The federal government released new guidelines saying that asymptomatic people, even those who have been in close contact of an infected person, should not necessarily go for testing. Whereas according to World Health Organisation (WHO), contacts of COVID-19 patients should also be tested regardless of symptoms.

COVID-19: CDC downplays importance of testing asymptomatic people whereas WHO recommends testing suspects

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 22 million people, with 7.93 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of&nbsp;22,683,769 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 793,773.

The US, the worst-hit country, has 5,745,520 cases. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,505,097. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 22 million people, with 7.93 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 22 million people, with 7.93 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 22,683,769 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 793,773. The US, the worst-hit country, has 5,745,520 cases. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,505,097. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases exceed 22 million; death toll at 793,773

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 24 million people, with 8.27 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 24,234,340 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 827,110.

The US, the worst-hit country, has 5,832,581 cases. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,717,156 cases.

The US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has said that the underlying US economy remains solid, but high unemployment could persist for years in the sectors most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

"There's is still a healthy economy under here, except for this area that's been directly affected by COVID," Powell said in a discussion as part of the Jackson Hole central banking conference.

But millions of workers in travel, hotels and restaurants have been directly impacted, which means "a couple of years of... relatively high unemployment."

People in those industries are "really going to struggle to find work... We need to support them."

Meanwhile, the European Commission has made a 336 million euros ($396 million) down payment to British drug maker AstraZeneca to secure at least 300 million doses of its potential COVID-19 vaccine.

The deal covers development, liability and other costs faced by the vaccine maker. The EU has also secured an option to buy 100 million additional doses of the vaccine under development.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 24 million people, with 8.27 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 24 million people, with 8.27 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 24,234,340 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 827,110. The US, the worst-hit country, has 5,832,581 cases. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,717,156 cases. The US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has said that the underlying US economy remains solid, but high unemployment could persist for years in the sectors most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. "There's is still a healthy economy under here, except for this area that's been directly affected by COVID," Powell said in a discussion as part of the Jackson Hole central banking conference. But millions of workers in travel, hotels and restaurants have been directly impacted, which means "a couple of years of... relatively high unemployment." People in those industries are "really going to struggle to find work... We need to support them." Meanwhile, the European Commission has made a 336 million euros ($396 million) down payment to British drug maker AstraZeneca to secure at least 300 million doses of its potential COVID-19 vaccine. The deal covers development, liability and other costs faced by the vaccine maker. The EU has also secured an option to buy 100 million additional doses of the vaccine under development. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases exceed 24 million; death toll at 827,110

When people are sickened with a disease, such as Covid-19, their immune systems generate antibodies to fight back

W.H.O cautious about endorsing plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients

Africa is set to be declared as a 'polio-free- region by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, fiur years after cases re-emerged in northeastern Nigeria.

The WHO thanked volunteers, donors, local leaders and communities, and front line health workers who put in efforts round the clock to save children from the crippling disease.

"Thanks to the relentless efforts by governments, donors, frontline health workers, and communities, up to 1.8 million children have been saved from the crippling lifelong paralysis," the WHO said in a statement.

Wild polio, classified as an endemic had been crippling the childen of Africa by leaving them paralysed. The WHO and health experts were successful in finishing the disease from the continent, until few years ago when handful cases re-emerged in Nigeria. However, four years after the recent cases, the continent is now certified as polio-free.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-pace-slows-worldwide-except-for-southeast-asia-eastern-mediterranean-who-322990">Also read|&nbsp;Pandemic pace slows worldwide except for Southeast Asia, Eastern Mediterranean: WHO</a>

The local doctors have expressed joy of relief for this achievement.&nbsp;"Happiness is an understatement. We've been on this marathon for over 30 years," said Tunji Funsho, a Nigerian doctor and local anti-polio coordinator for Rotary International.

The official announcement was made through a videoconference, which was attended by the&nbsp;WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and key figures including philanthropist and Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

After Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan will be the only countries to have polio cases now.

African officials had to fight not only with polio, but also with extremists who protested against the vaccine, alleging the vaccine was an excuse to negatively affect children's health. Various health officials had to face the threat of violence from extremists groups. The health officials took help from 'health informants' and local leaders to gain trust of such groups.

"People trust their local traditional leaders who live with them more than the political leaders," said Grema Mundube, a community leader in the town of Monguno, in the far north of Nigeria.

"Once we spoke to them and they saw us immunising our children, they gradually accepted the vaccine," he continued.

Dr Musa Idowu Audu, coordinator for the WHO in Borno also took a moment to remember and thank the leaders and the officials who lost their lives or became victims of violence while making sure the vaccines reach the affeted children. Remembering the days and thanking teh officials for their efforts, eh said,&nbsp;"International agencies, local governments, donors — all partners took the bull by the horns to find new strategies to manage to reach these children."

Audu also said that while he is happy that Africa will now be a 'polio-free' continent, he hopes no new case arrives from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and all children, in future, get vaccinated on time.

Africa is set to be declared as a 'polio-free- region by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, fiur years after cases re-emerged in northeastern Nigeria.

Africa is set to be declared as a 'polio-free- region by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, fiur years after cases re-emerged in northeastern Nigeria. The WHO thanked volunteers, donors, local leaders and communities, and front line health workers who put in efforts round the clock to save children from the crippling disease. "Thanks to the relentless efforts by governments, donors, frontline health workers, and communities, up to 1.8 million children have been saved from the crippling lifelong paralysis," the WHO said in a statement. Wild polio, classified as an endemic had been crippling the childen of Africa by leaving them paralysed. The WHO and health experts were successful in finishing the disease from the continent, until few years ago when handful cases re-emerged in Nigeria. However, four years after the recent cases, the continent is now certified as polio-free. Also read| Pandemic pace slows worldwide except for Southeast Asia, Eastern Mediterranean: WHO The local doctors have expressed joy of relief for this achievement. "Happiness is an understatement. We've been on this marathon for over 30 years," said Tunji Funsho, a Nigerian doctor and local anti-polio coordinator for Rotary International. The official announcement was made through a videoconference, which was attended by the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and key figures including philanthropist and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. After Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan will be the only countries to have polio cases now. African officials had to fight not only with polio, but also with extremists who protested against the vaccine, alleging the vaccine was an excuse to negatively affect children's health. Various health officials had to face the threat of violence from extremists groups. The health officials took help from 'health informants' and local leaders to gain trust of such groups. "People trust their local traditional leaders who live with them more than the political leaders," said Grema Mundube, a community leader in the town of Monguno, in the far north of Nigeria. "Once we spoke to them and they saw us immunising our children, they gradually accepted the vaccine," he continued. Dr Musa Idowu Audu, coordinator for the WHO in Borno also took a moment to remember and thank the leaders and the officials who lost their lives or became victims of violence while making sure the vaccines reach the affeted children. Remembering the days and thanking teh officials for their efforts, eh said, "International agencies, local governments, donors — all partners took the bull by the horns to find new strategies to manage to reach these children." Audu also said that while he is happy that Africa will now be a 'polio-free' continent, he hopes no new case arrives from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and all children, in future, get vaccinated on time.

WHO to certify Africa 'polio free' after 30 years of fighting

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21.

Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-coronavirus-deaths-top-800000-as-nations-ramp-up-measures-322460">Also read:&nbsp;World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures</a>

The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role.

Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said.

Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-tally-crosses-3-million-with-single-day-spike-of-69239-cases-322494">Also read: India's COVID tally crosses 3 million with single-day spike of 69,239 cases</a>

Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21.

Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said.

The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role.

Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said.

Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach. Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21. Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said. Also read: World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role. Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said. Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach. Also read: India's COVID tally crosses 3 million with single-day spike of 69,239 cases Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21. Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said. The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role. Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said. Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

WHO says children aged 12 and over should wear masks like adults

The coronavirus pandemic, which first appeared in a seafood market in the Hubei province of Wuhan city in China, late December 2019, has now claimed over 800,000 lives. However, the question&nbsp;of its origin still remains unanswered and has ruled the global discourse for months. Now, the researchers believe that the Chinese government has access to samples and information that could prove or disprove a lab origin and it should provide access to all that data and material.

"The Chinese government has access to samples and information that almost certainly could prove or disprove a lab origin. It should provide access to all that data and material. It is in no one's interest to have speculation and the data be withheld", British virologist and biologist Jonathan Latham, Executive Director of the Bioscience Resource Project, a non-profit based in New York, told WION. His&nbsp;startling report of coronavirus' first appearance in 2012 sheds new light.

Latham, also an editor of the website Independent Science News, specialises in molecular biology, virology, and genetics. He believes that WHO is reportedly not investigating a lab escape possibility, which is now the leading theory and this should be a source of embarrassment to the WHO.

"The WHO is reportedly not investigating a lab escape possibility. Since a lab escape is now the leading theory, this should be a source of embarrassment to the WHO. But it also endangers the public in future. If we do not find out how the pandemic started, how do we prevent future ones?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-officials-kept-china-in-the-dark-for-weeks-about-coronavirus-us-intel-says-322286">Also read:&nbsp;Wuhan officials kept China in the dark for weeks about coronavirus, US intel says</a>

His report suggests that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), may not have originated at a Wuhan wet market in 2019, but 1,000 miles away in 2012, in a Chinese mineshaft where workers fell ill with a mysterious, pneumonia-like illness after being exposed to bats. His findings (along with molecular biologist Allison Wilson) were based after translating a 66-page master’s thesis from the Chinese medical doctor who treated the miners and sent their tissue samples to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for testing.

"The core finding of our investigation derives from the fact that the closest ancestor virus to SARS-CoV-2 , the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a virus called RaTG13. This virus was found in a mine near Mojiang in Yunnan Province, China, in 2012. What we uncovered is that shortly before RaTG13 was collected, six miners had become ill while clearing bat faeces inside the mine. Three of the miners had died after lengthy stays in hospital. The symptoms of the miners were essentially identical to COVID-19. In the hospital, at the time, it was concluded that the miners were suffering from infection by a novel coronavirus acquired from the bat faeces", said Latham.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-wuhan-water-park-party-now-beijing-says-face-masks-not-mandatory-in-public-spaces-322235">Also read:&nbsp;After Wuhan water park party, now Beijing says face masks not mandatory in public spaces</a>

"We also found that blood and probably other samples were taken from the miners to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). Our theory of how the pandemic came about is that RaTG13, which is a bat virus, infected the miners and became adapted to humans inside the bodies of the miners. The human samples taken to the WIV thus contained viruses that could cause COVID-19. We propose that these escaped when they were being examined at the WIV, presumably in late 2019. This theory thus explains why the pandemic started exactly in Wuhan when it could, in principle, have started anywhere in the world that has bats,"&nbsp;he added.

Latham also reported that the individual Chinese researchers obscured the deaths of the miners even before the outbreak began and, moreover, that after the outbreak they further attempted to cover over the provenance of RaTG13.

"It is also clear that individual Chinese researchers obscured the deaths of the miners even before the outbreak began and, moreover, that after the outbreak they further attempted to cover over the provenance of RaTG13. For example, Zheng-Li Shi, head of coronavirus research at the WIV told the magazine Scientific American that the miners died of a fungal infection. Because of this misinformation it took us and others months to piece together the true history", said Latham.

After conducting multiple tests for hepatitis, dengue fever and even HIV, the doctor consulted with various specialists throughout China, including virologist Zhong Nanshan, an international hero, who managed the SARS outbreak in 2003 and is considered the country’s greatest scientist, which implies that the miners probably were infected by coronavirus.

"The meeting with such a prominent scientist&nbsp;as Zhong Nanshan implies that the possibility of an epidemic outbreak starting with the miners was being taken very seriously in 2012. But it also implies since Zhong Nanshan has a special expertise in coronaviruses, that the miners had a virus, and that it probably was a coronavirus".

Currently, across the world, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 has doubled to just over 800,000 since June 6, with 100,000 fatalities in the last 17 days alone, while more than 23 million cases have been registered.

The coronavirus pandemic, which first appeared in a seafood market in the Hubei province of Wuhan city in China, late December 2019, has now claimed over 800,000 lives.

The coronavirus pandemic, which first appeared in a seafood market in the Hubei province of Wuhan city in China, late December 2019, has now claimed over 800,000 lives. However, the question of its origin still remains unanswered and has ruled the global discourse for months. Now, the researchers believe that the Chinese government has access to samples and information that could prove or disprove a lab origin and it should provide access to all that data and material. "The Chinese government has access to samples and information that almost certainly could prove or disprove a lab origin. It should provide access to all that data and material. It is in no one's interest to have speculation and the data be withheld", British virologist and biologist Jonathan Latham, Executive Director of the Bioscience Resource Project, a non-profit based in New York, told WION. His startling report of coronavirus' first appearance in 2012 sheds new light. Latham, also an editor of the website Independent Science News, specialises in molecular biology, virology, and genetics. He believes that WHO is reportedly not investigating a lab escape possibility, which is now the leading theory and this should be a source of embarrassment to the WHO. "The WHO is reportedly not investigating a lab escape possibility. Since a lab escape is now the leading theory, this should be a source of embarrassment to the WHO. But it also endangers the public in future. If we do not find out how the pandemic started, how do we prevent future ones?" Also read: Wuhan officials kept China in the dark for weeks about coronavirus, US intel says His report suggests that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), may not have originated at a Wuhan wet market in 2019, but 1,000 miles away in 2012, in a Chinese mineshaft where workers fell ill with a mysterious, pneumonia-like illness after being exposed to bats. His findings (along with molecular biologist Allison Wilson) were based after translating a 66-page master’s thesis from the Chinese medical doctor who treated the miners and sent their tissue samples to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for testing. "The core finding of our investigation derives from the fact that the closest ancestor virus to SARS-CoV-2 , the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a virus called RaTG13. This virus was found in a mine near Mojiang in Yunnan Province, China, in 2012. What we uncovered is that shortly before RaTG13 was collected, six miners had become ill while clearing bat faeces inside the mine. Three of the miners had died after lengthy stays in hospital. The symptoms of the miners were essentially identical to COVID-19. In the hospital, at the time, it was concluded that the miners were suffering from infection by a novel coronavirus acquired from the bat faeces", said Latham. Also read: After Wuhan water park party, now Beijing says face masks not mandatory in public spaces "We also found that blood and probably other samples were taken from the miners to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). Our theory of how the pandemic came about is that RaTG13, which is a bat virus, infected the miners and became adapted to humans inside the bodies of the miners. The human samples taken to the WIV thus contained viruses that could cause COVID-19. We propose that these escaped when they were being examined at the WIV, presumably in late 2019. This theory thus explains why the pandemic started exactly in Wuhan when it could, in principle, have started anywhere in the world that has bats," he added. Latham also reported that the individual Chinese researchers obscured the deaths of the miners even before the outbreak began and, moreover, that after the outbreak they further attempted to cover over the provenance of RaTG13. "It is also clear that individual Chinese researchers obscured the deaths of the miners even before the outbreak began and, moreover, that after the outbreak they further attempted to cover over the provenance of RaTG13. For example, Zheng-Li Shi, head of coronavirus research at the WIV told the magazine Scientific American that the miners died of a fungal infection. Because of this misinformation it took us and others months to piece together the true history", said Latham. After conducting multiple tests for hepatitis, dengue fever and even HIV, the doctor consulted with various specialists throughout China, including virologist Zhong Nanshan, an international hero, who managed the SARS outbreak in 2003 and is considered the country’s greatest scientist, which implies that the miners probably were infected by coronavirus. "The meeting with such a prominent scientist as Zhong Nanshan implies that the possibility of an epidemic outbreak starting with the miners was being taken very seriously in 2012. But it also implies since Zhong Nanshan has a special expertise in coronaviruses, that the miners had a virus, and that it probably was a coronavirus". Currently, across the world, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 has doubled to just over 800,000 since June 6, with 100,000 fatalities in the last 17 days alone, while more than 23 million cases have been registered.

'Chinese government has access to information of lab origin': Famous virologist claims

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros says COVID-19 could be over in less than two years. Advances in technology can halt the virus in a shorter time. Dr. Tedros said corruption related to supplies of PPE kits during the pandemic is "unacceptable", describing it as "murder".

Coronavirus pandemic could be over within two years: WHO

An activist group has sent out a warning that social media giant Facebook is a danger to public health.&nbsp;Over the last one year, misleading health content has got 3.8 billion views on Facebook and it&nbsp;is struggling to tackle the infodemic.

The situation has worsened as fake news about health peaked during the pandemic which garnered around 460 million views in April.

Fearing the trend, the World Health Organisation (WHO) created a website full of mythbusters like 5G mobile networks does not spread COVID-19, exposing oneself to high temperatures does not help, consuming alcohol does not offer immunity against the Wuhan virus.

The WHO had to bust at least 40 myths about cures. However, super-spreaders of bogus health news got four times more views than the WHO page.

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Just 42 Facebook pages are followed by 28 million people and accounts for 800 million views.&nbsp;The researchers blame Mark Zuckerberg. They said that Zuckerberg promised to act on fake news during the pandemic but&nbsp;the algorithm is sabotaging the efforts pushing 2.7 billion users towards bogus health news.

In response, Facebook claims to have taken&nbsp;necessary steps.&nbsp;According to them, warning labels were applied on 98 million COVID-19 posts with&nbsp;seven&nbsp;million posts with potential to cause harm were removed.

Over two billion people were directed to the resources posted by health authorities and it turns out&nbsp;only 16 per cent fake health claims carried a warning label.

An activist group has sent out a warning that social media giant Facebook is a danger to public health. Over the last one year, misleading health content has got 3.

An activist group has sent out a warning that social media giant Facebook is a danger to public health. Over the last one year, misleading health content has got 3.8 billion views on Facebook and it is struggling to tackle the infodemic. The situation has worsened as fake news about health peaked during the pandemic which garnered around 460 million views in April. Fearing the trend, the World Health Organisation (WHO) created a website full of mythbusters like 5G mobile networks does not spread COVID-19, exposing oneself to high temperatures does not help, consuming alcohol does not offer immunity against the Wuhan virus. The WHO had to bust at least 40 myths about cures. However, super-spreaders of bogus health news got four times more views than the WHO page. × Just 42 Facebook pages are followed by 28 million people and accounts for 800 million views. The researchers blame Mark Zuckerberg. They said that Zuckerberg promised to act on fake news during the pandemic but the algorithm is sabotaging the efforts pushing 2.7 billion users towards bogus health news. In response, Facebook claims to have taken necessary steps. According to them, warning labels were applied on 98 million COVID-19 posts with seven million posts with potential to cause harm were removed. Over two billion people were directed to the resources posted by health authorities and it turns out only 16 per cent fake health claims carried a warning label.

Facebook spreading misleading health content amid pandemic, claims activist group

Germany and France want to give more money and power to the World Health Organisation after the COVID-19 pandemic underscored long-standing financial and legal weaknesses at the U.N. agency, an internal document seen by Reuters shows.

The proposed reforms could already be discussed at the WHO in mid-September, three officials familiar with the talks told Reuters, in a fast timeline that would confirm the two European powers' growing concerns about the organisation, which they also see as excessively subject to external influences.

In a joint paper circulated among diplomats involved in the reform talks, Berlin and Paris said the WHO's mandate, which includes preventing outbreaks across the world and helping governments tackle them, was not backed up by sufficient financial resources and legal powers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/vaccine-nationalism-must-end-to-ensure-global-inoculation-who-321496" hreflang="en">'Vaccine nationalism' must end to ensure global inoculation: WHO</a>

"Not only during the current pandemic, it has become clear that the WHO partly lacks the abilities to fulfil this mandate," the document seen by Reuters said.

A Western diplomat in Geneva, referring to member states' contributions based on their GDP, said: "The key point is the mismatch between WHO mandate and financing. It's very much pro-WHO, it should have more money and (they are) asking for an increase in assessed contributions."

France and Germany are seeking consensus "from Washington to Beijing" around the document, a source close to the talks said.

The move shows the two countries' keen interest in an overhaul aimed at strengthening the WHO, despite talks on the matter with the United States collapsing earlier in August at G7 level over differing views about the reform.

France and Germany, whose health ministers pledged new funds after talks with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in June, have not hidden their criticism of the WHO.

But their approach is very different from that of the Trump administration which has cut funding, announced its withdrawal from next July, and accused Tedros of being a puppet of China.

The Franco-German reform plan is focused on strengthening the WHO, in part to empower it to be able to be more critical of member states if they do not honour global rules on transparency in reporting health and disease issues.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-says-no-evidence-of-coronavirus-on-frozen-food-packets-320368" hreflang="en">WHO says no evidence of coronavirus on frozen food packets</a>

A German government official, asked to comment on the document, said: "Germany together with others wants a reform, talks are under way on different levels."

The French health ministry was not available for comment.

A WHO spokeswoman was unable to provide any information.

UNDERFUNDED

The seven-page document lists 10 reforms aimed at boosting the WHO's legal powers and funding.

"WHO's overall budget with roughly $5 billion per biennium equals the funding of a larger sub-regional hospital," the joint paper said, urging larger and more reliable funding.

Only a fifth of the agency's budget comes from member states' payments without strings attached. The remainder is raised through "short-term, unpredictable and largely highly specified voluntary contributions", the document said, in an apparent reference to the role of individual philanthropic funders such as the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-says-people-in-20s-30s-40s-increasingly-driving-coronavirus-pandemic-321437" hreflang="en">WHO says people in 20s, 30s, 40s increasingly driving coronavirus pandemic</a>

A stronger budget is needed in particular for handling emergencies, the document said, to avoid the WHO needing to raise funds in the midst of outbreaks, which could further reduce its independence.

WHO experts should be able to "independently investigate and assess (potential) outbreaks as early as possible", the paper says. China has been accused in this pandemic and in past epidemics of being slow or reluctant to share data and to grant swift access to WHO teams.

The WHO should also be subject to a stronger oversight in emergencies to quickly assess its operations, the document said, proposing the creation of a group of national experts who could monitor crises.

To make sure that the proposed reforms have a proper follow-up, the document recommends the establishment of a panel of experts for this purpose, similar to the one that is currently assessing the handling of the pandemic.

Germany and France want to give more money and power to the World Health Organisation after the COVID-19 pandemic underscored long-standing financial and legal weaknesses at the U.

Germany and France want to give more money and power to the World Health Organisation after the COVID-19 pandemic underscored long-standing financial and legal weaknesses at the U.N. agency, an internal document seen by Reuters shows. The proposed reforms could already be discussed at the WHO in mid-September, three officials familiar with the talks told Reuters, in a fast timeline that would confirm the two European powers' growing concerns about the organisation, which they also see as excessively subject to external influences. In a joint paper circulated among diplomats involved in the reform talks, Berlin and Paris said the WHO's mandate, which includes preventing outbreaks across the world and helping governments tackle them, was not backed up by sufficient financial resources and legal powers. Also read: 'Vaccine nationalism' must end to ensure global inoculation: WHO "Not only during the current pandemic, it has become clear that the WHO partly lacks the abilities to fulfil this mandate," the document seen by Reuters said. A Western diplomat in Geneva, referring to member states' contributions based on their GDP, said: "The key point is the mismatch between WHO mandate and financing. It's very much pro-WHO, it should have more money and (they are) asking for an increase in assessed contributions." France and Germany are seeking consensus "from Washington to Beijing" around the document, a source close to the talks said. The move shows the two countries' keen interest in an overhaul aimed at strengthening the WHO, despite talks on the matter with the United States collapsing earlier in August at G7 level over differing views about the reform. France and Germany, whose health ministers pledged new funds after talks with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in June, have not hidden their criticism of the WHO. But their approach is very different from that of the Trump administration which has cut funding, announced its withdrawal from next July, and accused Tedros of being a puppet of China. The Franco-German reform plan is focused on strengthening the WHO, in part to empower it to be able to be more critical of member states if they do not honour global rules on transparency in reporting health and disease issues. Also read: WHO says no evidence of coronavirus on frozen food packets A German government official, asked to comment on the document, said: "Germany together with others wants a reform, talks are under way on different levels." The French health ministry was not available for comment. A WHO spokeswoman was unable to provide any information. UNDERFUNDED The seven-page document lists 10 reforms aimed at boosting the WHO's legal powers and funding. "WHO's overall budget with roughly $5 billion per biennium equals the funding of a larger sub-regional hospital," the joint paper said, urging larger and more reliable funding. Only a fifth of the agency's budget comes from member states' payments without strings attached. The remainder is raised through "short-term, unpredictable and largely highly specified voluntary contributions", the document said, in an apparent reference to the role of individual philanthropic funders such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Also read: WHO says people in 20s, 30s, 40s increasingly driving coronavirus pandemic A stronger budget is needed in particular for handling emergencies, the document said, to avoid the WHO needing to raise funds in the midst of outbreaks, which could further reduce its independence. WHO experts should be able to "independently investigate and assess (potential) outbreaks as early as possible", the paper says. China has been accused in this pandemic and in past epidemics of being slow or reluctant to share data and to grant swift access to WHO teams. The WHO should also be subject to a stronger oversight in emergencies to quickly assess its operations, the document said, proposing the creation of a group of national experts who could monitor crises. To make sure that the proposed reforms have a proper follow-up, the document recommends the establishment of a panel of experts for this purpose, similar to the one that is currently assessing the handling of the pandemic.

Germany, France push for WHO reform talks in September

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21.14 million people, with 7.78 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 22,148,472 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 781,139.

Meanwhile, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that "It's critical that countries don't repeat the same mistakes. We need to prevent vaccine nationalism. And for this reason, WHO is working with governments and the private sector to both accelerate the signs through the ACT accelerator and ensure that new innovations are available to everyone, everywhere, starting with those at highest risk," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21.14 million people, with 7.78 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21.14 million people, with 7.78 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 22,148,472 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 781,139. Meanwhile, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that "It's critical that countries don't repeat the same mistakes. We need to prevent vaccine nationalism. And for this reason, WHO is working with governments and the private sector to both accelerate the signs through the ACT accelerator and ensure that new innovations are available to everyone, everywhere, starting with those at highest risk," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO. (With inputs from agencies)

Global cases of COVID-19 reach 21.14 million, death toll tops 780,000

The World Health Organization recently said that countries need to discard their own interests when dealing with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, or it could continue to get worse.

"(Acting) strategically and globally is actually in each country's national interest - no one is safe until everyone is safe," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday. During a virtual briefing, he also while called for an end to "vaccine nationalism".

He also called for countries to ensure a global supply of potential vaccines, otherwise the pandemic could continue to escalate.

Vaccine efforts on

Additionally, the WHO chief has sent out a letter to all WHO members asking them to join the multilateral COVAX vaccine effort.

As of now, over 21.9 million in the world have been infected by COVID-19, with 772,647 deaths recorded worldwide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-people-in-20s-30s-40s-increasingly-driving-coronavirus-pandemic-321437" hreflang="en">WHO says people in 20s, 30s, 40s increasingly driving coronavirus pandemic</a>

Earlier today, the World Health Organization said that it was worried that the spread of COVID-19 now may be driven by people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

The organisation added that most patients in the age brackets did not show symptoms, which could in turn continue to infect at-risk groups.

Younger people now the primary carriers

The organisation claimed that the number of younger people contracting the virus had risen across the world, which might in turn cause fatalities among vulnerable groups.

The elderly and people with co-morbidities, especially in poor countries with inadequate healthcare and densely populated areas, could face the virus’ wrath.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-says-no-evidence-of-coronavirus-on-frozen-food-packets-320368" hreflang="en">WHO says no evidence of coronavirus on frozen food packets</a>

"The epidemic is changing," WHO’s Western Pacific regional director, Takeshi Kasai, said during a virtual briefing.

"People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are increasingly driving the spread. Many are unaware they are infected."

"This increases the risk of spillovers to the more vulnerable," he added.

The World Health Organization recently said that countries need to discard their own interests when dealing with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, or it could continue to get worse.

The World Health Organization recently said that countries need to discard their own interests when dealing with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, or it could continue to get worse. "(Acting) strategically and globally is actually in each country's national interest - no one is safe until everyone is safe," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday. During a virtual briefing, he also while called for an end to "vaccine nationalism". He also called for countries to ensure a global supply of potential vaccines, otherwise the pandemic could continue to escalate. Vaccine efforts on Additionally, the WHO chief has sent out a letter to all WHO members asking them to join the multilateral COVAX vaccine effort. As of now, over 21.9 million in the world have been infected by COVID-19, with 772,647 deaths recorded worldwide. Also read: WHO says people in 20s, 30s, 40s increasingly driving coronavirus pandemic Earlier today, the World Health Organization said that it was worried that the spread of COVID-19 now may be driven by people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The organisation added that most patients in the age brackets did not show symptoms, which could in turn continue to infect at-risk groups. Younger people now the primary carriers The organisation claimed that the number of younger people contracting the virus had risen across the world, which might in turn cause fatalities among vulnerable groups. The elderly and people with co-morbidities, especially in poor countries with inadequate healthcare and densely populated areas, could face the virus’ wrath. Also read: WHO says no evidence of coronavirus on frozen food packets "The epidemic is changing," WHO’s Western Pacific regional director, Takeshi Kasai, said during a virtual briefing. "People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are increasingly driving the spread. Many are unaware they are infected." "This increases the risk of spillovers to the more vulnerable," he added.

'Vaccine nationalism' must end to ensure global inoculation: WHO

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21 million people, with 7.74 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. 
 
According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 21,891,107 confirmed coronavirus cases. 
 
The death count has also surged to 774,160. 
 
Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 5,443,162 coronavirus cases and 170,548 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,359,570 cases and 108,536 deaths, and India (2,702,742 cases, 51,797 deaths). 
 
Meanwhile, The World Health Organization said it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups. 
 
WHO officials said this month the proportion of younger people among those infected had risen globally, putting at risk vulnerable sectors of the population worldwide, including the elderly and sick people in densely populated areas with weak health services.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21 million people, with 7.74 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21 million people, with 7.74 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 21,891,107 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 774,160. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 5,443,162 coronavirus cases and 170,548 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,359,570 cases and 108,536 deaths, and India (2,702,742 cases, 51,797 deaths). Meanwhile, The World Health Organization said it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups. WHO officials said this month the proportion of younger people among those infected had risen globally, putting at risk vulnerable sectors of the population worldwide, including the elderly and sick people in densely populated areas with weak health services. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases exceed 21 million; death toll at 774,160 

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups.

WHO officials said this month the proportion of younger people among those infected had risen globally, putting at risk vulnerable sectors of the population worldwide, including the elderly and sick people in densely populated areas with weak health services.

"The epidemic is changing," WHO Western Pacific regional director, Takeshi Kasai, told a virtual briefing. "People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are increasingly driving the spread. Many are unaware they are infected."

"This increases the risk of spillovers to the more vulnerable," he added.

A surge in new cases has prompted some countries to re-impose curbs as companies race to find a vaccine for a virus that has battered economies, killed more than 770,000 people and infected nearly 22 million, according to a Reuters tally.

Surges were reported in countries that had appeared to have the virus under control, including Vietnam, which until recently went three months without domestic transmission due to its aggressive mitigation efforts.

"What we are observing is not simply a resurgence. We believe it's a signal that we have entered a new phase of pandemic in the Asia-Pacific," Kasai said.

He said countries were better able to reduce disruption to lives and economies by combining early detection and response to manage infections.

While mutations had been observed, the WHO still saw the virus as "relatively stable", Kasai said.

WHO also reminded drugmakers to follow all necessary research and development steps when creating a vaccine.

Socorro Escalante, its technical officer and medicines policy advisor, said the WHO was coordinating with Russia, which this month became the first country to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine.

"We hope to get the response in terms of the evidence of this new vaccine," Escalante said.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups. WHO officials said this month the proportion of younger people among those infected had risen globally, putting at risk vulnerable sectors of the population worldwide, including the elderly and sick people in densely populated areas with weak health services. "The epidemic is changing," WHO Western Pacific regional director, Takeshi Kasai, told a virtual briefing. "People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are increasingly driving the spread. Many are unaware they are infected." "This increases the risk of spillovers to the more vulnerable," he added. A surge in new cases has prompted some countries to re-impose curbs as companies race to find a vaccine for a virus that has battered economies, killed more than 770,000 people and infected nearly 22 million, according to a Reuters tally. Surges were reported in countries that had appeared to have the virus under control, including Vietnam, which until recently went three months without domestic transmission due to its aggressive mitigation efforts. "What we are observing is not simply a resurgence. We believe it's a signal that we have entered a new phase of pandemic in the Asia-Pacific," Kasai said. He said countries were better able to reduce disruption to lives and economies by combining early detection and response to manage infections. While mutations had been observed, the WHO still saw the virus as "relatively stable", Kasai said. WHO also reminded drugmakers to follow all necessary research and development steps when creating a vaccine. Socorro Escalante, its technical officer and medicines policy advisor, said the WHO was coordinating with Russia, which this month became the first country to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine. "We hope to get the response in terms of the evidence of this new vaccine," Escalante said.

WHO says people in 20s, 30s, 40s increasingly driving coronavirus pandemic

After traces of coronavirus were found on imported frozen chicken wings in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has claimed it&nbsp;found no evidence of the virus being spread by food or packaging.

The organization has also urged people not to be afraid of the virus entering the food chain.

“People should not fear food, or food packaging or processing or delivery of food,” WHO head of emergencies programme Mike Ryan told a briefing in Geneva. “There is no evidence that food or the food chain is participating in transmission of this virus. And people should feel comfortable and safe.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/novel-coronavirus-found-on-frozen-seafood-in-china-319708">Also read:&nbsp;Novel coronavirus found on frozen seafood in China</a>

To prove the assurance,&nbsp;WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove claimed that after testing, China found "very, very few, less than 10” samples to have traces of the novel coronavirus.

The frozen chicken wings that had traces of coronavirus were imported from Brazil, claimed China. However,&nbsp;Ecuador’s production minister, Ivan Ontaneda, has asked for a clarification from the Asian country on this matter. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry has retaliated by saying that Brazil follows strict protocols and would not take the blame for whatever happens to the consignments after they leave the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-city-says-chicken-imported-from-brazil-has-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-320074">Also read:&nbsp;Chinese city says chicken imported from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus</a>

Meanwhile, WHO has urged caution on Vladimir Putin's&nbsp;claims of Russia successfully making the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;Bruce Aylward, WHO senior adviser said, “The vast majority of the population of the world is susceptible to this disease. The second thing that we are seeing is the stringency of the application of control measures is dropping. People are coming closer together...masks aren’t being used the way that they should etc.

“So any levelling of the disease that we are looking at is just lulling you into a sense of false security ... because it has lots of space to still cause trouble,” he added.

After traces of coronavirus were found on imported frozen chicken wings in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has claimed it found no evidence of the virus being spread by food or packaging.

After traces of coronavirus were found on imported frozen chicken wings in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has claimed it found no evidence of the virus being spread by food or packaging. The organization has also urged people not to be afraid of the virus entering the food chain. “People should not fear food, or food packaging or processing or delivery of food,” WHO head of emergencies programme Mike Ryan told a briefing in Geneva. “There is no evidence that food or the food chain is participating in transmission of this virus. And people should feel comfortable and safe.” Also read: Novel coronavirus found on frozen seafood in China To prove the assurance, WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove claimed that after testing, China found "very, very few, less than 10” samples to have traces of the novel coronavirus. The frozen chicken wings that had traces of coronavirus were imported from Brazil, claimed China. However, Ecuador’s production minister, Ivan Ontaneda, has asked for a clarification from the Asian country on this matter. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry has retaliated by saying that Brazil follows strict protocols and would not take the blame for whatever happens to the consignments after they leave the country. Also read: Chinese city says chicken imported from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus Meanwhile, WHO has urged caution on Vladimir Putin's claims of Russia successfully making the COVID-19 vaccine. Bruce Aylward, WHO senior adviser said, “The vast majority of the population of the world is susceptible to this disease. The second thing that we are seeing is the stringency of the application of control measures is dropping. People are coming closer together...masks aren’t being used the way that they should etc. “So any levelling of the disease that we are looking at is just lulling you into a sense of false security ... because it has lots of space to still cause trouble,” he added.

WHO says no evidence of coronavirus on frozen food packets

The World Health Organization says the vaccine approved by Russia this week is not among the nine that it considers in the advanced stages of testing.

WHO and partners have included nine experimental COVID-19 vaccines within an investment mechanism it is encouraging countries to join, known as the Covax facility. The initiative allows countries to invest in several vaccines to obtain early access, while theoretically providing funding for developing countries.

“We don't have sufficient information at this point to make a judgment" on the Russia vaccine, said Dr. Bruce Aylward, a senior adviser to WHO's director-general.

“We're currently in conversation with Russia to get additional information to understand the status of that product, the trials that have been undertaken and then what the next steps might be."

This week, President Vladimir Putin announced Russia had approved a coronavirus vaccine that has yet to complete advanced trials in people and claimed, without evidence, the immunization protects people for up to two years.

The World Health Organization says the vaccine approved by Russia this week is not among the nine that it considers in the advanced stages of testing. WHO and partners have included nine experimental COVID-19 vaccines within an investment mechanism it is encouraging countries to join, known as the Covax facility.

The World Health Organization says the vaccine approved by Russia this week is not among the nine that it considers in the advanced stages of testing. WHO and partners have included nine experimental COVID-19 vaccines within an investment mechanism it is encouraging countries to join, known as the Covax facility. The initiative allows countries to invest in several vaccines to obtain early access, while theoretically providing funding for developing countries. “We don't have sufficient information at this point to make a judgment" on the Russia vaccine, said Dr. Bruce Aylward, a senior adviser to WHO's director-general. “We're currently in conversation with Russia to get additional information to understand the status of that product, the trials that have been undertaken and then what the next steps might be." This week, President Vladimir Putin announced Russia had approved a coronavirus vaccine that has yet to complete advanced trials in people and claimed, without evidence, the immunization protects people for up to two years.

Russia's first Covid-19 vaccine not in advanced test stages: WHO

World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday said that non-essential dental routine work such as check-ups, dental cleanings and preventive care should be delayed until coronavirus' transmission rate declines.

World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday said that non-essential dental routine work such as check-ups, dental cleanings and preventive care should be delayed until coronavirus' transmission rate declines. Also read: Point is to have a safe vaccine, not the first one: US on Russia’s coronavirus vaccine WHO cautioned against the procedures that produce aerosol spray from patients' mouths. The United Nations health agency released guidance for dentists on how to minimise the risk of virus transmission during the pandemic. The guidance read: "WHO advises that routine non-essential oral health care - which usually includes oral health check-ups, dental cleanings and preventive care - be delayed until there has been sufficient reduction in COVID-19 transmission rates from community transmission to cluster cases." "The same applies to aesthetic dental treatments. However, urgent or emergency oral health care interventions that are vital for preserving a person's oral functioning, managing severe pain or securing quality of life should be provided." The WHO even urged that if possible, patients should be remotely screened before their appointments. Also read: Australia suffers deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic, cases rise WHO released the interim guidance on August 3 was aired on Tuesday. According to the health organisation, dentists are at high risk of being infected with COVID-19. "Oral health care teams work in close proximity to patients' faces for prolonged periods," the organisation said. "Their procedures involve face-to-face communication and frequent exposure to saliva, blood, and other body fluids and handling sharp instruments. Consequently, they are at high risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 or passing the infection to patients," it added. (Inputs from AFP)

WHO urges people to delay routine dental work due to virus transmission

The coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone&nbsp;as the world surpassed 20 million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere.

The number as of 2215 GMT was 20,014,574 cases, with 734,755 deaths recorded, according to an AFP tally of official sources.

In yet another staggering landmark, the death toll is expected to surpass 750,000 in a matter of days as the global health crisis that began late last year in China rages on.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-97000-kids-contracted-coronavirus-in-the-last-two-weeks-of-july-in-us-319413">Also read:&nbsp;At least 97,000 kids contracted coronavirus in the last two weeks of July in US</a>

As more things once unthinkable became harsh reality -- having to wear a facemask in touristy spots in Paris, or reserve a spot on Copacabana beach in Rio via an app and then social distance on the sand -- the World Health Organization urged people not to despair.

"Behind these statistics is a great deal of pain and suffering... But I want to be clear: there are green shoots of hope," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

"It's never too late to turn the outbreak around," he said.

He gave examples of countries that had successfully clamped down on COVID-19, such as Rwanda and New Zealand, which said Monday it plans to open a virus-free "travel bubble" with the Cook Islands.

With much of the world caught in a cycle of dispiriting outbreaks and economically crushing lockdowns, all eyes are on the race for a vaccine.

A WHO overview said 165 candidate vaccines are being worked on around the world, with six reaching Phase 3 of clinical evaluation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/novavax-expects-it-can-meet-us-covid-19-vaccine-demand-in-2021-executives-say-319594">Also read:&nbsp;Novavax expects it can meet US COVID-19 vaccine demand in 2021, executives say</a>

But the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan warned that a vaccine was "only part of the answer," pointing to polio and measles as diseases with vaccines that have not been fully eradicated.

"You've got to be able to deliver that vaccine to a population that want and demand to have that vaccine," he said.

Europe feels the heat 
Infections have been rising ominously in Western Europe, which has also been sweltering through a heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius (95 F).

The blistering heat sent crowds flocking to beaches at the weekend despite health warnings about the risk of infection.

In the Paris region, people aged 11 and over are now required to wear masks in crowded areas and tourists hotspots.&nbsp;

These include the banks of the Seine River and more than 100 streets in the French capital.

Marion, a 24-year-old in central Paris, said the masks are "restrictive" but necessary "if we want to avoid a second wave."&nbsp;

"Anything except a second lockdown," she added.

Several French towns and cities have already introduced similar measures, as well as parts of Belgium, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain.

In Berlin, thousands of children returned to school on Monday after the summer break, sporting masks, which are compulsory in common areas like school courtyards.

Greece meanwhile announced a night curfew for restaurants and bars in some of its top tourist destinations after its number of new cases increased.

In Italy, the coronavirus spikes of its neighbours caused alarm.

"France, Spain and the Balkans... Italy is surrounded by contagions," Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza lamented.

It was a different story in Pakistan, which allowed all restaurants and parks to reopen on Monday, after the country saw a drop in new cases over several weeks.

Grim US, Brazil milestones 
As of Monday evening, the United States -- the world's worst-hit country -- had recorded 163,370 deaths and 5,085,821 cases of infection, according to the tracker at Johns Hopkins University.

As the caseload shot past five million on Sunday, President Donald Trump's Democratic opponent in the presidential election, Joe Biden, tweeted that the number "boggles the mind and breaks the heart."

The figure came as Trump was accused of flouting the constitution by unilaterally extending a virus relief package.

The package -- announced by Trump on Saturday after talks between Republican and Democrat lawmakers hit a wall -- was "absurdly unconstitutional," senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi told CNN.

But with the world's largest economy still struggling to dig itself out of an enormous hole, Democrats appeared skittish about any legal challenge to a relief package they see as seriously inadequate.

After the US, Brazil has the most cases, and over the weekend it became the second country to pass 100,000 fatalities.

President Jair Bolsonaro has downplayed the coronavirus threat, and after Brazil's latest milestone, the country's most widely viewed TV network Globo asked: "Has the president of the republic done his duty?"

The coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone as the world surpassed 20 million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere.

The coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone as the world surpassed 20 million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere. The number as of 2215 GMT was 20,014,574 cases, with 734,755 deaths recorded, according to an AFP tally of official sources. In yet another staggering landmark, the death toll is expected to surpass 750,000 in a matter of days as the global health crisis that began late last year in China rages on. Also read: At least 97,000 kids contracted coronavirus in the last two weeks of July in US As more things once unthinkable became harsh reality -- having to wear a facemask in touristy spots in Paris, or reserve a spot on Copacabana beach in Rio via an app and then social distance on the sand -- the World Health Organization urged people not to despair. "Behind these statistics is a great deal of pain and suffering... But I want to be clear: there are green shoots of hope," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. "It's never too late to turn the outbreak around," he said. He gave examples of countries that had successfully clamped down on COVID-19, such as Rwanda and New Zealand, which said Monday it plans to open a virus-free "travel bubble" with the Cook Islands. With much of the world caught in a cycle of dispiriting outbreaks and economically crushing lockdowns, all eyes are on the race for a vaccine. A WHO overview said 165 candidate vaccines are being worked on around the world, with six reaching Phase 3 of clinical evaluation. Also read: Novavax expects it can meet US COVID-19 vaccine demand in 2021, executives say But the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan warned that a vaccine was "only part of the answer," pointing to polio and measles as diseases with vaccines that have not been fully eradicated. "You've got to be able to deliver that vaccine to a population that want and demand to have that vaccine," he said. Europe feels the heat Infections have been rising ominously in Western Europe, which has also been sweltering through a heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius (95 F). The blistering heat sent crowds flocking to beaches at the weekend despite health warnings about the risk of infection. In the Paris region, people aged 11 and over are now required to wear masks in crowded areas and tourists hotspots. These include the banks of the Seine River and more than 100 streets in the French capital. Marion, a 24-year-old in central Paris, said the masks are "restrictive" but necessary "if we want to avoid a second wave." "Anything except a second lockdown," she added. Several French towns and cities have already introduced similar measures, as well as parts of Belgium, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain. In Berlin, thousands of children returned to school on Monday after the summer break, sporting masks, which are compulsory in common areas like school courtyards. Greece meanwhile announced a night curfew for restaurants and bars in some of its top tourist destinations after its number of new cases increased. In Italy, the coronavirus spikes of its neighbours caused alarm. "France, Spain and the Balkans... Italy is surrounded by contagions," Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza lamented. It was a different story in Pakistan, which allowed all restaurants and parks to reopen on Monday, after the country saw a drop in new cases over several weeks. Grim US, Brazil milestones As of Monday evening, the United States -- the world's worst-hit country -- had recorded 163,370 deaths and 5,085,821 cases of infection, according to the tracker at Johns Hopkins University. As the caseload shot past five million on Sunday, President Donald Trump's Democratic opponent in the presidential election, Joe Biden, tweeted that the number "boggles the mind and breaks the heart." The figure came as Trump was accused of flouting the constitution by unilaterally extending a virus relief package. The package -- announced by Trump on Saturday after talks between Republican and Democrat lawmakers hit a wall -- was "absurdly unconstitutional," senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi told CNN. But with the world's largest economy still struggling to dig itself out of an enormous hole, Democrats appeared skittish about any legal challenge to a relief package they see as seriously inadequate. After the US, Brazil has the most cases, and over the weekend it became the second country to pass 100,000 fatalities. President Jair Bolsonaro has downplayed the coronavirus threat, and after Brazil's latest milestone, the country's most widely viewed TV network Globo asked: "Has the president of the republic done his duty?"

World surpasses 20 million coronavirus cases, WHO warns against despair

France and Germany have quit talks on reforming the World Health Organization in frustration at attempts by the United States to lead the negotiations, despite its decision to leave the WHO.

The move is a setback for President Donald Trump as Washington, which holds the rotating chair of the G7, had hoped to issue a common roadmap for a sweeping overhaul of the WHO in September, two months before the US&nbsp;presidential election.

The Trump administration, which holds the rotating presidency of the G-7 this year, has accused WHO of bowing to pressure from China in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

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The WHO has dismissed his accusations. European governments have also criticised the WHO but do not go as far as the United States in their criticism, and the decision by Paris and Berlin to leave the talks follows tensions over what they say are Washington’s attempts to dominate the negotiations.

Germany's Health Ministry said the issue was discussed during a call of health ministers from the Group of Seven leading economies Thursday.

In a statement Saturday, the ministry said that in view of the United States' withdrawal from WHO, Germany and France currently see no mandate for the US to lead the WHO reform process for the G-7.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-marks-160000-covid-19-deaths-as-economic-relief-talks-fail-in-washington-318965" hreflang="en">US marks 160,000 COVID-19 deaths as economic relief talks fail in Washington</a>

“Nobody wants to be dragged into a reform process and getting an outline for it from a country which itself just left the WHO,” a senior European official involved in the talks said.

The German and French health ministries confirmed&nbsp;that the two countries were opposed to the United States leading the talks after announcing their intention to leave the organisation.

A spokesman for the Italian health ministry said that work on the reform document was still underway, adding however that Italy’s position was in line with Paris and Berlin.

Asked about the position of France and Germany, a senior Trump administration official said: “All members of the G7 explicitly supported the substance of the WHO reform ideas.”

“Notwithstanding, it is regrettable that Germany and France ultimately chose not to join the group in endorsing the roadmap,” he said.

A spokesman for the British government declined to comment on the latest developments but added that Britain supported the WHO and urged a reform of the body “to ensure it remains flexible and responsive”.

The talks on WHO reform began about four months ago. There have been nearly 20 teleconferences between health ministers from the Group of Seven industrialised nations, and dozens of meetings of diplomats and other officials.

A deal by the G7, which also includes Japan and Canada, would facilitate talks at the G20 and United Nations, where any changes would have to be agreed with China, Russia and other major governments not in the G7.

It is unclear whether a G7 summit in the United States, at which Trump hopes leaders will endorse the roadmap, will now go ahead in September as planned.

US&nbsp;officials have not said what reforms Washington has sought. But an initial reform roadmap proposed by Washington was seen by many of its allies as too critical, with one European official involved in the negotiations describing it as “rude”.

Despite changes to the original text, Washington’s push remained unacceptable, mainly to Germany, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

France and Germany have quit talks on reforming the World Health Organization in frustration at attempts by the United States to lead the negotiations, despite its decision to leave the WHO.

France and Germany have quit talks on reforming the World Health Organization in frustration at attempts by the United States to lead the negotiations, despite its decision to leave the WHO. The move is a setback for President Donald Trump as Washington, which holds the rotating chair of the G7, had hoped to issue a common roadmap for a sweeping overhaul of the WHO in September, two months before the US presidential election. The Trump administration, which holds the rotating presidency of the G-7 this year, has accused WHO of bowing to pressure from China in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Race plays a role in severe COVID-19 illness among kids, study finds The WHO has dismissed his accusations. European governments have also criticised the WHO but do not go as far as the United States in their criticism, and the decision by Paris and Berlin to leave the talks follows tensions over what they say are Washington’s attempts to dominate the negotiations. Germany's Health Ministry said the issue was discussed during a call of health ministers from the Group of Seven leading economies Thursday. In a statement Saturday, the ministry said that in view of the United States' withdrawal from WHO, Germany and France currently see no mandate for the US to lead the WHO reform process for the G-7. Also read: US marks 160,000 COVID-19 deaths as economic relief talks fail in Washington “Nobody wants to be dragged into a reform process and getting an outline for it from a country which itself just left the WHO,” a senior European official involved in the talks said. The German and French health ministries confirmed that the two countries were opposed to the United States leading the talks after announcing their intention to leave the organisation. A spokesman for the Italian health ministry said that work on the reform document was still underway, adding however that Italy’s position was in line with Paris and Berlin. Asked about the position of France and Germany, a senior Trump administration official said: “All members of the G7 explicitly supported the substance of the WHO reform ideas.” “Notwithstanding, it is regrettable that Germany and France ultimately chose not to join the group in endorsing the roadmap,” he said. A spokesman for the British government declined to comment on the latest developments but added that Britain supported the WHO and urged a reform of the body “to ensure it remains flexible and responsive”. The talks on WHO reform began about four months ago. There have been nearly 20 teleconferences between health ministers from the Group of Seven industrialised nations, and dozens of meetings of diplomats and other officials. A deal by the G7, which also includes Japan and Canada, would facilitate talks at the G20 and United Nations, where any changes would have to be agreed with China, Russia and other major governments not in the G7. It is unclear whether a G7 summit in the United States, at which Trump hopes leaders will endorse the roadmap, will now go ahead in September as planned. US officials have not said what reforms Washington has sought. But an initial reform roadmap proposed by Washington was seen by many of its allies as too critical, with one European official involved in the negotiations describing it as “rude”. Despite changes to the original text, Washington’s push remained unacceptable, mainly to Germany, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

Germany, France quit WHO reform talks amid tension with Washington

The World Health Organization said Wednesday it was "unrealistic" to expect large crowds at sports events this year in countries suffering from community-level transmission of the new coronavirus.

WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said it could be "disastrous" in such circumstances to allow the return of sports matches with tens of thousands of people attending.

Asked in a live WHO social media chat when major sports events could come back, Ryan said it was impossible to predict.

"We don't know," the Irish epidemiologist said.

"Large crowds of 40, 50, 60,000 people -- it's not just the risk of being in the stadium, it's the risk of going to the stadium, the public transport, the bars and the clubs," he explained.

"Imagine all the problems we have now with nightclubs and bars, and you squeeze all of that together into a four- or five-hour experience, where thousands of people go on the same public transport to a venue, get involved in the social aspects before a game, be involved in the game and then all of the social aspects after.

"In the context of community transmission, that could be disastrous."

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2020 European football championships have been postponed until next year, while major football tournaments like Europe's Champions League and the English Premier League have been forced behind closed doors.

"We may have to expect that as things open up, we go from having no-one at the games to maybe 1,000 and 2,000," said Ryan.

"We all want our sport back. We're just going to have to be careful for a good bit longer.

"It's very unrealistic in countries with community transmission that we're going to be seeing large gatherings like that this year.

"Right now, it's hard to see those fully re-opened venues."

The World Health Organization said Wednesday it was "unrealistic" to expect large crowds at sports events this year in countries suffering from community-level transmission of the new coronavirus.

The World Health Organization said Wednesday it was "unrealistic" to expect large crowds at sports events this year in countries suffering from community-level transmission of the new coronavirus. WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said it could be "disastrous" in such circumstances to allow the return of sports matches with tens of thousands of people attending. Asked in a live WHO social media chat when major sports events could come back, Ryan said it was impossible to predict. "We don't know," the Irish epidemiologist said. "Large crowds of 40, 50, 60,000 people -- it's not just the risk of being in the stadium, it's the risk of going to the stadium, the public transport, the bars and the clubs," he explained. "Imagine all the problems we have now with nightclubs and bars, and you squeeze all of that together into a four- or five-hour experience, where thousands of people go on the same public transport to a venue, get involved in the social aspects before a game, be involved in the game and then all of the social aspects after. "In the context of community transmission, that could be disastrous." The Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2020 European football championships have been postponed until next year, while major football tournaments like Europe's Champions League and the English Premier League have been forced behind closed doors. "We may have to expect that as things open up, we go from having no-one at the games to maybe 1,000 and 2,000," said Ryan. "We all want our sport back. We're just going to have to be careful for a good bit longer. "It's very unrealistic in countries with community transmission that we're going to be seeing large gatherings like that this year. "Right now, it's hard to see those fully re-opened venues."

Large sports crowds 'unrealistic' this year: WHO

Young people must curb their party instincts to help prevent new outbreaks of the COVID-19 disease, officials at the World Health Organization (WHO) pleaded on Wednesday.

Young people must curb their party instincts to help prevent new outbreaks of the COVID-19 disease, officials at the World Health Organization (WHO) pleaded on Wednesday. Tired of lockdowns and eager to enjoy the northern hemisphere summer, young people in some countries have been contributing to resurgences by gathering again for parties, barbecues and holidays. Even in Geneva, where the global UN health body is based, cabarets and clubs were closed last week after evidence that nearly half of new cases were coming from there. Also read: COVID-19: Global tally rises to 18,469,834; death toll nears nears 700,000 "Younger people also need to take on board that they have a responsibility," said WHO emergencies chief and father-of-three Mike Ryan in an online discussion. "Ask yourself the question: do I really need to go to that party?" Young people are less likely to suffer a severe form of the respiratory disease than their parents or grandparents, but the proportion of those infected aged 15-24 has risen three-fold in about five months, WHO data shows. Ryan said young people were often reticent in giving their details or disclosing friends' names to contact tracers. "It's tough but it is what is needed to stop the virus," he said. Swiss newspapers said that in one night club in Zurich from which cases emerged recently, partygoers had given fake names including "Donald Duck". As well as reducing risks to others, WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove said young people should be careful as even a mild version of the disease might have long-term consequences.

'Do you really need to party?' WHO asks world's youth to help prevent new outbreaks

A World Health Organization (WHO) team sent to China to launch a probe into the origins of the new coronavirus had "extensive discussions" with Chinese counterparts, including video exchanges with scientists in Wuhan where the outbreak was first detected, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

The final results of the investigation are keenly awaited by scientists and governments around the world, none more so than Washington, which lobbied hard for the mission.

The Trump administration has accused&nbsp;the WHO of being China-centric and plans to leave the agency over its handling of the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-retaliate-against-us-bullying-chinese-companies-and-journalists-chinese-media-318020" hreflang="en">China will retaliate against US bullying: Chinese media</a>

"The team had extensive discussions with Chinese counterparts and received updates on epidemiological studies, biologic and genetic analysis and animal health research," WHO's Christian Lindmeier told reporters.

The three-week advance mission comprising two specialists in animal health and epidemiology was tasked with laying the groundwork for a broader team of Chinese and international experts that will seek to discover how the virus that causes COVID-19 jumped the species barrier from animals to humans.

Lindmeier did not provide details on the timing or composition of the broader mission.

Terms of reference for the broader mission have been produced together with Chinese authorities in draft form, he said, and were not yet publicly available.

A World Health Organization (WHO) team sent to China to launch a probe into the origins of the new coronavirus had "extensive discussions" with Chinese counterparts, including video exchanges with scientists in Wuhan where the outbreak was first detected, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

A World Health Organization (WHO) team sent to China to launch a probe into the origins of the new coronavirus had "extensive discussions" with Chinese counterparts, including video exchanges with scientists in Wuhan where the outbreak was first detected, a spokesman said on Tuesday. The final results of the investigation are keenly awaited by scientists and governments around the world, none more so than Washington, which lobbied hard for the mission. The Trump administration has accused the WHO of being China-centric and plans to leave the agency over its handling of the pandemic. Also read: China will retaliate against US bullying: Chinese media "The team had extensive discussions with Chinese counterparts and received updates on epidemiological studies, biologic and genetic analysis and animal health research," WHO's Christian Lindmeier told reporters. The three-week advance mission comprising two specialists in animal health and epidemiology was tasked with laying the groundwork for a broader team of Chinese and international experts that will seek to discover how the virus that causes COVID-19 jumped the species barrier from animals to humans. Lindmeier did not provide details on the timing or composition of the broader mission. Terms of reference for the broader mission have been produced together with Chinese authorities in draft form, he said, and were not yet publicly available.

WHO says China team interviewed Wuhan scientists over coronavirus origins

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said today that "there is no silver bullet at the moment to fight the virus and there might never be".

There may never be a 'silver bullet' for COVID-19, WHO chief Tedros warns

As the summer break started in Europe and the US, young people let down their guards and flocked to beaches and home-made clubs to spend time with friends and have fun.

However, that may not have been the best idea during a pandemic and may have caused a surge in the positive coronavirus cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-pandemic-is-one-big-wave-not-seasonal-world-health-organization-316561">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic is one big wave, not seasonal: World Health Organization</a>

This has even raised concerns and fears of a possible second wave of the novel coronavirus in various western and Asian countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO, on Thursday issued a statement warning young people and urging them to stay home and stay safe.

“We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again: young people are not invincible,” WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news briefing in Geneva.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keeping-international-borders-sealed-unsustainable-covid-19-strategy-who-316377">Also read|&nbsp;Keeping international borders sealed unsustainable Covid-19 strategy: WHO</a>

The fears of possibility of second wave have even forced some countries to reimpose travel bans and prepare for another complete lockdown if need be.

According to Tedros, the spike in coronavirus cases is “driven in part by younger people letting down their guard during the northern hemisphere summer."

Maria Van Kerkhove, a top WHO epidemiologist, told the same briefing that nightclubs were “amplifiers of transmission”.

“The majority of young people infected tend to have more mild disease. But that’s not always consistent,” she said.

The WHO had earlier in June said it would be updating its travel guidelines in time for the northern hemisphere summer holidays, but has not yet done so.

As of now, the WHO has urged travellers to wear face masks at all times during travelling and to be informed about the surge of cases in the countries they are travelling to and travelling from.

As the summer break started in Europe and the US, young people let down their guards and flocked to beaches and home-made clubs to spend time with friends and have fun.

As the summer break started in Europe and the US, young people let down their guards and flocked to beaches and home-made clubs to spend time with friends and have fun. However, that may not have been the best idea during a pandemic and may have caused a surge in the positive coronavirus cases. Also read| COVID-19 pandemic is one big wave, not seasonal: World Health Organization This has even raised concerns and fears of a possible second wave of the novel coronavirus in various western and Asian countries. The World Health Organization (WHO, on Thursday issued a statement warning young people and urging them to stay home and stay safe. “We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again: young people are not invincible,” WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news briefing in Geneva. Also read| Keeping international borders sealed unsustainable Covid-19 strategy: WHO The fears of possibility of second wave have even forced some countries to reimpose travel bans and prepare for another complete lockdown if need be. According to Tedros, the spike in coronavirus cases is “driven in part by younger people letting down their guard during the northern hemisphere summer." Maria Van Kerkhove, a top WHO epidemiologist, told the same briefing that nightclubs were “amplifiers of transmission”. “The majority of young people infected tend to have more mild disease. But that’s not always consistent,” she said. The WHO had earlier in June said it would be updating its travel guidelines in time for the northern hemisphere summer holidays, but has not yet done so. As of now, the WHO has urged travellers to wear face masks at all times during travelling and to be informed about the surge of cases in the countries they are travelling to and travelling from.

'Young people are not invincible': WHO warns the young party-goers

The World Health Organization (WHO), on Thursday issued a statement warning young people and urging them to stay home and stay safe.

WHO says young people driving some COVID-19 spikes

A World Health Organization official on Tuesday described the COVID-19 pandemic as "one big wave".

World Health Organisation says COVID-19 pandemic is 'One big wave'

The spread of the novel coronavirus does not appear to be impacted by seasonality, the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Organization&nbsp;said Tuesday, warning against false beliefs that summer is safer.&nbsp;

"Season does not seem to be affecting the transmission of this virus," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told reporters in a virtual briefing.

She pointed out that some of the hardest-hit countries are currently in the midst of different season.&nbsp;Pointing to high case numbers at the height of the US&nbsp;summer, she urged vigilance in applying measures and warned against mass gatherings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-lives-above-profits-pandemic-being-exploited-to-earn-hefty-profit-316543" hreflang="en">Human lives above profits? Pandemic being exploited to earn hefty profit</a>

While it is summer in the United States, which with nearly 148,000 deaths and close to 4.3 million cases is the hardest-hit country, the second most affected country Brazil, which counts more than 87,000 deaths, is in winter.

Instead of expecting the virus to behave like other viruses that are more familiar, she said people should look at what is actually known about how to stop transmission of COVID-19.

What works, she said, is physical distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask where appropriate, always covering up sneezes and coughs, staying home when experiencing symptoms, the isolation of cases and quarantining of contacts.

"But at the moment, we aren't doing that, because people seem to have it fixed in their heads that there is this seasonal thing and there seems to... be this persistent belief that summer is not a problem," Harris said.

"Summer is a problem. This virus likes all weathers, but what it particularly likes is jumping from one person to another when we come in close contact," Harris said.&nbsp;

The spread of the novel coronavirus does not appear to be impacted by seasonality, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, warning against false beliefs that summer is safer.

The spread of the novel coronavirus does not appear to be impacted by seasonality, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, warning against false beliefs that summer is safer. "Season does not seem to be affecting the transmission of this virus," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told reporters in a virtual briefing. She pointed out that some of the hardest-hit countries are currently in the midst of different season. Pointing to high case numbers at the height of the US summer, she urged vigilance in applying measures and warned against mass gatherings. Also read: Human lives above profits? Pandemic being exploited to earn hefty profit While it is summer in the United States, which with nearly 148,000 deaths and close to 4.3 million cases is the hardest-hit country, the second most affected country Brazil, which counts more than 87,000 deaths, is in winter. Instead of expecting the virus to behave like other viruses that are more familiar, she said people should look at what is actually known about how to stop transmission of COVID-19. What works, she said, is physical distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask where appropriate, always covering up sneezes and coughs, staying home when experiencing symptoms, the isolation of cases and quarantining of contacts. "But at the moment, we aren't doing that, because people seem to have it fixed in their heads that there is this seasonal thing and there seems to... be this persistent belief that summer is not a problem," Harris said. "Summer is a problem. This virus likes all weathers, but what it particularly likes is jumping from one person to another when we come in close contact," Harris said.

COVID-19 pandemic is one big wave, not seasonal: World Health Organization

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-tightens-coronavirus-restrictions-amid-fresh-outbreaks-316363">ALSO READ | Europe tightens coronavirus restrictions amid fresh outbreaks</a> 
 
Border closures and travel restrictions remain an important part of many countries' strategy to combat the novel coronavirus.

At the same time, rising cases in a range of countries in Europe and elsewhere that had loosened measures after appearing to get their outbreaks under control have spurred discussions of possible fresh border closures.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

But the UN health body warned that such measures can not be kept up indefinitely, and are also only useful when combined with a wide range of other measures to detect and break chains of transmission.

"Continuing to keep international borders sealed is not necessarily a sustainable strategy for the world's economy, for the world's poor, or for anybody else," Michael Ryan, WHO emergencies director, told journalists in a virtual briefing.

"It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future," he said, pointing out that "economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume."

He acknowledged that when it comes to COVID-19, it is impossible to have a "global one size fits all policy" because outbreaks are developing differently in different countries.

While countries with rampant community transmission may need to use the blunt instrument of lockdowns to gain control of the situation, others should be burrowing down to get a clear overview of where and how the virus is spreading at a local level.

Don't 'release pressure'

They should be prepared to tighten or loosen measures accordingly, he said, warning against "releasing pressure" on the virus, which has killed some 650,000 people and infected 16.3 million worldwide.

"Release pressure on the virus and the numbers can creep back up."

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19, said that instead of expecting drastic measures to keep the virus in check, people need to adapt their behaviours for the long haul.

"What we're going to have to figure out... is what our new normal looks like?" she told reporters.

"Our new normal includes physical distancing from others, (and) wearing masks where appropriate," she said.

"Our new normal includes us knowing where this virus is every day, where we live, where we work, where we want to travel."

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading.

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading. ALSO READ | Europe tightens coronavirus restrictions amid fresh outbreaks Border closures and travel restrictions remain an important part of many countries' strategy to combat the novel coronavirus. At the same time, rising cases in a range of countries in Europe and elsewhere that had loosened measures after appearing to get their outbreaks under control have spurred discussions of possible fresh border closures. But the UN health body warned that such measures can not be kept up indefinitely, and are also only useful when combined with a wide range of other measures to detect and break chains of transmission. "Continuing to keep international borders sealed is not necessarily a sustainable strategy for the world's economy, for the world's poor, or for anybody else," Michael Ryan, WHO emergencies director, told journalists in a virtual briefing. "It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future," he said, pointing out that "economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume." He acknowledged that when it comes to COVID-19, it is impossible to have a "global one size fits all policy" because outbreaks are developing differently in different countries. While countries with rampant community transmission may need to use the blunt instrument of lockdowns to gain control of the situation, others should be burrowing down to get a clear overview of where and how the virus is spreading at a local level. Don't 'release pressure' They should be prepared to tighten or loosen measures accordingly, he said, warning against "releasing pressure" on the virus, which has killed some 650,000 people and infected 16.3 million worldwide. "Release pressure on the virus and the numbers can creep back up." Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19, said that instead of expecting drastic measures to keep the virus in check, people need to adapt their behaviours for the long haul. "What we're going to have to figure out... is what our new normal looks like?" she told reporters. "Our new normal includes physical distancing from others, (and) wearing masks where appropriate," she said. "Our new normal includes us knowing where this virus is every day, where we live, where we work, where we want to travel."

Keeping international borders sealed unsustainable Covid-19 strategy: WHO

The World Health Organization said on Thursday that the United States, Brazil and India, which are all suffering fast rises in coronavirus cases, can still get on top of the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-politics-should-be-quarantined-says-who-chief-tedros-over-pompeos-remark-315518">Also read: Coronavirus politics should be quarantined, says WHO chief Tedros over Pompeo's remark</a> 
 
They are "powerful, able, democratic countries who have tremendous internal capacities to deal with this disease", Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO emergencies programme, told a Geneva briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dead-britons-pompeo-slams-world-health-organization-says-chief-tedros-bought-by-china-315441">'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams WHO; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China</a>

US coronavirus cases exceeded 4 million on Thursday, with over 2,600 new cases recorded every hour on average, the highest rate in the world, according to a Reuters tally.

The World Health Organization said on Thursday that the United States, Brazil and India, which are all suffering fast rises in coronavirus cases, can still get on top of the pandemic.

The World Health Organization said on Thursday that the United States, Brazil and India, which are all suffering fast rises in coronavirus cases, can still get on top of the pandemic. Also read: Coronavirus politics should be quarantined, says WHO chief Tedros over Pompeo's remark They are "powerful, able, democratic countries who have tremendous internal capacities to deal with this disease", Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO emergencies programme, told a Geneva briefing. Also read: 'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams WHO; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China US coronavirus cases exceeded 4 million on Thursday, with over 2,600 new cases recorded every hour on average, the highest rate in the world, according to a Reuters tally.

India, US and Brazil can ‘deal with’ Covid-19 pandemic, says WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed its concerns on Friday on the resurgence of new COVID-19 infections in Europe, the continent worst-affected by the deadly virus in terms of deaths.

"The recent resurgence in COVID-19 cases in some countries following the easing of physical distancing measures is certainly cause for concern," a WHO spokeswoman of European Chapter told news agency AFP.

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"Where new clusters of cases appear, these need to be controlled through rapid and targeted interventions including rapid case detection and isolation and diligent contact tracing and quarantining," the spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

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The total number of cases in Europe on Thursday crossed three million, a fifth of over 15 million infections around the world. With 206,663 fatalities, Europe has seen the most number of deaths from the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

In the regions covered by WHO's European chapter, Kyrgyzstan has reported the highest number of cases, 335 new infections per 100,000 people in the last two weeks.&nbsp;

Montenegro (207), Luxemburg (196), Bosnia (98), Serbia (71), Romania (52) and Bulgaria (46) are the other countries that are seeing a spike in infections.&nbsp;

However, the number of infections have come down considerably in countries like Armenia (197 cases per 100,000), Kazakhstan (128), Moldavia (82), and Russia (60).

The total number of daily cases in Europe have remained stable with nearly 20,000 infections since May 20, over twice as low as when the virus peaked in the beginning of April.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed its concerns on Friday on the resurgence of new COVID-19 infections in Europe, the continent worst-affected by the deadly virus in terms of deaths.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed its concerns on Friday on the resurgence of new COVID-19 infections in Europe, the continent worst-affected by the deadly virus in terms of deaths. "The recent resurgence in COVID-19 cases in some countries following the easing of physical distancing measures is certainly cause for concern," a WHO spokeswoman of European Chapter told news agency AFP. Also read | India adds record 49,310 coronavirus cases in single day, total deaths pass 30,000 "Where new clusters of cases appear, these need to be controlled through rapid and targeted interventions including rapid case detection and isolation and diligent contact tracing and quarantining," the spokeswoman said. Also read | Coronavirus vaccine: Chinese candidate shows promise in animal trials The total number of cases in Europe on Thursday crossed three million, a fifth of over 15 million infections around the world. With 206,663 fatalities, Europe has seen the most number of deaths from the novel coronavirus. In the regions covered by WHO's European chapter, Kyrgyzstan has reported the highest number of cases, 335 new infections per 100,000 people in the last two weeks. Montenegro (207), Luxemburg (196), Bosnia (98), Serbia (71), Romania (52) and Bulgaria (46) are the other countries that are seeing a spike in infections. However, the number of infections have come down considerably in countries like Armenia (197 cases per 100,000), Kazakhstan (128), Moldavia (82), and Russia (60). The total number of daily cases in Europe have remained stable with nearly 20,000 infections since May 20, over twice as low as when the virus peaked in the beginning of April.

Coronavirus: WHO concerned over infections surge in Europe

Researchers around the world are making "good progress" in developing a vaccine against coronavirus and a very few have made it to the late-stage trials, however, a World Health Organization expert has said that their first use cannot be expected until early 2021.&nbsp;

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Mike Ryan, head of WHO’s emergencies programme, has said that the organization is ensuring a fair vaccine distribution, but in the meantime, it is key to suppress the virus’s spread.&nbsp;

“We’re making good progress,” Ryan said, noting that several vaccines were now in phase 3 trials and none had failed, so far, in terms of safety or ability to generate an immune response.

“Realistically it is going to be the first part of next year before we start seeing people getting vaccinated,” he told a public event on social media.

According to Ryan, WHO was working to expand access to potential vaccines and to help scale-up production capacity.&nbsp;

“And we need to be fair about this, because this is a global good. Vaccines for this pandemic are not for the wealthy, they are not for the poor, they are for everybody,” he said.

Ryan has asked the schools to be cautious while re-opening the schools and urged them to wait until community transmission of Covid-19 is under control. The debate in the United States over restarting education has intensified, even as the pandemic flares up in dozens of states.

“We have to do everything possible to bring our children back to school, and the most effective thing we can do is to stop the disease in our community,” he said. “Because if you control the disease in the community, you can open the schools.”

(Inputs from Reuters)

Researchers around the world are making "good progress" in developing a vaccine against coronavirus and a very few have made it to the late-stage trials, however, a World Health Organization expert has said that their first use cannot be expected until early 2021.

Researchers around the world are making "good progress" in developing a vaccine against coronavirus and a very few have made it to the late-stage trials, however, a World Health Organization expert has said that their first use cannot be expected until early 2021. Also read: US to pay Pfizer, BioNTech $1.95 billion for COVID-19 vaccine Mike Ryan, head of WHO’s emergencies programme, has said that the organization is ensuring a fair vaccine distribution, but in the meantime, it is key to suppress the virus’s spread. “We’re making good progress,” Ryan said, noting that several vaccines were now in phase 3 trials and none had failed, so far, in terms of safety or ability to generate an immune response. “Realistically it is going to be the first part of next year before we start seeing people getting vaccinated,” he told a public event on social media. According to Ryan, WHO was working to expand access to potential vaccines and to help scale-up production capacity. “And we need to be fair about this, because this is a global good. Vaccines for this pandemic are not for the wealthy, they are not for the poor, they are for everybody,” he said. Ryan has asked the schools to be cautious while re-opening the schools and urged them to wait until community transmission of Covid-19 is under control. The debate in the United States over restarting education has intensified, even as the pandemic flares up in dozens of states. “We have to do everything possible to bring our children back to school, and the most effective thing we can do is to stop the disease in our community,” he said. “Because if you control the disease in the community, you can open the schools.” (Inputs from Reuters)

First use of coronavirus vaccines cannot be expected until early 2021: WHO expert

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