said. "More than 19 million (1, 89,86,504) balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. "Furthermore, more than 21, 05,010 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days," the ministry said. The Union government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on June 21. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advanced visibility of vaccine availability to states/UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain, the ministry said. Under the nationwide vaccination drive, the Centre has been supporting the states/UTs by providing them Covid vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalisation of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Union government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by vaccine manufacturers in the country to states/UTs, it added.

More than 19 million unutilised Covid vaccine doses available with states, UTs: Union Health Ministry

Five persons have so far been found infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant of coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh and one of them has died, state Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang said on Thursday.

The other four persons, who were vaccinated against COVID-19, are fine, he said.

"One person from Ujjain, who died, was not inoculated, he said.

'Delta Plus' has been declared a variant of concern by the Centre.

So far, three persons from Bhopal and two from Ujjain have been found infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant in MP, the minister said.

A genome sequencing machine will soon be installed in Bhopal and the state would then not have to send samples to Delhi, he added.

Ujjain Collector Ashish Singh confirmed that a 59-year-old woman, who died of COVID-19 on May 23, was infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant.

She tested positive for coronavirus on May 17. Later, her sample was sent for genome sequencing.

On Tuesday, it was found that she was infected by the 'Delta Plus' variant, the official said.

Earlier, the sample of a 65-year-old woman from Bhopal was sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on May 23 and it came out positive for the 'Delta Plus' variant on June 16, officials said.

The woman, who had received both doses of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine, recovered in home isolation, they said.

The new 'Delta Plus' variant has been formed due to a mutation in the Delta or B.1.617.

2 variant, first identified in India and one of the drivers of the deadly second wave.

Though there is no indication yet of the severity of the disease due to the new variant, 'Delta Plus' is resistant to the monoclonal antibody cocktail treatment for COVID-19 recently authorised in India On Wednesday, Madhya Pradesh recorded 84 new cases of coronavirus and 21 fatalities, raising the tally of infections in the state to 7,89,499 and the death toll to 8,827, as per official data.

Five persons have so far been found infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant of coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh and one of them has died, state Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang said on Thursday.

Five persons have so far been found infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant of coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh and one of them has died, state Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang said on Thursday. The other four persons, who were vaccinated against COVID-19, are fine, he said. "One person from Ujjain, who died, was not inoculated, he said. 'Delta Plus' has been declared a variant of concern by the Centre. So far, three persons from Bhopal and two from Ujjain have been found infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant in MP, the minister said. A genome sequencing machine will soon be installed in Bhopal and the state would then not have to send samples to Delhi, he added. Ujjain Collector Ashish Singh confirmed that a 59-year-old woman, who died of COVID-19 on May 23, was infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant. She tested positive for coronavirus on May 17. Later, her sample was sent for genome sequencing. On Tuesday, it was found that she was infected by the 'Delta Plus' variant, the official said. Earlier, the sample of a 65-year-old woman from Bhopal was sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on May 23 and it came out positive for the 'Delta Plus' variant on June 16, officials said. The woman, who had received both doses of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine, recovered in home isolation, they said. The new 'Delta Plus' variant has been formed due to a mutation in the Delta or B.1.617. 2 variant, first identified in India and one of the drivers of the deadly second wave. Though there is no indication yet of the severity of the disease due to the new variant, 'Delta Plus' is resistant to the monoclonal antibody cocktail treatment for COVID-19 recently authorised in India On Wednesday, Madhya Pradesh recorded 84 new cases of coronavirus and 21 fatalities, raising the tally of infections in the state to 7,89,499 and the death toll to 8,827, as per official data.

Five cases of COVID-19 'Delta Plus' variant in Madhya Pradesh; 1 dead

North Korea has told the World Health Organization that it tested more than 30,000 people for the coronavirus through June 10, but has yet to find a single infection.

The WHO said in a monitoring report on Tuesday that North Korea's testing figures included 733 people, who were tested during June 4-10, of which 149 were with influenza-like illnesses or severe respiratory infections.

Experts widely doubt North Korea's claim that it has not had a single case of the virus, given its poor health infrastructure and porous border with China, its major ally and economic lifeline.

Describing its anti-virus efforts as a 'matter of national existence',&nbsp;the North has banned tourists, jetted out diplomats and severely restricted cross-border traffic and trade. The self-imposed lockdown has caused further strain on an economy already battered by decades of mismanagement and crippling US-led sanctions over the country's nuclear weapons programme.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a political conference last week called for officials to brace for prolonged COVID-19 restrictions, indicating that the country isn't ready to open its borders anytime soon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has told the World Health Organization that it tested more than 30,000 people for the coronavirus through June 10, but has yet to find a single infection.

North Korea has told the World Health Organization that it tested more than 30,000 people for the coronavirus through June 10, but has yet to find a single infection. The WHO said in a monitoring report on Tuesday that North Korea's testing figures included 733 people, who were tested during June 4-10, of which 149 were with influenza-like illnesses or severe respiratory infections. Experts widely doubt North Korea's claim that it has not had a single case of the virus, given its poor health infrastructure and porous border with China, its major ally and economic lifeline. Describing its anti-virus efforts as a 'matter of national existence', the North has banned tourists, jetted out diplomats and severely restricted cross-border traffic and trade. The self-imposed lockdown has caused further strain on an economy already battered by decades of mismanagement and crippling US-led sanctions over the country's nuclear weapons programme. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a political conference last week called for officials to brace for prolonged COVID-19 restrictions, indicating that the country isn't ready to open its borders anytime soon. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea tells WHO it has detected no virus cases

The WHO is in talks to create the first-ever technology transfer hub for coronavirus vaccines in South Africa.

COVID: Vaccine technology transfer center to open in SA

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced that WHO is set to establish its first Covid mRNA vaccine&nbsp;'technology transfer hub’ in the country.&nbsp;

The World Health&nbsp;Organization, French President Emmanuel Macron and President Ramaphosa jointly held a media briefing on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the full extent of the vaccine gap between developed and developing economies, and how that gap can severely undermine global health security. This landmark initiative is a major advancement in the international effort to develop vaccines and manufacturing capacity that will put Africa on a path to&nbsp;self-determination,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

“South Africa welcomes the opportunity to host a vaccine technology transfer hub and to build on the capacity and expertise that already exists on the continent to contribute to this effort,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The technology transfer hub will be located in South Africa and this initiative will not just benefit South Africa, but working together with the Africa CDC and the WHO,&nbsp;we will make sure that it benefits the entire African continent," Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron,&nbsp;who visited South Africa&nbsp;in&nbsp;May&nbsp;end,&nbsp;had also committed supporting efforts in Africa to scale up local manufacturing capacity.&nbsp;

“Today is a great day for Africa. It is also a great day for all those who work towards a more equitable access to health products. I am proud of Biovac&nbsp;and our South African partners to have been selected by WHO&nbsp;as France has been supporting them for years,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This announcement comes at a time when&nbsp;South Africa and India have&nbsp;been at the forefront of a campaign at the World Trade&nbsp;Organisation&nbsp;to waive intellectual property rights for vaccine manufacturing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that relying on a few companies to supply global public goods is limiting&nbsp;and&nbsp;dangerous. To boost manufacturing, WHO has continued to call for the sharing of know-how, technology &amp; licenses, &amp; the waiving of intellectual property rights,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-General of the WHO said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Currently, South Africa is seeing a huge surge in COVID-19 cases as the country is battling third wave. So far, the country has only vaccinated 1% of its population.&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced that WHO is set to establish its first Covid mRNA vaccine 'technology transfer hub’ in the country. The World Health Organization, French President Emmanuel Macron and President Ramaphosa jointly held a media briefing on Monday.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced that WHO is set to establish its first Covid mRNA vaccine 'technology transfer hub’ in the country. The World Health Organization, French President Emmanuel Macron and President Ramaphosa jointly held a media briefing on Monday. “The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the full extent of the vaccine gap between developed and developing economies, and how that gap can severely undermine global health security. This landmark initiative is a major advancement in the international effort to develop vaccines and manufacturing capacity that will put Africa on a path to self-determination,” Ramaphosa said. “South Africa welcomes the opportunity to host a vaccine technology transfer hub and to build on the capacity and expertise that already exists on the continent to contribute to this effort,” he added. "The technology transfer hub will be located in South Africa and this initiative will not just benefit South Africa, but working together with the Africa CDC and the WHO, we will make sure that it benefits the entire African continent," Ramaphosa said. French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited South Africa in May end, had also committed supporting efforts in Africa to scale up local manufacturing capacity. “Today is a great day for Africa. It is also a great day for all those who work towards a more equitable access to health products. I am proud of Biovac and our South African partners to have been selected by WHO as France has been supporting them for years,” French President Emmanuel Macron said. This announcement comes at a time when South Africa and India have been at the forefront of a campaign at the World Trade Organisation to waive intellectual property rights for vaccine manufacturing. "The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that relying on a few companies to supply global public goods is limiting and dangerous. To boost manufacturing, WHO has continued to call for the sharing of know-how, technology & licenses, & the waiving of intellectual property rights,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-General of the WHO said. Currently, South Africa is seeing a huge surge in COVID-19 cases as the country is battling third wave. So far, the country has only vaccinated 1% of its population.

WHO to set up vaccine tech transfer hub in South Africa  

The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting a South African consortium in establishing the first COVID-19 mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub. President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the WHO and French President Emmanuel Macron in announcing the new hub for Messenger RNA coronavirus vaccine technology.

WHO supports South African consortium to establish first mRNA vaccine tech transfer hub

When the COVID-19 pandemic exploded around the globe, scientists warned of dire consequences if the chain of transmission wasn’t disrupted on time. We were warned that more dangerous variants would emerge and that vaccines may lose efficacy in the face of such mutations.

Now, a World Health Organization (WHO) official claims that COVID-19 vaccines are signalling reduced efficacy against the Delta variant of coronavirus.

Related video:&nbsp;Cases of Delta variant of Coronavirus rising in the UK

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cases-of-delta-variant-of-coronavirus-rising-in-the-uk-391821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though the current vaccines are able to offer great protection against severe illnesses and significantly cut death rates, it is a worrying trend which could leave the vaccines completely ineffective against potential highly mutated variants. Highlighting the dangers posed by a “constellation of mutations”, Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) technical lead for Covid&nbsp;warned against giving the virus any chance to mutate further, media reports said.

Recently, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) mutated further to create the Delta Plus variant, cases of which are being reported in India, where the original Delta variant was also first identified.&nbsp;

Why we should we wary

The Delta variant is highly transmissible and is listed as a “variant of concern” by WHO. Dangers of another wave continue to lurk in the shadows. India was able to bring down its caseload only recently, and cases in the United Kingdom have also shot up to 10,000 again.

And the more the virus is allowed to spread, the higher number of mutations we can expect. In the face of this, vaccines may or not be able to keep up, which is why breaking the chain of transmission is pertinent.

Transmission can be stopped by strict compliance with precautionary measures like masks, hand hygiene and social distancing. If a majority of the world’s population is vaccinated against coronavirus, herd immunity could be reached. But with inequality in terms of access to jabs, universal vaccination seems unlikely in the near future unless developed countries dispatch life-saving jabs to developing countries on war footing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/taiwan-wants-german-vaccines-china-may-be-standing-in-its-way-392037" hreflang="en">Taiwan wants German vaccines. China may be standing in its way.</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-opens-vaccines-for-21-22-year-olds-fearing-rise-of-delta-variant-391906" hreflang="en">UK opens vaccines for 21-22 year olds, fearing rise of Delta variant</a>

When the COVID-19 pandemic exploded around the globe, scientists warned of dire consequences if the chain of transmission wasn’t disrupted on time. We were warned that more dangerous variants would emerge and that vaccines may lose efficacy in the face of such mutations.

When the COVID-19 pandemic exploded around the globe, scientists warned of dire consequences if the chain of transmission wasn’t disrupted on time. We were warned that more dangerous variants would emerge and that vaccines may lose efficacy in the face of such mutations. Now, a World Health Organization (WHO) official claims that COVID-19 vaccines are signalling reduced efficacy against the Delta variant of coronavirus. Related video: Cases of Delta variant of Coronavirus rising in the UK Even though the current vaccines are able to offer great protection against severe illnesses and significantly cut death rates, it is a worrying trend which could leave the vaccines completely ineffective against potential highly mutated variants. Highlighting the dangers posed by a “constellation of mutations”, Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) technical lead for Covid warned against giving the virus any chance to mutate further, media reports said. Recently, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) mutated further to create the Delta Plus variant, cases of which are being reported in India, where the original Delta variant was also first identified. Why we should we wary The Delta variant is highly transmissible and is listed as a “variant of concern” by WHO. Dangers of another wave continue to lurk in the shadows. India was able to bring down its caseload only recently, and cases in the United Kingdom have also shot up to 10,000 again. And the more the virus is allowed to spread, the higher number of mutations we can expect. In the face of this, vaccines may or not be able to keep up, which is why breaking the chain of transmission is pertinent. Transmission can be stopped by strict compliance with precautionary measures like masks, hand hygiene and social distancing. If a majority of the world’s population is vaccinated against coronavirus, herd immunity could be reached. But with inequality in terms of access to jabs, universal vaccination seems unlikely in the near future unless developed countries dispatch life-saving jabs to developing countries on war footing. Also read: Taiwan wants German vaccines. China may be standing in its way. Also read: UK opens vaccines for 21-22 year olds, fearing rise of Delta variant

Covid vaccines are losing efficacy against Delta variant, warns WHO epidemiologist

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14.

"I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January.

"In the name of the head of state (President Alpha Conde) I wish to declare the end of resurgence of Ebola in Guinea," Health Minister Remy Lamah added:&nbsp;

Latest outbreak saw seven probable infections and 16 confirmed cases, said WHO. It added that 12 of these cases were fatal.

It was second outbreak in Guinea, a poor country of 13 million people since the Ebola epidemic of 2013-2016. The epidemic left 11,300 dead in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding.&nbsp;

It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk.&nbsp;

Guinea reacted quickly to this year's outbreak, however, building on its previous experience of fighting the disease.&nbsp;

Among other measures, the country launched an Ebola vaccination campaign this year with the help of the WHO.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14. "I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January.

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14. "I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January. "In the name of the head of state (President Alpha Conde) I wish to declare the end of resurgence of Ebola in Guinea," Health Minister Remy Lamah added: Latest outbreak saw seven probable infections and 16 confirmed cases, said WHO. It added that 12 of these cases were fatal. It was second outbreak in Guinea, a poor country of 13 million people since the Ebola epidemic of 2013-2016. The epidemic left 11,300 dead in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding. It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk. Guinea reacted quickly to this year's outbreak, however, building on its previous experience of fighting the disease. Among other measures, the country launched an Ebola vaccination campaign this year with the help of the WHO. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO officially declares end to second Ebola outbreak in Guinea

Who, News on Who, stories on Who, articles on Who, Who stories at Wion, Who news, Who latest news