The central Chinese city of Wuhan, the origin point for the coronavirus pandemic, began allowing its residents to travel in and out, as the 76-day lockdown ended on Wednesday.

China sealed off the city on January 23 -- after it was found that the flu-like virus that had emerged there late last year was highly contagious and potentially deadly. Wuhan residents had been allowed out of their homes only to buy food or attend to other tasks deemed absolutely necessary.

The shutdown came as the coronavirus began spreading to the rest of China and overseas during the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, when many Chinese travel.

The unprecedented lockdown served as an example for other countries battling the coronavirus around the world.&nbsp;

Wuhan residents are, however, still urged not to leave their neighbourhoods, the city and even the province unless necessary, health officials said on Tuesday.

Despite fears of a second wave of infection if such restrictions are eased too soon, the first train to carry departing passengers out of the city left at 00:50 a.m. (1650 GMT), and outbound highways were opened to vehicular traffic around the same time.

The topic “Wuhan lifts lockdown” quickly became the top trending topic on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform, with posters leaving comments such as “welcome back Wuhan”.

Many people remain fearful of catching the disease, with China reporting 137 new asymptomatic cases on April 7.

The death toll in the city has reached 2,571, about 80 per cent of the total fatalities in China, according to official figures.

Mainland China reported no coronavirus deaths for the first time on Tuesday, and Wuhan has counted only two new infections in the past fortnight.

The exact source of the novel coronavirus remains under investigation, though it is thought to be linked to an outdoor food market in the city. Theories also say the virus was developed in a laboratory.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19, a disease caused by coronavirus, a pandemic on March 11.

(with inputs from agencies)

The central Chinese city of Wuhan, the origin point for the coronavirus pandemic, began allowing its residents to travel in and out, as the 76-day lockdown ended on Wednesday.

The central Chinese city of Wuhan, the origin point for the coronavirus pandemic, began allowing its residents to travel in and out, as the 76-day lockdown ended on Wednesday. China sealed off the city on January 23 -- after it was found that the flu-like virus that had emerged there late last year was highly contagious and potentially deadly. Wuhan residents had been allowed out of their homes only to buy food or attend to other tasks deemed absolutely necessary. The shutdown came as the coronavirus began spreading to the rest of China and overseas during the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, when many Chinese travel. The unprecedented lockdown served as an example for other countries battling the coronavirus around the world. Wuhan residents are, however, still urged not to leave their neighbourhoods, the city and even the province unless necessary, health officials said on Tuesday. Despite fears of a second wave of infection if such restrictions are eased too soon, the first train to carry departing passengers out of the city left at 00:50 a.m. (1650 GMT), and outbound highways were opened to vehicular traffic around the same time. The topic “Wuhan lifts lockdown” quickly became the top trending topic on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform, with posters leaving comments such as “welcome back Wuhan”. Many people remain fearful of catching the disease, with China reporting 137 new asymptomatic cases on April 7. The death toll in the city has reached 2,571, about 80 per cent of the total fatalities in China, according to official figures. Mainland China reported no coronavirus deaths for the first time on Tuesday, and Wuhan has counted only two new infections in the past fortnight. The exact source of the novel coronavirus remains under investigation, though it is thought to be linked to an outdoor food market in the city. Theories also say the virus was developed in a laboratory. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19, a disease caused by coronavirus, a pandemic on March 11. (with inputs from agencies)

Wuhan, China's coronavirus pandemic epicentre, ends 76-day lockdown

A midnight light show on either side of the Yangtze river, which flows through China's Wuhan, brightened up the skyline and marked the culmination of the coronavirus lockdown in the city.&nbsp;

China ended coronavirus lockdown measures in Wuhan 11 weeks after it became the epicentre of what has since developed into a global crisis. The shutdown came as the coronavirus began spreading to the rest of China and overseas during the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, when many Chinese travel.

Wuhan residents are, however, still urged not to leave their neighbourhoods, the city and even the province unless necessary, health officials said on Tuesday.

<img alt="Light show in Wuhan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b985893c-c5b3-49fd-b2dc-d736bc1a4b2e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/wuhan%202.jpg" />

The lifting of the restrictions was preceded by skyscrapers and bridges radiating animated images of health workers healing patients. The display was a tribute to the "heroes" in the battle against the coronavirus outbreak.

One such image bore the words "heroic city", a title given to the city by President Xi Jinping.

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A midnight light show brightened up <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a>'s skyline Wednesday as the central Chinese city entered its first day post-lockdown. The display was a tribute to heroes in the battle against the novel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> outbreak. <a href="https://t.co/y3h4Q3BXBl">pic.twitter.com/y3h4Q3BXBl</a>
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/CGTNOfficial/status/1247695656581464065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

People waved flags along the embankments, and chanted "Wuhan, let's go!" and sang capella renditions of China's national anthem.

Despite fears of a second wave of infection if such restrictions are eased too soon, the topic “Wuhan lifts lockdown” quickly became the top trending topic on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform, with posters leaving comments such as “welcome back Wuhan”.

<img alt="Light show in Wuhan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="52cbbb59-07cd-42c8-99b0-f21150af4265" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/wuhan%203.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-chinas-coronavirus-pandemic-epicentre-ends-76-day-lockdown-291254">Also read | Wuhan, China's coronavirus pandemic epicentre, ends 76-day lockdown</a>

The exact source of the novel coronavirus remains under investigation, though it is thought to be linked to an outdoor food market in the city. Theories also say the virus was developed in a laboratory.

<img alt="Light show in Wuhan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a07b290a-52f4-407f-937d-831f266c725e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/wuhan%204.jpg" />

(with inputs from agencies)

A midnight light show on either side of the Yangtze river, which flows through China's Wuhan, brightened up the skyline and marked the culmination of the coronavirus lockdown in the city.

A midnight light show on either side of the Yangtze river, which flows through China's Wuhan, brightened up the skyline and marked the culmination of the coronavirus lockdown in the city. China ended coronavirus lockdown measures in Wuhan 11 weeks after it became the epicentre of what has since developed into a global crisis. The shutdown came as the coronavirus began spreading to the rest of China and overseas during the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, when many Chinese travel. Wuhan residents are, however, still urged not to leave their neighbourhoods, the city and even the province unless necessary, health officials said on Tuesday. The lifting of the restrictions was preceded by skyscrapers and bridges radiating animated images of health workers healing patients. The display was a tribute to the "heroes" in the battle against the coronavirus outbreak. One such image bore the words "heroic city", a title given to the city by President Xi Jinping. A midnight light show brightened up #Wuhan's skyline Wednesday as the central Chinese city entered its first day post-lockdown. The display was a tribute to heroes in the battle against the novel #coronavirus outbreak. pic.twitter.com/y3h4Q3BXBl — CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) April 8, 2020 × People waved flags along the embankments, and chanted "Wuhan, let's go!" and sang capella renditions of China's national anthem. Despite fears of a second wave of infection if such restrictions are eased too soon, the topic “Wuhan lifts lockdown” quickly became the top trending topic on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform, with posters leaving comments such as “welcome back Wuhan”. Also read | Wuhan, China's coronavirus pandemic epicentre, ends 76-day lockdown The exact source of the novel coronavirus remains under investigation, though it is thought to be linked to an outdoor food market in the city. Theories also say the virus was developed in a laboratory. (with inputs from agencies)

A spectacular light show preceded ending of coronavirus lockdown in Wuhan

As the death toll due to coronavirus continues to mount worldwide, a report said Chinese researchers have taken samples of bats around the Wuhan animal market which was allegedly responsible for the spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-much-aid-do-developing-countries-need-to-ride-out-the-covid-19-wave-289576">COVID-19</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-everything-normal-in-china-some-reports-videos-tell-otherwise-289537">Also Read: Is everything normal in China? Some reports, videos say otherwise</a>

According to reports, a Chinese researcher in Wuhan Tian Junhua has been leading the study of bats in the area.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-a-business-opportunity-for-china-289538/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A video released by the Chinese government had earlier shown Tian purportedly inside a cave in Hubei province which is the worst-hit region from COVID-19. Tian was reportedly taking bat samples from the caves and storing them.

Chinese disease control officials had identified wild animals sold in the Wuhan market as the source of the coronavirus pandemic that has taken more than 36,000 lives worldwide so far. The Wuhan market was sealed and disinfected in January after the outbreak began to spread in the area.

According to reports, China is set to permanently close the animal market in Wuhan which was responsible for spreading the virus.

Wuhan which was under lockdown since January 23 due to the increased spread of coronavirus has begun to experience a semblance of life after authorities partially allowed citizens to move around outside. Border controls have been loosened with people allowed to reinter the city in recent days.

However, the fate of the animal market in the area is still unknown although China had announced a "comprehensive" ban on the wildlife trade that reportedly flourished in the market.

As the death toll due to coronavirus continues to mount worldwide, a report said Chinese researchers have taken samples of bats around the Wuhan animal market which was allegedly responsible for the spread of COVID-19.

As the death toll due to coronavirus continues to mount worldwide, a report said Chinese researchers have taken samples of bats around the Wuhan animal market which was allegedly responsible for the spread of COVID-19. Also Read: Is everything normal in China? Some reports, videos say otherwise According to reports, a Chinese researcher in Wuhan Tian Junhua has been leading the study of bats in the area. Watch Video: A video released by the Chinese government had earlier shown Tian purportedly inside a cave in Hubei province which is the worst-hit region from COVID-19. Tian was reportedly taking bat samples from the caves and storing them. Chinese disease control officials had identified wild animals sold in the Wuhan market as the source of the coronavirus pandemic that has taken more than 36,000 lives worldwide so far. The Wuhan market was sealed and disinfected in January after the outbreak began to spread in the area. According to reports, China is set to permanently close the animal market in Wuhan which was responsible for spreading the virus. Wuhan which was under lockdown since January 23 due to the increased spread of coronavirus has begun to experience a semblance of life after authorities partially allowed citizens to move around outside. Border controls have been loosened with people allowed to reinter the city in recent days. However, the fate of the animal market in the area is still unknown although China had announced a "comprehensive" ban on the wildlife trade that reportedly flourished in the market.

Chinese researchers in Wuhan collect bat samples to devise coronavirus cure

When the world is faced with a crisis, leaders come together at different platforms where leaders find solutions and pin responsibility.

However, none of it is happening now.&nbsp;The wrong sides are being allowed to say the right things.

China, the exporter of a global crisis, was given a platform to expound on what the world should be doing.

It's indeed disappointing that the world's most powerful leaders failed to hold China accountable at the G20 Summit.

US President Donald Trump made the most unfortunate u-turn. This is the same man who insisted on calling it the Chinese virus, but the US President has now struck a conciliatory tone with China. He also made a late-night call to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to Trump now, China has developed a strong understanding of the virus.

China's financial might is holding hostage the world's political will. The G20 was an opportunity to hold the Chinese regime accountable. However, G20 member nations did not even dare to politely suggest that China must change its policies to so that deadly viruses do not spread like this.

The world will have to pay a price for not being tough on China. 3.3 million Americans have already filed claims for unemployment. 
&nbsp; 
Economists fear that the unemployment rate in America could reach 13 per cent in about a month from now.

In Germany, 3 million people could be out of work if this crisis is allowed to get more severe. In India, migrant labourers are walking hundreds of miles to return to their villages. This could soon explode into a bigger crisis.

The G20 member-nations should look at these figures, after all, they represent 85 per cent of global GDP. The Wuhan coronavirus crisis is inherently political, it is a failure of China.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

When the world is faced with a crisis, leaders come together at different platforms where leaders find solutions and pin responsibility. However, none of it is happening now.

When the world is faced with a crisis, leaders come together at different platforms where leaders find solutions and pin responsibility. However, none of it is happening now. The wrong sides are being allowed to say the right things. China, the exporter of a global crisis, was given a platform to expound on what the world should be doing. It's indeed disappointing that the world's most powerful leaders failed to hold China accountable at the G20 Summit. US President Donald Trump made the most unfortunate u-turn. This is the same man who insisted on calling it the Chinese virus, but the US President has now struck a conciliatory tone with China. He also made a late-night call to Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to Trump now, China has developed a strong understanding of the virus. China's financial might is holding hostage the world's political will. The G20 was an opportunity to hold the Chinese regime accountable. However, G20 member nations did not even dare to politely suggest that China must change its policies to so that deadly viruses do not spread like this. The world will have to pay a price for not being tough on China. 3.3 million Americans have already filed claims for unemployment. Economists fear that the unemployment rate in America could reach 13 per cent in about a month from now. In Germany, 3 million people could be out of work if this crisis is allowed to get more severe. In India, migrant labourers are walking hundreds of miles to return to their villages. This could soon explode into a bigger crisis. The G20 member-nations should look at these figures, after all, they represent 85 per cent of global GDP. The Wuhan coronavirus crisis is inherently political, it is a failure of China. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: G20 Meet - a missed opportunity?

As conspiracy theories surrounding coronavirus gain steam, China is countering them not only with theories of its own, but by simultaneously invalidating them.

Many people across the internet claim that COVID-19 was manufactured by China to gain an economic edge over the world. Amid such claims, people have started referring to the virus as “Chinese virus” or “Wuhan virus”.

The World Health Organization recently warned against labelling viruses based on the place where it originated, for it could trigger racist rhetorics.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-global-cases-cross-530000-death-toll-rises-to-24070-288799" hreflang="en">Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 530,000; death toll rises to 24,070</a>

On Wednesday, China lashed out and claimed that it has neither created nor intentionally transmitted the virus. Additionally, China has continuously requested global polity to avoid usage of “Chinese virus”.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy, Ji Rong, recently asserted that the world should solely focus on the response and tackling of the virus exhibited by China instead of “stereotyping the Chinese people”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-to-be-prosecuted-under-terrorism-law-if-they-intentionally-spread-coronavirus-us-justice-dept-288775" hreflang="en">People to be prosecuted under terrorism law, if they intentionally spread coronavirus: US Justice Dept</a>

Rong also pointed out the cooperative measures taken by India and China to prevent the virus from spreading across territories. According to Rong, India has provided medical supplies to China and has lent a helping hand.

"We express appreciation and thanks for that," Ji said.

"Those people who are trying to stigmatise China's efforts have ignored the huge sacrifices the Chinese people made in safeguarding the health and safety of all mankind", he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-coronavirus-voices-of-patients-doctors-288778/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He additionally pointed out even though the first case was reported from within China, there’s no evidence linking the birth of the virus to the country.&nbsp;

"China has neither created the virus nor intentionally transmitted it. The so-called "Chinese virus" is absolutely wrong," Ji said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had faced flak recently for referring to pandemic as “Wuhan virus”. China referred to his words as “despicable behaviour” and an attempt to stigmatise the country.

Instances of harassment of people with facial features akin to the Chinese have spurred in India and the US, with many facing attacks on the streets.

"The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the seasonal flu starting from September 2019 has so far sickened more than 30 million people and killed more than 20,000, and CDC Director Dr Robert Redfield admitted some were actually COVID-19 (cases)," Ji said.

"At the early stage of the outbreak, China took a decisive decision to lock down Wuhan and cancel outbound tourist groups to prevent the spread of the epidemic," Ji added.

According to him, China has shared the diagnostic and treatment aspects of the virus with the world from the beginning very openly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-dogs-going-to-help-prevent-a-global-second-wave-of-covid-19-288792" hreflang="en">Are dogs going to help prevent a global second wave of COVID-19?</a>

“Since January 3, China has been regularly notifying WHO and relevant countries and regions about the outbreak, and on January 12, it had already shared with WHO the genetic sequence of the novel coronavirus”, he added.

“China held an online video conference to brief 19 Eurasian and South Asian countries including India on China’s experience”, the spokesperson added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-emerges-as-virus-hotspot-as-infections-unemployment-soar-288755" hreflang="en">US emerges as virus hotspot as infections, unemployment soar</a>

"The Chinese enterprises have started to make donations to India. We stand ready to provide further support and assistance to the best of our capability in light of the needs of the Indian side. We believe that the Indian people will win the battle at an early date," he said.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 530,000 worldwide on Friday and global deaths rose past 24,000, as COVID-19 spreads across Europe and North America.

(With inputs from agencies)

As conspiracy theories surrounding coronavirus gain steam, China is countering them not only with theories of its own, but by simultaneously invalidating them. Many people across the internet claim that COVID-19 was manufactured by China to gain an economic edge over the world.

As conspiracy theories surrounding coronavirus gain steam, China is countering them not only with theories of its own, but by simultaneously invalidating them. Many people across the internet claim that COVID-19 was manufactured by China to gain an economic edge over the world. Amid such claims, people have started referring to the virus as “Chinese virus” or “Wuhan virus”. The World Health Organization recently warned against labelling viruses based on the place where it originated, for it could trigger racist rhetorics. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 530,000; death toll rises to 24,070 On Wednesday, China lashed out and claimed that it has neither created nor intentionally transmitted the virus. Additionally, China has continuously requested global polity to avoid usage of “Chinese virus”. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy, Ji Rong, recently asserted that the world should solely focus on the response and tackling of the virus exhibited by China instead of “stereotyping the Chinese people”. Also read: People to be prosecuted under terrorism law, if they intentionally spread coronavirus: US Justice Dept Rong also pointed out the cooperative measures taken by India and China to prevent the virus from spreading across territories. According to Rong, India has provided medical supplies to China and has lent a helping hand. "We express appreciation and thanks for that," Ji said. "Those people who are trying to stigmatise China's efforts have ignored the huge sacrifices the Chinese people made in safeguarding the health and safety of all mankind", he added. He additionally pointed out even though the first case was reported from within China, there’s no evidence linking the birth of the virus to the country. "China has neither created the virus nor intentionally transmitted it. The so-called "Chinese virus" is absolutely wrong," Ji said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had faced flak recently for referring to pandemic as “Wuhan virus”. China referred to his words as “despicable behaviour” and an attempt to stigmatise the country. Instances of harassment of people with facial features akin to the Chinese have spurred in India and the US, with many facing attacks on the streets. "The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the seasonal flu starting from September 2019 has so far sickened more than 30 million people and killed more than 20,000, and CDC Director Dr Robert Redfield admitted some were actually COVID-19 (cases)," Ji said. "At the early stage of the outbreak, China took a decisive decision to lock down Wuhan and cancel outbound tourist groups to prevent the spread of the epidemic," Ji added. According to him, China has shared the diagnostic and treatment aspects of the virus with the world from the beginning very openly. Also read: Are dogs going to help prevent a global second wave of COVID-19? “Since January 3, China has been regularly notifying WHO and relevant countries and regions about the outbreak, and on January 12, it had already shared with WHO the genetic sequence of the novel coronavirus”, he added. “China held an online video conference to brief 19 Eurasian and South Asian countries including India on China’s experience”, the spokesperson added. Also read: US emerges as virus hotspot as infections, unemployment soar "The Chinese enterprises have started to make donations to India. We stand ready to provide further support and assistance to the best of our capability in light of the needs of the Indian side. We believe that the Indian people will win the battle at an early date," he said. Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 530,000 worldwide on Friday and global deaths rose past 24,000, as COVID-19 spreads across Europe and North America. (With inputs from agencies)

Not the 'Chinese virus' or 'Wuhan virus', only coronavirus: China

200 kilometres from the southern coast of China is an island which has managed to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

The world knows it as Taiwan, but for China, this island is its province. Beijing still claims the self-ruling island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though the two sides have been ruled separately for more than seven decades.

For years, this sovereignty dispute has persisted. Now, as anger is rising in Taiwan against the World Health Organisation (WHO) and China's negligence, Beijing is flexing its military muscle to intimidate Taiwan.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Chinese warships and fighter jets have been buzzing around the island. The president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, herself has raised alarm about China's military manoeuvres.

In a detailed Facebook post, Tsai Ing-wen has called out China for its incursions and misplaced priorities during this pandemic. And in response to such provocations, the Taiwanese government has scrambled its own fighter jets.

As the two sides trade barbs, the United States has deployed a warship to the Strait of Taiwan. The USS Mccampbell missile destroyer sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday morning claiming it to be on a routine mission.

This could further escalate tensions because China views any passage through the Taiwan Strait as a breach of its sovereignty.

The United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, but is the island’s most important international supporter and main source of arms.

It's hard to say how China will respond, but nations must remember that the world can do without a military escalation in the middle of a pandemic.

The coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 people in China. But despite its close proximity, Taiwan has just 235 cases and two deaths.

The island has been held up as a model for how to respond to the pandemic, even though Beijing ensures it is frozen out of global bodies such as the World Health Organisation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

200 kilometres from the southern coast of China is an island which has managed to contain the coronavirus outbreak. The world knows it as Taiwan, but for China, this island is its province.

200 kilometres from the southern coast of China is an island which has managed to contain the coronavirus outbreak. The world knows it as Taiwan, but for China, this island is its province. Beijing still claims the self-ruling island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though the two sides have been ruled separately for more than seven decades. For years, this sovereignty dispute has persisted. Now, as anger is rising in Taiwan against the World Health Organisation (WHO) and China's negligence, Beijing is flexing its military muscle to intimidate Taiwan. Chinese warships and fighter jets have been buzzing around the island. The president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, herself has raised alarm about China's military manoeuvres. In a detailed Facebook post, Tsai Ing-wen has called out China for its incursions and misplaced priorities during this pandemic. And in response to such provocations, the Taiwanese government has scrambled its own fighter jets. As the two sides trade barbs, the United States has deployed a warship to the Strait of Taiwan. The USS Mccampbell missile destroyer sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday morning claiming it to be on a routine mission. This could further escalate tensions because China views any passage through the Taiwan Strait as a breach of its sovereignty. The United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, but is the island’s most important international supporter and main source of arms. It's hard to say how China will respond, but nations must remember that the world can do without a military escalation in the middle of a pandemic. The coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 people in China. But despite its close proximity, Taiwan has just 235 cases and two deaths. The island has been held up as a model for how to respond to the pandemic, even though Beijing ensures it is frozen out of global bodies such as the World Health Organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

US warship sails through Taiwan Strait amid spat with China

WION has extensively reported about China's criminal negligence, how it unleashed a pandemic, by trying to hide<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061"> Coronavirus</a> outbreak.

The anger against the Communist Party is growing and the legal challenges for Beijing have begun, with a lawsuit being filed in Florida against China for 'covering up' the pandemic.

WION has accessed a copy of the lawsuit which blames China for failing to report the disease. It says that China acted slowly and 'put their head in the sand'. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-lockdown-here-are-some-dos-and-donts-288035">Also read: Coronavirus lockdown: Here are some dos and don'ts&nbsp;</a>

This lawsuit validates WION's reportage on the outbreak. Since we began covering the story, we have reported on every aspect - how the first cases emerged towards the end of 2019. China did not report<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-doctors-nurses-and-service-delivery-men-take-up-dancing-music-to-lift-their-spirits-up-at-work-288100"> the outbreak </a>until January. Test samples were destroyed, whistleblowers muzzled.

The lawsuit demands damages from Beijing.

Meanwhile, legal experts say China enjoys sovereign immunity. Sovereign immunity, or crown immunity, is a legal doctrine whereby a sovereign or state cannot commit a legal wrong and is immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution.

The lawsuit may or may not work, but, it does send a message. It highlights China's criminal negligence.

The total number of deaths due to coronavirus has climbed to over 15,000 globally, according to multiple reports. Over 341,300 declared cases have been registered in 174 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China in December.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

WION has extensively reported about China's criminal negligence, how it unleashed a pandemic, by trying to hide Coronavirus outbreak. The anger against the Communist Party is growing and the legal challenges for Beijing have begun, with a lawsuit being filed in Florida against China for 'covering up' the pandemic.

WION has extensively reported about China's criminal negligence, how it unleashed a pandemic, by trying to hide Coronavirus outbreak. The anger against the Communist Party is growing and the legal challenges for Beijing have begun, with a lawsuit being filed in Florida against China for 'covering up' the pandemic. WION has accessed a copy of the lawsuit which blames China for failing to report the disease. It says that China acted slowly and 'put their head in the sand'. Also read: Coronavirus lockdown: Here are some dos and don'ts This lawsuit validates WION's reportage on the outbreak. Since we began covering the story, we have reported on every aspect - how the first cases emerged towards the end of 2019. China did not report the outbreak until January. Test samples were destroyed, whistleblowers muzzled. The lawsuit demands damages from Beijing. Meanwhile, legal experts say China enjoys sovereign immunity. Sovereign immunity, or crown immunity, is a legal doctrine whereby a sovereign or state cannot commit a legal wrong and is immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution. The lawsuit may or may not work, but, it does send a message. It highlights China's criminal negligence. The total number of deaths due to coronavirus has climbed to over 15,000 globally, according to multiple reports. Over 341,300 declared cases have been registered in 174 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China in December. (With inputs from agencies)

China sued for 'covering up' coronavirus outbreak

21-day lockdown is dreadful. All good things in life will fall short as 4 hours weren’t enough to stock all the good things for the next 21 days. Everyone expected the lockdown to take place in a benign form. It didn’t.

The announcement came as a big bang taking everyone with surprise. The announcement was accompanied by a frenzy on roads where everyone came out to fill their car tanks and buy medicines. I can vouch for Noida and say that it was a freak show on 24th night. I kept on thinking as to why people are filling their car tanks? Where will they go? Lastly, aren’t petrol pumps part of the essential services? It was not the time to ponder as I was tired of cars racing down roads. I quickly made the way to my society. 
&nbsp; 
As usual, I was stopped by the guards and asked to show my forehead. They took my temperature. One of them promptly said, 'Good, it is 93.7, you can go.” It was the best thing to have happened to me. I slept well. The excitement of the word did not die. Next day before entering the office my temperature was taken and it again it was at 93.7. I felt elated. There were people around me whose temperature came a notch higher and it made me feel somehow more secure and superior. I felt that I have better genes and immunity. It made my day.

From past one week, I have had my temperature taken day and night which makes me feel buffered from the assault of the invisible beast which is eating into the planet, spreading slowly like an unstoppable weed in a well-manicured garden. I don’t know whether these temperature machines are accurate or not? I’m also told that a majority of them are of non-Indian origin and probably Chinese, but it does not make me less excited about these Star War look-alike guns. It is because of these plastic guns that I get to hear the sweetest word which is 93.7.

Lastly, I tried looking for the dogs outside the office. The pack disappeared. I think they all went to the other part of the town searching for food. As I mentioned all food stalls have disappeared and people are absent, many animals must be going hungry.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue while speaking to his constituents in Varanasi. He spoke of feeding animals. I was surprised that man at that level understood that absence of people can make animals go hungry.

There will be no quick fix solutions as people cannot possibly feed them as the majority of them will never be allowed to come out of their houses, at least for 21 days. This will be one of the prices we will have to pay for the coronavirus outbreak apart from social and economic. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

21-day lockdown is dreadful. All good things in life will fall short as 4 hours weren’t enough to stock all the good things for the next 21 days. Everyone expected the lockdown to take place in a benign form.

21-day lockdown is dreadful. All good things in life will fall short as 4 hours weren’t enough to stock all the good things for the next 21 days. Everyone expected the lockdown to take place in a benign form. It didn’t. The announcement came as a big bang taking everyone with surprise. The announcement was accompanied by a frenzy on roads where everyone came out to fill their car tanks and buy medicines. I can vouch for Noida and say that it was a freak show on 24th night. I kept on thinking as to why people are filling their car tanks? Where will they go? Lastly, aren’t petrol pumps part of the essential services? It was not the time to ponder as I was tired of cars racing down roads. I quickly made the way to my society. As usual, I was stopped by the guards and asked to show my forehead. They took my temperature. One of them promptly said, 'Good, it is 93.7, you can go.” It was the best thing to have happened to me. I slept well. The excitement of the word did not die. Next day before entering the office my temperature was taken and it again it was at 93.7. I felt elated. There were people around me whose temperature came a notch higher and it made me feel somehow more secure and superior. I felt that I have better genes and immunity. It made my day. From past one week, I have had my temperature taken day and night which makes me feel buffered from the assault of the invisible beast which is eating into the planet, spreading slowly like an unstoppable weed in a well-manicured garden. I don’t know whether these temperature machines are accurate or not? I’m also told that a majority of them are of non-Indian origin and probably Chinese, but it does not make me less excited about these Star War look-alike guns. It is because of these plastic guns that I get to hear the sweetest word which is 93.7. Lastly, I tried looking for the dogs outside the office. The pack disappeared. I think they all went to the other part of the town searching for food. As I mentioned all food stalls have disappeared and people are absent, many animals must be going hungry. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue while speaking to his constituents in Varanasi. He spoke of feeding animals. I was surprised that man at that level understood that absence of people can make animals go hungry. There will be no quick fix solutions as people cannot possibly feed them as the majority of them will never be allowed to come out of their houses, at least for 21 days. This will be one of the prices we will have to pay for the coronavirus outbreak apart from social and economic. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The sweetest word is 93.7: Day 3 of lockdown

India has come under a complete lockdown as shops remain closed and there is a crunch for essentials.&nbsp;

The elderly in society are the most vulnerable. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-third-of-humanity-under-coronavirus-lockdown-288458">Covid-19 </a>has been found to have been more fatal among elderly people. The government has failed to offer any solution yet and it is for the community to lend them a helping hand.

Across the world community efforts and governments are innovating ways to show their care for the elderly.

What happened in Italy following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-overtakes-china-virus-toll-with-3434-deaths-government-288448">coronavirus outbreak </a>has a big lesson for India and other countries. After Japan, Italy has the biggest elderly population in the world. The high death toll in Italy explains how vulnerable is this section of the society in times of a pandemic.

More than 6000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271">persons have died</a> in Italy so far and 76 per cent of those deaths were aged 70 to 90. Of the 60 million population in Italy, the elderly account for nearly 23 per cent.

India too has a high number of senior citizens aged above 60 years. 2011 census pegs this number at 104 million. By 2021, this population is expected to grow to 140 million. Presently, the country is under lockdown and the elderly are at a loss with nobody around for help. They have been advised not to venture out. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-coronavirus-fight-close-to-end-but-cases-rise-288386">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump declares coronavirus fight close to end, but cases rise</a>

As a community, we can provide them a helping hand. A Czech volunteer group called 'Help for Seniors'&nbsp;are the busiest these days. They help senior citizens with groceries, medical prescriptions, or pet walks. Similar groups are offering help to the elderly in Brazil.

Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho was spotted contributing for a community project that helps the elderly with groceries. Similar community organisations are at work in Britain.

Serbia is opening its supermarkets early on Sunday exclusively for the elderly. Between 4 am and 7 am, those above 65 are allowed to shop for their essentials

This is a crucial time to save the elderly. Global communities have come forward to protect them, India too can take a lesson or two from this gesture. 
&nbsp;

India has come under a complete lockdown as shops remain closed and there is a crunch for essentials. The elderly in society are the most vulnerable. Covid-19 has been found to have been more fatal among elderly people.

India has come under a complete lockdown as shops remain closed and there is a crunch for essentials. The elderly in society are the most vulnerable. Covid-19 has been found to have been more fatal among elderly people. The government has failed to offer any solution yet and it is for the community to lend them a helping hand. Across the world community efforts and governments are innovating ways to show their care for the elderly. What happened in Italy following the coronavirus outbreak has a big lesson for India and other countries. After Japan, Italy has the biggest elderly population in the world. The high death toll in Italy explains how vulnerable is this section of the society in times of a pandemic. More than 6000 persons have died in Italy so far and 76 per cent of those deaths were aged 70 to 90. Of the 60 million population in Italy, the elderly account for nearly 23 per cent. India too has a high number of senior citizens aged above 60 years. 2011 census pegs this number at 104 million. By 2021, this population is expected to grow to 140 million. Presently, the country is under lockdown and the elderly are at a loss with nobody around for help. They have been advised not to venture out. Also Read: Trump declares coronavirus fight close to end, but cases rise As a community, we can provide them a helping hand. A Czech volunteer group called 'Help for Seniors' are the busiest these days. They help senior citizens with groceries, medical prescriptions, or pet walks. Similar groups are offering help to the elderly in Brazil. Tottenham head coach Jose Mourinho was spotted contributing for a community project that helps the elderly with groceries. Similar community organisations are at work in Britain. Serbia is opening its supermarkets early on Sunday exclusively for the elderly. Between 4 am and 7 am, those above 65 are allowed to shop for their essentials This is a crucial time to save the elderly. Global communities have come forward to protect them, India too can take a lesson or two from this gesture.

People come together to help elderly amid coronavirus mayhem: Report

WION has started #ASKWION campaign where we are pleased to answer all your <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-outbreak-how-to-keep-children-safe-expert-answers-all-your-questions-287557">Covid-19 related queries</a>. Use #AskWion and send us your questions on Twitter tagging us.

Here are answers to some of the important questions related to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-countries-that-are-setting-example-for-world-in-fight-against-coronavirus-288195">Coronavirus</a> which can help you protect yourself from the pandemic.

Q: Does Covid-19 spread through the air? &nbsp; 
A: Coronavirus spreads through droplets which remain airborne for a duration of 8 hours or longer to enable transmission and drop on a surface due to gravitational force. Though there is one study which suggests that airborne transmission of the virus may stick to airborne droplets which probably drop up to 3 feet from the infected sneeze or cough.&nbsp;

Q: In a vegetable/grocery shop, if people used the same basket, used by asymptomatic person earlier, will the infection pass to all or only up to 2 or 3 users subsequent to the first user. Should not super bazaars clean the baskets every now and then?&nbsp; 
A: The leading supermarkets have regular sanitisation processes in place which have been augmented to meet the current challenge. Since the virus remains on plastic for 8 hours and on aluminium for 2 to 3 hours, so trolleys with aluminium handlebars appear to be safer. The surface can't be considered clean unless disinfected each time between users. Hence the virus can be transmitted to all subsequent users until its cleaned. Supermarkets have come up with a solution. They are allowing small numbers inside. Each one is given sanitiser and gloves at entry. However, the best way to prevent an infection is to wear a mask and disposable gloves during any such visit. &nbsp;

Q: Does having tea in the morning prevent Coronavirus? &nbsp; 
A: Having green tea can boost immunity as it is full of antioxidants. Besides, adding tulsi leaves in normal tea as it is warm or chewing raw turmeric can also boost immunity. However, in the current scenario, they may not be enough and precautionary measures such as social distancing and home quarantine are absolutely necessary. &nbsp;

Q: How well is India prepared to tackle Covid -19 outbreak?&nbsp; 
A: There are challenges in the healthcare system and any sudden surge in the number of affected people will exert further pressure on it. The production of protective gears for healthcare workers has increased and drug parks are being prepared to reduce our dependence on other nations for basic ingredients to make medicines. At the same time, the supply of medicines has been exempted from the 21-day lockdown. With help from our people in the form of social distancing and isolation, we can successfully fight the pandemic. We hope to successfully fight. Reality is grim. For each case diagnosed many go unnoticed. The biggest challenge is with people living in cramped environments.&nbsp;

Q: Can theobromine and theophylline cure or prevent Coronavirus?&nbsp; 
A:  Some early reports suggest that these can prevent or cure Corona. Larger and longer use will determine the value of these agents. Meanwhile, no harm in sipping warm tea three times daily. Ensure measures to avoid acidity.&nbsp;

Q: Can you tell what precautions pregnant women should take to prevent Coronavirus infection.&nbsp; 
A: Universal precautions for Coronavirus remains applicable for pregnant women. In addition, they should isolate from people with flu at home. They should call up their treating obstetrician to know when they should visit. They must reduce visits to the hospital, do scan only when necessary, keep immunity boosted with Zinc and vitamins C. Go to a maternity hospital, avoiding regular multi-speciality hospital, visit in early hours, sit away from others in waiting area, wear a mask.&nbsp;

Q: What are the chances of re-infection for a person who recovered from Covid 19? Should they also keep social distancing? Or do they get immunity?&nbsp; 
A: Like any viral infection Coronavirus should give immunity against the current strain. However, immunocompromised people like the elderly, cancer patients, people with chronic diseases, steroids etc but they can show reinfection. More information is yet to come. Experience and learning is adding every day.&nbsp;

Q: For how long Covid-19 can stay active in the water?&nbsp; 
A: There is no evidence that Coronavirus can stay active in water but the containers can have it.&nbsp;

Q: I brought groceries from stores. Is this possible that it may carry Coronavirus?&nbsp; 
A: Coronavirus can stay active on various types of surfaces for various durations. It can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel. So, it is advisable to sanitize these items before entering your home. Apply a sanitizer with 70 per cent alcohol content on fabric and sanitize them. If these are non-essential covers, discard them before entering the home. &nbsp;

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the Doctor&nbsp;and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

WION has started #ASKWION campaign where we are pleased to answer all your Covid-19 related queries. Use #AskWion and send us your questions on Twitter tagging us.

WION has started #ASKWION campaign where we are pleased to answer all your Covid-19 related queries. Use #AskWion and send us your questions on Twitter tagging us. Here are answers to some of the important questions related to Coronavirus which can help you protect yourself from the pandemic. Q: Does Covid-19 spread through the air?  A: Coronavirus spreads through droplets which remain airborne for a duration of 8 hours or longer to enable transmission and drop on a surface due to gravitational force. Though there is one study which suggests that airborne transmission of the virus may stick to airborne droplets which probably drop up to 3 feet from the infected sneeze or cough. Q: In a vegetable/grocery shop, if people used the same basket, used by asymptomatic person earlier, will the infection pass to all or only up to 2 or 3 users subsequent to the first user. Should not super bazaars clean the baskets every now and then? A: The leading supermarkets have regular sanitisation processes in place which have been augmented to meet the current challenge. Since the virus remains on plastic for 8 hours and on aluminium for 2 to 3 hours, so trolleys with aluminium handlebars appear to be safer. The surface can't be considered clean unless disinfected each time between users. Hence the virus can be transmitted to all subsequent users until its cleaned. Supermarkets have come up with a solution. They are allowing small numbers inside. Each one is given sanitiser and gloves at entry. However, the best way to prevent an infection is to wear a mask and disposable gloves during any such visit.  Q: Does having tea in the morning prevent Coronavirus?  A: Having green tea can boost immunity as it is full of antioxidants. Besides, adding tulsi leaves in normal tea as it is warm or chewing raw turmeric can also boost immunity. However, in the current scenario, they may not be enough and precautionary measures such as social distancing and home quarantine are absolutely necessary.  Q: How well is India prepared to tackle Covid -19 outbreak? A: There are challenges in the healthcare system and any sudden surge in the number of affected people will exert further pressure on it. The production of protective gears for healthcare workers has increased and drug parks are being prepared to reduce our dependence on other nations for basic ingredients to make medicines. At the same time, the supply of medicines has been exempted from the 21-day lockdown. With help from our people in the form of social distancing and isolation, we can successfully fight the pandemic. We hope to successfully fight. Reality is grim. For each case diagnosed many go unnoticed. The biggest challenge is with people living in cramped environments. Q: Can theobromine and theophylline cure or prevent Coronavirus? A:  Some early reports suggest that these can prevent or cure Corona. Larger and longer use will determine the value of these agents. Meanwhile, no harm in sipping warm tea three times daily. Ensure measures to avoid acidity. Q: Can you tell what precautions pregnant women should take to prevent Coronavirus infection. A: Universal precautions for Coronavirus remains applicable for pregnant women. In addition, they should isolate from people with flu at home. They should call up their treating obstetrician to know when they should visit. They must reduce visits to the hospital, do scan only when necessary, keep immunity boosted with Zinc and vitamins C. Go to a maternity hospital, avoiding regular multi-speciality hospital, visit in early hours, sit away from others in waiting area, wear a mask. Q: What are the chances of re-infection for a person who recovered from Covid 19? Should they also keep social distancing? Or do they get immunity? A: Like any viral infection Coronavirus should give immunity against the current strain. However, immunocompromised people like the elderly, cancer patients, people with chronic diseases, steroids etc but they can show reinfection. More information is yet to come. Experience and learning is adding every day. Q: For how long Covid-19 can stay active in the water? A: There is no evidence that Coronavirus can stay active in water but the containers can have it. Q: I brought groceries from stores. Is this possible that it may carry Coronavirus? A: Coronavirus can stay active on various types of surfaces for various durations. It can survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel. So, it is advisable to sanitize these items before entering your home. Apply a sanitizer with 70 per cent alcohol content on fabric and sanitize them. If these are non-essential covers, discard them before entering the home.  (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the Doctor and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

#ASKWION: What precautions should a pregnant woman take? and other coronavirus-related queries answered

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

At the end of 2019, a viral coronavirus outbreak gripped the Chinese city of Wuhan.

A few days later, the city was placed under a state-imposed lockdown, limiting the movement and daily lives of its 11 million citizens.&nbsp;

Amid the crisis, the Chinese authorities disrupted the flow of information to and from the city, which was cut off from the rest of the world until now.

61 days after the lockdown was imposed, authorities in Wuhan are making claims that the coronavirus pandemic in the city is buried, ie, that it has reached a zero transmission rate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a>

Workers have been instructed to return to factories, businesses are attempting to reboot, and most travel bans have been lifted.

Even though China claims that Wuhan has returned to normal, the country has kept mum about what happened in the city during the two-month long lockdown.

<h6><img alt="hhh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4265bac2-eec8-463d-a343-0db58ec47998" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_113.jpg" /> 
Staff members line up at attention as they prepare to spray disinfectant at Wuhan Railway Station in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on March 24, 2020 | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

Multiple reports and videos clearly showed Chinese authorities dragging citizens out of their homes for testing and containment.

Additionally, there has been no acknowledgment of the intense control exercised by China over what information is shared with the world.

Amid the global outcry against China for withholding initial information and prosecuting medical officials who tried to warn the world, China now claims that the city of Wuhan has recovered.

However, the facts and voices from the ground have a different story to tell.

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&nbsp;

A video posted by Jennifer Zeng on Twitter claims that hospitals in the country are no longer accepting patients to display a zero-case record.

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Hospital refuses to admit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CCPVirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CCPVirus</a> patient as they want to keep "zero new case" record. Upset family starts a fight with staff, on Mar. 23, Not sure which hospital. 
Click here for more : <a href="https://t.co/fSwmxEsPYp">https://t.co/fSwmxEsPYp</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronavirusOutbreak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronavirusOutbreak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronavirusPandemic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronavirusPandemic</a> <a href="https://t.co/uUGQTEgEgt">pic.twitter.com/uUGQTEgEgt</a>
— Jennifer Zeng 曾錚 (@jenniferatntd) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenniferatntd/status/1242190711732285440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Zeng is a prominent Chinese activist who has ardently recorded Beijing’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

With a state-initiated crackdown on independent reporting, China wants to display to the world their medical prowess.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

Just last week, China expelled American reporters based in the country. The officials have been attempting to plant conspiracy theories regarding the origin of the virus, one of which claimed that the virus was sent to the country by US army.

For now, it’s hard to say what’s really happening in the country.

As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.

At the end of 2019, a viral coronavirus outbreak gripped the Chinese city of Wuhan. A few days later, the city was placed under a state-imposed lockdown, limiting the movement and daily lives of its 11 million citizens.

At the end of 2019, a viral coronavirus outbreak gripped the Chinese city of Wuhan. A few days later, the city was placed under a state-imposed lockdown, limiting the movement and daily lives of its 11 million citizens. Amid the crisis, the Chinese authorities disrupted the flow of information to and from the city, which was cut off from the rest of the world until now. 61 days after the lockdown was imposed, authorities in Wuhan are making claims that the coronavirus pandemic in the city is buried, ie, that it has reached a zero transmission rate. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase Workers have been instructed to return to factories, businesses are attempting to reboot, and most travel bans have been lifted. Even though China claims that Wuhan has returned to normal, the country has kept mum about what happened in the city during the two-month long lockdown. Staff members line up at attention as they prepare to spray disinfectant at Wuhan Railway Station in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on March 24, 2020 | AFP Multiple reports and videos clearly showed Chinese authorities dragging citizens out of their homes for testing and containment. Additionally, there has been no acknowledgment of the intense control exercised by China over what information is shared with the world. Amid the global outcry against China for withholding initial information and prosecuting medical officials who tried to warn the world, China now claims that the city of Wuhan has recovered. However, the facts and voices from the ground have a different story to tell. A video posted by Jennifer Zeng on Twitter claims that hospitals in the country are no longer accepting patients to display a zero-case record. Hospital refuses to admit #CCPVirus patient as they want to keep "zero new case" record. Upset family starts a fight with staff, on Mar. 23, Not sure which hospital. Click here for more : https://t.co/fSwmxEsPYp#COVID2019 #Coronavirus #CoronavirusOutbreak #CoronavirusPandemic pic.twitter.com/uUGQTEgEgt — Jennifer Zeng 曾錚 (@jenniferatntd) March 23, 2020 × Zeng is a prominent Chinese activist who has ardently recorded Beijing’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. With a state-initiated crackdown on independent reporting, China wants to display to the world their medical prowess. Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? Just last week, China expelled American reporters based in the country. The officials have been attempting to plant conspiracy theories regarding the origin of the virus, one of which claimed that the virus was sent to the country by US army. For now, it’s hard to say what’s really happening in the country. As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.

Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered?

By Neil Pype

As much of the world gets used to social distancing, school closures and restrictions in movement in response to the coronavirus pandemic, obvious questions are being asked about how governments and companies can prepare themselves for these sorts of extreme events.

One technique that has gained prominence in helping business people and officials deal with events that have a low probability but high impact is called scenario analysis or scenario planning. There are a number of different methods that can be used to model scenarios, but in essence these all involve developing stories about a number of possible ways that the future could unfold.

Probably the best known and most widely used approach, which was developed within Shell during the 1970s, involves groups of stakeholders discussing what happens when two unrelated but highly uncertain drivers of change interact in extreme ways. The eminent scenario analyst Kees van der Heijden, a former head of scenario planning at Shell, has described how one of the company’s early scenario-planning exercises examined the government approach to the energy sector and the potential discovery of significant natural gas reserves.

This approach does not aim to predict the future, and in fact, recognises that this is a fundamentally impossible and futile thing to do. Instead, it encourages what van der Heijden has called “strategic conversations”, which allow those involved to have their world views challenged. The hope is that this makes business people and officials more aware of when things are not going according to plan – and so better able to respond.

Not a black swan event

There is little doubt that this sort of agile thinking has helped some officials and companies respond earlier and more decisively to the changing events of recent weeks. In some ways, the COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example of a black swan event – a term coined by the writer Nassim Nicholas Taleb to describe very high impact events that are unimaginable before they happen.

But the COVID-19 pandemic should not really be a black swan event. Epidemiologists have been warning for decades that a pandemic of a novel flu strain was inevitable. There have been a number of scares over the past two decades, such as the SARS outbreak in 2002-04, which was concentrated in southern China and Hong Kong, the swine flu pandemic that originated in Mexico in 2009, and H5N1 avian flu in the 2000s.

While all of these epidemics were serious, they weren’t on the same scale as COVID-19. This may well have led to business and political leaders focusing their attention on what they perceived to be more pressing priorities in recent years. In the US, for example, the Trump administration cut funding to disease security programmes as recently as 2018.

The behavioural economists Amos Tvertky and Daniel Kahneman have developed the idea of the availability heuristic, which suggests that people overestimate the probability of things that are high profile and memorable, such as terrorist attacks.

However, the reverse is also the case, and the sustained absence of a pandemic such as COVID-19 – a high-impact, once-in-a-generation event – has led people to underestimate its likelihood and impact. A number of think tanks and consultancies provide early warning services about low-profile, high-impact events, such as conflict in the South China Sea. However, if they feature events that are considered far fetched, they risk losing credibility among their clients and readers.

Out ahead

It’s probably no accident that a number of the countries that have responded effectively to the COVID-19 outbreak are in East Asia, where the SARS outbreak and H5N1 scares are relatively recent memories. For example, Taiwan has been praised for taking early action to contain the potential spread of the virus, and Singapore has been able to keep down infection rates through widespread testing for the virus, enabling effective quarantining and treatment of cases.

One key lesson that can be taken from the response to the pandemic so far is that companies and countries that are able to respond quickly, and change strategies in response to rapidly changing events, will do well. For example, videoconferencing software producer Zoom has made premium versions of its system available for free to educational institutions that are forced to teach online. This will expose large numbers of students to the company’s platform and brand, as well as generating significant positive publicity, which is likely to prove beneficial once normal life resumes.

Scenario analysis and some of its related underlying principles can offer some tools to prepare for and deal with highly disruptive events. However, they cannot predict where and when such events will take place, nor can they completely overcome the psychological traps that cause us to underestimate them, and as a result be underprepared. Perhaps our best hope is that by being more aware of these issues, and the fact that uncertainty dominates so much of our lives, we might be a little bit better able to respond to unexpected events, big and small.

(Neil Pyper is Associate Professor, School of Strategy and Leadership, Coventry University)

(Amjed Rasheed is Research Fellow, School of Government and International Affairs, Durham University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-could-the-world-have-prepared-better-for-a-pandemic-134262">the original article</a>)

By Neil Pype As much of the world gets used to social distancing, school closures and restrictions in movement in response to the coronavirus pandemic, obvious questions are being asked about how governments and companies can prepare themselves for these sorts of extreme events.

By Neil Pype As much of the world gets used to social distancing, school closures and restrictions in movement in response to the coronavirus pandemic, obvious questions are being asked about how governments and companies can prepare themselves for these sorts of extreme events. One technique that has gained prominence in helping business people and officials deal with events that have a low probability but high impact is called scenario analysis or scenario planning. There are a number of different methods that can be used to model scenarios, but in essence these all involve developing stories about a number of possible ways that the future could unfold. Probably the best known and most widely used approach, which was developed within Shell during the 1970s, involves groups of stakeholders discussing what happens when two unrelated but highly uncertain drivers of change interact in extreme ways. The eminent scenario analyst Kees van der Heijden, a former head of scenario planning at Shell, has described how one of the company’s early scenario-planning exercises examined the government approach to the energy sector and the potential discovery of significant natural gas reserves. This approach does not aim to predict the future, and in fact, recognises that this is a fundamentally impossible and futile thing to do. Instead, it encourages what van der Heijden has called “strategic conversations”, which allow those involved to have their world views challenged. The hope is that this makes business people and officials more aware of when things are not going according to plan – and so better able to respond. Not a black swan event There is little doubt that this sort of agile thinking has helped some officials and companies respond earlier and more decisively to the changing events of recent weeks. In some ways, the COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example of a black swan event – a term coined by the writer Nassim Nicholas Taleb to describe very high impact events that are unimaginable before they happen. But the COVID-19 pandemic should not really be a black swan event. Epidemiologists have been warning for decades that a pandemic of a novel flu strain was inevitable. There have been a number of scares over the past two decades, such as the SARS outbreak in 2002-04, which was concentrated in southern China and Hong Kong, the swine flu pandemic that originated in Mexico in 2009, and H5N1 avian flu in the 2000s. While all of these epidemics were serious, they weren’t on the same scale as COVID-19. This may well have led to business and political leaders focusing their attention on what they perceived to be more pressing priorities in recent years. In the US, for example, the Trump administration cut funding to disease security programmes as recently as 2018. The behavioural economists Amos Tvertky and Daniel Kahneman have developed the idea of the availability heuristic, which suggests that people overestimate the probability of things that are high profile and memorable, such as terrorist attacks. However, the reverse is also the case, and the sustained absence of a pandemic such as COVID-19 – a high-impact, once-in-a-generation event – has led people to underestimate its likelihood and impact. A number of think tanks and consultancies provide early warning services about low-profile, high-impact events, such as conflict in the South China Sea. However, if they feature events that are considered far fetched, they risk losing credibility among their clients and readers. Out ahead It’s probably no accident that a number of the countries that have responded effectively to the COVID-19 outbreak are in East Asia, where the SARS outbreak and H5N1 scares are relatively recent memories. For example, Taiwan has been praised for taking early action to contain the potential spread of the virus, and Singapore has been able to keep down infection rates through widespread testing for the virus, enabling effective quarantining and treatment of cases. One key lesson that can be taken from the response to the pandemic so far is that companies and countries that are able to respond quickly, and change strategies in response to rapidly changing events, will do well. For example, videoconferencing software producer Zoom has made premium versions of its system available for free to educational institutions that are forced to teach online. This will expose large numbers of students to the company’s platform and brand, as well as generating significant positive publicity, which is likely to prove beneficial once normal life resumes. Scenario analysis and some of its related underlying principles can offer some tools to prepare for and deal with highly disruptive events. However, they cannot predict where and when such events will take place, nor can they completely overcome the psychological traps that cause us to underestimate them, and as a result be underprepared. Perhaps our best hope is that by being more aware of these issues, and the fact that uncertainty dominates so much of our lives, we might be a little bit better able to respond to unexpected events, big and small. (Neil Pyper is Associate Professor, School of Strategy and Leadership, Coventry University) (Amjed Rasheed is Research Fellow, School of Government and International Affairs, Durham University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

Coronavirus: Could the world have prepared better for a pandemic?

The Election Commission of India has postponed the Rajya Sabha elections due to the threat of coronavirus.&nbsp;

The 18 Rajya Sabha seats of seven states were to be polled on March 26. It is accepted that now the new date of polls will be discharged simply in the wake of getting alleviation from COVID-19.

A total of 55 Rajya Sabha seats of 17 states were being vacated in April. On March 26, the Commission issued notification for elections to these seats. Most of the seats in several states including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh have been elected unopposed. Only 18 Rajya Sabha seats were to be elected through voting.

Nearly 500 coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, as many as 30 states/UTs have been placed under complete lockdown even as the number of coronavirus COVID-19 cases have reached 471 across India by Monday evening. The death toll from the highly contagious infection stood at nine.

The Centre has also decided to restrict all domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country.

All domestic flights from midnight on March 24 have been cancelled. However, these restrictions will not apply to cargo flights.

"Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 2359 hours on 24/3/2020," the Ministry said in a statement.

The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally. &nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India has postponed the Rajya Sabha elections due to the threat of coronavirus. The 18 Rajya Sabha seats of seven states were to be polled on March 26.

The Election Commission of India has postponed the Rajya Sabha elections due to the threat of coronavirus. The 18 Rajya Sabha seats of seven states were to be polled on March 26. It is accepted that now the new date of polls will be discharged simply in the wake of getting alleviation from COVID-19. A total of 55 Rajya Sabha seats of 17 states were being vacated in April. On March 26, the Commission issued notification for elections to these seats. Most of the seats in several states including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh have been elected unopposed. Only 18 Rajya Sabha seats were to be elected through voting. Nearly 500 coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday. Meanwhile, as many as 30 states/UTs have been placed under complete lockdown even as the number of coronavirus COVID-19 cases have reached 471 across India by Monday evening. The death toll from the highly contagious infection stood at nine. The Centre has also decided to restrict all domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country. All domestic flights from midnight on March 24 have been cancelled. However, these restrictions will not apply to cargo flights. "Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 2359 hours on 24/3/2020," the Ministry said in a statement. The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajya Sabha election scheduled for March 26 postponed amid Covid-19 lockdown

What seemed unthinkable a month back, is rapidly becoming the new normal. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-imported-virus-cases-spike-as-fears-grow-of-second-wave-288149">coronavirus</a> has plunged the entire world into a state of war.

From Singapore to the United States, there are now 167 countries locked in a deadly battle against this virus. But some nations, with their furious efforts, are demonstrating that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-how-social-distancing-affects-our-mental-health-288123">virus can be defeated</a>.

They were either better equipped or better prepared to contain the crisis. Some others have taken steps to keep the virus from going into an exponential growth cycle.

These four countries are setting an example for the world in the fight against the Wuhan coronavirus:

Honk Kong:

Hong Kong had been rocked by an entire year of political protests, it worked swiftly to contain the spread of this virus. The city is located at the frontline of the outbreak, just 919 kilometres away from Wuhan.

But in the last two months, Hong Kong has recorded only 357 cases and 4 deaths. Because the 7.5 million residents in this city, even the anti-government protesters, listened to medical experts.&nbsp;

With the 2003 SARS outbreak still fresh in people's minds. Hong-Kongers built upon public directives and set a clear baseline for social distancing.

Schools, universities and offices were shut in late January. So were airports and most border crossings with mainland China.

Today, arrivals from mainland China have fallen to a daily average of 750 and these people are strictly made to self-quarantine for 14 days. 
 
WATCH:

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South Korea

South Korea has reported 9,000 cases and 111 deaths, but the outbreak is in relative decline. The country is testing anyone who has had close contact with a patient, regardless of symptoms.

20,000 people are being tested every day at 633 centres across the country. This mass and indiscriminate testing is being followed by rigorous contact-tracing and quarantine of all suspects.

In 2015, the MERS outbreak claimed 38 lives in South Korea. In the 5 years that followed, successive governments overhauled their response to respiratory infections and fast-tracked production of test kits.

Today, nearly every hospital in South Korea is equipped with infection control units and pressure rooms.

Taiwan 
 
Taiwan has been shut out of the World Health Organisation (WHO) discussions, but its coronavirus response is a success story.

It is located just 200 kilometres away from China's coast, but has reported only 195 cases because in December, the country began inspecting everything and everybody coming in from China.

In January, it stopped all exports of surgical masks as a precaution. The same month, travel history of all its residents were integrated with health insurance cards.

And right now, everyone undergoing self-quarantine has their cell-phones tracked. Taiwan has reported only two deaths in the last 3 months.

Singapore

Singapore too is doing everything right. After the horrors of the SARS outbreak, Singapore had developed a robust infrastructure for dealing with pandemics.

In January, it became one of the first countries to report cases. But Singapore was prepared for the coronavirus juggernaut. The country has designated contact tracers outlining each patient's case history.

Testing is free, 2,000 people are being tested every day. Schools and restaurants remain open, but people constantly have their temperatures checked. The result, the number of cases has been restricted to 455 and there have been only 2 deaths.

&nbsp;

What seemed unthinkable a month back, is rapidly becoming the new normal. The coronavirus has plunged the entire world into a state of war. From Singapore to the United States, there are now 167 countries locked in a deadly battle against this virus.

What seemed unthinkable a month back, is rapidly becoming the new normal. The coronavirus has plunged the entire world into a state of war. From Singapore to the United States, there are now 167 countries locked in a deadly battle against this virus. But some nations, with their furious efforts, are demonstrating that the virus can be defeated. They were either better equipped or better prepared to contain the crisis. Some others have taken steps to keep the virus from going into an exponential growth cycle. These four countries are setting an example for the world in the fight against the Wuhan coronavirus: Honk Kong: Hong Kong had been rocked by an entire year of political protests, it worked swiftly to contain the spread of this virus. The city is located at the frontline of the outbreak, just 919 kilometres away from Wuhan. But in the last two months, Hong Kong has recorded only 357 cases and 4 deaths. Because the 7.5 million residents in this city, even the anti-government protesters, listened to medical experts. With the 2003 SARS outbreak still fresh in people's minds. Hong-Kongers built upon public directives and set a clear baseline for social distancing. Schools, universities and offices were shut in late January. So were airports and most border crossings with mainland China. Today, arrivals from mainland China have fallen to a daily average of 750 and these people are strictly made to self-quarantine for 14 days. WATCH: × South Korea South Korea has reported 9,000 cases and 111 deaths, but the outbreak is in relative decline. The country is testing anyone who has had close contact with a patient, regardless of symptoms. 20,000 people are being tested every day at 633 centres across the country. This mass and indiscriminate testing is being followed by rigorous contact-tracing and quarantine of all suspects. In 2015, the MERS outbreak claimed 38 lives in South Korea. In the 5 years that followed, successive governments overhauled their response to respiratory infections and fast-tracked production of test kits. Today, nearly every hospital in South Korea is equipped with infection control units and pressure rooms. Taiwan Taiwan has been shut out of the World Health Organisation (WHO) discussions, but its coronavirus response is a success story. It is located just 200 kilometres away from China's coast, but has reported only 195 cases because in December, the country began inspecting everything and everybody coming in from China. In January, it stopped all exports of surgical masks as a precaution. The same month, travel history of all its residents were integrated with health insurance cards. And right now, everyone undergoing self-quarantine has their cell-phones tracked. Taiwan has reported only two deaths in the last 3 months. Singapore Singapore too is doing everything right. After the horrors of the SARS outbreak, Singapore had developed a robust infrastructure for dealing with pandemics. In January, it became one of the first countries to report cases. But Singapore was prepared for the coronavirus juggernaut. The country has designated contact tracers outlining each patient's case history. Testing is free, 2,000 people are being tested every day. Schools and restaurants remain open, but people constantly have their temperatures checked. The result, the number of cases has been restricted to 455 and there have been only 2 deaths.

Explained: Countries that are setting example for world in fight against coronavirus

Janata curfew was obeyed with dedication and celebrated with great fanfare at 5 pm on Sunday. Many even broke the rule not understanding the purpose of the curfew.

Nonetheless, the reality dawned upon everyone by Sunday evening that Janata curfew would continue in another avatar in Delhi, NCR and other parts of the country. A complete lockdown was announced in 75 districts where coronavirus patients were registered. What felt as a novel experiment settled like a heavy reality to me that life, as I knew, would not remain the same. In hindsight, I feel the Janata Curfew was to get the people inside their homes before tougher decisions could be announced.

The first thing to dawn upon me was as to who would do the household chores. Indian households are heavily dependent on maids. Even if you have a dishwasher or washing machine, Indians prefer someone to do the chore in person.

It does not end with the housework. It includes kitchen work too. Understanding that maids will not be allowed to visit the society, I picked up my share of responsibility. What felt would be a small chore ended up as an unending task. I decided to start with washing utensils and dusting the house.

First, washing utensils is not easy. It takes time and is definitely cumbersome. Dusting is another tough job. What looks clean returns to the older form within half an hour. The list of household chores became long. From getting milk to bread to hunting for the over-worked garbage collector of the society is an unending task. My respect for household workers went high by miles. It is not that I took them for granted but a day’s work made me understand that even household work can be as good as tough labour.

Imagine if this is to continue for the next 30 days? Imagine that every household is to be bereft of every help they considered for granted? Imagine the plight of those people who do not own a personal vehicle and if they end up with an emergency? All these questions bothered me through the day until I got down to preparing for the office.

Worst was the thought that in case your loved one falls ill, there would be a time where you will not be able to accompany him or her and would have no control over the situation. Coronavirus will not only reorder the world, but it will also reorder our personal world. It will reorder our relationship with those you live with and those whom you rely upon. My only hope is that crisis allows the best to come out and not our worst.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Janata curfew was obeyed with dedication and celebrated with great fanfare at 5 pm on Sunday. Many even broke the rule not understanding the purpose of the curfew.

Janata curfew was obeyed with dedication and celebrated with great fanfare at 5 pm on Sunday. Many even broke the rule not understanding the purpose of the curfew. Nonetheless, the reality dawned upon everyone by Sunday evening that Janata curfew would continue in another avatar in Delhi, NCR and other parts of the country. A complete lockdown was announced in 75 districts where coronavirus patients were registered. What felt as a novel experiment settled like a heavy reality to me that life, as I knew, would not remain the same. In hindsight, I feel the Janata Curfew was to get the people inside their homes before tougher decisions could be announced. The first thing to dawn upon me was as to who would do the household chores. Indian households are heavily dependent on maids. Even if you have a dishwasher or washing machine, Indians prefer someone to do the chore in person. It does not end with the housework. It includes kitchen work too. Understanding that maids will not be allowed to visit the society, I picked up my share of responsibility. What felt would be a small chore ended up as an unending task. I decided to start with washing utensils and dusting the house. First, washing utensils is not easy. It takes time and is definitely cumbersome. Dusting is another tough job. What looks clean returns to the older form within half an hour. The list of household chores became long. From getting milk to bread to hunting for the over-worked garbage collector of the society is an unending task. My respect for household workers went high by miles. It is not that I took them for granted but a day’s work made me understand that even household work can be as good as tough labour. Imagine if this is to continue for the next 30 days? Imagine that every household is to be bereft of every help they considered for granted? Imagine the plight of those people who do not own a personal vehicle and if they end up with an emergency? All these questions bothered me through the day until I got down to preparing for the office. Worst was the thought that in case your loved one falls ill, there would be a time where you will not be able to accompany him or her and would have no control over the situation. Coronavirus will not only reorder the world, but it will also reorder our personal world. It will reorder our relationship with those you live with and those whom you rely upon. My only hope is that crisis allows the best to come out and not our worst. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A day after Janata Curfew: Household work matters

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/namaste-coronavirus-outbreak-forces-change-in-social-interaction-by-world-leaders-285865">Coronavirus outbreak</a> a pandemic as, since its start in December, more than 4,500 people have been killed, over 1,00,000 people across 100 countries have been infected amid the outbreak.

The Indian government has taken a series of measures,&nbsp;including suspension of visas of all foreign nationals coming to the country till April 15.

Here we address&nbsp;frequently asked questions about coronavirus:

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.

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. According to reports from last month, the doctors are using a combination of drugs and methods to treat the patients.&nbsp;

When Can We Expect the Vaccination

The health ministry officials have said COVID-19 is difficult to isolate and at least one-and-a-half to two years will be needed to develop the vaccine.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-pandemic-india-reports-first-death-as-cases-reach-73-285995">Also read: Covid-19 pandemic: India reports first death as cases reach 73</a>

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. Avoid touching your face, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

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. 
 
Keep some distance from people who are obviously sick and avoid direct contact with them. Avoid public gatherings,&nbsp;wet markets or farms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/soaps-or-sanitisers-which-is-best-to-fight-coronavirus-285925">Soap vs Sanitizers - What's Better?</a>

Soaps

Destroy outer limits of the virus&nbsp; 
Destroy internal bonds of virus 
Usually, entire hands are washed

Sanitisers

Needs to be used in enough quantity 
Needs to have enough alcohol content 
Not effective on hands covered in dirt

When Should You See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms, especially fever or shortness of breath. Ensure you provide your travel history

Can You Get the Coronavirus Twice?

According to medical experts, those who have had the virus once will develop some immunity, and it is rare to get an infectious disease again. However, second positive tests of coronavirus have been reported in China and Japan and this could be because of a weak immune system. 
 
Should You Avoid Shipped Packages/Food Packages/Gas Pumps/Shopping Carts/ATMs?

No. Coronavirus surface survival is one thing; that surface causing an infection is another. Wash your hands as per the WHO instructions after touching the packages/surfaces.

 
Does Taking Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin Preemptively Prevent Covid-19?

These (experimental) drugs for coronavirus should only be used in selected Covid patients. They can sometimes cause fatal heart rhythm problems plus other side effects.

Does Garlic/Lemon With Hot Water Prevent or Cure Covid-19 ?

None of these substances has been scientifically tested against Covid-19

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Coronavirus outbreak a pandemic as, since its start in December, more than 4,500 people have been killed, over 1,00,000 people across 100 countries have been infected amid the outbreak.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Coronavirus outbreak a pandemic as, since its start in December, more than 4,500 people have been killed, over 1,00,000 people across 100 countries have been infected amid the outbreak. The Indian government has taken a series of measures, including suspension of visas of all foreign nationals coming to the country till April 15. Here we address frequently asked questions about coronavirus: 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. 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. According to reports from last month, the doctors are using a combination of drugs and methods to treat the patients. When Can We Expect the Vaccination The health ministry officials have said COVID-19 is difficult to isolate and at least one-and-a-half to two years will be needed to develop the vaccine. Also read: Covid-19 pandemic: India reports first death as cases reach 73 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. Avoid touching your face, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. 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. Keep some distance from people who are obviously sick and avoid direct contact with them. Avoid public gatherings, wet markets or farms. Soap vs Sanitizers - What's Better? Soaps Destroy outer limits of the virus Destroy internal bonds of virus Usually, entire hands are washed Sanitisers Needs to be used in enough quantity Needs to have enough alcohol content Not effective on hands covered in dirt When Should You See a Doctor Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms, especially fever or shortness of breath. Ensure you provide your travel history Can You Get the Coronavirus Twice? According to medical experts, those who have had the virus once will develop some immunity, and it is rare to get an infectious disease again. However, second positive tests of coronavirus have been reported in China and Japan and this could be because of a weak immune system. Should You Avoid Shipped Packages/Food Packages/Gas Pumps/Shopping Carts/ATMs? No. Coronavirus surface survival is one thing; that surface causing an infection is another. Wash your hands as per the WHO instructions after touching the packages/surfaces. Does Taking Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin Preemptively Prevent Covid-19? These (experimental) drugs for coronavirus should only be used in selected Covid patients. They can sometimes cause fatal heart rhythm problems plus other side effects. Does Garlic/Lemon With Hot Water Prevent or Cure Covid-19 ? None of these substances has been scientifically tested against Covid-19

Coronavirus outbreak: Symptoms and other important questions answered

Nepal and Bhutan have pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund&nbsp;for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kathmandu has announced 10 crore Nepali Rupees for the fund while Bhutan has announced&nbsp;USD 100,000 for it.

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced it during his Friday evening address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "I want to inform you that Nepal will contribute Rs 10 crores in this fund set up with the objective to provide requisite help to the SAARC nations"

The Bhutan foreign office in a statement said, "The Royal Government of Bhutan has welcomed the establishment of the Emergency Fund&nbsp;and has decided to make an initial contribution of USD 100,000 (US Dollar One Hundred Thousand only)."

Recognising the urgent need for "collective efforts to combat such crisis", Bhutan government said, it "would like to reassure its full support and cooperation to do everything possible in close collaboration with all Member States to overcome the COVID- 19 pandemic".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-scare-universal-screening-for-passengers-coming-from-australia-uk-and-us-287687" hreflang="en">Coronavirus scare: Universal screening for passengers coming from Australia, UK and US</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the formation of the fund during the SAARC video conference that took place last Sunday to curate a joint COVID-19 strategy. India had offered to pitch in&nbsp;USD 10 million for the emergency fund.

The proposal for the video conference was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week on Twitter, and the video conference happened on Sunday. All SAARC leaders were present in the meet except Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had sent a junior representative, Special Advisor on Health Dr Zafar Mirza to represent him.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-indian-diplomat-infected-with-covid-19-say-indian-government-sources-287660" hreflang="en">No Indian diplomat infected with COVID-19, say Indian government sources</a>

Nepal and Bhutan have pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nepal and Bhutan have pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kathmandu has announced 10 crore Nepali Rupees for the fund while Bhutan has announced USD 100,000 for it. Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced it during his Friday evening address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "I want to inform you that Nepal will contribute Rs 10 crores in this fund set up with the objective to provide requisite help to the SAARC nations" The Bhutan foreign office in a statement said, "The Royal Government of Bhutan has welcomed the establishment of the Emergency Fund and has decided to make an initial contribution of USD 100,000 (US Dollar One Hundred Thousand only)." Recognising the urgent need for "collective efforts to combat such crisis", Bhutan government said, it "would like to reassure its full support and cooperation to do everything possible in close collaboration with all Member States to overcome the COVID- 19 pandemic". Also read: Coronavirus scare: Universal screening for passengers coming from Australia, UK and US Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the formation of the fund during the SAARC video conference that took place last Sunday to curate a joint COVID-19 strategy. India had offered to pitch in USD 10 million for the emergency fund. The proposal for the video conference was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week on Twitter, and the video conference happened on Sunday. All SAARC leaders were present in the meet except Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had sent a junior representative, Special Advisor on Health Dr Zafar Mirza to represent him. Also read: No Indian diplomat infected with COVID-19, say Indian government sources

Nepal, Bhutan pledge contribution to COVID-19 SAARC emergency fund announced by PM Modi

Wuhan in China which was the epicentre of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-flu-drug-found-to-be-effective-in-coronavirus-treatment-says-china-after-clinical-trials-287202">coronavirus</a> reported no new domestic cases for the first time since the outbreak began, however, authorities said imported cases had surged.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-may-make-25-million-jobless-workers-to-lose-34-trillion-in-income-united-nations-287255">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus may make 25 million jobless, workers to lose $3.4 trillion in income</a>

China's National Health Commission reported 34 cases which were brought in from abroad with the total number shooting up to &nbsp;189.

Beijing accounted for 21 cases of the 34 imported infections from abroad.

Watch Video:

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Chinese authorities had reported the first case of the virus on December 31, since then Wuhan has been reporting cases of infection, however on Thursday, the tide seems to have turned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-india-live-updates-coronavirus-cases-in-india-live-news-latest-updates-one-intel-employee-potentially-exposed-to-coronavirus-under-quarantine-284099">Also Read:&nbsp;Italy reports 475 new virus deaths, highest one-day toll of any nation</a>

According to the commission, there were eight deaths in Hubei province with the nationwide toll rising to 3,245.

There are at least 80,928 people who are infected from the virus.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-always-treated-chinese-virus-seriously-donald-trump-287201">virus </a>has now spread to 150 countries with Italy being the most affected outside China with 2,978 deaths, 35,713 cases.

Europe which has now become the epicentre of the virus has reported 4,112 deaths.

Wuhan in China which was the epicentre of the coronavirus reported no new domestic cases for the first time since the outbreak began, however, authorities said imported cases had surged.

Wuhan in China which was the epicentre of the coronavirus reported no new domestic cases for the first time since the outbreak began, however, authorities said imported cases had surged. Also Read: Coronavirus may make 25 million jobless, workers to lose $3.4 trillion in income China's National Health Commission reported 34 cases which were brought in from abroad with the total number shooting up to 189. Beijing accounted for 21 cases of the 34 imported infections from abroad. Watch Video: Chinese authorities had reported the first case of the virus on December 31, since then Wuhan has been reporting cases of infection, however on Thursday, the tide seems to have turned. Also Read: Italy reports 475 new virus deaths, highest one-day toll of any nation According to the commission, there were eight deaths in Hubei province with the nationwide toll rising to 3,245. There are at least 80,928 people who are infected from the virus. The virus has now spread to 150 countries with Italy being the most affected outside China with 2,978 deaths, 35,713 cases. Europe which has now become the epicentre of the virus has reported 4,112 deaths.

China reports no new domestic coronavirus infection as 'imported' cases surge

This is a war-like situation and wars are won by decisive leadership. We've been reporting on how India has taken the lead - from SAARC to G7 and now G20.

Leaders are collaborating after India's initiative. The first one is to rally the world's leaders to join hands against the coronavirus.

And the second is about a self-serving, often self-defeating political agenda. We start with India, the government is responding aggressively at home and rallying global support for the larger fight outside.

It began with the video conference of SAARC leaders. Now, New Delhi is taking its diplomatic initiatives one step further - Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 
 
WATCH: How is India's approach different from Pakistan

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This is for a G20 conference and consultation. Why the Crown Prince? Because Saudi Arabia holds the chair for the G20 presidency. It's a position that rotates between all member nations every year.

During his conversation with MBS, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the need for coordination among the G20.

Now, Riyadh is said to be in touch with other member nations. An 'extraordinary session' could be convened next week to draw up a plan of action and it could happen over video conferencing.

A session like this would lead to tangible outcomes. One, leading powers would be able to pool resources and coordinate their response.

Two, it will lead to collective action. Third, it can provide the rest of the world a response template to follow.

The world is staring at an unprecedented crisis and India's diplomatic efforts, first with SAARC and now with the G20 is an unprecedented diplomatic move to tackle this threat. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pakistan is busy keeping its master China happy. At a time when the citizens of Pakistan are helpless before the coronavirus, Islamabad is prioritising Beijing's agenda. Earlier this week, the Pakistan president and foreign minister travelled to China.

At a time, when the world is keeping its distance, quarantining itself from Chinese supplies, shutting down routes of arrivals - the Pakistani leaders decided to travel to Beijing.

So, we were not surprised when we heard that the entire contingent that travelled, is now under quarantine. But the question remains: What was the need to travel to China?

Money could be one reason - Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has admitted that his country is too weak to fight the coronavirus, but there is another aspect to this story.

The visit works to China's advantage. It indicates that its business as usual in Beijing, and there is no need to worry. Meanwhile, Pakistan used this opportunity to display its loyalty while making some noise over Kashmir.

We must compare India and Pakistan because they present two extreme examples on how to deal with a crisis 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
.&nbsp;

This is a war-like situation and wars are won by decisive leadership. We've been reporting on how India has taken the lead - from SAARC to G7 and now G20. Leaders are collaborating after India's initiative.

This is a war-like situation and wars are won by decisive leadership. We've been reporting on how India has taken the lead - from SAARC to G7 and now G20. Leaders are collaborating after India's initiative. The first one is to rally the world's leaders to join hands against the coronavirus. And the second is about a self-serving, often self-defeating political agenda. We start with India, the government is responding aggressively at home and rallying global support for the larger fight outside. It began with the video conference of SAARC leaders. Now, New Delhi is taking its diplomatic initiatives one step further - Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. WATCH: How is India's approach different from Pakistan × This is for a G20 conference and consultation. Why the Crown Prince? Because Saudi Arabia holds the chair for the G20 presidency. It's a position that rotates between all member nations every year. During his conversation with MBS, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the need for coordination among the G20. Now, Riyadh is said to be in touch with other member nations. An 'extraordinary session' could be convened next week to draw up a plan of action and it could happen over video conferencing. A session like this would lead to tangible outcomes. One, leading powers would be able to pool resources and coordinate their response. Two, it will lead to collective action. Third, it can provide the rest of the world a response template to follow. The world is staring at an unprecedented crisis and India's diplomatic efforts, first with SAARC and now with the G20 is an unprecedented diplomatic move to tackle this threat. Meanwhile, Pakistan is busy keeping its master China happy. At a time when the citizens of Pakistan are helpless before the coronavirus, Islamabad is prioritising Beijing's agenda. Earlier this week, the Pakistan president and foreign minister travelled to China. At a time, when the world is keeping its distance, quarantining itself from Chinese supplies, shutting down routes of arrivals - the Pakistani leaders decided to travel to Beijing. So, we were not surprised when we heard that the entire contingent that travelled, is now under quarantine. But the question remains: What was the need to travel to China? Money could be one reason - Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has admitted that his country is too weak to fight the coronavirus, but there is another aspect to this story. The visit works to China's advantage. It indicates that its business as usual in Beijing, and there is no need to worry. Meanwhile, Pakistan used this opportunity to display its loyalty while making some noise over Kashmir. We must compare India and Pakistan because they present two extreme examples on how to deal with a crisis (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) .

WION EDIT: Coronavirus outbreak-  India and Pakistan are miles apart in their response

Sports and leisure activities meant for special children are hardly imaginable, as they remain dependent on their wheelchairs or simply because there aren’t any activities that are designed specifically for them.&nbsp;

But nearly 250 special children had the opportunity to soar to the skies and have an unparalleled experience of parasailing, that offered them breathtaking views of the Besant Nagar beach in the Chennai.&nbsp;

The special parasailing event was conducted for five days as a part of the 35th-anniversary celebrations of Vidya Sagar, a rights-based organization, with emphasis on creating awareness in the community on issues related to disability and advocating rights for persons with disabilities. They support and train special children who are rejected by other schools, such as those with motor disability, visual, speech or intellectual impairment, autism and other learning difficulties.&nbsp;

“My kids too are special-needs kids and they experienced such adventure sports during their childhood and it made a huge difference, so we believe that why not most special children get to experience this? Even if the kids want to experience it, who gives them the chance? Even a small improvement in their self-esteem is a positive change” said Radha Ramesh, the director of Vidya Sagar.

A parachute equipped with a special harness that could accommodate 2 people- a special-needs child and a faculty member/trainer was attached to a jeep that would be driven for a few meters on the beach sand, thus helping the strong breeze to inflate and elevate the parachute. For nearly 5 minutes the child and the faculty would be suspended mid-air to enjoy the breathtaking views.&nbsp;

“For our needs, we are using a better harness, more safety measures are in place and around 15-20 staff are present for ensuring it happens with utmost care. We've also got the requisite permission from the authorities. Sports is always important for children, our kids dream of having a wheelchair-friendly path until the beach. All over the world beaches are accessible and Wheelchairs can go till the water, but unfortunately, that’s not the case in India. So we thought that parasailing can be made a reality for our kids and they can see and enjoy how the world looks like from a height” Poonam Natrajan, the founder of Vidya Sagar told WION.&nbsp;

Vidya Sagar provides delivery of services, focus on early intervention, special education, physiotherapy, speech and communication therapy, vision training, occupational therapy, co-curricular activities, counselling, vocational training, exploring and creating employment opportunities and training of resource persons to work in the field of disability.

Meena, a parent who has been associated with Vidya Sagar says that she is happy that the school will send kids on such adventure sports, only if it's very safe. It was done with the consent of parents and students, we’ve been shown then trials and also there were classes for a safety briefing.&nbsp;

“The kids enjoy when they are joined by their friends and it empowers them and celebrates inclusion”, she told WION.&nbsp;

Sports and leisure activities meant for special children are hardly imaginable, as they remain dependent on their wheelchairs or simply because there aren’t any activities that are designed specifically for them.

Sports and leisure activities meant for special children are hardly imaginable, as they remain dependent on their wheelchairs or simply because there aren’t any activities that are designed specifically for them. But nearly 250 special children had the opportunity to soar to the skies and have an unparalleled experience of parasailing, that offered them breathtaking views of the Besant Nagar beach in the Chennai. The special parasailing event was conducted for five days as a part of the 35th-anniversary celebrations of Vidya Sagar, a rights-based organization, with emphasis on creating awareness in the community on issues related to disability and advocating rights for persons with disabilities. They support and train special children who are rejected by other schools, such as those with motor disability, visual, speech or intellectual impairment, autism and other learning difficulties. “My kids too are special-needs kids and they experienced such adventure sports during their childhood and it made a huge difference, so we believe that why not most special children get to experience this? Even if the kids want to experience it, who gives them the chance? Even a small improvement in their self-esteem is a positive change” said Radha Ramesh, the director of Vidya Sagar. A parachute equipped with a special harness that could accommodate 2 people- a special-needs child and a faculty member/trainer was attached to a jeep that would be driven for a few meters on the beach sand, thus helping the strong breeze to inflate and elevate the parachute. For nearly 5 minutes the child and the faculty would be suspended mid-air to enjoy the breathtaking views. “For our needs, we are using a better harness, more safety measures are in place and around 15-20 staff are present for ensuring it happens with utmost care. We've also got the requisite permission from the authorities. Sports is always important for children, our kids dream of having a wheelchair-friendly path until the beach. All over the world beaches are accessible and Wheelchairs can go till the water, but unfortunately, that’s not the case in India. So we thought that parasailing can be made a reality for our kids and they can see and enjoy how the world looks like from a height” Poonam Natrajan, the founder of Vidya Sagar told WION. Vidya Sagar provides delivery of services, focus on early intervention, special education, physiotherapy, speech and communication therapy, vision training, occupational therapy, co-curricular activities, counselling, vocational training, exploring and creating employment opportunities and training of resource persons to work in the field of disability. Meena, a parent who has been associated with Vidya Sagar says that she is happy that the school will send kids on such adventure sports, only if it's very safe. It was done with the consent of parents and students, we’ve been shown then trials and also there were classes for a safety briefing. “The kids enjoy when they are joined by their friends and it empowers them and celebrates inclusion”, she told WION.

A sky-high experience for special children in Chennai

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/coronavirus-pandemic-how-can-you-protect-yourself-all-important-questions-answered-287019">coronavirus pandemic </a>is fundamentally changing our societies - people are working from home, the streets are virtually empty,&nbsp;public spaces have been shut and experts are advising against social interactions.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has laid great emphasis on testing, they advice testing every suspected case. Enhanced testing has been the backbone of every successful coronavirus response.

In India, more than 50 labs are functional, but the number is a drop in the ocean for India. So what should the government do? Desperate times call for desperate measures.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/little-affected-most-perturbed-india-ably-tackles-coronavirus-outbreak-286375">Also Read: India ably tackles coronavirus outbreak</a>

Take the case of Spain, only a fraction of India's size and population, the government has decided to take over private healthcare services.

The entire Spanish healthcare system has been nationalised to deal with the crisis. All private health providers and their facilities are now under government control.

The government can now even order a requisition of face masks and Covid-19 tests. Other countries are mulling different forms of nationalisation.

France might take over big companies if it's necessary. Germany too is thinking about supporting pharmaceutical companies.

In America, there is a call to take over critical private-sector health companies. The Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, has asked the American government to take control of key firms.

South Korea scaled up its testing by involving the private sector. The MERS outbreak in 2015 had killed 38 in South Korea. At that time, South Korea enacted a key reform.

It allowed the government an almost instantaneous approval to gain access to testing systems. For the coronavirus outbreak, 90 per cent of the testing has been done by the private sector in South Korea.

India could adopt a similar strategy to ramp-up its fight against the Wuhan virus. Services of the private sector could be requisitioned. Already, accredited private labs have been allowed to test for Covid-19.

There is a tight watch on supplies. Earlier this month, India had blocked the export of some essential drugs. A move to ensure adequate supply during the coronavirus outbreak.

Countries around the world are making a case for nationalisation. Indian government might as well consider some form of regulation for the health sector. It seems to be the only way to deal with shortages.

India must dramatically scale up its efforts to contain the coronavirus. And it's time for the private players to do their bit. We must learn from Air India. The dying national carrier and its staff, evacuating Indians stranded in all parts of the world. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic is fundamentally changing our societies - people are working from home, the streets are virtually empty, public spaces have been shut and experts are advising against social interactions.

The coronavirus pandemic is fundamentally changing our societies - people are working from home, the streets are virtually empty, public spaces have been shut and experts are advising against social interactions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has laid great emphasis on testing, they advice testing every suspected case. Enhanced testing has been the backbone of every successful coronavirus response. In India, more than 50 labs are functional, but the number is a drop in the ocean for India. So what should the government do? Desperate times call for desperate measures. Also Read: India ably tackles coronavirus outbreak Take the case of Spain, only a fraction of India's size and population, the government has decided to take over private healthcare services. The entire Spanish healthcare system has been nationalised to deal with the crisis. All private health providers and their facilities are now under government control. The government can now even order a requisition of face masks and Covid-19 tests. Other countries are mulling different forms of nationalisation. France might take over big companies if it's necessary. Germany too is thinking about supporting pharmaceutical companies. In America, there is a call to take over critical private-sector health companies. The Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, has asked the American government to take control of key firms. South Korea scaled up its testing by involving the private sector. The MERS outbreak in 2015 had killed 38 in South Korea. At that time, South Korea enacted a key reform. It allowed the government an almost instantaneous approval to gain access to testing systems. For the coronavirus outbreak, 90 per cent of the testing has been done by the private sector in South Korea. India could adopt a similar strategy to ramp-up its fight against the Wuhan virus. Services of the private sector could be requisitioned. Already, accredited private labs have been allowed to test for Covid-19. There is a tight watch on supplies. Earlier this month, India had blocked the export of some essential drugs. A move to ensure adequate supply during the coronavirus outbreak. Countries around the world are making a case for nationalisation. Indian government might as well consider some form of regulation for the health sector. It seems to be the only way to deal with shortages. India must dramatically scale up its efforts to contain the coronavirus. And it's time for the private players to do their bit. We must learn from Air India. The dying national carrier and its staff, evacuating Indians stranded in all parts of the world. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Coronavirus outbreak - why the private sector needs to contribute

Coronavirus has imposed a worldwide curfew, the most popular sites lie deserted. There are more than 1,80,000 confirmed cases and over 7000 have died.

More than 150 countries are fighting the outbreak. Major cities are under lockdown and millions are confined to their homes.

Economic activity is grinding to a halt. The only factory that's running overtime is the one that produces Chinese propaganda.

They're sparing no effort to deflect blame for the outbreak. China wants the world to believe that the coronavirus did not originate there.

Chinese diplomats are aggressively pushing conspiracy theories to spread that coronavirus originated in the United States of America (USA). They claim there's evidence that the virus was not made in China. And they are doing so mainly to shrug off scrutiny.

Now, US President Donald Trump has called Coronavirus the 'Chinese virus'. Never one to take it lying low, China is responding in kind. A statement from Beijing says that they are very angry with what they call America's smear campaign. &nbsp;

"Recently some US politicians have linked the novel coronavirus to China. This is a smear of China. We are very angry and strongly oppose it. We urge the US side to correct their mistakes and stop the groundless accusation of China immediately," said&nbsp;Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang.

This is rich coming from China, which has been blaming the US army for the Wuhan virus.

China claims it fought the virus well and gave the rest of the world the time to prepare. It justifies its ruthless crackdown on patients and whistleblowers and calls the western response to the outbreak - chaotic. &nbsp;

However, the truth is China tried to hide the outbreak. There is no doubt that the Chinese people were the worst sufferers of this outbreak, but the Chinese state deserves no sympathy, let alone praise.

China's new narrative on the coronavirus is designed for both the domestic and the international audience. It makes the communist party look strong at home. Ideally, China should help smaller countries, ramp-up efforts to contain the disease&nbsp;

A good place to begin will be an admission, that the virus originated in China and timely action could have averted this global crisis. &nbsp;

Coronavirus has imposed a worldwide curfew, the most popular sites lie deserted. There are more than 1,80,000 confirmed cases and over 7000 have died. More than 150 countries are fighting the outbreak.

Coronavirus has imposed a worldwide curfew, the most popular sites lie deserted. There are more than 1,80,000 confirmed cases and over 7000 have died. More than 150 countries are fighting the outbreak. Major cities are under lockdown and millions are confined to their homes. Economic activity is grinding to a halt. The only factory that's running overtime is the one that produces Chinese propaganda. They're sparing no effort to deflect blame for the outbreak. China wants the world to believe that the coronavirus did not originate there. Chinese diplomats are aggressively pushing conspiracy theories to spread that coronavirus originated in the United States of America (USA). They claim there's evidence that the virus was not made in China. And they are doing so mainly to shrug off scrutiny. Now, US President Donald Trump has called Coronavirus the 'Chinese virus'. Never one to take it lying low, China is responding in kind. A statement from Beijing says that they are very angry with what they call America's smear campaign. "Recently some US politicians have linked the novel coronavirus to China. This is a smear of China. We are very angry and strongly oppose it. We urge the US side to correct their mistakes and stop the groundless accusation of China immediately," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang. This is rich coming from China, which has been blaming the US army for the Wuhan virus. China claims it fought the virus well and gave the rest of the world the time to prepare. It justifies its ruthless crackdown on patients and whistleblowers and calls the western response to the outbreak - chaotic. However, the truth is China tried to hide the outbreak. There is no doubt that the Chinese people were the worst sufferers of this outbreak, but the Chinese state deserves no sympathy, let alone praise. China's new narrative on the coronavirus is designed for both the domestic and the international audience. It makes the communist party look strong at home. Ideally, China should help smaller countries, ramp-up efforts to contain the disease A good place to begin will be an admission, that the virus originated in China and timely action could have averted this global crisis.

Why China is blaming the US for coronavirus outbreak

China reported on Tuesday just one new domestic coronavirus infection but found 20 more cases imported from abroad, with more regions imposing quarantines on foreign arrivals in a bid to stem the disease being brought in from overseas.

The single case in Wuhan will boost China's view that it has "basically curbed" the spread of a disease that is believed to have emerged in a live animal market in the central city in December.

Wuhan and its 11 million people were placed under strict quarantine on January 23, with the rest of Hubei province going under lockdown in the following days.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-criminal-probe-into-a-coronavirus-patient-who-flew-from-us-while-showing-symptoms-286969">China launches criminal probe into a coronavirus patient who flew from US while showing symptoms</a>

Authorities tightened restrictions in the city even further on February 11, confining people to their homes as health workers faced a daily deluge of well over 1,000 cases a move officials say was critical in containing the virus.

Other cities across the country enacted further measures to compel most people to stay indoors, and no new domestic infections have been detected outside Hubei for many days in a row.

But the country is now concerned about an influx of cases from abroad, with an average of 20,000 people flying into China every day.

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-amid-coronavirus-crisis-us-china-fight-the-patent-war-for-vaccine-286905"> WION Edit: Amid coronavirus crisis, US-China fight the patent war for vaccine</a>

Beijing started on Monday to require almost all international arrivals to go into 14-day quarantine in designated hotels.

People who live alone, minors, the elderly, pregnant women and people with underlying conditions are allowed to confine themselves at home.

Shanghai extended its mandatory quarantine to travellers from 16 countries on Tuesday including the US, Australia and several European nations but said travellers may quarantine either at home or at a designated location.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-more-coronavirus-cases-from-abroad-amid-strict-quarantine-measures-286578">China reports more coronavirus cases from abroad amid strict quarantine measures</a>

Nine of the 20 new imported cases were in Beijing and three in Shanghai, raising the total number of confirmed infections from abroad to 143, according to the National Health Commission.

As well as Shanghai and Beijing, another seven provinces or municipalities announced that they would make international arrivals carry out a mandatory quarantine either at home or in central facilities.

China also reported 13 deaths Tuesday, raising its toll to 3,226.

Watch: Coronavirus pandemic over in China?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-pandemic-over-in-china-286904/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The country has recorded 80,881 total cases, but fewer than 9,000 people remain infected.

The country's progress stands in stark contrast with the growing crisis in other countries, with the World Health Organization saying there were now more deaths and cases outside China.

The number of deaths worldwide has passed 7,000, with more than 181,500 cases in 145 countries.

China reported on Tuesday just one new domestic coronavirus infection but found 20 more cases imported from abroad, with more regions imposing quarantines on foreign arrivals in a bid to stem the disease being brought in from overseas.

China reported on Tuesday just one new domestic coronavirus infection but found 20 more cases imported from abroad, with more regions imposing quarantines on foreign arrivals in a bid to stem the disease being brought in from overseas. The single case in Wuhan will boost China's view that it has "basically curbed" the spread of a disease that is believed to have emerged in a live animal market in the central city in December. Wuhan and its 11 million people were placed under strict quarantine on January 23, with the rest of Hubei province going under lockdown in the following days. Also read: China launches criminal probe into a coronavirus patient who flew from US while showing symptoms Authorities tightened restrictions in the city even further on February 11, confining people to their homes as health workers faced a daily deluge of well over 1,000 cases a move officials say was critical in containing the virus. Other cities across the country enacted further measures to compel most people to stay indoors, and no new domestic infections have been detected outside Hubei for many days in a row. But the country is now concerned about an influx of cases from abroad, with an average of 20,000 people flying into China every day. Also see: WION Edit: Amid coronavirus crisis, US-China fight the patent war for vaccine Beijing started on Monday to require almost all international arrivals to go into 14-day quarantine in designated hotels. People who live alone, minors, the elderly, pregnant women and people with underlying conditions are allowed to confine themselves at home. Shanghai extended its mandatory quarantine to travellers from 16 countries on Tuesday including the US, Australia and several European nations but said travellers may quarantine either at home or at a designated location. Also read: China reports more coronavirus cases from abroad amid strict quarantine measures Nine of the 20 new imported cases were in Beijing and three in Shanghai, raising the total number of confirmed infections from abroad to 143, according to the National Health Commission. As well as Shanghai and Beijing, another seven provinces or municipalities announced that they would make international arrivals carry out a mandatory quarantine either at home or in central facilities. China also reported 13 deaths Tuesday, raising its toll to 3,226. Watch: Coronavirus pandemic over in China? The country has recorded 80,881 total cases, but fewer than 9,000 people remain infected. The country's progress stands in stark contrast with the growing crisis in other countries, with the World Health Organization saying there were now more deaths and cases outside China. The number of deaths worldwide has passed 7,000, with more than 181,500 cases in 145 countries.

China reports just one new domestic virus case, 20 more imported

The Odisha government on Tuesday extended the period of all regulations in force over the Covid-19 threat from March 31 to April 15, prompting panic-buying of essential items across the state. Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the decision was taken as part of his government’s efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.&nbsp;

“The regulation will be in force till 15th April which may be extended based on the situation. Appeal everyone to comply with the regulation and be part of Odisha’s efforts in protecting the people of the state from #COVID19,” the chief minister tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Appeal everyone who comes to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a> from abroad to register themselves through toll free number (104) or online portal <a href="https://t.co/dAGGzSp7jV">https://t.co/dAGGzSp7jV</a> to be part of Odisha’s effort in preventing spread of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirus</a>. It will help us in protecting you &amp; your family from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. <a href="https://t.co/DtgmSz8Ih7">pic.twitter.com/DtgmSz8Ih7</a>
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Naveen_Odisha/status/1239553532170080256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The government had on March 13 ordered the closure of all educational institutes, cinema halls, swimming pools and gymnasiums over the coronavirus threat. Officials said people were hoarding essential items, as administration in several districts has asked shopping malls and retail stores to down shutters. Sudhansu Sarangi, Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, however, appealed to people to refrain from panic-buying as small shops and grocery stores will remain open.

Prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC have come into force in several districts of the state, including Ganjam, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Angul and parts of Khurda and Puri, to prevent mass gathering of people, the officials said. Tourists have been discouraged from visiting popular destinations, with several shrines, including Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, restricting entry of visitors, they added.

All companies, including IT firms, have been asked to adopt special safeguards. According to a notification issued to IT companies by the Commissionerate of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, employees who have been to a foreign country will have to be quarantined for 14 days, during which they may work from home or avail leave as per company policies.

Also, if any employee has family members who have recently travelled to a foreign destination, he or she would have to submit a declaration and stay home for 14 days.

The notification will come into effect from March 17, 2020, Sarangi said, adding that any firm failing to comply with the orders shall be liable for prosecution under section 100 of Odisha Urban Police Act. The first confirmed case of novel coronavirus was reported in Odisha on Monday after a researcher who recently returned from Italy tested positive for it. The 33-year-old is being treated at Capital Hospital here.

The Odisha government on Tuesday extended the period of all regulations in force over the Covid-19 threat from March 31 to April 15, prompting panic-buying of essential items across the state.

The Odisha government on Tuesday extended the period of all regulations in force over the Covid-19 threat from March 31 to April 15, prompting panic-buying of essential items across the state. Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the decision was taken as part of his government’s efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. “The regulation will be in force till 15th April which may be extended based on the situation. Appeal everyone to comply with the regulation and be part of Odisha’s efforts in protecting the people of the state from #COVID19,” the chief minister tweeted. Appeal everyone who comes to #Odisha from abroad to register themselves through toll free number (104) or online portal https://t.co/dAGGzSp7jV to be part of Odisha’s effort in preventing spread of #CoronaVirus. It will help us in protecting you & your family from #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/DtgmSz8Ih7 — Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) March 16, 2020 × The government had on March 13 ordered the closure of all educational institutes, cinema halls, swimming pools and gymnasiums over the coronavirus threat. Officials said people were hoarding essential items, as administration in several districts has asked shopping malls and retail stores to down shutters. Sudhansu Sarangi, Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, however, appealed to people to refrain from panic-buying as small shops and grocery stores will remain open. Prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC have come into force in several districts of the state, including Ganjam, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Angul and parts of Khurda and Puri, to prevent mass gathering of people, the officials said. Tourists have been discouraged from visiting popular destinations, with several shrines, including Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, restricting entry of visitors, they added. All companies, including IT firms, have been asked to adopt special safeguards. According to a notification issued to IT companies by the Commissionerate of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, employees who have been to a foreign country will have to be quarantined for 14 days, during which they may work from home or avail leave as per company policies. Also, if any employee has family members who have recently travelled to a foreign destination, he or she would have to submit a declaration and stay home for 14 days. The notification will come into effect from March 17, 2020, Sarangi said, adding that any firm failing to comply with the orders shall be liable for prosecution under section 100 of Odisha Urban Police Act. The first confirmed case of novel coronavirus was reported in Odisha on Monday after a researcher who recently returned from Italy tested positive for it. The 33-year-old is being treated at Capital Hospital here.

Covid-19 scare: Odisha govt extends regulation period from March 31 to April 15

Coronavirus has spread across the globe like wildfire and dozens of new cases are being recorded every day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/confirmed-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-125-in-india-286872">Also Read:&nbsp;Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India</a>

By now, everyone knows that the virus enters the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth, which is why frequent and thorough handwashing is recommended as the best protection against infection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/64-year-old-dies-in-mumbai-third-death-due-to-coronavirus-in-india-286873">Also read: 64-year-old dies in Mumbai, third death due to coronavirus in India</a> 
 
If you do not have access to soap and running water, then hand sanitisers are the next best option. The centers for disease control and prevention, a leading national public health institute of the United States, is also recommending that you clean and disinfect 'frequently touched surfaces' daily - this would include electronic devices that you use every day - such as your phone and computer/laptop keyboard.

Experts don’t yet know how long the virus that causes Covid-19 can survive on surfaces, but most other viruses are able to live on metal, glass, or plastic surfaces for up to nine days, and therefore, it's best to sanitise these gadgets.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-pandemic-stores-run-out-of-supplies-in-india-286866/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Research shows that both smartphones and keyboards are way dirtier than toilet seats. And here is how you can follow these basic instructions for disinfecting your gear without damaging it:

How to sanitise your phone/tablet:

1. Clean your phone or tablet at least once a day. While there is no need to go overboard, do try and wipe them down once in 24 hours.&nbsp;

2. Unplug your device and then use anti-bacterial wipes to clean it.

3. You can also use a soft cloth with a product that has 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol, but make sure the cloth is lint-free, otherwise, it will leave fluff behind.

4. Avoid any material that could be abrasive, like rough towels or paper towels, as these may damage the sensitive screen.

5. Never spray any cleaner or disinfectant directly onto the phone. Instead, spray it on the cloth and then use the cloth on the device.

6. Remember to keep liquids away from the product. Make sure that no liquid gets inside your phone through any openings, this can ruin your phone and most insurance does not cover liquid damage.

7. Also note that it’s not just the screen, other parts of the phone such as the power button, and the home button, can be as dirty as a toilet seat, so clean them too.

8. If your phone comes with waterproofing and has IP68 rating, you can keep it in a bowl of water for a brief period and later, dab it using a cloth. But check the specifications very carefully before you attempt this.

9. Don't use compressed air to clean it, the powered jet of air might interfere with the engineering of your phone.&nbsp;

10. Don’t forget your phone case - clean it and let it dry before slipping your phone back inside.&nbsp;

Well, that’s about sanitising the smartphone, now let's look at how we can keep our keyboards clean:

1. &nbsp;Start with holding the keyboard upside down and then shake it - this will help clear off crumbs and other debri stuck inside.

2. You can also use a keyboard cleaning gel which soaks all the dirt, dust and germs

3. A can of compressed air can also come in handy while cleaning your keyboard. It’s pretty useful to clean things where space is tight.

4. You can also use a microfibre cloth and dip it in the isopropyl alcohol. Use it gently to wipe the keys.

Unless your phone and keyboard are exposed to a potentially-infected person, you don’t need to worry about cleaning them multiple times a day - just do this once a day to keep them germ-free.

Apart from following these cleaning measures, don't pass your phone around, and use devices like headphones and Bluetooth to keep your phone away from your face. These basic protective measures can help us safeguard our health.

Coronavirus has spread across the globe like wildfire and dozens of new cases are being recorded every day. Also Read: Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India By now, everyone knows that the virus enters the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth, which is why frequent and thorough handwashing is recommended as the best protection against infection.

Coronavirus has spread across the globe like wildfire and dozens of new cases are being recorded every day. Also Read: Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India By now, everyone knows that the virus enters the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth, which is why frequent and thorough handwashing is recommended as the best protection against infection. Also read: 64-year-old dies in Mumbai, third death due to coronavirus in India If you do not have access to soap and running water, then hand sanitisers are the next best option. The centers for disease control and prevention, a leading national public health institute of the United States, is also recommending that you clean and disinfect 'frequently touched surfaces' daily - this would include electronic devices that you use every day - such as your phone and computer/laptop keyboard. Experts don’t yet know how long the virus that causes Covid-19 can survive on surfaces, but most other viruses are able to live on metal, glass, or plastic surfaces for up to nine days, and therefore, it's best to sanitise these gadgets. Watch Video: Research shows that both smartphones and keyboards are way dirtier than toilet seats. And here is how you can follow these basic instructions for disinfecting your gear without damaging it: How to sanitise your phone/tablet: 1. Clean your phone or tablet at least once a day. While there is no need to go overboard, do try and wipe them down once in 24 hours. 2. Unplug your device and then use anti-bacterial wipes to clean it. 3. You can also use a soft cloth with a product that has 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol, but make sure the cloth is lint-free, otherwise, it will leave fluff behind. 4. Avoid any material that could be abrasive, like rough towels or paper towels, as these may damage the sensitive screen. 5. Never spray any cleaner or disinfectant directly onto the phone. Instead, spray it on the cloth and then use the cloth on the device. 6. Remember to keep liquids away from the product. Make sure that no liquid gets inside your phone through any openings, this can ruin your phone and most insurance does not cover liquid damage. 7. Also note that it’s not just the screen, other parts of the phone such as the power button, and the home button, can be as dirty as a toilet seat, so clean them too. 8. If your phone comes with waterproofing and has IP68 rating, you can keep it in a bowl of water for a brief period and later, dab it using a cloth. But check the specifications very carefully before you attempt this. 9. Don't use compressed air to clean it, the powered jet of air might interfere with the engineering of your phone. 10. Don’t forget your phone case - clean it and let it dry before slipping your phone back inside. Well, that’s about sanitising the smartphone, now let's look at how we can keep our keyboards clean: 1. Start with holding the keyboard upside down and then shake it - this will help clear off crumbs and other debri stuck inside. 2. You can also use a keyboard cleaning gel which soaks all the dirt, dust and germs 3. A can of compressed air can also come in handy while cleaning your keyboard. It’s pretty useful to clean things where space is tight. 4. You can also use a microfibre cloth and dip it in the isopropyl alcohol. Use it gently to wipe the keys. Unless your phone and keyboard are exposed to a potentially-infected person, you don’t need to worry about cleaning them multiple times a day - just do this once a day to keep them germ-free. Apart from following these cleaning measures, don't pass your phone around, and use devices like headphones and Bluetooth to keep your phone away from your face. These basic protective measures can help us safeguard our health.

Coronavirus outbreak: How to keep your gadgets clean and sanitised

The world is battling a pandemic.&nbsp;While many have joined hands, the United States of America and China are hard at work to exploit this crisis.

They're competing for the tag of superpower. Their ugly and bitter fight is spilling onto the coronavirus crisis as well. 
 
The trade war is not yet over. Now, America and China have opened a new front - a patent war for owning the cure of coronavirus.

The Institute of Technology in Wuhan is backed by the state and has played a critical role in China's fight against the coronavirus. A few weeks ago, the institute had filed a patent for a drug.

It is called the Remdesivir, something that is believed to be an effective cure of the coronavirus. The patent, if approved, will create a unique opportunity for China.&nbsp;

They will be in a position to provide the cure for the coronavirus - something that the world desperately needs. America too has jumped into the race.

The Trump administration is trying to make a deal. Germany has a biopharmaceutical company which is called Curevac. Washington is apparently trying to persuade Curevac to move its research to the United States. &nbsp;

The company is running tests on its own coronavirus vaccines. Reports say&nbsp;Berlin is trying to stop Curevac from leaving by proposing counteroffers.

For more than 100 countries that are fighting the coronavirus, a potential cure is a difference between life and death. But, for the world powers, this is about making money. The purpose of a patent is to own the sole right of an invention.

The coronavirus has triggered a race, if the patents are allowed to go through, the cure for the pandemic will be sold to the highest bidder.

As the United States and China fight the patent wars, India's response is a stark contrast. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to SAARC nations. All eight members are willing to wage a collective battle.

The efforts to control the cure for the coronavirus will only slow down the fight. Already, there is a sharp difference in how the coronavirus outbreak is being handled in different parts of the world.

If some blocs are allowed to control the potential cure, the world will be more vulnerable to pandemics. It will widen the gap between the rich and poor countries.

Treatment will only be available to those who can pay for it. The promise of a patent might speed up the development of a cure, but will slow down the fight against the coronavirus. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

The world is battling a pandemic. While many have joined hands, the United States of America and China are hard at work to exploit this crisis. They're competing for the tag of superpower.

The world is battling a pandemic. While many have joined hands, the United States of America and China are hard at work to exploit this crisis. They're competing for the tag of superpower. Their ugly and bitter fight is spilling onto the coronavirus crisis as well. The trade war is not yet over. Now, America and China have opened a new front - a patent war for owning the cure of coronavirus. The Institute of Technology in Wuhan is backed by the state and has played a critical role in China's fight against the coronavirus. A few weeks ago, the institute had filed a patent for a drug. It is called the Remdesivir, something that is believed to be an effective cure of the coronavirus. The patent, if approved, will create a unique opportunity for China. They will be in a position to provide the cure for the coronavirus - something that the world desperately needs. America too has jumped into the race. The Trump administration is trying to make a deal. Germany has a biopharmaceutical company which is called Curevac. Washington is apparently trying to persuade Curevac to move its research to the United States. The company is running tests on its own coronavirus vaccines. Reports say Berlin is trying to stop Curevac from leaving by proposing counteroffers. For more than 100 countries that are fighting the coronavirus, a potential cure is a difference between life and death. But, for the world powers, this is about making money. The purpose of a patent is to own the sole right of an invention. The coronavirus has triggered a race, if the patents are allowed to go through, the cure for the pandemic will be sold to the highest bidder. As the United States and China fight the patent wars, India's response is a stark contrast. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to SAARC nations. All eight members are willing to wage a collective battle. The efforts to control the cure for the coronavirus will only slow down the fight. Already, there is a sharp difference in how the coronavirus outbreak is being handled in different parts of the world. If some blocs are allowed to control the potential cure, the world will be more vulnerable to pandemics. It will widen the gap between the rich and poor countries. Treatment will only be available to those who can pay for it. The promise of a patent might speed up the development of a cure, but will slow down the fight against the coronavirus. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Amid coronavirus crisis, US-China fight the patent war for vaccine

China on Monday announced 14 deaths due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-spain-reports-100-new-deaths-in-last-24-hours-286556">coronavirus</a> with the&nbsp;toll touching 3,213 even as authorities reported 12 more imported cases of the novel coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-basically-curbed-in-hubei-province-says-president-xi-during-visit-to-wuhan-285493">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus basically curbed in Hubei province, says President Xi during visit to Wuhan</a>

Last week during a visit to Wuhan, President Xi had said that "coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been basically curbed in Hubei province and the capital city Wuhan."

However, authorities now fear visitors may bring in cases from abroad.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/smartphone-one-of-the-major-things-which-spread-coronavirus-covid-19-286438/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China announced that those coming from abroad into the country from Monday will into quarantine facilities for 14 days.

Imported cases of infection have now outnumbered domestic infections for three straight days in China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-spreads-to-all-canadian-provinces-with-313-confirmed-cases-286565">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus spreads to all Canadian provinces with 313 confirmed cases</a>

According to the National Health Commission, there were four new local cases in the country - all in Wuhan which was the epicentre of the virus for several months.

WHO has declared on Friday that Europe is now the new epicentre of the virus with Italy and Spain suffering from the virus.

In Spain, 100 new death were reported in the last 24 hours with 7,753 people infected even as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a lockdown as his wife tested positive for the COVID-19.&nbsp;

The lockdown was part of the 15-day state of emergency declared by the Spanish government.

China on Monday announced 14 deaths due to the coronavirus with the toll touching 3,213 even as authorities reported 12 more imported cases of the novel coronavirus.

China on Monday announced 14 deaths due to the coronavirus with the toll touching 3,213 even as authorities reported 12 more imported cases of the novel coronavirus. Also Read: Coronavirus basically curbed in Hubei province, says President Xi during visit to Wuhan Last week during a visit to Wuhan, President Xi had said that "coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been basically curbed in Hubei province and the capital city Wuhan." However, authorities now fear visitors may bring in cases from abroad. Watch Video: China announced that those coming from abroad into the country from Monday will into quarantine facilities for 14 days. Imported cases of infection have now outnumbered domestic infections for three straight days in China. Also Read: Coronavirus spreads to all Canadian provinces with 313 confirmed cases According to the National Health Commission, there were four new local cases in the country - all in Wuhan which was the epicentre of the virus for several months. WHO has declared on Friday that Europe is now the new epicentre of the virus with Italy and Spain suffering from the virus. In Spain, 100 new death were reported in the last 24 hours with 7,753 people infected even as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a lockdown as his wife tested positive for the COVID-19. The lockdown was part of the 15-day state of emergency declared by the Spanish government.

China reports more coronavirus cases from abroad amid strict quarantine measures

People infected with the coronavirus can remain contagious for a lot longer than the two-week-long quarantine period. According to a new study, patients can keep the pathogen in their respiratory tract for as long as 37 days.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-coronavirus-death-confirmed-in-indias-karnataka-285972">Also read: First coronavirus death confirmed in India's Karnataka</a>

An article published in The Lancet medical journal further says doctors in China detected the virus' RNA in survivours for a median of 20 days after they got the infection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-coronavirus-is-leading-to-mass-purchase-of-toilet-papers-285979">Also read: Why coronavirus is leading to mass purchase of toilet papers</a>

The findings are being said to have significant implications for decision-making involving patient isolation, and subsequent treatment. The recommended isolation period, currently, after exposure is 14 days to avoid spreading the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-effect-after-macron-trump-does-a-namaste-285974">Coronavirus effect: After Macron, Trump does a 'Namaste'</a>

"The shortest observed duration of viral shedding among survivours was eight days, whereas the longest was 37 days," the researchers said.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, people are most likely to spread the virus when they are the sickest. However, there have been reports of some spreading the virus before showing symptoms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/coronavirus-pandemic-these-are-no-go-zones-in-europe-285941">Coronavirus pandemic: These are 'no go' zones in Europe</a>

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has so far infected more than 1,25,000 people and spread to 118 countries since its outbreak in Wuhan, China at the end of the last year.

A separate study in the New England Journal of Medicine had earlier suggested the coronavirus patients could be infected for up to 24 days before exhibiting actual symptoms. The average time is, however, much shorter — about three days.

People infected with the coronavirus can remain contagious for a lot longer than the two-week-long quarantine period. According to a new study, patients can keep the pathogen in their respiratory tract for as long as 37 days.

People infected with the coronavirus can remain contagious for a lot longer than the two-week-long quarantine period. According to a new study, patients can keep the pathogen in their respiratory tract for as long as 37 days. Also read: First coronavirus death confirmed in India's Karnataka An article published in The Lancet medical journal further says doctors in China detected the virus' RNA in survivours for a median of 20 days after they got the infection. Also read: Why coronavirus is leading to mass purchase of toilet papers The findings are being said to have significant implications for decision-making involving patient isolation, and subsequent treatment. The recommended isolation period, currently, after exposure is 14 days to avoid spreading the virus. Coronavirus effect: After Macron, Trump does a 'Namaste' "The shortest observed duration of viral shedding among survivours was eight days, whereas the longest was 37 days," the researchers said. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, people are most likely to spread the virus when they are the sickest. However, there have been reports of some spreading the virus before showing symptoms. Coronavirus pandemic: These are 'no go' zones in Europe The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has so far infected more than 1,25,000 people and spread to 118 countries since its outbreak in Wuhan, China at the end of the last year. A separate study in the New England Journal of Medicine had earlier suggested the coronavirus patients could be infected for up to 24 days before exhibiting actual symptoms. The average time is, however, much shorter — about three days.

Coronavirus can live in infected people for weeks longer than first thought

NASA has revealed satellite pictures to show how China's pollution levels declined in December as China began its battle against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100000-likely-coronavirus-cases-in-ohio-us-health-official-286226">coronavirus</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-now-the-epicentre-of-coronavirus-pandemic-who-286257">Also Read:&nbsp;Europe now the epicentre of coronavirus pandemic, says&nbsp;WHO</a>

The video compares satellite images before and after the quarantine in Wuhan. As the virus spread, Chinese authorities moved to stop pubic transport which dramatically reducted pollution in the country.

NASA and the European Space Agency used satellite images to show&nbsp;nitrogen dioxide (NO2) went down drastically as China began to close factories and put brakes on travel.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAGgjFVajrs&amp;feature=youtu.be/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

NO2 which is widely emitted by vehicles and industrial units saw a rapid drop, thereby improving environmental conditions, NASA scientists revealed with first signs seen in Wuhan which was later seen throughout the country.

The drop was significant in Wuhan with NO2 levels still high in Beijing where the virus reached much later. According to NASA scientists, it was the most dramatic fall in pollution over a short period of time in the country not seen since the 2008 recession and the Beijing Olympics in the same year.

The virus has claimed 3,176 lives in China so far with over 80,000 infected.&nbsp;

NASA has revealed satellite pictures to show how China's pollution levels declined in December as China began its battle against coronavirus. Also Read: Europe now the epicentre of coronavirus pandemic, says WHO The video compares satellite images before and after the quarantine in Wuhan.

NASA has revealed satellite pictures to show how China's pollution levels declined in December as China began its battle against coronavirus. Also Read: Europe now the epicentre of coronavirus pandemic, says WHO The video compares satellite images before and after the quarantine in Wuhan. As the virus spread, Chinese authorities moved to stop pubic transport which dramatically reducted pollution in the country. NASA and the European Space Agency used satellite images to show nitrogen dioxide (NO2) went down drastically as China began to close factories and put brakes on travel. Watch Video: NO2 which is widely emitted by vehicles and industrial units saw a rapid drop, thereby improving environmental conditions, NASA scientists revealed with first signs seen in Wuhan which was later seen throughout the country. The drop was significant in Wuhan with NO2 levels still high in Beijing where the virus reached much later. According to NASA scientists, it was the most dramatic fall in pollution over a short period of time in the country not seen since the 2008 recession and the Beijing Olympics in the same year. The virus has claimed 3,176 lives in China so far with over 80,000 infected.

NASA satellite pictures show how coronavirus lockdown in China reduced pollution

As the world grapples and fights, India has emerged as a leader. India is not just working on its domestic response but leading a global effort.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed that SAARC nations should work together to fight the coronavirus. He suggested that the bloc should unite to create a strong strategy. The Prime Minister invited SAARC leaders to join him in a video conference.

The idea is to discuss a coordinated response to the coronavirus outbreak. It's been the hallmark of India's response to the coronavirus outbreak so far.

Since the first cases were reported, India has played a constructive role. India was among the few countries to complete successful rescue missions from the epicentre of the outbreak - Wuhan.

The flights, initially meant to bring back Indian citizens, became a vehicle to expand regional cooperation. India rescued citizens from the neighbourhood. It sent 15 tonnes of medical supplies to China.

When the crisis peaked - India lifted the ban on the export of personal protection equipment, items like surgical and disposable masks and gloves, supplies that China was running short on due to the outbreak - it was a strong expression of solidarity towards a crisis hit partner.

And now, New Delhi has made an overture to SAARC nations. It's a move that could breathe new life into this forum. India has an important role to play in the new world order&nbsp;and South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions in the world.

New Delhi could use this opportunity to revive a platform, using its diplomatic heft. SAARC needs to work together to battle this pandemic. The World Bank and the WHO published a report together in 2019. It predicted that a coronavirus like outbreak will cost South Asia's GDP 53 billion dollars. A loss that none of the South Asian countries can afford today.

SAARC is perhaps the only alliance that truly represents South Asia. It has eight nations as its members - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the Maldives.

The same countries also face several public health challenges. Just India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka represent around one-fifth of the world's population. The region needs substantial resources and efficient health systems to battle the coronavirus.

That's the reason why India's efforts to unite the bloc must be applauded.

Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) is one such instance. America's decision to scrap the trans-pacific partnership was another setback. But, if India can manage a SAARC front, it might provide a new template to the world to fight the coronavirus. 
 
India's move to bring neighbours together is an example for the whole world.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

 
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As the world grapples and fights, India has emerged as a leader. India is not just working on its domestic response but leading a global effort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed that SAARC nations should work together to fight the coronavirus.

As the world grapples and fights, India has emerged as a leader. India is not just working on its domestic response but leading a global effort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed that SAARC nations should work together to fight the coronavirus. He suggested that the bloc should unite to create a strong strategy. The Prime Minister invited SAARC leaders to join him in a video conference. The idea is to discuss a coordinated response to the coronavirus outbreak. It's been the hallmark of India's response to the coronavirus outbreak so far. Since the first cases were reported, India has played a constructive role. India was among the few countries to complete successful rescue missions from the epicentre of the outbreak - Wuhan. The flights, initially meant to bring back Indian citizens, became a vehicle to expand regional cooperation. India rescued citizens from the neighbourhood. It sent 15 tonnes of medical supplies to China. When the crisis peaked - India lifted the ban on the export of personal protection equipment, items like surgical and disposable masks and gloves, supplies that China was running short on due to the outbreak - it was a strong expression of solidarity towards a crisis hit partner. And now, New Delhi has made an overture to SAARC nations. It's a move that could breathe new life into this forum. India has an important role to play in the new world order and South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions in the world. New Delhi could use this opportunity to revive a platform, using its diplomatic heft. SAARC needs to work together to battle this pandemic. The World Bank and the WHO published a report together in 2019. It predicted that a coronavirus like outbreak will cost South Asia's GDP 53 billion dollars. A loss that none of the South Asian countries can afford today. SAARC is perhaps the only alliance that truly represents South Asia. It has eight nations as its members - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the Maldives. The same countries also face several public health challenges. Just India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka represent around one-fifth of the world's population. The region needs substantial resources and efficient health systems to battle the coronavirus. That's the reason why India's efforts to unite the bloc must be applauded. Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) is one such instance. America's decision to scrap the trans-pacific partnership was another setback. But, if India can manage a SAARC front, it might provide a new template to the world to fight the coronavirus. India's move to bring neighbours together is an example for the whole world. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Coronavirus outbreak - India emerges as a leader

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