A researcher from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chao Shao, has made claims about the origins of the coronavirus and has linked them to plans for developing a highly contagious virus as a bioweapon.

In an exclusive interview&nbsp;with Jennifer Zeng, a member of the International Press Association, who provides first-hand information and unique insights about China and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the researcher Chao Shao revealed that his colleagues were given four variants of the virus to determine which one would spread most effectively, the ANI report said.&nbsp;He referred to the coronavirus as a "bioweapon."

Chao Shao shared an anecdote about his colleague, Shan Chao, who confessed that their superior provided them with four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fraudsters-make-off-with-200-billion-from-covid-relief-programs-says-us-watchdog-609559">coronavirus</a> strains for testing. Their task was to identify the strain with the greatest ability to infect various species, including humans. These revelations highlight the alleged intention to create a highly contagious virus.

<h2>Suspicious activities during the 2019 military world games</h2>

During the 2019 Military World Games held in Wuhan, several of Chao Shao's colleagues mysteriously disappeared. It was later revealed that they were sent to hotels accommodating athletes from different countries to "check the health or hygiene conditions." Chao Shao became suspicious, as such tasks did not require virologists. He suspected their involvement in spreading the virus intentionally.

Also watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;WHO warns Covid 'has not gone away'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-warns-covid-has-not-gone-away-609442/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Unusual assignments in Xinjiang</h2>

Chao Shao disclosed another concerning assignment in April 2020 when he was sent to Xinjiang to assess the health status of Uyghurs detained in re-education camps. Expressing scepticism, he questioned the need for a virologist to conduct health checks, suggesting alternative motives. His implication raises suspicions of either virus dissemination or observation of its impact on humans.

Chao Shao's revelations spanned from March to April 2020, providing a glimpse into the broader picture surrounding the origins of coronavirus. These startling claims shed light on potential activities that could have contributed to the pandemic's outbreak.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-chinese-scientist-says-dont-rule-out-covid-lab-leak-theory-598433">Top Chinese scientist says don't rule out Covid lab leak theory</a>

<h2>US intelligence unable to confirm lab-related infections</h2>

A recently released declassified report from US intelligence agencies failed to definitively confirm whether researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, who fell ill in 2019, were infected with the COVID-19 causing coronavirus. The report also mentioned research conducted by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/prominent-chinese-financial-journalist-banned-from-social-media-for-speaking-about-economic-woes-unemployment-609275">Chinese</a> People's Liberation Army at the lab, but it did not establish a direct link between their work and the pandemic.

The release of the intelligence report does little to settle the contentious debate surrounding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. With partisan clashes and ongoing investigations, the question of how the pandemic started remains a topic of heated discussion. Chao Shao's claims, while significant, require further scrutiny and investigation to establish the full truth about the origins and intentions behind the virus's creation.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

A researcher from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chao Shao, has made claims about the origins of the coronavirus and has linked them to plans for developing a highly contagious virus as a bioweapon.

A researcher from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chao Shao, has made claims about the origins of the coronavirus and has linked them to plans for developing a highly contagious virus as a bioweapon. In an exclusive interview with Jennifer Zeng, a member of the International Press Association, who provides first-hand information and unique insights about China and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the researcher Chao Shao revealed that his colleagues were given four variants of the virus to determine which one would spread most effectively, the ANI report said. He referred to the coronavirus as a "bioweapon." Chao Shao shared an anecdote about his colleague, Shan Chao, who confessed that their superior provided them with four coronavirus strains for testing. Their task was to identify the strain with the greatest ability to infect various species, including humans. These revelations highlight the alleged intention to create a highly contagious virus. Suspicious activities during the 2019 military world games During the 2019 Military World Games held in Wuhan, several of Chao Shao's colleagues mysteriously disappeared. It was later revealed that they were sent to hotels accommodating athletes from different countries to "check the health or hygiene conditions." Chao Shao became suspicious, as such tasks did not require virologists. He suspected their involvement in spreading the virus intentionally. Also watch | WHO warns Covid 'has not gone away' Unusual assignments in Xinjiang Chao Shao disclosed another concerning assignment in April 2020 when he was sent to Xinjiang to assess the health status of Uyghurs detained in re-education camps. Expressing scepticism, he questioned the need for a virologist to conduct health checks, suggesting alternative motives. His implication raises suspicions of either virus dissemination or observation of its impact on humans. Chao Shao's revelations spanned from March to April 2020, providing a glimpse into the broader picture surrounding the origins of coronavirus. These startling claims shed light on potential activities that could have contributed to the pandemic's outbreak. Also read | Top Chinese scientist says don't rule out Covid lab leak theory US intelligence unable to confirm lab-related infections A recently released declassified report from US intelligence agencies failed to definitively confirm whether researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, who fell ill in 2019, were infected with the COVID-19 causing coronavirus. The report also mentioned research conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the lab, but it did not establish a direct link between their work and the pandemic. The release of the intelligence report does little to settle the contentious debate surrounding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. With partisan clashes and ongoing investigations, the question of how the pandemic started remains a topic of heated discussion. Chao Shao's claims, while significant, require further scrutiny and investigation to establish the full truth about the origins and intentions behind the virus's creation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

COVID-19 was engineered as ‘bioweapon’ to purposely infect people, claims Wuhan researcher

Being a journalist in China is no easy feat. Now more than ever. You sway a little and you're taught a lesson by the Chinese regime. Governments like these are adept at "re-educating people".

Being a journalist in China is no easy feat. Now more than ever. You sway a little and you're taught a lesson by the Chinese regime. Governments like these are adept at "re-educating people". This is the story of one such journalist, his name is Li Zehua. A former employee of Chinese state broadcaster CCTV He quit his job and travelled to Wuhan as a 'citizen' journalist. The 25-year-old wanted to report on the situation in Wuhan, the city of origin of the coronavirus. By the February 26, Li had posted four videos from the lockdown zone. Videos from crematoriums --- virology labs and funeral homes in Wuhan. Videos that were busting all of Beijing's claims of normalcy. But Li Zehua disappeared on February 26. He was detained by the Chinese police and forcibly quarantined. He was last seen in the video that is on your screen. This was live-stream that stretched for hours. It shows Li being chased by some vehicles. The chase ended at his apartment and some men showed up at his door. They identified themselves as public security agents and took him away. All of this was live-streamed on Youtube. × Li was charged with disrupting public order and then he disappeared. He wasn't seen for two months. Now, he's back and there's a twist in the tale. Li Zehua-- is a changed man. He's singing praises of his captors. The Chinese state which arrested, interrogated and confined him for two months for reporting the truth. He is praising them. "May the people of the world unite". His comments and his tone are in stark contrast to his previous vlogs. Was this made under duress? Or as a condition of his release? The real truth is yet to be unveiled. The truth behind his claims. The truth behind his disappearance and the truth behind his new position.

From whistleblower to nationalist: How did Chinese government manage to change Li Zehua?

In order for COVID-19 to infect humans, the virus must attach to the target human cell, fuse with the cell membrane in order to inject the virus’ genetic material and then use the cell’s own biochemical mechanisms to replicate the virus.

Understanding those processes through scientific experimentation is key to the development of vaccines against and treatments for viral infections.

When dealing with highly contagious and deadly viruses and given the widespread use of bioengineering, extra precautions need to be taken not to inadvertently create dangerous new viruses or release viruses from containment facilities, whether they be naturally-occurring or man-made.

SARS-CoV, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic, infects human cells first by attaching to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor (ACE2), then, via SARS-CoV’s S-protein virus-to-cell membrane fusion is initiated.

In 2008, scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, led by Zhengli Shi, <a href="https://jvi.asm.org/content/82/4/1899.full">demonstrated</a> the importance of the initial human ACE2 binding step by using bioengineering techniques to “splice” the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV onto a non-human-infecting bat coronavirus, essentially creating an entirely new viral entity capability of infecting humans.

After the 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) pandemic, similar scientific studies were undertaken to understand its human infectivity and pathogenesis.

Although MERS-CoV uses a different receptor to bind to human cells, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 or DPP4, the S-protein, which may be similar to SARS-CoV, is <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/113/43/12262.full">important </a>for virus-to-cell membrane fusion.

After binding to the human cell, the MERS-CoV S-protein undergoes two cleavages. The first cleavage splits the S-protein into two subunits, S1 and S2, which allows an unfolding process proceeding virus-to-cell membrane fusion. The second cleavage occurs within the S2 segment, called S2-prime (S2′), and is <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/113/43/12262.full">thought to trigger </a>membrane fusion.

The importance of the S2′ cleavage site in pathogenicity has long been recognized in<a href="https://jvi.asm.org/content/jvi/83/17/8744.full.pdf"> bird influenza </a>and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682217304403">cat peritonitis </a>coronavirus infections.

COVID-19 has just such a S2′ furin polybasic cleavage site, which does not exist in any of the naturally-occurring bat coronaviruses <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0820-9">identified as </a>close relatives of COVID-19.

That “close relative” article has been widely cited as evidence to support the Chinese government’s contention that COVID-19 “jumped” from animals to humans inside the Wuhan Seafood Market.

The bird infectious bronchitis Beaudette coronavirus strain, which has a furin polybasic cleavage site amino acid sequence of Arginine-Arginine-Lysine-Arginine, closely matches COVID-19’s furin polybasic cleavage site of Arginine-Arginine-Alanine-Arginine.

It is important to note that furin cleavage sites have been <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682206000900">“introduced” </a>into coronaviruses using widely-known genetic engineering techniques since, at least, 2006 in order to study the effect of cleavage to mediate cell-to-cell fusion and affect viral infectivity.

It is, therefore, not inconceivable to conclude that in the course of scientific investigation, a Chinese laboratory may have bioengineered a furin polybasic cleavage site into a bat coronavirus in order to study its effects on pathogenicity.

In the absence of conclusive evidence that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring, the burden of proof as to the origin of COVID-19 is now on China.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In order for COVID-19 to infect humans, the virus must attach to the target human cell, fuse with the cell membrane in order to inject the virus’ genetic material and then use the cell’s own biochemical mechanisms to replicate the virus.

In order for COVID-19 to infect humans, the virus must attach to the target human cell, fuse with the cell membrane in order to inject the virus’ genetic material and then use the cell’s own biochemical mechanisms to replicate the virus. Understanding those processes through scientific experimentation is key to the development of vaccines against and treatments for viral infections. When dealing with highly contagious and deadly viruses and given the widespread use of bioengineering, extra precautions need to be taken not to inadvertently create dangerous new viruses or release viruses from containment facilities, whether they be naturally-occurring or man-made. SARS-CoV, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic, infects human cells first by attaching to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor (ACE2), then, via SARS-CoV’s S-protein virus-to-cell membrane fusion is initiated. In 2008, scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, led by Zhengli Shi, demonstrated the importance of the initial human ACE2 binding step by using bioengineering techniques to “splice” the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV onto a non-human-infecting bat coronavirus, essentially creating an entirely new viral entity capability of infecting humans. After the 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) pandemic, similar scientific studies were undertaken to understand its human infectivity and pathogenesis. Although MERS-CoV uses a different receptor to bind to human cells, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 or DPP4, the S-protein, which may be similar to SARS-CoV, is important for virus-to-cell membrane fusion. After binding to the human cell, the MERS-CoV S-protein undergoes two cleavages. The first cleavage splits the S-protein into two subunits, S1 and S2, which allows an unfolding process proceeding virus-to-cell membrane fusion. The second cleavage occurs within the S2 segment, called S2-prime (S2′), and is thought to trigger membrane fusion. The importance of the S2′ cleavage site in pathogenicity has long been recognized in bird influenza and cat peritonitis coronavirus infections. COVID-19 has just such a S2′ furin polybasic cleavage site, which does not exist in any of the naturally-occurring bat coronaviruses identified as close relatives of COVID-19. That “close relative” article has been widely cited as evidence to support the Chinese government’s contention that COVID-19 “jumped” from animals to humans inside the Wuhan Seafood Market. The bird infectious bronchitis Beaudette coronavirus strain, which has a furin polybasic cleavage site amino acid sequence of Arginine-Arginine-Lysine-Arginine, closely matches COVID-19’s furin polybasic cleavage site of Arginine-Arginine-Alanine-Arginine. It is important to note that furin cleavage sites have been “introduced” into coronaviruses using widely-known genetic engineering techniques since, at least, 2006 in order to study the effect of cleavage to mediate cell-to-cell fusion and affect viral infectivity. It is, therefore, not inconceivable to conclude that in the course of scientific investigation, a Chinese laboratory may have bioengineered a furin polybasic cleavage site into a bat coronavirus in order to study its effects on pathogenicity. In the absence of conclusive evidence that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring, the burden of proof as to the origin of COVID-19 is now on China. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why China may have manufactured COVID-19

Indiscriminate in targeting its victims, the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) casts a very different light on the need to enforce international law governing wars as well as human and minority rights. It exposes the needs of tens of millions of refugees and displaced persons in destitute camps in Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Bangladesh and shantytowns across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

It also puts issues of basic rights, poverty, homelessness, and equitable income distribution from a different perspective. Refugees, displaced persons, and embattled minorities that have been for the longest time viewed as humanitarian or political problems that needed to be contained and kept beyond one’s borders. now constitute a global public health hazard.

The public health hazard is enhanced by punitive, crippling sanctions and blockades designed to impose the will of one country on another with little measurable effect beyond economic degradation, making often weak health systems even more feeble.

In Iran, one of the world’s hardest-hit countries, and the Gaza Strip, that reported its first infections in recent days, the hazard is enhanced not only by corruption and mismanagement but also punitive and crippling sanctions and blockades designed to impose the will of one country on another with little measurable effect beyond economic degradation and making often weak health systems even more feeble.

It’s a hazard that raises the threat level not only in the current pandemic that has already wreaked havoc on lives, economies, and social life, but also in future ones.

“The storm will pass, humankind will survive, most of us will still be alive — but we will inhabit a different world,” predicted historian Yuval Noah Harari.

“Pandemics are a part of biologic history. They reshape economics, they reshape sociology,” added Mike Leavitt, a former Republican US Secretary of Health and Human Services and Governor of Utah.

Writer and activist Susan Sontag noted some four decades ago that “illness as a metaphor for political disorder is one of the oldest notions of political philosophy.”

By implication, Harari and Leavitt and Sontag suggest that pandemics create opportunities to rethink political, economic, and social relations. That may be what is needed but the odds are against it.

More likely is that a different world will mostly be shaped by elements of reactive measures taken by governments across the globe who failed to initially take the coronavirus seriously on day one—Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan being notable exceptions.

Leaving aside the fundamental issues of striking a balance between privacy and surveillance, those reactive actions and procedures are likely to amount to band-aids rather than lessons learned. They will not lead to a fundamental rethinking of issues that pose a major threat to millions of lives far beyond the boundaries of refugee camps and shantytowns. And they are unlikely to result in the social cohesion needed to confront the inevitable next crisis.

The coronavirus also spotlights the inherent threat posed by the lack of transparency and the politicization of a global health crisis by civilizationalist and illiberal, authoritarian or autocratic leaders. Such leaders, including US President Donald J. Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Egyptian General-turned-President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Turkey’s leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who prioritize domestic political and geopolitical gain and economic preservation rather than timely public health policy and simple decency and humanity.

Even though senior government officials across the globe have been infected, it’s the hundreds of thousands of victims of the coronavirus and the hundreds of millions whose social and economic lives have been disrupted that pay the price of delayed and inadequate responses.

“Sanctions are the number one cause of Iran’s limited access to medicine and other basic resources. These pressures are severely compounded during this global health crisis and are felt acutely in the day-to-day lives of Iranian citizens . . . Just as outbound travel has been suspended, the import of aid coming into Iran is limited, if at all, furthering the sense that even when dealing with a concern that affects the whole world, Iranians are largely on their own,” reflected comparative literature PhD candidate Donna Honarpisheh from self-isolation during a family visit to Shiraz.

The fact that a contagious health hazard in one country threatens public health worldwide, makes ensuring the universal existence of robust national healthcare systems a global concern.

The fact that a contagious health hazard in one country potentially threatens public health worldwide, makes ensuring the universal existence of robust national healthcare systems a global rather than a national concern.

Prioritising politics rather than common sense self-preservation that fails to strike a balance between humanity, global public health, and national security is likely to harden positions rather than create opportunities for conflict resolution.

As a result, Iran’s isolation and Gaza’s blockade by Israel and Egypt for the past 13 years are likely to be reflected in longer-term Iranian and Palestinian political wrath and other hostile attitudes towards the outside world.

The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar – the only countries to have come to Iran’s aid – were among the few in the international community to recognize that how the world handles the crisis has consequences that go far beyond healthcare.

That is true even if the UAE and Kuwait acted to ensure that they would not be targets in any future US-Iranian confrontation. Whereas Qatar honoured its relations with Iran since Tehran provides crucial logistical support, enabling Doha to withstand the almost three-year-old UAE-Saudi-led economic and diplomatic boycott of the Gulf state.

Adding to the woes of Iran, like other countries with governments that are untransparent or at best economical with the truth, is the fact that the regime’s trust deficit complicates getting public compliance with extraordinary measures and raises the specter of protests at a time of quarantines and social distancing.

Egyptian authorities arrested four prominent women in recent days for protesting in demand of the release of prisoners as a healthcare measure. Hundreds of Egyptians reportedly attempted to storm public laboratories to obtain a coronavirus test.

The locked-down Philippines capital of Manila is awash with rumours of food shortages and fears of rioting and looting.

It’s at best a matter of time before the human carnage hits camps for refugees and displaced persons across the Middle East and in Asia and Africa as well as countries like Venezuela that have failing health systems as a result of mismanagement and corruption. All failures are compounded by sanctions.

“Millions of conflict-affected people are living in cramped refugee and displacement sites with desperately poor hygiene and sanitation facilities. There will be carnage when the virus reaches parts of Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela where hospitals have been demolished and health systems have collapsed,” said Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Yemen already knows the consequences. It suffered in 2017 a dramatic surge of cholera, a disease that had been virtually eradicated from the planet.

The question is not only what happens when disease and death on a large scale or food shortages and/or famine hit the world’s most vulnerable holed up in inhuman conditions with nothing more to lose.

It is also whether governments and elites have the foresight and political will to build a new world order that is not only equitable but also creates the political, economic, and social conditions for the management of future pandemics at a potentially lower social and economic cost for all.

That may be a tall order in a world dominated by civilizational and nationalist leaders whose primary concern are not ensuring robust structures capable of fighting indiscriminate global threats but short-term political gain, self-aggrandizement, the settling of political scores, and narrow visions of ethnic or religious supremacy.

It’s an approach that adds to already mounting threats of increased political instability and violence as well as migration in magnitudes that could dwarf the world’s current problem of coping with large-scale dislocation. 
 
(The article was first published on<a href="https://insidearabia.com/refugees-and-shantytowns-in-mena-and-beyond-imperil-global-public-health/"> Inside Arabia</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Indiscriminate in targeting its victims, the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) casts a very different light on the need to enforce international law governing wars as well as human and minority rights.

Indiscriminate in targeting its victims, the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) casts a very different light on the need to enforce international law governing wars as well as human and minority rights. It exposes the needs of tens of millions of refugees and displaced persons in destitute camps in Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Bangladesh and shantytowns across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. It also puts issues of basic rights, poverty, homelessness, and equitable income distribution from a different perspective. Refugees, displaced persons, and embattled minorities that have been for the longest time viewed as humanitarian or political problems that needed to be contained and kept beyond one’s borders. now constitute a global public health hazard. The public health hazard is enhanced by punitive, crippling sanctions and blockades designed to impose the will of one country on another with little measurable effect beyond economic degradation, making often weak health systems even more feeble. In Iran, one of the world’s hardest-hit countries, and the Gaza Strip, that reported its first infections in recent days, the hazard is enhanced not only by corruption and mismanagement but also punitive and crippling sanctions and blockades designed to impose the will of one country on another with little measurable effect beyond economic degradation and making often weak health systems even more feeble. It’s a hazard that raises the threat level not only in the current pandemic that has already wreaked havoc on lives, economies, and social life, but also in future ones. “The storm will pass, humankind will survive, most of us will still be alive — but we will inhabit a different world,” predicted historian Yuval Noah Harari. “Pandemics are a part of biologic history. They reshape economics, they reshape sociology,” added Mike Leavitt, a former Republican US Secretary of Health and Human Services and Governor of Utah. Writer and activist Susan Sontag noted some four decades ago that “illness as a metaphor for political disorder is one of the oldest notions of political philosophy.” By implication, Harari and Leavitt and Sontag suggest that pandemics create opportunities to rethink political, economic, and social relations. That may be what is needed but the odds are against it. More likely is that a different world will mostly be shaped by elements of reactive measures taken by governments across the globe who failed to initially take the coronavirus seriously on day one—Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan being notable exceptions. Leaving aside the fundamental issues of striking a balance between privacy and surveillance, those reactive actions and procedures are likely to amount to band-aids rather than lessons learned. They will not lead to a fundamental rethinking of issues that pose a major threat to millions of lives far beyond the boundaries of refugee camps and shantytowns. And they are unlikely to result in the social cohesion needed to confront the inevitable next crisis. The coronavirus also spotlights the inherent threat posed by the lack of transparency and the politicization of a global health crisis by civilizationalist and illiberal, authoritarian or autocratic leaders. Such leaders, including US President Donald J. Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Egyptian General-turned-President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Turkey’s leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who prioritize domestic political and geopolitical gain and economic preservation rather than timely public health policy and simple decency and humanity. Even though senior government officials across the globe have been infected, it’s the hundreds of thousands of victims of the coronavirus and the hundreds of millions whose social and economic lives have been disrupted that pay the price of delayed and inadequate responses. “Sanctions are the number one cause of Iran’s limited access to medicine and other basic resources. These pressures are severely compounded during this global health crisis and are felt acutely in the day-to-day lives of Iranian citizens . . . Just as outbound travel has been suspended, the import of aid coming into Iran is limited, if at all, furthering the sense that even when dealing with a concern that affects the whole world, Iranians are largely on their own,” reflected comparative literature PhD candidate Donna Honarpisheh from self-isolation during a family visit to Shiraz. The fact that a contagious health hazard in one country threatens public health worldwide, makes ensuring the universal existence of robust national healthcare systems a global concern. The fact that a contagious health hazard in one country potentially threatens public health worldwide, makes ensuring the universal existence of robust national healthcare systems a global rather than a national concern. Prioritising politics rather than common sense self-preservation that fails to strike a balance between humanity, global public health, and national security is likely to harden positions rather than create opportunities for conflict resolution. As a result, Iran’s isolation and Gaza’s blockade by Israel and Egypt for the past 13 years are likely to be reflected in longer-term Iranian and Palestinian political wrath and other hostile attitudes towards the outside world. The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar – the only countries to have come to Iran’s aid – were among the few in the international community to recognize that how the world handles the crisis has consequences that go far beyond healthcare. That is true even if the UAE and Kuwait acted to ensure that they would not be targets in any future US-Iranian confrontation. Whereas Qatar honoured its relations with Iran since Tehran provides crucial logistical support, enabling Doha to withstand the almost three-year-old UAE-Saudi-led economic and diplomatic boycott of the Gulf state. Adding to the woes of Iran, like other countries with governments that are untransparent or at best economical with the truth, is the fact that the regime’s trust deficit complicates getting public compliance with extraordinary measures and raises the specter of protests at a time of quarantines and social distancing. Egyptian authorities arrested four prominent women in recent days for protesting in demand of the release of prisoners as a healthcare measure. Hundreds of Egyptians reportedly attempted to storm public laboratories to obtain a coronavirus test. The locked-down Philippines capital of Manila is awash with rumours of food shortages and fears of rioting and looting. It’s at best a matter of time before the human carnage hits camps for refugees and displaced persons across the Middle East and in Asia and Africa as well as countries like Venezuela that have failing health systems as a result of mismanagement and corruption. All failures are compounded by sanctions. “Millions of conflict-affected people are living in cramped refugee and displacement sites with desperately poor hygiene and sanitation facilities. There will be carnage when the virus reaches parts of Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela where hospitals have been demolished and health systems have collapsed,” said Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council. Yemen already knows the consequences. It suffered in 2017 a dramatic surge of cholera, a disease that had been virtually eradicated from the planet. The question is not only what happens when disease and death on a large scale or food shortages and/or famine hit the world’s most vulnerable holed up in inhuman conditions with nothing more to lose. It is also whether governments and elites have the foresight and political will to build a new world order that is not only equitable but also creates the political, economic, and social conditions for the management of future pandemics at a potentially lower social and economic cost for all. That may be a tall order in a world dominated by civilizational and nationalist leaders whose primary concern are not ensuring robust structures capable of fighting indiscriminate global threats but short-term political gain, self-aggrandizement, the settling of political scores, and narrow visions of ethnic or religious supremacy. It’s an approach that adds to already mounting threats of increased political instability and violence as well as migration in magnitudes that could dwarf the world’s current problem of coping with large-scale dislocation. (The article was first published on Inside Arabia) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Refugees could become the worst victims of coronavirus pandemic

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Those who have been infected with coronavirus, suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. The symptoms could take up to 14 days to appear. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/28-coronavirus-cases-reported-in-india-sufficient-n-95-masks-available-says-cm-kejriwal-284260">coronavirus</a> can also cause pneumonia.

What can you do if you feel sick?

The WHO recommends turning to your local hospital for the right advice. Indian citizens can take some added steps as well. 
 
Stay indoors and avoid public places. 
 
The government of India has set up a 24/7 helpline number and email id:

Phone number: +91-11-2397 8046

Email ID: ncov2019@gmail.com

How deadly is the coronavirus?

Diseases like the Wuhan virus, SARS and MERS belong to the same family. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-coronavirus-outbreak-pm-modi-says-will-not-participate-in-any-holi-event-284169">Wuhan coronavirus </a>is deadlier than the seasonal flu, but not as deadly as SARS. The global rate of mortality is around 3.4 per cent.&nbsp;

SARS killed about 10 per cent of infected individuals. MERS was worst, it had a fatality rate of about 35 per cent.

Do face masks help?

While they don't guarantee total protection, experts do recommend using one. The virus transmits through droplets when someone sneezes.

If you are close to someone who has been infected, the mask can stop the disease from being passed on. Similarly, if you are showing the symptoms, wearing a mask can protect others.

Is there a cure?

So far, there is none. There is no approved drug for the coronavirus, but several are being tested. Reportedly, a vaccine is under development too. But, it could take 18 months to hit the markets.

According to reports from last month, the doctors are using a combination of drugs and methods to treat the patients.&nbsp;

How can you protect yourself?

Wash your hands with clean water and soap, meticulous hand washing is the best available option. If that is not possible, one may use wipes or hand sanitizers.

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Seek medical help if you have a fever, cough or if you feel difficulty in breathing.

If you are visiting any affected areas, avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals, or surfaces that were under contact with animals.

Avoid eating raw, undercooked animal products.

What are the symptoms of the disease? Those who have been infected with coronavirus, suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. The symptoms could take up to 14 days to appear.

What are the symptoms of the disease? Those who have been infected with coronavirus, suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. The symptoms could take up to 14 days to appear. The coronavirus can also cause pneumonia. What can you do if you feel sick? The WHO recommends turning to your local hospital for the right advice. Indian citizens can take some added steps as well. Stay indoors and avoid public places. The government of India has set up a 24/7 helpline number and email id: Phone number: +91-11-2397 8046 Email ID: ncov2019@gmail.com How deadly is the coronavirus? Diseases like the Wuhan virus, SARS and MERS belong to the same family. The Wuhan coronavirus is deadlier than the seasonal flu, but not as deadly as SARS. The global rate of mortality is around 3.4 per cent. SARS killed about 10 per cent of infected individuals. MERS was worst, it had a fatality rate of about 35 per cent. Do face masks help? While they don't guarantee total protection, experts do recommend using one. The virus transmits through droplets when someone sneezes. If you are close to someone who has been infected, the mask can stop the disease from being passed on. Similarly, if you are showing the symptoms, wearing a mask can protect others. Is there a cure? So far, there is none. There is no approved drug for the coronavirus, but several are being tested. Reportedly, a vaccine is under development too. But, it could take 18 months to hit the markets. According to reports from last month, the doctors are using a combination of drugs and methods to treat the patients. How can you protect yourself? Wash your hands with clean water and soap, meticulous hand washing is the best available option. If that is not possible, one may use wipes or hand sanitizers. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Seek medical help if you have a fever, cough or if you feel difficulty in breathing. If you are visiting any affected areas, avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals, or surfaces that were under contact with animals. Avoid eating raw, undercooked animal products.

Explained: Frequently asked questions about coronavirus

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-bats-could-be-behind-deadly-coronavirus-outbreak-277877">Bats</a>, rats and snakes are still being sold at an Indonesian market known for its wildlife offerings, despite a government request to take them off the menu over fears of a link to the deadly coronavirus.

Vendors at the Tomohon Extreme Meat market on Sulawesi island say business is booming and curious tourists keep arriving to check out exotic fare that enrages animal rights activists.

But scientists are debating how the new virus, which has killed more than 1,100 people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-bats-could-be-behind-deadly-coronavirus-outbreak-277877">China </a>and spread to dozens of countries around the world, was transmitted to humans

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-bats-could-be-behind-deadly-coronavirus-outbreak-277877">Experts say bats could be behind deadly coronavirus outbreak</a>

A wildlife market in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petition-seeking-right-to-freedom-of-speech-gathers-momentum-as-china-fights-coronavirus-280264">Wuhan</a>, the epicentre of the virus, is thought to be ground zero and there is suspicion it could have originated in bats.&nbsp;

The possible link wasn't on many radar screens at the Indonesian market, however.

Its grubby stalls feature a dizzying array of animals including giant snakes, rats impaled on sticks and charred dogs with their hair seared off by blowtorches a gory scene described by some critics as "like walking through hell".

Bat seller Stenly Timbuleng says he's still moving his fare for as much as 60,000 rupiah&nbsp;a kilogram to buyers in the area, where bats are a speciality in local cuisine.

"I'm selling between 40 and 60 kilograms every day," the 45-year-old told AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-indonesian-evacuees-return-from-wuhan-locals-protest-against-the-move-to-quarantine-them-278396">As Indonesian evacuees return from Wuhan, locals protest against the move to quarantine them</a>

"The virus hasn't affected sales. My customers still keep coming."

Restaurateur Lince Rengkuan who serves bats including their heads and wings stewed in coconut milk and spices says the secret is preparation.

"If you don't cook the bat well then of course it can be dangerous," she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-coronavirus-faqs-myths-vs-facts-279896">Coronavirus FAQs: Myths vs facts</a>

"We cook it thoroughly and so far the number of customers hasn't gone down at all."

This despite a request from the local government and the health agency to take bats and other wildlife out of circulation -- a call that has been all but ignored.

"We're also urging people not to consume meat from animals suspected to be carriers of a fatal disease," said Ruddy Lengkong, head of the area's government trade and industry agency.

Indonesia has not yet reported a confirmed case of the virus.

In the capital Jakarta, vendors selling skinned snakes and cobra blood&nbsp;on a recent Saturday night didn't have any trouble finding takers.

"It's good for you, sir," said one vendor of his slithering fare.

"Cures and prevents all diseases."

Bats, rats and snakes are still being sold at an Indonesian market known for its wildlife offerings, despite a government request to take them off the menu over fears of a link to the deadly coronavirus.

Bats, rats and snakes are still being sold at an Indonesian market known for its wildlife offerings, despite a government request to take them off the menu over fears of a link to the deadly coronavirus. Vendors at the Tomohon Extreme Meat market on Sulawesi island say business is booming and curious tourists keep arriving to check out exotic fare that enrages animal rights activists. But scientists are debating how the new virus, which has killed more than 1,100 people in China and spread to dozens of countries around the world, was transmitted to humans Also read: Experts say bats could be behind deadly coronavirus outbreak A wildlife market in Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus, is thought to be ground zero and there is suspicion it could have originated in bats. The possible link wasn't on many radar screens at the Indonesian market, however. Its grubby stalls feature a dizzying array of animals including giant snakes, rats impaled on sticks and charred dogs with their hair seared off by blowtorches a gory scene described by some critics as "like walking through hell". Bat seller Stenly Timbuleng says he's still moving his fare for as much as 60,000 rupiah a kilogram to buyers in the area, where bats are a speciality in local cuisine. "I'm selling between 40 and 60 kilograms every day," the 45-year-old told AFP. Also read: As Indonesian evacuees return from Wuhan, locals protest against the move to quarantine them "The virus hasn't affected sales. My customers still keep coming." Restaurateur Lince Rengkuan who serves bats including their heads and wings stewed in coconut milk and spices says the secret is preparation. "If you don't cook the bat well then of course it can be dangerous," she said. Also read: Coronavirus FAQs: Myths vs facts "We cook it thoroughly and so far the number of customers hasn't gone down at all." This despite a request from the local government and the health agency to take bats and other wildlife out of circulation -- a call that has been all but ignored. "We're also urging people not to consume meat from animals suspected to be carriers of a fatal disease," said Ruddy Lengkong, head of the area's government trade and industry agency. Indonesia has not yet reported a confirmed case of the virus. In the capital Jakarta, vendors selling skinned snakes and cobra blood on a recent Saturday night didn't have any trouble finding takers. "It's good for you, sir," said one vendor of his slithering fare. "Cures and prevents all diseases."

Coronavirus: Bats being sold in Indonesia's wildlife market despite warning

A plane of Japanese evacuees from the virus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan arrived in Tokyo on Thursday as the total number of confirmed deaths from the newly identified pathogen in the country rose by 38 to 170 and infections also jumped.

Chinese health authorities said there were 7,711 confirmed cases of infection as of the end of Wednesday, mostly in Hubei province where the death toll rose by 37 to 162.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-countries-suspend-flights-to-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-132-277368">Several countries suspend flights to China as Coronavirus death toll climbs to 132</a>

Infections have been reported in at least 15 other countries and, with the appearance of the first case in Tibet, in every province and region of mainland China.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-indigo-air-india-suspend-most-china-bound-flights-no-case-in-india-yet-277405">Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet</a>

The World Health Organization's (WHO) Emergency Committee is set to reconvene behind closed doors in Geneva later on Thursday to decide whether the rapid spread of the virus now constitutes a global emergency.

"In the last few days the progress of the virus, especially in some countries, especially human-to-human transmission, worries us," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference on Wednesday, naming Germany, Vietnam and Japan.

"Although the numbers outside China are still relatively small, they hold the potential for a much larger outbreak."

A second chartered flight with Japanese evacuees from Wuhan, which is under virtual lockdown, landed in Japan with nine people showing symptoms of fever or coughing, broadcaster NHK reported.

The first flight landed on Wednesday and at least one more is expected in coming days.

Three Japanese who returned on the first flight were confirmed to be infected with the virus, NHK reported on Thursday, citing the health ministry, although two of the three had not shown any symptoms.

The United States flew about 200 Americans out of Wuhan, capital of Hubei where most of the cases are concentrated. They were being screened on arrival in California. France, Britain and Canada also have organised evacuations.

The effects of the virus are already weighing heavily on China's economy, the world's second-biggest, with companies cutting corporate travel and tourists cancelling trips.

Various airlines are cutting flights, from British Airways and Lufthansa to Air Canada and American Airlines.

A plane of Japanese evacuees from the virus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan arrived in Tokyo on Thursday as the total number of confirmed deaths from the newly identified pathogen in the country rose by 38 to 170 and infections also jumped.

A plane of Japanese evacuees from the virus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan arrived in Tokyo on Thursday as the total number of confirmed deaths from the newly identified pathogen in the country rose by 38 to 170 and infections also jumped. Chinese health authorities said there were 7,711 confirmed cases of infection as of the end of Wednesday, mostly in Hubei province where the death toll rose by 37 to 162. Also read: Several countries suspend flights to China as Coronavirus death toll climbs to 132 Infections have been reported in at least 15 other countries and, with the appearance of the first case in Tibet, in every province and region of mainland China. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet The World Health Organization's (WHO) Emergency Committee is set to reconvene behind closed doors in Geneva later on Thursday to decide whether the rapid spread of the virus now constitutes a global emergency. "In the last few days the progress of the virus, especially in some countries, especially human-to-human transmission, worries us," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference on Wednesday, naming Germany, Vietnam and Japan. "Although the numbers outside China are still relatively small, they hold the potential for a much larger outbreak." A second chartered flight with Japanese evacuees from Wuhan, which is under virtual lockdown, landed in Japan with nine people showing symptoms of fever or coughing, broadcaster NHK reported. The first flight landed on Wednesday and at least one more is expected in coming days. Three Japanese who returned on the first flight were confirmed to be infected with the virus, NHK reported on Thursday, citing the health ministry, although two of the three had not shown any symptoms. The United States flew about 200 Americans out of Wuhan, capital of Hubei where most of the cases are concentrated. They were being screened on arrival in California. France, Britain and Canada also have organised evacuations. The effects of the virus are already weighing heavily on China's economy, the world's second-biggest, with companies cutting corporate travel and tourists cancelling trips. Various airlines are cutting flights, from British Airways and Lufthansa to Air Canada and American Airlines.

Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to 170, the infection spreads to every Chinese region

Numerous foreign nationals from nations such as Japan, the US and several EU countries are being evacuated from Wuhan.

However, local authorities have prevented family members of many UK citizens in China because their relatives held Chinese passports. One such incident report comes from a mother who was told to leave her three-year-old son behind because he has a Chinese passport.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-more-japanese-evacuated-from-china-virus-epicentre-death-toll-climbs-to-170-277434">Also read: Death toll climbs to 170, the infection spreads to every Chinese region</a>

The Chinese coronavirus which originated in Wuhan has spread to almost every region in the country and at least 16 other nations, raking up a kill count of 170 and counting.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-countries-suspend-flights-to-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-132-277368">Several countries suspend flights to China as Coronavirus death toll climbs to 132</a>

The Foreign Office stated that it was "working urgently" to organise a flight to the UK "as soon as possible."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-indigo-air-india-suspend-most-china-bound-flights-no-case-in-india-yet-277405">Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet</a>

Health Authorities of China stated that there were 7,711 confirmed cases in the country, and the Foreign Office issued a statement reassuring the panicking public that they were "in close contact with the Chinese authorities and conversations are ongoing at all levels."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-170-in-china-277445/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Mr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "In the last few days the progress of the virus, especially in some countries, especially human-to-human transmission, worries us."

"Although the numbers outside China are still relatively small, they hold the potential for a much larger outbreak," he added.

Numerous foreign nationals from nations such as Japan, the US and several EU countries are being evacuated from Wuhan. However, local authorities have prevented family members of many UK citizens in China because their relatives held Chinese passports.

Numerous foreign nationals from nations such as Japan, the US and several EU countries are being evacuated from Wuhan. However, local authorities have prevented family members of many UK citizens in China because their relatives held Chinese passports. One such incident report comes from a mother who was told to leave her three-year-old son behind because he has a Chinese passport. Also read: Death toll climbs to 170, the infection spreads to every Chinese region The Chinese coronavirus which originated in Wuhan has spread to almost every region in the country and at least 16 other nations, raking up a kill count of 170 and counting. Also read: Several countries suspend flights to China as Coronavirus death toll climbs to 132 The Foreign Office stated that it was "working urgently" to organise a flight to the UK "as soon as possible." Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet Health Authorities of China stated that there were 7,711 confirmed cases in the country, and the Foreign Office issued a statement reassuring the panicking public that they were "in close contact with the Chinese authorities and conversations are ongoing at all levels." Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Mr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "In the last few days the progress of the virus, especially in some countries, especially human-to-human transmission, worries us." "Although the numbers outside China are still relatively small, they hold the potential for a much larger outbreak," he added.

Coronavirus fears grip China's borders: Families of UK Citizens barred from departing as they hold Chinese passports

Concerns surrounding the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-deadly-coronavirus-spreads-17-killed-543-infected-276011">coronavirus outbreak</a> in Wuhan led to the cancellation of the Tokyo 2020 Boxing Qualifiers, following which the International Olympics Committee's (IOC) Boxing Task Force (BTF) has stated that they will be working closely with the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and all partners to explore alternatives.

The National Olympic Committees, the National Federations, and its officials will be informed immediately by the Task Force on any development.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-emergency-committee-meets-over-coronavirus-outbreak-276002">WHO emergency committee meets over coronavirus outbreak</a>

<img alt="Chinese coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38badcaf-4cd4-47a3-90c7-7eae7f76f5ec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_11.jpg" /> 
[ Effects of the coronavirus on China (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The Asian/Oceanic Tokyo 2020 Boxing qualifying event which was scheduled to take place in Wuhan from February 3-14 was also cancelled by the Local Organizing Committee amid growing concerns pertaining to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/9-people-killed-440-people-now-infected-by-the-coronavirus-275900">coronavirus outbreak</a> reported in the city.

The viral outbreak in Wuhan was discussed by the WHO Emergency Committee on Monday but no concrete decisions were reached on whether to declare a global state of emergency.

The new virus has sparked major concerns globally over the possibility of it turning into an epidemic and the committee is reconvening on Thursday to consider further steps. Cases of the Wuhan coronavirus have already been registered in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Korea, the United States, and Macau. Human-to-human infection of the virus has been confirmed by Chinese health authorities.

Concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan led to the cancellation of the Tokyo 2020 Boxing Qualifiers, following which the International Olympics Committee's (IOC) Boxing Task Force (BTF) has stated that they will be working closely with the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and all partners to explore alternatives.

Concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan led to the cancellation of the Tokyo 2020 Boxing Qualifiers, following which the International Olympics Committee's (IOC) Boxing Task Force (BTF) has stated that they will be working closely with the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and all partners to explore alternatives. The National Olympic Committees, the National Federations, and its officials will be informed immediately by the Task Force on any development. Also Read: WHO emergency committee meets over coronavirus outbreak [ Effects of the coronavirus on China (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The Asian/Oceanic Tokyo 2020 Boxing qualifying event which was scheduled to take place in Wuhan from February 3-14 was also cancelled by the Local Organizing Committee amid growing concerns pertaining to the coronavirus outbreak reported in the city. The viral outbreak in Wuhan was discussed by the WHO Emergency Committee on Monday but no concrete decisions were reached on whether to declare a global state of emergency. The new virus has sparked major concerns globally over the possibility of it turning into an epidemic and the committee is reconvening on Thursday to consider further steps. Cases of the Wuhan coronavirus have already been registered in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Korea, the United States, and Macau. Human-to-human infection of the virus has been confirmed by Chinese health authorities.

IOC to find Wuhan's alternatives after coronavirus outbreak

wuhan-0

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

wuhan 0