There is a lot about&nbsp;coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit.

Recently, a group of scientists had claimed that coronavirus is actually airborne, meaning it can be passed through the air, as opposed to what what earlier posited.

Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists have been sure of the fact that COVID-19 is transmitted through the micodroplets released by patients when they're speaking or breathing. However, no proof existed until now of whether these particles were infectious

Replicated quickly!

A study undertaken at the University of Nebraska and released this week, for the first time showed how coronavirus derived from microdroplets (defined as under five microns) can spread even in lab conditions. 
 
This gives credence to the notion that simply speaking and breathing&nbsp;as opposed to coughing and sneezing can spread the virus from one person to another. Additionally, this nullifies the scientific value of the two metres distancing role adopted worldwide, for the infectious virus can travel beyond it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/is-the-airborne-route-a-major-source-of-coronavirus-transmission-311608" hreflang="en">Is the airborne route a major source of coronavirus transmission?</a> 
 
Even though the research has not been peer-reviewed, it is a revelation in a series of many such shocking details that have come regarding the virus recently. 
 
Published on medrxiv.org, the research was done by scientists who in March showed that the virus remained airborne in the hospital rooms of coronavirus patients. This study will soon be published in a journal. 
 
Joshua Santarpia, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center told AFP,&nbsp;"It is actually fairly difficult" to collect the samples.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hundreds-of-scientists-say-coronavirus-is-airborne-ask-who-to-revise-recommendations-says-report-310933" hreflang="en">Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report</a>

Infectious microdroplets

The device used to understand the virus was the size of cellular phone, however "the&nbsp;concentrations are typically very low, your chances of recovering material are small".

As part of their research, the scientists took samples of air from five rooms of coronavirus patients. The height at which the results were recorded was about 30 centimetres or a foot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-acknowledges-emerging-evidence-on-airborne-coronavirus-transmission-311448" hreflang="en">WHO acknowledges 'emerging evidence' on airborne coronavirus transmission</a>

These recorded "aerosol", or what remains of us after talking, ie, microdroplets, while some were coughing.&nbsp;The researchers were able to collect droplets as small as one micron in diameter.

These samples were placed into a culture to see if they'd grow. They found that out of the 18 samples, three were able to replicate.

This, for the researchers, implies that microdroplets are indeed capable of infecting people. 
 
"It is replicated in cell culture and therefore infectious," he said.

There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit.

There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit. Recently, a group of scientists had claimed that coronavirus is actually airborne, meaning it can be passed through the air, as opposed to what what earlier posited. Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists have been sure of the fact that COVID-19 is transmitted through the micodroplets released by patients when they're speaking or breathing. However, no proof existed until now of whether these particles were infectious Replicated quickly! A study undertaken at the University of Nebraska and released this week, for the first time showed how coronavirus derived from microdroplets (defined as under five microns) can spread even in lab conditions. This gives credence to the notion that simply speaking and breathing as opposed to coughing and sneezing can spread the virus from one person to another. Additionally, this nullifies the scientific value of the two metres distancing role adopted worldwide, for the infectious virus can travel beyond it. Also read: Is the airborne route a major source of coronavirus transmission? Even though the research has not been peer-reviewed, it is a revelation in a series of many such shocking details that have come regarding the virus recently. Published on medrxiv.org, the research was done by scientists who in March showed that the virus remained airborne in the hospital rooms of coronavirus patients. This study will soon be published in a journal. Joshua Santarpia, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center told AFP, "It is actually fairly difficult" to collect the samples. Also read: Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report Infectious microdroplets The device used to understand the virus was the size of cellular phone, however "the concentrations are typically very low, your chances of recovering material are small". As part of their research, the scientists took samples of air from five rooms of coronavirus patients. The height at which the results were recorded was about 30 centimetres or a foot. Also read: WHO acknowledges 'emerging evidence' on airborne coronavirus transmission These recorded "aerosol", or what remains of us after talking, ie, microdroplets, while some were coughing. The researchers were able to collect droplets as small as one micron in diameter. These samples were placed into a culture to see if they'd grow. They found that out of the 18 samples, three were able to replicate. This, for the researchers, implies that microdroplets are indeed capable of infecting people. "It is replicated in cell culture and therefore infectious," he said.

Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious beyond 2 metres

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Cross-border travel between Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) will now only be permitted for work, education or medical care, after the border was closed earlier this month for the first time in 100 years.

Staff or students travelling from Victoria into NSW to attend boarding schools or universities are now required to self-isolate for two weeks and test negative to coronavirus, while seasonal workers from Victoria are barred.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australia-warns-coronavirus-outbreak-will-take-weeks-to-tame-314518" hreflang="en">Australia warns coronavirus outbreak will take weeks to tame</a>

Melbourne has seen a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, with the virus spreading to many aged and nursing homes and some prisons.&nbsp;

Victoria has recorded just under 6,300 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, nearly half of the total infections in Australia. The state recorded 364 new cases on Tuesday.

Australia has recorded nearly 12,500 COVID-19 cases and 126 deaths since the pandemic began earlier this year. Though the overall health outcome is better than many of its rich world peers, authorities and policymakers are increasingly worried about spread of the virulent disease in Melbourne.

In NSW, of which Sydney is the capital city, 16 new COVID-19 cases were recorded with Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying the state was on "high alert" due to community transmissions and new locations of cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/essential-to-stop-virus-australias-second-biggest-city-makes-mask-wearing-compulsory-in-public-314388" hreflang="en">'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public</a>

She raised concerns over another Black Lives Matter protest planned next week, as a possible vehicle for the spread of the virus.

"Irrespective of the issue, we need to follow the health advice. Large crowds are a huge concern. We cannot allow that march to continue unfortunately," Berejiklian said.

"It’s just not sensible at this time to expose yourself and others to the spread of the virus. We’re at a critical point in New South Wales and we don’t want to see the virus spread and actions like that are a huge health risk."

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Cross-border travel between Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) will now only be permitted for work, education or medical care, after the border was closed earlier this month for the first time in 100 years. Staff or students travelling from Victoria into NSW to attend boarding schools or universities are now required to self-isolate for two weeks and test negative to coronavirus, while seasonal workers from Victoria are barred. Also read: Australia warns coronavirus outbreak will take weeks to tame Melbourne has seen a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, with the virus spreading to many aged and nursing homes and some prisons. Victoria has recorded just under 6,300 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, nearly half of the total infections in Australia. The state recorded 364 new cases on Tuesday. Australia has recorded nearly 12,500 COVID-19 cases and 126 deaths since the pandemic began earlier this year. Though the overall health outcome is better than many of its rich world peers, authorities and policymakers are increasingly worried about spread of the virulent disease in Melbourne. In NSW, of which Sydney is the capital city, 16 new COVID-19 cases were recorded with Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying the state was on "high alert" due to community transmissions and new locations of cases. Also read: 'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public She raised concerns over another Black Lives Matter protest planned next week, as a possible vehicle for the spread of the virus. "Irrespective of the issue, we need to follow the health advice. Large crowds are a huge concern. We cannot allow that march to continue unfortunately," Berejiklian said. "It’s just not sensible at this time to expose yourself and others to the spread of the virus. We’re at a critical point in New South Wales and we don’t want to see the virus spread and actions like that are a huge health risk."

Melbourne residents ordered to wear masks as Australia coronavirus cases rise

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease. 
 
A daily technical report recorded a total of 40,400 deaths from the virus, after adding 915 more fatalities in the last 24 hours. The first case in Mexico was detected on February 28.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/at-least-23-bodies-found-in-mass-grave-in-mexico-314185" hreflang="en">At least 23 bodies found in mass grave in Mexico</a> 
 
This week President Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed to improve health standards in the nation to help its combat the virus threat.&nbsp; 
 
He pledged to protect those vulnerable to COVID-19, including tackling "diseases caused by hunger and poverty," launching "a permanent campaign" to promote healthier eating and lifestyles, and treating hypertension, diabetes and obesity as a priority.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/mexico-considers-selling-its-luxurious-presidential-jet-in-barter-deal-313511" hreflang="en">Mexico considers selling its luxurious presidential jet in barter deal</a> 
 
"We want to remember those who died from the COVID-19 pandemic, and send a loving, fraternal hug to their relatives, to their friends," Lopez Obrador said in a video released on social media. 
 
Mexico, with 127 million inhabitants, has the second-highest death toll in Latin America after Brazil, which has 80,000 deaths.&nbsp;

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease.

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease. A daily technical report recorded a total of 40,400 deaths from the virus, after adding 915 more fatalities in the last 24 hours. The first case in Mexico was detected on February 28. Also read: At least 23 bodies found in mass grave in Mexico This week President Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed to improve health standards in the nation to help its combat the virus threat. He pledged to protect those vulnerable to COVID-19, including tackling "diseases caused by hunger and poverty," launching "a permanent campaign" to promote healthier eating and lifestyles, and treating hypertension, diabetes and obesity as a priority. Also read: Mexico considers selling its luxurious presidential jet in barter deal "We want to remember those who died from the COVID-19 pandemic, and send a loving, fraternal hug to their relatives, to their friends," Lopez Obrador said in a video released on social media. Mexico, with 127 million inhabitants, has the second-highest death toll in Latin America after Brazil, which has 80,000 deaths.

Mexico's coronavirus death toll passes 40,000

China may shut the United States consulate&nbsp;in the original epicentre of COVID-19 in the country - the central city of Wuhan in Hubei after Washington asked China to shut its consulate in the US city of Houston on Wednesday.

"Unprecedented escalation"

After the order came through, China promised to retaliate. No official confirmation has been given by Chinese officials yet, but this is the most likely expected move in a series of diplomatic rows between the two countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-may-lose-cyber-domain-to-china-says-senate-report-315144">United States may lose ‘cyber domain’ to China, says Senate report</a>

To counter China’s growing presence in the South China Sea, India and the US recently conducted naval exercises. Australia, too joined in later. This comes in after a growing anti-China sentiment across the world, in the light of its recent military excesses along the border with India, in Taiwan, in Tibet, and in the South China Sea.

In the next three days, China is required to shut its Houston consulate. The US cites protection of their intellectual property and information as the key reasons to do so.

China has referred to the move as an “unprecedented escalation”.

Souring relations

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, relations between both the countries have soured. US President Donald Trump, has on multiple occasions blamed China for spreading the virus across the globe. This birthed a number of conspiracies surrounding the virus, with many claiming that it was manufactured in a Wuhan lab, and others suggesting bio-warfare.

After China claimed that US ordered their consulate shut, the US immediately confirmed the closure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-houston-consulate-closed-to-protect-american-intellectual-property-us-315168" hreflang="en">China's Houston consulate closed to 'protect intellectual property': US</a>

The consulate was "in order to protect American intellectual property and American's private information", State Department’s Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

"The United States will not tolerate the PRC's violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people, just as we have not tolerated the PRC's unfair trade practices, theft of American jobs, and other egregious behaviour," she added.

Recently, the US has been involved in clashes with China in various arenas. It recently claimed that Chinese hackers had been attempting to access sensitive coronavirus vaccine data. It has also launched attacks on the country for enforcing the National Security Law in Hong Kong, for which China is also in a spat with the United Kingdom, which recently suspended its extradition treaty.

China may shut the United States consulate in the original epicentre of COVID-19 in the country - the central city of Wuhan in Hubei after Washington asked China to shut its consulate in the US city of Houston on Wednesday.

China may shut the United States consulate in the original epicentre of COVID-19 in the country - the central city of Wuhan in Hubei after Washington asked China to shut its consulate in the US city of Houston on Wednesday. "Unprecedented escalation" After the order came through, China promised to retaliate. No official confirmation has been given by Chinese officials yet, but this is the most likely expected move in a series of diplomatic rows between the two countries. Also read: United States may lose ‘cyber domain’ to China, says Senate report To counter China’s growing presence in the South China Sea, India and the US recently conducted naval exercises. Australia, too joined in later. This comes in after a growing anti-China sentiment across the world, in the light of its recent military excesses along the border with India, in Taiwan, in Tibet, and in the South China Sea. In the next three days, China is required to shut its Houston consulate. The US cites protection of their intellectual property and information as the key reasons to do so. China has referred to the move as an “unprecedented escalation”. Souring relations Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, relations between both the countries have soured. US President Donald Trump, has on multiple occasions blamed China for spreading the virus across the globe. This birthed a number of conspiracies surrounding the virus, with many claiming that it was manufactured in a Wuhan lab, and others suggesting bio-warfare. After China claimed that US ordered their consulate shut, the US immediately confirmed the closure. Also read: China's Houston consulate closed to 'protect intellectual property': US The consulate was "in order to protect American intellectual property and American's private information", State Department’s Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. "The United States will not tolerate the PRC's violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people, just as we have not tolerated the PRC's unfair trade practices, theft of American jobs, and other egregious behaviour," she added. Recently, the US has been involved in clashes with China in various arenas. It recently claimed that Chinese hackers had been attempting to access sensitive coronavirus vaccine data. It has also launched attacks on the country for enforcing the National Security Law in Hong Kong, for which China is also in a spat with the United Kingdom, which recently suspended its extradition treaty.

'Unprecedented escalation': China may shut US consulate in Wuhan

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago.

Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up. Meanwhile, the country is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history at the moment. Large areas in the country still remain submerged, and homes destroyed. Millions are affected by the devastating floods.

Once the epicentre

COVID-19 was first discovered in a food market in Wuhan, where the first case was lodged after people started showing symptoms of pneumonia.

The group of tourists came from the neighbouring province of Hunan, and consisted of people between the age of 12-82.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/chinas-wuhan-declares-red-alert-as-floods-disrupt-supply-chains-313959" hreflang="en">China's Wuhan declares red alert as floods disrupt supply chains</a>

Reuters reported that the tour bus was sterilised to avoid any potential transmission of coronavirus, which is currently wreaking havoc across 188 countries.

The tourists had to follow social distancing guidelines, with mandatory masks and a free distribution of sanitisers, after taking their temperature.

Tourism industry relieved

The pilot tourist group will see Wuhan’s landmarks like Chu River Han Street, Hubu Lane, and the Yellow Crane Tower.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-offers-rare-glimpse-of-wuhan-lab-centre-of-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories-311975" hreflang="en">China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories</a>

"We got some free tickets for out tourists and enhanced the accommodation level to the five-star-rated hotel where they could enjoy sumptuous buffet for dinner," said Qian Wenkang, the tour guide told Reuters.

"The resumption of inter-provincial travels is a great benefit to the entire tourism industry as well as a hopeful sign for the market to recover," said Lei Wenjie, the CPC committee secretary of the Hubei culture and tourism department.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/virus-samples-with-96-resemblance-to-covid-19-were-sent-to-wuhan-lab-in-2013-311205" hreflang="en">Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013</a>

However, a new research has pointed how temperature tests in the pursuit of identifying coronavirus cases is pretty much ineffective, as almost half the cases don’t even exhibit apparent symptoms of the virus. So if their temperature was normal, they could start be transmitting the disease to other people.

As of July 21, the country has 14 cases of coronavirus. In Hubei alone, over 68,135 cases were recorded, out of which 4,512 succumbed to the virus, and 63,623 recovered. The global tally has surpassed 15 million, with the US, Brazil, and India the hardest-hit countries at the moment. India currently has a recovery rate of 63 per cent, one of the highest in the world. China, on an average has been reporting 10 new cases of coronavirus everyday, which might explain why the former epicentre is now opening up for tourism.

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago. Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up.

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago. Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up. Meanwhile, the country is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history at the moment. Large areas in the country still remain submerged, and homes destroyed. Millions are affected by the devastating floods. Once the epicentre COVID-19 was first discovered in a food market in Wuhan, where the first case was lodged after people started showing symptoms of pneumonia. The group of tourists came from the neighbouring province of Hunan, and consisted of people between the age of 12-82. Also read: China's Wuhan declares red alert as floods disrupt supply chains Reuters reported that the tour bus was sterilised to avoid any potential transmission of coronavirus, which is currently wreaking havoc across 188 countries. The tourists had to follow social distancing guidelines, with mandatory masks and a free distribution of sanitisers, after taking their temperature. Tourism industry relieved The pilot tourist group will see Wuhan’s landmarks like Chu River Han Street, Hubu Lane, and the Yellow Crane Tower. Also read: China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories "We got some free tickets for out tourists and enhanced the accommodation level to the five-star-rated hotel where they could enjoy sumptuous buffet for dinner," said Qian Wenkang, the tour guide told Reuters. "The resumption of inter-provincial travels is a great benefit to the entire tourism industry as well as a hopeful sign for the market to recover," said Lei Wenjie, the CPC committee secretary of the Hubei culture and tourism department. Also read: Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013 However, a new research has pointed how temperature tests in the pursuit of identifying coronavirus cases is pretty much ineffective, as almost half the cases don’t even exhibit apparent symptoms of the virus. So if their temperature was normal, they could start be transmitting the disease to other people. As of July 21, the country has 14 cases of coronavirus. In Hubei alone, over 68,135 cases were recorded, out of which 4,512 succumbed to the virus, and 63,623 recovered. The global tally has surpassed 15 million, with the US, Brazil, and India the hardest-hit countries at the moment. India currently has a recovery rate of 63 per cent, one of the highest in the world. China, on an average has been reporting 10 new cases of coronavirus everyday, which might explain why the former epicentre is now opening up for tourism.

Wuhan welcomes tourists 100 days after lifting coronavirus-induced lockdown

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases.

In a statement by the information department of the government, it said “complete lockdown in all Red districts (excluding Bandipora) of Kmr Div (Kashmir Division) from today evening till 6 am on 27-7-2020.”&nbsp;

It also says that agriculture and horticulture and construction activities will continue as per DMRR guidelines and movement of good carriers, LPG &amp; Oil tankers will continue without any hassle.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/a-local-daily-in-jk-surprises-readers-with-face-masks-as-cases-rise-314900" hreflang="en">A local daily in J&amp;K surprises readers with face masks as cases rise</a>

Earlier, the district administration Srinagar thought its official handle has tweeted about the COVID-19 situation which has reached a point where hospitals are running out of space.&nbsp;

Yesterday, J&amp;K crosses the 15 thousand mark with Srinagar, the summer capital, showing the upward trend with the highest cases in all 20 districts of the union territory. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/jk-joins-boycott-china-campaign-314629" hreflang="en">J&amp;K joins 'Boycott China' campaign</a>

The administration also canceled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in wake of spike in COVID cases but said the shrine board will continue to live telecasts morning prayers for the devotees.

Meanwhile, district magistrate Srinagar has said all non-local laborers will be allowed into Srinagar after testing negative for COVID-19. People have been concerned about the incoming non-local laborers in wake of Coronavirus.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases. In a statement by the information department of the government, it said “complete lockdown in all Red districts (excluding Bandipora) of Kmr Div (Kashmir Division) from today evening till 6 am on 27-7-2020.” It also says that agriculture and horticulture and construction activities will continue as per DMRR guidelines and movement of good carriers, LPG & Oil tankers will continue without any hassle. Also read: A local daily in J&K surprises readers with face masks as cases rise Earlier, the district administration Srinagar thought its official handle has tweeted about the COVID-19 situation which has reached a point where hospitals are running out of space. Yesterday, J&K crosses the 15 thousand mark with Srinagar, the summer capital, showing the upward trend with the highest cases in all 20 districts of the union territory. Also read: J&K joins 'Boycott China' campaign The administration also canceled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in wake of spike in COVID cases but said the shrine board will continue to live telecasts morning prayers for the devotees. Meanwhile, district magistrate Srinagar has said all non-local laborers will be allowed into Srinagar after testing negative for COVID-19. People have been concerned about the incoming non-local laborers in wake of Coronavirus.

J&K: Administration orders complete lockdown in red zones after spike in COVID cases

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers.

One of the most prominent techniques used by everyone ranging from airports to your next-door pharmacy is temperature checks. A man standing at the entry point will usually scan your temperature using a handheld device, pointing it at your forehead.

Based on the reading they receive and whether it qualifies are “not-corona”, they will let you enter, or simply ask you to leave.

But do these temperature checks achieve anything? The answer is unfortunately a scathing no.

Firstly, the biggest issue with COVID-19 is its unpredictability and the amount of information that scientists currently don’t have. For instance, earlier it was established the virus only spreads through person-to-person contact. But a recent research, which forced the WHO to change their stance claimed that the virus is actually airborne, implying it can spread through air.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ready-to-work-with-china-if-first-to-produce-successful-covid-19-vaccine-says-trump-315110" hreflang="en">US ready to work with China if first to produce successful COVID-19 vaccine, says Trump</a>

A new research now claims that this might be causing more harm than good.&nbsp;Reported by Popular Science, the executive Vice President of Scripps Research claimed that this practice is “of no value” and that “it should be abandoned”.&nbsp;Eric Topol also claimed that this practice is unable to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

"Unreliable"

This is a practice rooted in the SARS outbreak of 2000s. However, fever was a more reliable source of ascertaining infection in the case of SARS than it is for COVID-19. Over 86 per cent of SARS patients exhibited feverish symptoms.

SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand is very different from SARS, rendering the temperature checks useless. As suggested above, only half of the people who carry COVID-19 develop a fever. Additionally, the damage is done in terms of transmission way before temperature rises in patients.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/research-indicates-airborne-coronavirus-remains-actively-infectious-beyond-2-metres-315029">Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious</a>

Research emanating from across the globe shows how youngsters sometimes don’t show any symptoms at all, while those who are simply not healthy enough may also not show symptoms.

Additionally, to filter out crowds based on fevers is absurd, given how it’s a common symptom for multiple ailments, or very simply could just be a fever.

This is more relevant for the US, for its flu season usually begins in the autumn, which is around the corner. This conflict of symptoms might keep out the non-carriers, but there’s no guarantee it will prevent those carrying the virus from venturing into public spaces that may become a breeding ground for the virus.

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers.

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers. One of the most prominent techniques used by everyone ranging from airports to your next-door pharmacy is temperature checks. A man standing at the entry point will usually scan your temperature using a handheld device, pointing it at your forehead. Based on the reading they receive and whether it qualifies are “not-corona”, they will let you enter, or simply ask you to leave. But do these temperature checks achieve anything? The answer is unfortunately a scathing no. Firstly, the biggest issue with COVID-19 is its unpredictability and the amount of information that scientists currently don’t have. For instance, earlier it was established the virus only spreads through person-to-person contact. But a recent research, which forced the WHO to change their stance claimed that the virus is actually airborne, implying it can spread through air. Also read: US ready to work with China if first to produce successful COVID-19 vaccine, says Trump A new research now claims that this might be causing more harm than good. Reported by Popular Science, the executive Vice President of Scripps Research claimed that this practice is “of no value” and that “it should be abandoned”. Eric Topol also claimed that this practice is unable to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. "Unreliable" This is a practice rooted in the SARS outbreak of 2000s. However, fever was a more reliable source of ascertaining infection in the case of SARS than it is for COVID-19. Over 86 per cent of SARS patients exhibited feverish symptoms. SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand is very different from SARS, rendering the temperature checks useless. As suggested above, only half of the people who carry COVID-19 develop a fever. Additionally, the damage is done in terms of transmission way before temperature rises in patients. Also read: Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious Research emanating from across the globe shows how youngsters sometimes don’t show any symptoms at all, while those who are simply not healthy enough may also not show symptoms. Additionally, to filter out crowds based on fevers is absurd, given how it’s a common symptom for multiple ailments, or very simply could just be a fever. This is more relevant for the US, for its flu season usually begins in the autumn, which is around the corner. This conflict of symptoms might keep out the non-carriers, but there’s no guarantee it will prevent those carrying the virus from venturing into public spaces that may become a breeding ground for the virus.

Do temperature checks achieve anything in limiting the transmission of COVID-19?

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”.

Speaking during a press conference at WHO’s Switzerland headquarters, he asserted the importance of ensuring equal access for all.

"Fair distribution"

"For the fair distribution and specially access to the poor and those who cannot afford, the most important element will be political commitment, especially by our leaders. And with political commitment, of course, that's the only way you can get fair distribution”, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-who-applauds-oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-data-but-warns-theres-still-a-long-way-to-go-314786">WHO hails ‘good news’ on COVID-19 vaccines, but warns there’s still a long way</a>

He also referred to “worrying patterns” in countries whereby the privilege of the affluent. ”But one of the worrying patterns we see is some countries moving the other direction. And when there is no consensus on having a vaccine, a global public good, it could be actually be owned by those who have money and those who cannot afford it may not have access to the vaccines. Some leaders have already have called and stressed the importance of making, when available, a vaccine or therapeutics global public good," he said.

While further talking about the vaccine, he said that the vaccines must not be seen as “charity” and should indeed be seen as a product for the global public good.

Ghebreyesus further claimed that the WHO has formulated and finalised a vaccine distribution framework even before any official vaccine has been approved. Additionally, the WHO chief added that how the fair distribution of vaccines will benefit the recovery of global economy.

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"The advantage of using fairness or access to also poor countries is the world can really be lifted up and lift itself out of this pandemic together, which can speed up the economic recovery and the world, unless it's opened up its major part, I mean unless the whole world is opened up a in this globalized world, it would be a delaying the economic recovery," said Ghebreyesus.

"Long way to go"

The emergencies chief of WHO, Michael Ryan said that the two new studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a “positive result” but warned that “there is a long way to go”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serum-institute-of-india-to-apply-for-local-trials-on-oxfords-vaccine-in-a-week-314785" hreflang="en">Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine</a>

“We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said.

Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University claimed their experimental vaccine had exhibited a protective immune response in hundreds of people who received the vaccine.

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”.

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”. Speaking during a press conference at WHO’s Switzerland headquarters, he asserted the importance of ensuring equal access for all. "Fair distribution" "For the fair distribution and specially access to the poor and those who cannot afford, the most important element will be political commitment, especially by our leaders. And with political commitment, of course, that's the only way you can get fair distribution”, he said. Also read: WHO hails ‘good news’ on COVID-19 vaccines, but warns there’s still a long way He also referred to “worrying patterns” in countries whereby the privilege of the affluent. ”But one of the worrying patterns we see is some countries moving the other direction. And when there is no consensus on having a vaccine, a global public good, it could be actually be owned by those who have money and those who cannot afford it may not have access to the vaccines. Some leaders have already have called and stressed the importance of making, when available, a vaccine or therapeutics global public good," he said. While further talking about the vaccine, he said that the vaccines must not be seen as “charity” and should indeed be seen as a product for the global public good. Ghebreyesus further claimed that the WHO has formulated and finalised a vaccine distribution framework even before any official vaccine has been approved. Additionally, the WHO chief added that how the fair distribution of vaccines will benefit the recovery of global economy. Also read: After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' "The advantage of using fairness or access to also poor countries is the world can really be lifted up and lift itself out of this pandemic together, which can speed up the economic recovery and the world, unless it's opened up its major part, I mean unless the whole world is opened up a in this globalized world, it would be a delaying the economic recovery," said Ghebreyesus. "Long way to go" The emergencies chief of WHO, Michael Ryan said that the two new studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a “positive result” but warned that “there is a long way to go”. Also read: Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine “We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said. Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University claimed their experimental vaccine had exhibited a protective immune response in hundreds of people who received the vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines should be made public for global good: WHO director-general

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected.

The new guidance breaks from a strategy adopted by most countries where authorities trace and notify people who have had close contact with a carrier of the disease.

An agency spokeswoman said it was much better that individuals themselves contact people they may have infected, rather than official tracking units which currently have this responsibility.

The existing system worked well when the number of infections was lower but had become less effective as the number grew, she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-must-be-willing-to-live-alongside-countries-of-different-cultures-china-314795" hreflang="en">US must be willing to live alongside countries of different cultures: China</a>

Unlike most tracing systems, the Swedish system is not anonymous as individuals are expected to deliver the news of their infection to anyone they've been in close contact with.

It is not yet clear how this will work in practice or whether authorities will check up on this do-it-yourself arrangement.&nbsp;

The health agency is expected to issue full guidelines in the coming days.

Although the number of infections in Sweden has slowed in recent weeks, a total of 78,048 people have been infected since the pandemic began, a figure far outstripping its Nordic neighbours.&nbsp;

Sweden decided to forego a hard lockdown and keep most schools open, and allow businesses to stay open, throughout the outbreak, a strategy that set it apart from most of Europe.

The spokeswoman said the new guidelines will not apply to individuals who are too ill to carry out the responsibility and that authorities will have the discretion in certain cases to do the tracing rather than the patient.

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected.

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected. The new guidance breaks from a strategy adopted by most countries where authorities trace and notify people who have had close contact with a carrier of the disease. An agency spokeswoman said it was much better that individuals themselves contact people they may have infected, rather than official tracking units which currently have this responsibility. The existing system worked well when the number of infections was lower but had become less effective as the number grew, she said. Also read: US must be willing to live alongside countries of different cultures: China Unlike most tracing systems, the Swedish system is not anonymous as individuals are expected to deliver the news of their infection to anyone they've been in close contact with. It is not yet clear how this will work in practice or whether authorities will check up on this do-it-yourself arrangement. The health agency is expected to issue full guidelines in the coming days. Although the number of infections in Sweden has slowed in recent weeks, a total of 78,048 people have been infected since the pandemic began, a figure far outstripping its Nordic neighbours. Sweden decided to forego a hard lockdown and keep most schools open, and allow businesses to stay open, throughout the outbreak, a strategy that set it apart from most of Europe. The spokeswoman said the new guidelines will not apply to individuals who are too ill to carry out the responsibility and that authorities will have the discretion in certain cases to do the tracing rather than the patient.

Sweden says people infected with COVID-19 should do contact tracing themselves

Advisers to President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were set to discuss the next steps in responding to the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, with congressional Republicans saying they were working on a $1 trillion relief bill.

In a meeting on Monday at the White House, Republican lawmakers and administration officials said they were making progress toward fresh legislation aimed at cushioning the heavy economic toll of the pandemic.

"Senate Republicans will put forward our proposal soon, I hope our Democratic colleagues will be ready to work together," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who hopes to unveil the proposal this week.

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will host a meeting on Tuesday to discuss coronavirus relief with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a source familiar with the matter said.

Administration officials also met with Republican senators at the Capitol on Monday. They said the meeting had gone well and they planned more discussions on Tuesday.&nbsp;

They offered few details, with Mnuchin commenting only that a reporter's suggestion that there would be more than $70 billion for schools was "a good guess."

The Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-led House of Representatives have less than two weeks to hammer out a new relief package before enhanced unemployment benefits run out for tens of millions of American workers made jobless by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said the Republican proposal would include a cut to the payroll tax on workers' gross earnings, which funds national retirement programs. Trump backs such a cut as an economic stimulus, but the idea has stirred little enthusiasm among lawmakers, who worry about protecting Social Security payments.

"We're working and negotiating with the Democrats and trying to get a plan that helps small business, helps people, helps this country," Trump said.

Mnuchin did not provide details about the bill beyond saying that it included the payroll tax cut. "It's in the bill, so we'll see," he told reporters.

Schumer warned that Democrats were prepared to stymie any Republican effort to pass partisan legislation. "A bipartisan, bicameral process will result in a much better bill for the American people," he said in a letter to colleagues.&nbsp;

'NOWHERE NEAR OUT OF THE WOODS'

Congress has so far committed $3 trillion to the crisis. In the more than 12 weeks since Trump signed the last bill into law, the number of U.S. coronavirus cases has more than tripled to over 3.7 million. The virus has killed over 140,000 people in the United States. Both figures lead the world.

"We are nowhere near out of the woods," McConnell said.

Mnuchin, who led previous coronavirus bill negotiations with Congress, said he intended to "focus on starting with another trillion dollars. We think that will have a big impact."

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But Democrats have pledged to fight for legislation akin to a $3 trillion bill the House approved in mid-May, providing hundreds of billions of dollars for state and local governments, extending enhanced unemployment insurance and providing new payments to individuals and families.&nbsp;

The prospect for legislation was upstaged over the weekend by reports of White House plans to eliminate funding for testing, drawing opposition from Republicans as well as Democrats.

"I'm for whatever it takes to get enough tests out there to safely open up schools and other aspects of our economy," Senator John Thune, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, told reporters.

Advisers to President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were set to discuss the next steps in responding to the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, with congressional Republicans saying they were working on a $1 trillion relief bill.

Advisers to President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were set to discuss the next steps in responding to the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, with congressional Republicans saying they were working on a $1 trillion relief bill. In a meeting on Monday at the White House, Republican lawmakers and administration officials said they were making progress toward fresh legislation aimed at cushioning the heavy economic toll of the pandemic. "Senate Republicans will put forward our proposal soon, I hope our Democratic colleagues will be ready to work together," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who hopes to unveil the proposal this week. Also read: Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will host a meeting on Tuesday to discuss coronavirus relief with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a source familiar with the matter said. Administration officials also met with Republican senators at the Capitol on Monday. They said the meeting had gone well and they planned more discussions on Tuesday. They offered few details, with Mnuchin commenting only that a reporter's suggestion that there would be more than $70 billion for schools was "a good guess." The Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-led House of Representatives have less than two weeks to hammer out a new relief package before enhanced unemployment benefits run out for tens of millions of American workers made jobless by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read: After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said the Republican proposal would include a cut to the payroll tax on workers' gross earnings, which funds national retirement programs. Trump backs such a cut as an economic stimulus, but the idea has stirred little enthusiasm among lawmakers, who worry about protecting Social Security payments. "We're working and negotiating with the Democrats and trying to get a plan that helps small business, helps people, helps this country," Trump said. Mnuchin did not provide details about the bill beyond saying that it included the payroll tax cut. "It's in the bill, so we'll see," he told reporters. Schumer warned that Democrats were prepared to stymie any Republican effort to pass partisan legislation. "A bipartisan, bicameral process will result in a much better bill for the American people," he said in a letter to colleagues. 'NOWHERE NEAR OUT OF THE WOODS' Congress has so far committed $3 trillion to the crisis. In the more than 12 weeks since Trump signed the last bill into law, the number of U.S. coronavirus cases has more than tripled to over 3.7 million. The virus has killed over 140,000 people in the United States. Both figures lead the world. "We are nowhere near out of the woods," McConnell said. Mnuchin, who led previous coronavirus bill negotiations with Congress, said he intended to "focus on starting with another trillion dollars. We think that will have a big impact." Also read: After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests But Democrats have pledged to fight for legislation akin to a $3 trillion bill the House approved in mid-May, providing hundreds of billions of dollars for state and local governments, extending enhanced unemployment insurance and providing new payments to individuals and families. The prospect for legislation was upstaged over the weekend by reports of White House plans to eliminate funding for testing, drawing opposition from Republicans as well as Democrats. "I'm for whatever it takes to get enough tests out there to safely open up schools and other aspects of our economy," Senator John Thune, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, told reporters.

US congressional Democrats, White House to meet on coronavirus aid

California reported a record increase of more than 11,800 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, according to a Reuters tally of county data, as the Trump administration pushes for schools to reopen to help businesses return to normal.

If California were a country, it would be rank fifth in the world for total cases at nearly 400,000, behind the United States, Brazil, India and Russia.&nbsp;

This is the first time California has reported over 10,000 new infections since setting a record with 10,861 cases on July 14.&nbsp;

Florida has reported over 10,000 new cases a day for the last six days in a row and Texas has reported over 10,000 cases for five out of the last seven days.

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California's daily increases have already surpassed the highest daily tally reported by any European country during the height of the pandemic there.&nbsp;

The biggest outbreak in the state is in Los Angeles County, which has nearly 160,000 total cases on Monday. Hospitals are filling with COVID patients and Los Angeles reported record numbers of currently hospitalized coronavirus patients for the second day in a row on Monday.&nbsp;

To combat the pandemic, California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is shutting down California again.

In addition to closing bars, he ordered restaurants, movie theaters, zoos and museums to cease indoor operations. Gyms, churches and hair salons must close in the 30 hardest-hit counties.

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State prisons are releasing up to 8,000 inmates early to reduce the risk of virus transmission after large outbreaks in several correctional facilities.

California is home to both tech companies in Silicon Valley, Hollywood movie studios and Walt Disney Co's Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.&nbsp;

The entertainment company has indefinitely suspended plans to reopen the California theme park but it did reopen Disney World in Florida on July 11.

California reported a record increase of more than 11,800 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, according to a Reuters tally of county data, as the Trump administration pushes for schools to reopen to help businesses return to normal.

California reported a record increase of more than 11,800 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, according to a Reuters tally of county data, as the Trump administration pushes for schools to reopen to help businesses return to normal. If California were a country, it would be rank fifth in the world for total cases at nearly 400,000, behind the United States, Brazil, India and Russia. This is the first time California has reported over 10,000 new infections since setting a record with 10,861 cases on July 14. Florida has reported over 10,000 new cases a day for the last six days in a row and Texas has reported over 10,000 cases for five out of the last seven days. Also read: Trump to send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests California's daily increases have already surpassed the highest daily tally reported by any European country during the height of the pandemic there. The biggest outbreak in the state is in Los Angeles County, which has nearly 160,000 total cases on Monday. Hospitals are filling with COVID patients and Los Angeles reported record numbers of currently hospitalized coronavirus patients for the second day in a row on Monday. To combat the pandemic, California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is shutting down California again. In addition to closing bars, he ordered restaurants, movie theaters, zoos and museums to cease indoor operations. Gyms, churches and hair salons must close in the 30 hardest-hit counties. Also read: Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic State prisons are releasing up to 8,000 inmates early to reduce the risk of virus transmission after large outbreaks in several correctional facilities. California is home to both tech companies in Silicon Valley, Hollywood movie studios and Walt Disney Co's Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The entertainment company has indefinitely suspended plans to reopen the California theme park but it did reopen Disney World in Florida on July 11.

California reports nearly 12,000 COVID cases, biggest increase since pandemic started

A Florida teachers union sued the state on Monday in an effort to halt next month's planned restart of classroom instruction, which it says poses an "imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare" of its members, students and parents.&nbsp;

Citing the state's position as a leading U.S. coronavirus hot spot, the Florida Education Association (FEA) argued in its lawsuit that in-class instruction violates the state constitution's guarantee of a "safe" education for children.

The union's complaint against Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials asks the state Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County for an emergency order halting classroom in-class instruction to avoid "irreparable harm."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-who-applauds-oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-data-but-warns-theres-still-a-long-way-to-go-314786" hreflang="en">COVID-19 vaccine: WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go</a>

"The spread of COVID-19 that will result from the unsafe reopening of schools during the surge is not limited to students, teachers, school administrators, or school staff and will undoubtably spread to their families and communities," the complaint said.&nbsp;

With new coronavirus infections having topped 10,000 per day for nearly a week, Florida has emerged as one of the country's epicenters for the pandemic in recent weeks.

"The governor needs to accept the reality of the situation here in Florida, where the virus is surging out of control," association President Fedrick Ingram said in a statement.

The suit also names Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, who issued a July 6 order requiring local officials to "open brick and mortar schools at least five days per week" in August for families opting for in-class instruction, as opposed to remote instruction.

Corcoran replied that his order did not lay out any new requirements for schools to be open.

"It simply created new innovative options for families to have the CHOICE to decide what works best for the health and safety of their student and family," he said in a statement.

The FEA, which has 140,000 members, is affiliated with both national teachers unions, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, both of which it said support the suit.

A Florida teachers union sued the state on Monday in an effort to halt next month's planned restart of classroom instruction, which it says poses an "imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare" of its members, students and parents.

A Florida teachers union sued the state on Monday in an effort to halt next month's planned restart of classroom instruction, which it says poses an "imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare" of its members, students and parents. Citing the state's position as a leading U.S. coronavirus hot spot, the Florida Education Association (FEA) argued in its lawsuit that in-class instruction violates the state constitution's guarantee of a "safe" education for children. The union's complaint against Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials asks the state Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County for an emergency order halting classroom in-class instruction to avoid "irreparable harm." Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go "The spread of COVID-19 that will result from the unsafe reopening of schools during the surge is not limited to students, teachers, school administrators, or school staff and will undoubtably spread to their families and communities," the complaint said. With new coronavirus infections having topped 10,000 per day for nearly a week, Florida has emerged as one of the country's epicenters for the pandemic in recent weeks. "The governor needs to accept the reality of the situation here in Florida, where the virus is surging out of control," association President Fedrick Ingram said in a statement. The suit also names Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, who issued a July 6 order requiring local officials to "open brick and mortar schools at least five days per week" in August for families opting for in-class instruction, as opposed to remote instruction. Corcoran replied that his order did not lay out any new requirements for schools to be open. "It simply created new innovative options for families to have the CHOICE to decide what works best for the health and safety of their student and family," he said in a statement. The FEA, which has 140,000 members, is affiliated with both national teachers unions, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, both of which it said support the suit.

Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic

The British government borrowing went&nbsp;over $162 billion (128 billion Pounds) billion over the first three months of the 2020/21 financial year. This was when the country was under a strict lockdown.

The amount is over twice the entire of last year’s borrowing figures. According to many, this year’s borrowing will be the British government’s largest since World War Two.

Highest for June

In June alone, the borrowing was worth 35.5 Pounds, as per data from the government statistics office. This figure excludes state-owned banks. This was much higher than figures from the same period in the last year, but much below the Reuters forecast of 41. billion Pounds.

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In all, April, May, and June amount for the highest borrowing in the country’s country. The tax revenues, however, were higher, but spending on employment support went down.

"Borrowing is still rising at an exceptional rate and we suspect that a slowdown in the recovery and further rise in unemployment later this year will prompt the government to announce additional fiscal spending at the next budget," Thomas Pugh, UK economist at Capital Economics told Reuters.

Measures in place

Just last week, finance minister Rishi Sunak rolled out measures worth 30 billion Pounds. This was done to resuscitate businesses, while expecting companies to take back workers as the country’s scheme to support those on furlough will end in October 2020. This scheme supported over 9 million jobs in the UK.

The public sector debt now stands at 1.984 trillion Pounds, which amounts for 99.6 per cent of the GDP. Data says that this is the highest debt for the country since the 1960s.

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"Over the medium-term, we must, and we will, put our public finances back on a sustainable footing," Sunak said on Tuesday.

Additionally, the UK government recently announced extra spending and tax cuts amounting worth 192 billion Pounds for the ongoing financial year.

The economy is expected to shrink by 12.4 per cent throughout the year. The unemployment rate in the country is expected to rise by 11.9 per cent toward the end of 2020.

The British government borrowing went over $162 billion (128 billion Pounds) billion over the first three months of the 2020/21 financial year. This was when the country was under a strict lockdown.

The British government borrowing went over $162 billion (128 billion Pounds) billion over the first three months of the 2020/21 financial year. This was when the country was under a strict lockdown. The amount is over twice the entire of last year’s borrowing figures. According to many, this year’s borrowing will be the British government’s largest since World War Two. Highest for June In June alone, the borrowing was worth 35.5 Pounds, as per data from the government statistics office. This figure excludes state-owned banks. This was much higher than figures from the same period in the last year, but much below the Reuters forecast of 41. billion Pounds. Also read: EU breaks deadlock, inks a post-pandemic economic recovery deal In all, April, May, and June amount for the highest borrowing in the country’s country. The tax revenues, however, were higher, but spending on employment support went down. "Borrowing is still rising at an exceptional rate and we suspect that a slowdown in the recovery and further rise in unemployment later this year will prompt the government to announce additional fiscal spending at the next budget," Thomas Pugh, UK economist at Capital Economics told Reuters. Measures in place Just last week, finance minister Rishi Sunak rolled out measures worth 30 billion Pounds. This was done to resuscitate businesses, while expecting companies to take back workers as the country’s scheme to support those on furlough will end in October 2020. This scheme supported over 9 million jobs in the UK. The public sector debt now stands at 1.984 trillion Pounds, which amounts for 99.6 per cent of the GDP. Data says that this is the highest debt for the country since the 1960s. Also read: China threatens 'consequences' after UK suspends Hong Kong treaty "Over the medium-term, we must, and we will, put our public finances back on a sustainable footing," Sunak said on Tuesday. Additionally, the UK government recently announced extra spending and tax cuts amounting worth 192 billion Pounds for the ongoing financial year. The economy is expected to shrink by 12.4 per cent throughout the year. The unemployment rate in the country is expected to rise by 11.9 per cent toward the end of 2020.

UK borrowing feels the pandemic, goes over record $162 billion

Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world, infiltrating and decapitating every territory that falls in its way. Scientifically, the most annoying facet of the virus has been its unpredictability.

In the beginning, scientists weren’t sure what to make of it, and what its most definitive group of symptoms are. Over the course of 2020, the information has been modified many times. Very recently, a group of scientists posited that the virus may indeed be airborne, which shocked the scientific community worldwide.

As the death toll and the number of infections continue to induct record numbers everyday, a group of scientists have been able to trace and compartmentalise symptoms of the disease. This division may help identify severe symptoms from non-severe, and also additionally offer insight into the precursory bodily reactions before a victim develops complications.

App only!

To achieve this, the scientists used a smartphone application to predict the severity in cases leading upto complications. With additional research, it could help identify and prevent complications among severe cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccines-should-be-made-public-for-global-good-who-director-general-314854">COVID-19 vaccines should be made public for global good: WHO director-general</a>

The study has been published medRxiv, and hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet. This measurement of severity will facilitate priority basis action on certain cases. For instance, people who actually need medical assistance will simply not to be told to isolate at time until symptoms worsen, because the worsening of their symptoms will be predicted. Additionally, people who have minor symptoms and don’t need medical care may free up space in hospitals for severe cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-says-people-infected-with-covid-19-should-do-contact-tracing-themselves-314817" hreflang="en">Sweden says people infected with COVID-19 should do contact tracing themselves</a>

To understand this, the researchers collated data a particular mobile application with four million users. Out of these 1,653 who had tested positive for the virus were included in the study.&nbsp; Their status updates were recorded by the team. Out of these, 383 made at least one trip to the hospital, and 107 required oxygen or ventilation.

Six clusters

Based on this they created a spectrum of six clusters, with the sixth cluster being most susceptible to complications.

The first cluster developed only minor symptoms like cough and muscle pain. Out of these only 1.5 per cent needed breathing support, and 16 per cent went to the hospital. In contrast, in cluster six, breathlessness was seen, followed by chest pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Over 20 per cent of these required ventilation support, and at least 45.5 per cent went the hospital.

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According to the team, the first two clusters represent minor cases of the virus. While the last two represent cases that may become complicated over time.

If verified by other researchers and medical professionals, this demarcation and grouping could help save millions of lives. The researchers claim that based on their data, they could predict whether a patient would require breathing assistance in over 79 per cent of the cases.

Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world, infiltrating and decapitating every territory that falls in its way. Scientifically, the most annoying facet of the virus has been its unpredictability.

Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world, infiltrating and decapitating every territory that falls in its way. Scientifically, the most annoying facet of the virus has been its unpredictability. In the beginning, scientists weren’t sure what to make of it, and what its most definitive group of symptoms are. Over the course of 2020, the information has been modified many times. Very recently, a group of scientists posited that the virus may indeed be airborne, which shocked the scientific community worldwide. As the death toll and the number of infections continue to induct record numbers everyday, a group of scientists have been able to trace and compartmentalise symptoms of the disease. This division may help identify severe symptoms from non-severe, and also additionally offer insight into the precursory bodily reactions before a victim develops complications. App only! To achieve this, the scientists used a smartphone application to predict the severity in cases leading upto complications. With additional research, it could help identify and prevent complications among severe cases. Also read: COVID-19 vaccines should be made public for global good: WHO director-general The study has been published medRxiv, and hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet. This measurement of severity will facilitate priority basis action on certain cases. For instance, people who actually need medical assistance will simply not to be told to isolate at time until symptoms worsen, because the worsening of their symptoms will be predicted. Additionally, people who have minor symptoms and don’t need medical care may free up space in hospitals for severe cases. Also read: Sweden says people infected with COVID-19 should do contact tracing themselves To understand this, the researchers collated data a particular mobile application with four million users. Out of these 1,653 who had tested positive for the virus were included in the study. Their status updates were recorded by the team. Out of these, 383 made at least one trip to the hospital, and 107 required oxygen or ventilation. Six clusters Based on this they created a spectrum of six clusters, with the sixth cluster being most susceptible to complications. The first cluster developed only minor symptoms like cough and muscle pain. Out of these only 1.5 per cent needed breathing support, and 16 per cent went to the hospital. In contrast, in cluster six, breathlessness was seen, followed by chest pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Over 20 per cent of these required ventilation support, and at least 45.5 per cent went the hospital. Also read: ‘Breakthrough’ treatment slashes death risk among Covid-19 patients: Study According to the team, the first two clusters represent minor cases of the virus. While the last two represent cases that may become complicated over time. If verified by other researchers and medical professionals, this demarcation and grouping could help save millions of lives. The researchers claim that based on their data, they could predict whether a patient would require breathing assistance in over 79 per cent of the cases.

Scientists map out six clusters to understand severity of coronavirus symptoms, and chances of developing complications

US&nbsp;deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 140,000 on Saturday as cases continued to rise in 42 out of 50 states over the past two weeks, according to a Reuters tally.

Since late June, the United States has seen a resurgence in new cases and now, six weeks later, deaths have also begun rising, according to a weekly Reuters analysis of state and county data.

America is losing about 5,000 people to the virus every week. By contrast, neighboring Canada has reported total deaths of 8,800 since the pandemic started.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-not-losing-donald-trump-refuses-to-commit-to-election-results-if-defeated-314500" hreflang="en">I'm not losing: Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated</a>

In just one week, the United States records about as many deaths as the 5,600 lives Sweden has lost since the pandemic began earlier this year.

In the hardest-hit US&nbsp;counties, officials are running out of places to store bodies as their morgues fill up.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-coronavirus-cases-surge-for-fifth-day-as-trump-pledges-outbreak-will-be-under-control-314514" hreflang="en">Florida coronavirus cases surge for fifth day as Trump pledges outbreak will be under control</a>

Arizona's Maricopa County, home to the state's largest city, Phoenix, is bringing in 14 coolers to hold up to 280 bodies and more than double morgue capacity ahead of an expected surge in coronavirus fatalities, officials said on Thursday.

In Texas, the city of San Antonio and Bexar County have acquired five refrigerated trailers to store up to 180 bodies.

The appearance of such mobile morgues has fed the sense in some Southern states that the pandemic appears to be spinning out of control.&nbsp;

US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 140,000 on Saturday as cases continued to rise in 42 out of 50 states over the past two weeks, according to a Reuters tally.

US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 140,000 on Saturday as cases continued to rise in 42 out of 50 states over the past two weeks, according to a Reuters tally. Since late June, the United States has seen a resurgence in new cases and now, six weeks later, deaths have also begun rising, according to a weekly Reuters analysis of state and county data. America is losing about 5,000 people to the virus every week. By contrast, neighboring Canada has reported total deaths of 8,800 since the pandemic started. Also read: I'm not losing: Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated In just one week, the United States records about as many deaths as the 5,600 lives Sweden has lost since the pandemic began earlier this year. In the hardest-hit US counties, officials are running out of places to store bodies as their morgues fill up. Also read: Florida coronavirus cases surge for fifth day as Trump pledges outbreak will be under control Arizona's Maricopa County, home to the state's largest city, Phoenix, is bringing in 14 coolers to hold up to 280 bodies and more than double morgue capacity ahead of an expected surge in coronavirus fatalities, officials said on Thursday. In Texas, the city of San Antonio and Bexar County have acquired five refrigerated trailers to store up to 180 bodies. The appearance of such mobile morgues has fed the sense in some Southern states that the pandemic appears to be spinning out of control.

US coronavirus deaths surpass 140,000 as outbreak worsens

Most people in Japan are against government plans to kickstart domestic tourism with a subsidised campaign, according to newspaper surveys published on Monday, as fears grow over the number of new coronavirus cases, particularly in Tokyo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japan-accuses-china-of-pushing-territorial-claims-during-coronavirus-pandemic-313133" hreflang="en">Japan accuses China of pushing territorial claims during coronavirus pandemic</a>

The results highlight growing concerns that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's $16 billion "Go To" campaign, set to begin on Wednesday, could spread the virus to rural parts of the country where medical systems are fragile.

Broadcaster NHK said more than 500 new cases were reported nationally on Sunday, of which 188 were in Tokyo - down by about 100 from the previous day but still well above levels seen when Abe's government in late May called an end to a state of emergency it had imposed to contain the virus.'

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/uk-asks-japan-for-huawei-alternatives-in-5g-networks-314365" hreflang="en">UK asks Japan for Huawei alternatives in 5G networks</a>

A telephone survey conducted by the Asahi newspaper found 74% of respondents were opposed to the campaign. In a similar survey by the Nikkei business daily, some 80% of respondents said it was too early to launch such a programme.

Japan has not seen the kind of rapid spread of the virus that has killed tens of thousands in other countries. But Tokyo has raised its coronavirus alert to the highest level after a series of fresh highs for new cases.

Under the "Go To" campaign, travellers are set to get subsidies of as much as 50% to boost tourism-reliant economies outside major population areas. With cases on the rise in the capital, the campaign - originally open to all - will now exclude people living or vacationing in Tokyo.

Most people in Japan are against government plans to kickstart domestic tourism with a subsidised campaign, according to newspaper surveys published on Monday, as fears grow over the number of new coronavirus cases, particularly in Tokyo.

Most people in Japan are against government plans to kickstart domestic tourism with a subsidised campaign, according to newspaper surveys published on Monday, as fears grow over the number of new coronavirus cases, particularly in Tokyo. Also read: Japan accuses China of pushing territorial claims during coronavirus pandemic The results highlight growing concerns that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's $16 billion "Go To" campaign, set to begin on Wednesday, could spread the virus to rural parts of the country where medical systems are fragile. Broadcaster NHK said more than 500 new cases were reported nationally on Sunday, of which 188 were in Tokyo - down by about 100 from the previous day but still well above levels seen when Abe's government in late May called an end to a state of emergency it had imposed to contain the virus.' Also read: UK asks Japan for Huawei alternatives in 5G networks A telephone survey conducted by the Asahi newspaper found 74% of respondents were opposed to the campaign. In a similar survey by the Nikkei business daily, some 80% of respondents said it was too early to launch such a programme. Japan has not seen the kind of rapid spread of the virus that has killed tens of thousands in other countries. But Tokyo has raised its coronavirus alert to the highest level after a series of fresh highs for new cases. Under the "Go To" campaign, travellers are set to get subsidies of as much as 50% to boost tourism-reliant economies outside major population areas. With cases on the rise in the capital, the campaign - originally open to all - will now exclude people living or vacationing in Tokyo.

Big majority of Japanese reject government tourism campaign amid new coronavirus fears

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Australia's second-biggest city could take weeks to subside despite a lockdown and orders to wear masks, Australia's acting chief medical officer said on Monday as the country braces for a second wave of infection.

Authorities in the state of Victoria, whose capital Melbourne is in partial lockdown amid a new outbreak, reported 275 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, down from a daily record of 438 three days earlier.

Australia's Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said it would take "weeks" to slow the outbreak to levels seen as recently as June, when Victoria and the rest of Australia reported single or double-digit daily infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/essential-to-stop-virus-australias-second-biggest-city-makes-mask-wearing-compulsory-in-public-314388" hreflang="en">'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public</a>

"We have learned over time that the time between introducing a measure and seeing its effect is at least two weeks and sometimes longer than that," Kelly told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio.

Australia has recorded about 11,800 coronavirus cases with a death toll of 123, a fraction of what has been seen in other countries. In most Australian states the disease has been effectively eliminated.

Less than a month ago, Australia was widely heralded as a global leader in combating COVID-19 but quarantine lapses in Victoria triggered a flare-up in infections in June. An official inquiry into the outbreak began hearings on Monday.

Victoria's government has ordered about five million people into a partial lockdown for six weeks and told residents around Melbourne to cover their faces if they have to leave their homes.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it was too soon to declare that such measures had flattened the outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-delays-parliament-due-to-covid-19-spread-314180" hreflang="en">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison delays parliament due to COVID-19 spread</a>

"Until we bring some stability to this, we won't be able to talk about a trend," he said, referring to the drop in daily new cases.

The Victorian outbreak and rising daily cases in neighbouring New South Wales, the country's most-populous state, are stoking fears of a national second wave.

NSW reported 20 new infections on Monday, the highest in three months. The transmission rate in the state is higher than in Victoria, despite social distancing restrictions being tightened.

NSW authorities have been unable to trace some of the clusters and state authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and public transport.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she would consider tightening social-distancing restrictions in cities like NSW capital Sydney if the numbers continued to rise over the next few weeks.

Should NSW be forced to implement new restrictions, it would be a hammer blow to Australia's hopes for a quick economic recovery. Already, Australia is facing its first recession in nearly three decades, with unemployment at a 22-year high.

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Australia's second-biggest city could take weeks to subside despite a lockdown and orders to wear masks, Australia's acting chief medical officer said on Monday as the country braces for a second wave of infection.

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Australia's second-biggest city could take weeks to subside despite a lockdown and orders to wear masks, Australia's acting chief medical officer said on Monday as the country braces for a second wave of infection. Authorities in the state of Victoria, whose capital Melbourne is in partial lockdown amid a new outbreak, reported 275 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, down from a daily record of 438 three days earlier. Australia's Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said it would take "weeks" to slow the outbreak to levels seen as recently as June, when Victoria and the rest of Australia reported single or double-digit daily infections. Also read: 'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public "We have learned over time that the time between introducing a measure and seeing its effect is at least two weeks and sometimes longer than that," Kelly told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio. Australia has recorded about 11,800 coronavirus cases with a death toll of 123, a fraction of what has been seen in other countries. In most Australian states the disease has been effectively eliminated. Less than a month ago, Australia was widely heralded as a global leader in combating COVID-19 but quarantine lapses in Victoria triggered a flare-up in infections in June. An official inquiry into the outbreak began hearings on Monday. Victoria's government has ordered about five million people into a partial lockdown for six weeks and told residents around Melbourne to cover their faces if they have to leave their homes. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it was too soon to declare that such measures had flattened the outbreak. Also read: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison delays parliament due to COVID-19 spread "Until we bring some stability to this, we won't be able to talk about a trend," he said, referring to the drop in daily new cases. The Victorian outbreak and rising daily cases in neighbouring New South Wales, the country's most-populous state, are stoking fears of a national second wave. NSW reported 20 new infections on Monday, the highest in three months. The transmission rate in the state is higher than in Victoria, despite social distancing restrictions being tightened. NSW authorities have been unable to trace some of the clusters and state authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and public transport. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she would consider tightening social-distancing restrictions in cities like NSW capital Sydney if the numbers continued to rise over the next few weeks. Should NSW be forced to implement new restrictions, it would be a hammer blow to Australia's hopes for a quick economic recovery. Already, Australia is facing its first recession in nearly three decades, with unemployment at a 22-year high.

Australia warns coronavirus outbreak will take weeks to tame

Florida reported over 12,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the fifth day in a row the state has announced over 10,000 new infections, even as President Donald Trump pledged that "it's going to be under control."&nbsp;

The virus has claimed over 140,000 U.S. lives since the pandemic started, and Florida, California, and other Southern and Western states shatter records every day.

Texas reported 7,300 new cases on Sunday after five straight days of new infections exceeding 10,000.

Despite record levels of new cases nationwide, the Trump administration is pushing for schools to reopen in a few weeks and resisting a federal mandate to wear masks in public.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-not-competent-to-lead-united-states-hes-mentally-shot-donald-trump-314508" hreflang="en">Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot’: Donald Trump</a>

Trump, who faces a tough battle for re-election in November, defended his handling of the coronavirus pandemic in an interview broadcast on Sunday. The United States, with 3.7 million total cases, has almost as many infections as the next three hardest-hit countries combined - Brazil, India and Russia.

"We have embers and we do have flames. Florida became more flame-like, but it's - it's going to be under control."&nbsp;

Trump on "Fox News Sunday" repeated his assertion that the virus would eventually disappear.&nbsp;

"I'll be right eventually," he said. "It's going to disappear and I'll be right."

Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned that cases and deaths could rise this autumn and winter. Nearly all 20 forecasting models used by the CDC project rising deaths in the coming weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-of-covid-19-jumps-to-144-million-death-toll-crosses-600000-314509" hreflang="en">Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000</a>

Throughout the United States, every metric to measure the outbreak is going in the wrong direction - rising cases, deaths, hospitalizations and positivity rates of test results.&nbsp;

At least 14 states have reported record coronavirus hospitalizations so far in July, including Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Texas.

Trump said he did not agree with CDC Director Robert Redfield that this fall and winter would be one of the most difficult times in American public health, as hospitals deal with the seasonal flu on top of COVID cases. "I don't know and I don't think he knows," Trump said.

Trump also called Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious diseases expert, "a little bit of an alarmist."&nbsp;

TESTING SHORTAGES, DELAYS

Fauci has warned that cases could soon top 100,000 a day if Americans do not come together to take steps necessary to halt the spread of the virus. The country is averaging 60,000 new cases a day and reported a record one-day increase of 77,299 on Thursday.

Testing shortages and delayed results in some states are hampering efforts to curb the outbreak, similar to situations that frustrated state officials and health experts at the start of the pandemic in March and April.&nbsp;

Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said on NBC’s "Meet the Press" on Sunday that people were waiting up to a week to learn if they tested positive.&nbsp;

"That really undercuts the value of the testing," Collins said.

Suburban Philadelphia resident Tamara Hala, 35, said she decided to get tested after attending a gathering where someone outside her group said COVID-19 was a "hoax." But she has not yet received results from the July 8 test at a CVS store.

"I just can't stop thinking about how many people potentially have it and don't know," she said.&nbsp;

Instead of expanding testing, the Trump administration wants to block $25 billion for states to conduct testing and contact tracing, according to reports in the Washington Post and New York Times.&nbsp;

The White House declined on Sunday to comment to Reuters on those reports.

The number of COVID tests performed each day has doubled since late May but remains lower than recommended by some health experts. The United States set a record on Friday with over 850,000 tests performed, according to data from the COVID-Tracking Project.

Florida reported over 12,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the fifth day in a row the state has announced over 10,000 new infections, even as President Donald Trump pledged that "it's going to be under control.

Florida reported over 12,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the fifth day in a row the state has announced over 10,000 new infections, even as President Donald Trump pledged that "it's going to be under control." The virus has claimed over 140,000 U.S. lives since the pandemic started, and Florida, California, and other Southern and Western states shatter records every day. Texas reported 7,300 new cases on Sunday after five straight days of new infections exceeding 10,000. Despite record levels of new cases nationwide, the Trump administration is pushing for schools to reopen in a few weeks and resisting a federal mandate to wear masks in public. Also read: Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot’: Donald Trump Trump, who faces a tough battle for re-election in November, defended his handling of the coronavirus pandemic in an interview broadcast on Sunday. The United States, with 3.7 million total cases, has almost as many infections as the next three hardest-hit countries combined - Brazil, India and Russia. "We have embers and we do have flames. Florida became more flame-like, but it's - it's going to be under control." Trump on "Fox News Sunday" repeated his assertion that the virus would eventually disappear. "I'll be right eventually," he said. "It's going to disappear and I'll be right." Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned that cases and deaths could rise this autumn and winter. Nearly all 20 forecasting models used by the CDC project rising deaths in the coming weeks. Also read: Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000 Throughout the United States, every metric to measure the outbreak is going in the wrong direction - rising cases, deaths, hospitalizations and positivity rates of test results. At least 14 states have reported record coronavirus hospitalizations so far in July, including Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Texas. Trump said he did not agree with CDC Director Robert Redfield that this fall and winter would be one of the most difficult times in American public health, as hospitals deal with the seasonal flu on top of COVID cases. "I don't know and I don't think he knows," Trump said. Trump also called Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious diseases expert, "a little bit of an alarmist." TESTING SHORTAGES, DELAYS Fauci has warned that cases could soon top 100,000 a day if Americans do not come together to take steps necessary to halt the spread of the virus. The country is averaging 60,000 new cases a day and reported a record one-day increase of 77,299 on Thursday. Testing shortages and delayed results in some states are hampering efforts to curb the outbreak, similar to situations that frustrated state officials and health experts at the start of the pandemic in March and April. Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said on NBC’s "Meet the Press" on Sunday that people were waiting up to a week to learn if they tested positive. "That really undercuts the value of the testing," Collins said. Suburban Philadelphia resident Tamara Hala, 35, said she decided to get tested after attending a gathering where someone outside her group said COVID-19 was a "hoax." But she has not yet received results from the July 8 test at a CVS store. "I just can't stop thinking about how many people potentially have it and don't know," she said. Instead of expanding testing, the Trump administration wants to block $25 billion for states to conduct testing and contact tracing, according to reports in the Washington Post and New York Times. The White House declined on Sunday to comment to Reuters on those reports. The number of COVID tests performed each day has doubled since late May but remains lower than recommended by some health experts. The United States set a record on Friday with over 850,000 tests performed, according to data from the COVID-Tracking Project.

Florida coronavirus cases surge for fifth day as Trump pledges outbreak will be under control

Large parts of central and eastern China were reeling on Friday from the worst floods in decades, as disruption mounted for key supply chains, including crucial personal protective equipment for fighting the coronavirus, and economic damage piled up.

The central Chinese city of Wuhan and the provinces of Anhui, Jiangxi and Zhejiang declared red alerts on Friday as heavy rain swelled rivers and lakes.

Wuhan, on the banks of the Yangtze river where the novel coronavirus emerged late last year, warned residents to take precautions as water levels fast approached their maximum guaranteed safety level.

The giant Three Gorges reservoir, which has been holding back more water to try to ease downstream flood risks, is more than 10 metres higher than its warning level, with inflows now at more than 50,000 cubic metres a second.

The Poyang lake in Jiangxi province, which is formed from the overspill of the Yangtze, is 2.5 metres higher than its warning level. It has expanded by more than 2,000 square kilometres during thus flood season, and parts of the surrounding town have been inundated.

Further east, the Tai lake near Shanghai has also declared a red alert after its water level rose to nearly a metre higher than its safe level.

The summer rainy season brings floods to China almost every year but the impact of the disruption they cause is being felt further afield as Chinese goods become more important in supply chains of items such as personal protective equipment (PPE).

“It’s just creating another major roadblock here in terms of PPE getting into the United States - it is the worst of times for it to happen but that’s what we’re dealing with right now,” said Michael Einhorn, president of Dealmed, a U.S. medical supply distributor, which sources disposable lab coats and other products from Wuhan and nearby regions.

“We cannot get product out for over a week, which is a very long time in our business,” he said, adding that the delays could last another two or three weeks.

Economic activity in parts of China, especially construction and steel and cement demand, continues to be hurt by the flooding, analysts say, suggesting some loss of momentum after a stronger than expected bounce in the second quarter from the coronavirus crisis.

“We estimate recent floods in Yangtze River regions could lead to a gross drag of 0.4-0.8 percentage points on third-quarter GDP growth,” analysts at Morgan Stanley said in a note to clients on Friday.

Large parts of central and eastern China were reeling on Friday from the worst floods in decades, as disruption mounted for key supply chains, including crucial personal protective equipment for fighting the coronavirus, and economic damage piled up.

Large parts of central and eastern China were reeling on Friday from the worst floods in decades, as disruption mounted for key supply chains, including crucial personal protective equipment for fighting the coronavirus, and economic damage piled up. The central Chinese city of Wuhan and the provinces of Anhui, Jiangxi and Zhejiang declared red alerts on Friday as heavy rain swelled rivers and lakes. Wuhan, on the banks of the Yangtze river where the novel coronavirus emerged late last year, warned residents to take precautions as water levels fast approached their maximum guaranteed safety level. The giant Three Gorges reservoir, which has been holding back more water to try to ease downstream flood risks, is more than 10 metres higher than its warning level, with inflows now at more than 50,000 cubic metres a second. The Poyang lake in Jiangxi province, which is formed from the overspill of the Yangtze, is 2.5 metres higher than its warning level. It has expanded by more than 2,000 square kilometres during thus flood season, and parts of the surrounding town have been inundated. Further east, the Tai lake near Shanghai has also declared a red alert after its water level rose to nearly a metre higher than its safe level. The summer rainy season brings floods to China almost every year but the impact of the disruption they cause is being felt further afield as Chinese goods become more important in supply chains of items such as personal protective equipment (PPE). “It’s just creating another major roadblock here in terms of PPE getting into the United States - it is the worst of times for it to happen but that’s what we’re dealing with right now,” said Michael Einhorn, president of Dealmed, a U.S. medical supply distributor, which sources disposable lab coats and other products from Wuhan and nearby regions. “We cannot get product out for over a week, which is a very long time in our business,” he said, adding that the delays could last another two or three weeks. Economic activity in parts of China, especially construction and steel and cement demand, continues to be hurt by the flooding, analysts say, suggesting some loss of momentum after a stronger than expected bounce in the second quarter from the coronavirus crisis. “We estimate recent floods in Yangtze River regions could lead to a gross drag of 0.4-0.8 percentage points on third-quarter GDP growth,” analysts at Morgan Stanley said in a note to clients on Friday.

China's Wuhan declares red alert as floods disrupt supply chains

Police in Chile are training dogs to detect people that may be infected with the novel coronavirus by sniffing their sweat. 
 
The dogs -- three golden retrievers and a labrador -- are between the ages of four and five. Until now they have been used to sniff out illicit drugs, explosives and lost people, police say. 
 
The training program is a joint effort by Chile's national police, the Carabineros, and specialists at the Universidad Catolica de Chile.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/researchers-to-test-dogs-ability-to-sniff-out-coronavirus-301407" hreflang="en">Researchers to test dogs' ability to sniff out coronavirus</a> 
 
It follows in the footsteps of similar efforts taking place in France, said Julio Santelices, head of the police school of specialties. 
 
Dogs have 330 million olfactory receptors, and an ability to detect smells 50 times better than humans. They can also smell 250 people per hour. 
 
"The virus has no smell, but rather the infection generates metabolic changes" which in turn leads to the release of a particular type of sweat "which is what the dog would detect," Fernando Mardones, a Universidad Catolica professor of veterinary epidemiology, told AFP. 
 
According to Santelices, tests in Europe and Dubai shown a 95 percent efficiency rate in canine detection of COVID-19 cases. 
 
Medical Detection Dogs, a British charity set up in 2008 to harness dogs' sharp sense of smell to detect human diseases, also started training canines to detect COVID-19 in late March.

Four-legged biodetectors 
"The importance of this scientific study is that it will allow dogs to become biodetectors, and detect this type of illness at an early stage," Santelices told AFP. 
 
Mardones said that there is already evidence that dogs can detect diseases such as tuberculosis, parasite infections, and even early stages of cancer.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/uk-researchers-test-dogs-ability-to-sniff-out-covid-19-299001" hreflang="en">UK researchers test dogs' ability to sniff out COVID-19</a> 
 
Canines can detect subtle changes in skin temperature, potentially making them useful in determining if a person has a fever. 
 
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, the possibility of contagion from a dog is remote. 
 
The canine trainees began their education one month ago, and will use sweat samples taken from COVID-19 patients being treated at the Universidad Catolica's clinic. 
 
The experts hope to have the dogs trained and working in the field by August.&nbsp; 
 
The plan is to deploy them with an officer in pedestrian-heavy areas such as train stations and airports, and at health control stations. 
 
Chile on Tuesday reported 1,836 new cases of COVID-19 -- the lowest figure in two months -- bringing the total of cases since March 3 to 319,493. 
 
The viral infection has killed more than 11,000 people, according to the most recent Health Ministry official report, which includes "probable" COVID-19 victims.

Police in Chile are training dogs to detect people that may be infected with the novel coronavirus by sniffing their sweat. The dogs -- three golden retrievers and a labrador -- are between the ages of four and five.

Police in Chile are training dogs to detect people that may be infected with the novel coronavirus by sniffing their sweat. The dogs -- three golden retrievers and a labrador -- are between the ages of four and five. Until now they have been used to sniff out illicit drugs, explosives and lost people, police say. The training program is a joint effort by Chile's national police, the Carabineros, and specialists at the Universidad Catolica de Chile. Also read: Researchers to test dogs' ability to sniff out coronavirus It follows in the footsteps of similar efforts taking place in France, said Julio Santelices, head of the police school of specialties. Dogs have 330 million olfactory receptors, and an ability to detect smells 50 times better than humans. They can also smell 250 people per hour. "The virus has no smell, but rather the infection generates metabolic changes" which in turn leads to the release of a particular type of sweat "which is what the dog would detect," Fernando Mardones, a Universidad Catolica professor of veterinary epidemiology, told AFP. According to Santelices, tests in Europe and Dubai shown a 95 percent efficiency rate in canine detection of COVID-19 cases. Medical Detection Dogs, a British charity set up in 2008 to harness dogs' sharp sense of smell to detect human diseases, also started training canines to detect COVID-19 in late March. Four-legged biodetectors "The importance of this scientific study is that it will allow dogs to become biodetectors, and detect this type of illness at an early stage," Santelices told AFP. Mardones said that there is already evidence that dogs can detect diseases such as tuberculosis, parasite infections, and even early stages of cancer. Also read: UK researchers test dogs' ability to sniff out COVID-19 Canines can detect subtle changes in skin temperature, potentially making them useful in determining if a person has a fever. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, the possibility of contagion from a dog is remote. The canine trainees began their education one month ago, and will use sweat samples taken from COVID-19 patients being treated at the Universidad Catolica's clinic. The experts hope to have the dogs trained and working in the field by August. The plan is to deploy them with an officer in pedestrian-heavy areas such as train stations and airports, and at health control stations. Chile on Tuesday reported 1,836 new cases of COVID-19 -- the lowest figure in two months -- bringing the total of cases since March 3 to 319,493. The viral infection has killed more than 11,000 people, according to the most recent Health Ministry official report, which includes "probable" COVID-19 victims.

Chilean police train dogs to sniff out COVID-19

All earlier notions of wearing masks have been dispelled as studies point out the importance of face coverings in prevention measures against COVID-19. In fact, wearing a mask can reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 65 per cent!

Two doctors from the UC Davis Children’s Hospital, in a livestream event pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic stressed on the importance of wearing a&nbsp;face mask.

Precautions save lives!

Dean Blumberg, the chief of infectious diseases at the hospital, during the livestream asserted how we must tread with caution, for we simply don’t know who may be carrying the virus. “We don’t know who might spread COVID-19”, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/banksy-paints-mural-on-tube-to-encourage-people-to-wear-masks-313386" hreflang="en">Banksy paints mural on Tube to encourage people to wear masks</a>

Blumberg mentioned how social distancing alone can reduce the risk of catching the deadly virus by 90 per cent, while masks come a close second with a 65 per cent reduction in risks.&nbsp;"We do know social distancing reduces the risk of transmitting the virus by 90 per cent, and wearing masks decreases the risk by 65 per cent”, he said.

It has been well established that COVID-19 spreads through droplets and aerosol particles released by infected people, which then latch on to potential hosts, and set off a chain of infections which spike very easily.

The two doctors claimed that the droplets may be very small, about “one-third the size of a human hair”, but are detectable by us.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/two-main-types-of-masks-used-to-fight-covid-19-pandemic-n95-and-surgical-mask-293469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Wearing masks is not a belief system

“Everyone should wear a mask. People who say, ‘I don’t believe masks work,’ are ignoring scientific evidence”, Blumberg said.&nbsp;He further claimed that "It’s not a belief system. It’s like saying, ‘I don’t believe in gravity’.”

The doctor further shed light on how easily the virus is transmitted among people in the absence of face masks. “People who don’t wear a mask increase the risk of transmission to everyone, not just the people they come into contact with. It’s all the people those people will have contact with....&nbsp;You’re being an irresponsible member of the community if you’re not wearing a mask”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/spains-catalonia-region-makes-masks-obligatory-everywhere-311620" hreflang="en">Spain's Catalonia region makes masks obligatory everywhere</a>

Another way the virus spreads is through aerosol particles thrown out by the infected people when they’re talking. These are the real culprits of fast infections, for they are “1/100th the size of a human hair”, making them difficult to spot and avoid.

Dr Ristenpart said, Studies in laboratory conditions now show the virus stays alive in aerosol form with a half-life on the scale of hours. It persists in the air”. Recently, another group of scientists asserted how the virus spreads rapidly and may be airborne in nature, calling the WHO to rethink its understanding of the virus.

The World Economic Forum has endorsed the scientific consensus that wearing masks cuts down the risk of infections by 65 per cent.

All earlier notions of wearing masks have been dispelled as studies point out the importance of face coverings in prevention measures against COVID-19. In fact, wearing a mask can reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 65 per cent!

All earlier notions of wearing masks have been dispelled as studies point out the importance of face coverings in prevention measures against COVID-19. In fact, wearing a mask can reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 65 per cent! Two doctors from the UC Davis Children’s Hospital, in a livestream event pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic stressed on the importance of wearing a face mask. Precautions save lives! Dean Blumberg, the chief of infectious diseases at the hospital, during the livestream asserted how we must tread with caution, for we simply don’t know who may be carrying the virus. “We don’t know who might spread COVID-19”, he said. Also read: Banksy paints mural on Tube to encourage people to wear masks Blumberg mentioned how social distancing alone can reduce the risk of catching the deadly virus by 90 per cent, while masks come a close second with a 65 per cent reduction in risks. "We do know social distancing reduces the risk of transmitting the virus by 90 per cent, and wearing masks decreases the risk by 65 per cent”, he said. It has been well established that COVID-19 spreads through droplets and aerosol particles released by infected people, which then latch on to potential hosts, and set off a chain of infections which spike very easily. The two doctors claimed that the droplets may be very small, about “one-third the size of a human hair”, but are detectable by us. Wearing masks is not a belief system “Everyone should wear a mask. People who say, ‘I don’t believe masks work,’ are ignoring scientific evidence”, Blumberg said. He further claimed that "It’s not a belief system. It’s like saying, ‘I don’t believe in gravity’.” The doctor further shed light on how easily the virus is transmitted among people in the absence of face masks. “People who don’t wear a mask increase the risk of transmission to everyone, not just the people they come into contact with. It’s all the people those people will have contact with.... You’re being an irresponsible member of the community if you’re not wearing a mask”. Also read: Spain's Catalonia region makes masks obligatory everywhere Another way the virus spreads is through aerosol particles thrown out by the infected people when they’re talking. These are the real culprits of fast infections, for they are “1/100th the size of a human hair”, making them difficult to spot and avoid. Dr Ristenpart said, Studies in laboratory conditions now show the virus stays alive in aerosol form with a half-life on the scale of hours. It persists in the air”. Recently, another group of scientists asserted how the virus spreads rapidly and may be airborne in nature, calling the WHO to rethink its understanding of the virus. The World Economic Forum has endorsed the scientific consensus that wearing masks cuts down the risk of infections by 65 per cent.

Wearing masks can cut down coronavirus infection risk by 65%

Argentina is trying to solve a medical mystery after 57 sailors were infected with the coronavirus after 35 days at sea, despite the entire crew testing negative before leaving port. 
 
The Echizen Maru fishing trawler returned to port after some of its crew began exhibiting symptoms typical of COVID-19, the health ministry for the southern Tierra del Fuego province said Monday. 
 
According to the ministry, 57 sailors, out of 61 crew members, were diagnosed with the virus after undergoing a new test.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/argentina-exceeds-100000-cases-of-novel-coronavirus-312847" hreflang="en">Argentina exceeds 100,000 cases of novel coronavirus</a> 
 
However, all of the crew members had undergone 14 days of mandatory quarantine at a hotel in the city of Ushuaia. Prior to that, they had negative results, the ministry said in a statement. 
 
Two of the other sailors have tested negative, and two others are awaiting test results, the province's emergency operations committee said. 
 
Two sailors were hospitalized. 
 
"It's hard to establish how this crew was infected, considering that for 35 days, they had no contact with dry land and that supplies were only brought in from the port of Ushuaia," said Alejandra Alfaro, the director of primary health care in Tierra del Fuego.

A team was examining "the chronology of symptoms in the crew to establish the chronology of contagion," she said. 
 
The head of the infectious diseases department at Ushuaia Regional Hospital, Leandro Ballatore, said he believed this is a "case that escapes all description in publications, because an incubation period this long has not been described anywhere." 
 
"We cannot yet explain how the symptoms appeared," said Ballatore. 
 
The crew was placed in isolation on board the ship and returned to the port of Ushuaia. 
 
Argentina exceeded 100,000 total cases on Sunday, and the death toll rose to 1,859. The majority of infections are in the Buenos Aires area.

Argentina is trying to solve a medical mystery after 57 sailors were infected with the coronavirus after 35 days at sea, despite the entire crew testing negative before leaving port.

Argentina is trying to solve a medical mystery after 57 sailors were infected with the coronavirus after 35 days at sea, despite the entire crew testing negative before leaving port. The Echizen Maru fishing trawler returned to port after some of its crew began exhibiting symptoms typical of COVID-19, the health ministry for the southern Tierra del Fuego province said Monday. According to the ministry, 57 sailors, out of 61 crew members, were diagnosed with the virus after undergoing a new test. Also read: Argentina exceeds 100,000 cases of novel coronavirus However, all of the crew members had undergone 14 days of mandatory quarantine at a hotel in the city of Ushuaia. Prior to that, they had negative results, the ministry said in a statement. Two of the other sailors have tested negative, and two others are awaiting test results, the province's emergency operations committee said. Two sailors were hospitalized. "It's hard to establish how this crew was infected, considering that for 35 days, they had no contact with dry land and that supplies were only brought in from the port of Ushuaia," said Alejandra Alfaro, the director of primary health care in Tierra del Fuego. A team was examining "the chronology of symptoms in the crew to establish the chronology of contagion," she said. The head of the infectious diseases department at Ushuaia Regional Hospital, Leandro Ballatore, said he believed this is a "case that escapes all description in publications, because an incubation period this long has not been described anywhere." "We cannot yet explain how the symptoms appeared," said Ballatore. The crew was placed in isolation on board the ship and returned to the port of Ushuaia. Argentina exceeded 100,000 total cases on Sunday, and the death toll rose to 1,859. The majority of infections are in the Buenos Aires area.

Mystery as Argentine sailors infected with virus after 35 days at sea

Britain faces a potentially more deadly second wave of COVID-19 in the coming winter that could kill up to 120,000 people over nine months in a worst-case scenario, health experts said on Tuesday.

With COVID-19 more likely to spread in winter as people spend more time together in enclosed spaces, a second wave of the pandemic "could be more serious than the one we've just been through," said Stephen Holgate, a professor and co-lead author of a report by Britain's Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS).

"This is not a prediction, but it is a possibility," Holgate told an online briefing. "Deaths could be higher with a new wave of COVID-19 this winter, but the risk of this happening could be reduced if we take action immediately."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/uk-has-100000-modern-slaves-but-most-go-undetected-study-says-313090" hreflang="en">UK has 100,000 modern slaves but most go undetected, study says</a>

The United Kingdom's current death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 is around 45,000, the highest in Europe. Including suspected cases, more than 55,000 people have died, according to a Reuters tally of official data sources.&nbsp;

The AMS said there is a "high degree of uncertainty" about how the UK's COVID-19 epidemic will evolve, but outlined a "reasonable worst-case scenario" where the reproduction number -- or R value -- rises to 1.7 from September 2020 onwards.

The R value -- the average number of people an infected person will pass a disease on to -- is currently between 0.7 and 0.9 in the UK and daily case and death numbers are falling. An R value above 1 can lead to exponential growth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/cyber-911-uk-ministers-warn-of-china-launching-online-attack-against-britain-312998" hreflang="en">'Cyber-9/11': UK ministers warn of China launching online attack against Britain</a>

"The modelling estimates 119,900 hospital deaths between September 2020 and June 2021," the AMS report said, more than double the number that occurred during the first wave.

AMS vice president Anne Johnson said a bad winter flu season, combined with large backlog of patients suffering other diseases and chronic conditions, would add to huge pressure on health services -- underlining a need to prepare now.

"COVID-19 has not gone away," she said. "We need to do everything we can to stay healthy this winter."

Britain faces a potentially more deadly second wave of COVID-19 in the coming winter that could kill up to 120,000 people over nine months in a worst-case scenario, health experts said on Tuesday.

Britain faces a potentially more deadly second wave of COVID-19 in the coming winter that could kill up to 120,000 people over nine months in a worst-case scenario, health experts said on Tuesday. With COVID-19 more likely to spread in winter as people spend more time together in enclosed spaces, a second wave of the pandemic "could be more serious than the one we've just been through," said Stephen Holgate, a professor and co-lead author of a report by Britain's Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS). "This is not a prediction, but it is a possibility," Holgate told an online briefing. "Deaths could be higher with a new wave of COVID-19 this winter, but the risk of this happening could be reduced if we take action immediately." Also read: UK has 100,000 modern slaves but most go undetected, study says The United Kingdom's current death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 is around 45,000, the highest in Europe. Including suspected cases, more than 55,000 people have died, according to a Reuters tally of official data sources. The AMS said there is a "high degree of uncertainty" about how the UK's COVID-19 epidemic will evolve, but outlined a "reasonable worst-case scenario" where the reproduction number -- or R value -- rises to 1.7 from September 2020 onwards. The R value -- the average number of people an infected person will pass a disease on to -- is currently between 0.7 and 0.9 in the UK and daily case and death numbers are falling. An R value above 1 can lead to exponential growth. Also read: 'Cyber-9/11': UK ministers warn of China launching online attack against Britain "The modelling estimates 119,900 hospital deaths between September 2020 and June 2021," the AMS report said, more than double the number that occurred during the first wave. AMS vice president Anne Johnson said a bad winter flu season, combined with large backlog of patients suffering other diseases and chronic conditions, would add to huge pressure on health services -- underlining a need to prepare now. "COVID-19 has not gone away," she said. "We need to do everything we can to stay healthy this winter."

'Worst-case' UK winter could see 120,000 COVID deaths in second wave

A Texas man who waited until his brain tumor was softball-sized; a baby who suffered an ear infection for six days; a heart patient who died: The resurgence of COVID-19 is creating another health crisis as hospitals fill and patients are fearful or unable to get non-emergency care.

With U.S. coronavirus infections reaching new heights, doctors and hospitals say they are also seeing sharp declines in patients seeking routine medical care and screenings - and a rise in those who have delayed care for so long they are far sicker than they otherwise would be.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-rolls-back-reopening-reimposes-restrictions-as-us-coronavirus-crisis-expands-313110">California reimposes restrictions as US coronavirus crisis expands</a>

"I had one lady who had delayed for five days coming in with abdominal pain that was getting worse and worse," said Dr. Diana Fite, who practices emergency medicine in Houston. "When she finally came in, she had a ruptured appendix."

After the pandemic was declared a national emergency in March, many states banned non-essential medical procedures, and the number of patients seeking care for other ailments took a nosedive. Hospitals and medical practices were hit hard financially.

Emergency department use dropped by 42% during the first 10 weeks of the pandemic despite a rise in patients presenting with symptoms of the coronavirus, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show. In the same period, patients seeking care for heart attacks dropped by 23% and stroke care by 20%.

As the initial outbreak leveled off in the weeks that followed, healthcare experts planned to handle primary care differently should infections rise again, making sure minor procedures like cancer screenings were still allowed and assuring patients that hospitals and clinics were safe.

But the recent surge in cases has swamped hospitals in many states, including Texas, Arizona, Florida and parts of California.&nbsp;

CANCER MORTALITY RATES

Texas has again banned many non-emergency procedures, though cancer surgeries are still allowed, and a hospital in California's San Joaquin Valley for several days admitted only COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

Patients without COVID-19 - either out of fear, confusion or because of difficulty in obtaining the care they need - are again staying home.

The result is a healthcare crisis in the making, said Austin oncologist Dr. Debra Patt, who said she expects mortality rates from cancer to skyrocket in the years after the pandemic because patients have delayed their care.

"They're scared to go in the hospital unless they absolutely have to," said Patt. "And even when the patients are willing, it's hard to get things done."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-nearly-60000-new-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-report-313116" hreflang="en">US records nearly 60,000 new covid-19 cases in 24 hours: Report</a>

Patt in recent days treated a man who waited to come in for headaches and dizziness until he had lost 35 pounds and had a softball-sized tumor in his head.&nbsp;

Fite, who is president of the Texas Medical Association, cared for a baby whose parents waited six days before bringing him in with a severe ear infection.

Patt said screening mammograms are down by 90% in Austin, where she specializes in breast cancer and serves as executive vice president of Texas Oncology. That means some tumors will be missed, and women who develop aggressive cancers might not know about it until the disease is more advanced and more likely to be deadly.

"It's an impact we will see on cancer survival for years to come," she said.

Dr. David Fleeger, a colorectal surgeon in Austin and a past president of the Texas Medical Association, said he has had numerous patients cancel colonoscopies in recent days.

"The delays in colonoscopies that are occurring right now ultimately will lead to more cancers and more deaths," he said.

'IN A HOLDING PATTERN'

Patt's patient Helen Knost had to put off surgery for breast cancer in early spring because it was considered non-emergency in Texas and barred at the time, and she was treated instead with the medication Tamoxifen.

"It's very strange to know you have cancer and you're just hanging out with it, just in a holding pattern," said Knost, who did ultimately undergo successful surgery.

In California, doctors at the 150-bed Adventist Lodi Memorial Hospital in the San Joaquin Valley breadbasket were determined that a second surge in coronavirus cases would not bring a repeat of the pandemic's early days, when emergency room visits dropped in half. Emergency medical technicians also reported a 45% rise in the number of heart patients who died before they could be brought to the hospital.

Hospital CEO Daniel Wolcott led a campaign to inform the community that the medical center was open and safe, even speaking to people about it in the grocery store.&nbsp;

But with new COVID-19 cases swamping the hospital, sickening nearly 30 staff members and forcing it to divert non-coronavirus cases to other facilities for several days, Wolcott fears that again patients with heart conditions and other illnesses will stay away.

"We won't know for years how many people lost their lives or lost good years of their lives for fear of coronavirus," he said.

A Texas man who waited until his brain tumor was softball-sized; a baby who suffered an ear infection for six days; a heart patient who died: The resurgence of COVID-19 is creating another health crisis as hospitals fill and patients are fearful or unable to get non-emergency care.

A Texas man who waited until his brain tumor was softball-sized; a baby who suffered an ear infection for six days; a heart patient who died: The resurgence of COVID-19 is creating another health crisis as hospitals fill and patients are fearful or unable to get non-emergency care. With U.S. coronavirus infections reaching new heights, doctors and hospitals say they are also seeing sharp declines in patients seeking routine medical care and screenings - and a rise in those who have delayed care for so long they are far sicker than they otherwise would be. Also read: California reimposes restrictions as US coronavirus crisis expands "I had one lady who had delayed for five days coming in with abdominal pain that was getting worse and worse," said Dr. Diana Fite, who practices emergency medicine in Houston. "When she finally came in, she had a ruptured appendix." After the pandemic was declared a national emergency in March, many states banned non-essential medical procedures, and the number of patients seeking care for other ailments took a nosedive. Hospitals and medical practices were hit hard financially. Emergency department use dropped by 42% during the first 10 weeks of the pandemic despite a rise in patients presenting with symptoms of the coronavirus, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show. In the same period, patients seeking care for heart attacks dropped by 23% and stroke care by 20%. As the initial outbreak leveled off in the weeks that followed, healthcare experts planned to handle primary care differently should infections rise again, making sure minor procedures like cancer screenings were still allowed and assuring patients that hospitals and clinics were safe. But the recent surge in cases has swamped hospitals in many states, including Texas, Arizona, Florida and parts of California. CANCER MORTALITY RATES Texas has again banned many non-emergency procedures, though cancer surgeries are still allowed, and a hospital in California's San Joaquin Valley for several days admitted only COVID-19 patients. Patients without COVID-19 - either out of fear, confusion or because of difficulty in obtaining the care they need - are again staying home. The result is a healthcare crisis in the making, said Austin oncologist Dr. Debra Patt, who said she expects mortality rates from cancer to skyrocket in the years after the pandemic because patients have delayed their care. "They're scared to go in the hospital unless they absolutely have to," said Patt. "And even when the patients are willing, it's hard to get things done." Also read: US records nearly 60,000 new covid-19 cases in 24 hours: Report Patt in recent days treated a man who waited to come in for headaches and dizziness until he had lost 35 pounds and had a softball-sized tumor in his head. Fite, who is president of the Texas Medical Association, cared for a baby whose parents waited six days before bringing him in with a severe ear infection. Patt said screening mammograms are down by 90% in Austin, where she specializes in breast cancer and serves as executive vice president of Texas Oncology. That means some tumors will be missed, and women who develop aggressive cancers might not know about it until the disease is more advanced and more likely to be deadly. "It's an impact we will see on cancer survival for years to come," she said. Dr. David Fleeger, a colorectal surgeon in Austin and a past president of the Texas Medical Association, said he has had numerous patients cancel colonoscopies in recent days. "The delays in colonoscopies that are occurring right now ultimately will lead to more cancers and more deaths," he said. 'IN A HOLDING PATTERN' Patt's patient Helen Knost had to put off surgery for breast cancer in early spring because it was considered non-emergency in Texas and barred at the time, and she was treated instead with the medication Tamoxifen. "It's very strange to know you have cancer and you're just hanging out with it, just in a holding pattern," said Knost, who did ultimately undergo successful surgery. In California, doctors at the 150-bed Adventist Lodi Memorial Hospital in the San Joaquin Valley breadbasket were determined that a second surge in coronavirus cases would not bring a repeat of the pandemic's early days, when emergency room visits dropped in half. Emergency medical technicians also reported a 45% rise in the number of heart patients who died before they could be brought to the hospital. Hospital CEO Daniel Wolcott led a campaign to inform the community that the medical center was open and safe, even speaking to people about it in the grocery store. But with new COVID-19 cases swamping the hospital, sickening nearly 30 staff members and forcing it to divert non-coronavirus cases to other facilities for several days, Wolcott fears that again patients with heart conditions and other illnesses will stay away. "We won't know for years how many people lost their lives or lost good years of their lives for fear of coronavirus," he said.

New US health crisis looms as patients without COVID-19 delay care

Have you been thinking that acquired immunity might save us all from coronavirus? You might be wrong. According to a new study, patients who have recovered from COVID-19 are susceptible to losing their immunity&nbsp;just a few months into the recovery.

Next common cold?

The research claims that the virus could become the next common cold, and resurface every year among people, causing reinfection.&nbsp;As part of the research, scientists observed more than 90 patients in the United Kingdom under the supervision of healthcare workers at an NHS facility.

They observed the response of the immune system to the level of antibodies one develops after one contracts the virus. Based on this, the researchers realised that the antibodies peaked three weeks after catching it, and then tremendously declined.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-made-a-mistake-30-year-old-dies-after-attending-covid-party-312877" hreflang="en">I made a mistake: 30 year old dies after attending COVID party</a>

According to blood tests, 60 per cent people who got the virus developed a strong antibody response to the virus, while only 17 per cent of the same pool held on this strength three months after getting the virus.

The researchers found that the antibody levels fell by 23 times during the time. In fact, many stopped showing antibodies after a while. This finding may challenge the idea of a “herd immunity” and might complicate the development of a vaccine.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/the-story-of-a-long-haul-covid-19-sufferer-long-term-effects-of-coronavirus-312705/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Strong infection = more antibodies

The authors of the study found that even though patients had developed a considerable antibody response to the virus, it disappeared over a short period of time. Dr Katie Doores, the lead author claimed that this depends entirely on the height of one’s peak, which in turn determines the duration of the antibodies staying in one’s body.&nbsp;The relevant study also found that the stronger the infection, the higher the rate of antibodies, which then fall over the following few months.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-10-million-kids-may-permanently-drop-out-of-school-due-to-the-pandemic-a-new-report-claims-312862" hreflang="en">Over 10 million kids may permanently drop out of school, a new report claims</a>

If this is indeed true, it might alter the route of vaccine development, which may not protect people for long, for waves of COVID-19 may become seasonal. In essence, people might require timely booster shots in case a vaccine is developed.

University of Oxford’s vaccine research also point out to a similar fact, that even though the vaccine protected animals from serious complications from the infection, it was still passed on to others and still caused sickness among people. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-records-highest-single-daily-spike-with-230370-global-coronavirus-cases-312834">WHO records highest single-daily spike with 230,370 global coronavirus cases</a>

Many companies developing the vaccine have repeatedly asserted the “uncertainty” embedded in the process, warning that vaccines may not work at all.

Reinfection poses serious health risks, and might deteriorate the condition of one’s lungs tremendously. A similar research recently claimed that COVID-19 causes long-term brain damage even among people who only exhibit mild symptoms.

Have you been thinking that acquired immunity might save us all from coronavirus? You might be wrong. According to a new study, patients who have recovered from COVID-19 are susceptible to losing their immunity just a few months into the recovery.

Have you been thinking that acquired immunity might save us all from coronavirus? You might be wrong. According to a new study, patients who have recovered from COVID-19 are susceptible to losing their immunity just a few months into the recovery. Next common cold? The research claims that the virus could become the next common cold, and resurface every year among people, causing reinfection. As part of the research, scientists observed more than 90 patients in the United Kingdom under the supervision of healthcare workers at an NHS facility. They observed the response of the immune system to the level of antibodies one develops after one contracts the virus. Based on this, the researchers realised that the antibodies peaked three weeks after catching it, and then tremendously declined. Also read: I made a mistake: 30 year old dies after attending COVID party According to blood tests, 60 per cent people who got the virus developed a strong antibody response to the virus, while only 17 per cent of the same pool held on this strength three months after getting the virus. The researchers found that the antibody levels fell by 23 times during the time. In fact, many stopped showing antibodies after a while. This finding may challenge the idea of a “herd immunity” and might complicate the development of a vaccine. Strong infection = more antibodies The authors of the study found that even though patients had developed a considerable antibody response to the virus, it disappeared over a short period of time. Dr Katie Doores, the lead author claimed that this depends entirely on the height of one’s peak, which in turn determines the duration of the antibodies staying in one’s body. The relevant study also found that the stronger the infection, the higher the rate of antibodies, which then fall over the following few months. Also read: Over 10 million kids may permanently drop out of school, a new report claims If this is indeed true, it might alter the route of vaccine development, which may not protect people for long, for waves of COVID-19 may become seasonal. In essence, people might require timely booster shots in case a vaccine is developed. University of Oxford’s vaccine research also point out to a similar fact, that even though the vaccine protected animals from serious complications from the infection, it was still passed on to others and still caused sickness among people. Also read: WHO records highest single-daily spike with 230,370 global coronavirus cases Many companies developing the vaccine have repeatedly asserted the “uncertainty” embedded in the process, warning that vaccines may not work at all. Reinfection poses serious health risks, and might deteriorate the condition of one’s lungs tremendously. A similar research recently claimed that COVID-19 causes long-term brain damage even among people who only exhibit mild symptoms.

Coronavirus antibodies dissipate few months after infection, offer no long-term protection: Study

Several conspiracy theories suggested the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China responsible for the leak of the novel coronavirus that has killed nearly 550,000 people globally so far. And in an attempt to shrug off all the negative light, Chinese state media has shown a glimpse of the lab.&nbsp;

State-run CCTV claimed that the footage broadcast is the first from within the P4 lab of the institute.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-china-deliberately-flooding-wuhan-to-flush-out-evidence-311451">Is China deliberately flooding Wuhan to flush out evidence?</a>

A P4 lab means a facility with maximum security.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-samples-with-96-resemblance-to-covid-19-were-sent-to-wuhan-lab-in-2013-311205">Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013</a>

The video, however, did not share any information on the lab's workings. It said safety protocols prevented closer access and the footage&nbsp;primarily brushed&nbsp;aside leak theories.&nbsp;

"There have been no accidents of pathogen leaks or human infections" from the lab, Yuan Zhiming, director of the Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory, said.&nbsp;

Yuan said since the lab is in Wuhan, the area that witnessed the maximum COVID-19 cases, "fear", "lack of information" made people link the virus leak with this lab

"As they learn more about the situation and the lab, rumours will gradually dissipate," he said.&nbsp;

Earlier US President Donald Trump also said that the deadly virus could have been accidentally or deliberately originated from the Wuhan lab.&nbsp;

So far, the origins of the virus have not been confirmed, but many scientists say that the virus emerged from bats and could have been transmitted to human beings through other mammals.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Several conspiracy theories suggested the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China responsible for the leak of the novel coronavirus that has killed nearly 550,000 people globally so far.

Several conspiracy theories suggested the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China responsible for the leak of the novel coronavirus that has killed nearly 550,000 people globally so far. And in an attempt to shrug off all the negative light, Chinese state media has shown a glimpse of the lab. State-run CCTV claimed that the footage broadcast is the first from within the P4 lab of the institute. Also read | Is China deliberately flooding Wuhan to flush out evidence? A P4 lab means a facility with maximum security. Also read | Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013 The video, however, did not share any information on the lab's workings. It said safety protocols prevented closer access and the footage primarily brushed aside leak theories. "There have been no accidents of pathogen leaks or human infections" from the lab, Yuan Zhiming, director of the Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory, said. Yuan said since the lab is in Wuhan, the area that witnessed the maximum COVID-19 cases, "fear", "lack of information" made people link the virus leak with this lab "As they learn more about the situation and the lab, rumours will gradually dissipate," he said. Earlier US President Donald Trump also said that the deadly virus could have been accidentally or deliberately originated from the Wuhan lab. So far, the origins of the virus have not been confirmed, but many scientists say that the virus emerged from bats and could have been transmitted to human beings through other mammals.

China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories

Wuhan - the original epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in China is now facing another calamity in the form of floods.

On January 23 2020, the city was overwhelmed by an explosion of COVID-19 cases, after which an unprecedented lockdown was imposed on the city’s 11 million residents.

As of now, eight people have lost their lives to the floods. The fury of the calamity hasn’t spared the supermarkets, shops, and the streets. Rainstorm warnings have been issued for the next 31 days. And people of Wuhan have been asked to stay in again.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-floods-natural-or-deliberate-311469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, is the flooding natural? Reports suggest that the floods are a direct consequence of a heavy discharge of water from reservoirs.

368 kilometres away from Wuhan lies the Three Gorges Dam in the district of Yiling, which has been releasing floodwaters from its spillways.

According to Chinese authorities, the dam is on the verge of collapse, mandating the release of water. Chinese activists are now claiming that the opening of spillways is intentional.

Jennifer Zeng, an activist recently claimed that this move was undertaken intentionally, and that Chinese authorities are deliberately flooding cities in the Hubei province to purge out the evidence against China and its role in the coronavirus pandemic.

A World Health Organization team is scheduled to visit China next week to investigate the origins of the virus, and will probe how the zoonotic virus jumped from animals to humans.

Wuhan - the original epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in China is now facing another calamity in the form of floods. On January 23 2020, the city was overwhelmed by an explosion of COVID-19 cases, after which an unprecedented lockdown was imposed on the city’s 11 million residents.

Wuhan - the original epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in China is now facing another calamity in the form of floods. On January 23 2020, the city was overwhelmed by an explosion of COVID-19 cases, after which an unprecedented lockdown was imposed on the city’s 11 million residents. As of now, eight people have lost their lives to the floods. The fury of the calamity hasn’t spared the supermarkets, shops, and the streets. Rainstorm warnings have been issued for the next 31 days. And people of Wuhan have been asked to stay in again. However, is the flooding natural? Reports suggest that the floods are a direct consequence of a heavy discharge of water from reservoirs. 368 kilometres away from Wuhan lies the Three Gorges Dam in the district of Yiling, which has been releasing floodwaters from its spillways. According to Chinese authorities, the dam is on the verge of collapse, mandating the release of water. Chinese activists are now claiming that the opening of spillways is intentional. Jennifer Zeng, an activist recently claimed that this move was undertaken intentionally, and that Chinese authorities are deliberately flooding cities in the Hubei province to purge out the evidence against China and its role in the coronavirus pandemic. A World Health Organization team is scheduled to visit China next week to investigate the origins of the virus, and will probe how the zoonotic virus jumped from animals to humans.

Is China deliberately flooding Wuhan to flush out evidence?

Coronavirus could induce long-term brain damage even in mild cases of coronavirus, new data suggests.

A study which was published in the journal Brain on July 8 referred to 43 cases of the virus with brain damage. Scientists have repeatedly asserted how little we know about the virus, and have stressed on the need to prevent catching it, even If a mild case, for we simply do not know its long-term implications.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/fauci-warns-against-false-narrative-promoted-by-trump-emphasising-on-lower-coronavirus-death-rate-311609" hreflang="en">Fauci warns against 'false narrative', promoted by Trump emphasising on lower coronavirus death rate</a>

According to the researchers, this could be the beginning in a series of coronavirus-related revelations.

Many complications were observed among patients, including inflammation, psychosis, delirium. Many also suffered brain dysfunction and nerve damage.

Another pandemic?

One of the study’s authors from University College London’s Institute of Neurology, Michael Zandi claimed that it could be similar to eat encephalitis lethargica outbreak in the 1920s-30s in the aftermath of the 1918 influenza pandemic. Based on this data, they fear that the worst might be yet to come, an offshoot pandemic emerging from COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/is-the-airborne-route-a-major-source-of-coronavirus-transmission-311608" hreflang="en">Is the airborne route a major source of coronavirus transmission?</a>

In the study, almost nine patients exhibited symptoms of a rare condition called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). As part of this condition, the brain becomes inflamed and the spinal cord is attacked. Additionally, myelin is damaged, which forms the protective covering of nerve fibres. It is commonly seen in children.

Not simply a respiratory illness

Coronavirus has been seen as a largely respiratory illness which lungs being the major victims. However, new symptoms and after-effects keep emerging as doctors get to know the virus better.

Over 300 studies on coronavirus patients around the world said that patients experience neurological abnormalities. Many mild symptoms include headaches, loss of smell and taste, and tingling sensations. Extreme symptoms include losing the inability to speak, seizures, and strokes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-coronavirus-cases-top-3-million-stoking-fears-of-overwhelmed-hospitals-311480" hreflang="en">US coronavirus cases top 3 million, stoking fears of overwhelmed hospitals</a>

Many scientists also fear that recovered patients might develop cognitive deficits from the infection.

The number of reported cases of ADEM have increased in London, according to the study’s scientists.

However, scientists still don’t know about the long-term damage induced by COVID-19, with new information coming in everyday.

Coronavirus could induce long-term brain damage even in mild cases of coronavirus, new data suggests. A study which was published in the journal Brain on July 8 referred to 43 cases of the virus with brain damage.

Coronavirus could induce long-term brain damage even in mild cases of coronavirus, new data suggests. A study which was published in the journal Brain on July 8 referred to 43 cases of the virus with brain damage. Scientists have repeatedly asserted how little we know about the virus, and have stressed on the need to prevent catching it, even If a mild case, for we simply do not know its long-term implications. Also read: Fauci warns against 'false narrative', promoted by Trump emphasising on lower coronavirus death rate According to the researchers, this could be the beginning in a series of coronavirus-related revelations. Many complications were observed among patients, including inflammation, psychosis, delirium. Many also suffered brain dysfunction and nerve damage. Another pandemic? One of the study’s authors from University College London’s Institute of Neurology, Michael Zandi claimed that it could be similar to eat encephalitis lethargica outbreak in the 1920s-30s in the aftermath of the 1918 influenza pandemic. Based on this data, they fear that the worst might be yet to come, an offshoot pandemic emerging from COVID-19. Also read: Is the airborne route a major source of coronavirus transmission? In the study, almost nine patients exhibited symptoms of a rare condition called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). As part of this condition, the brain becomes inflamed and the spinal cord is attacked. Additionally, myelin is damaged, which forms the protective covering of nerve fibres. It is commonly seen in children. Not simply a respiratory illness Coronavirus has been seen as a largely respiratory illness which lungs being the major victims. However, new symptoms and after-effects keep emerging as doctors get to know the virus better. Over 300 studies on coronavirus patients around the world said that patients experience neurological abnormalities. Many mild symptoms include headaches, loss of smell and taste, and tingling sensations. Extreme symptoms include losing the inability to speak, seizures, and strokes. Also read: US coronavirus cases top 3 million, stoking fears of overwhelmed hospitals Many scientists also fear that recovered patients might develop cognitive deficits from the infection. The number of reported cases of ADEM have increased in London, according to the study’s scientists. However, scientists still don’t know about the long-term damage induced by COVID-19, with new information coming in everyday.

Could coronavirus be causing long-term brain damage even in mild cases? Scientists think so!

When the new coronavirus hit Tanzania in mid-April, President John Magufuli called for three days of national prayer to seek God’s protection from the scourge. Barely a month later, he claimed victory over the disease and invited tourists to return to his East African nation.

His rush to reopen came despite alarm from the World Health Organization (WHO) over an almost total lack of information on the spread of the virus in the country of 55 million people, which has one of the region’s weakest healthcare systems.

The shortage of reliable data afflicts many African nations, with some governments reluctant to acknowledge epidemics or to expose their crumbling health systems to outside scrutiny. Other nations simply cannot carry out significant testing because they are so ravaged by poverty and conflict.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/illegal-cigarette-trade-flourishes-in-south-africa-amid-ban-on-tobacco-sale-310400" hreflang="en">Illegal cigarette trade flourishes in South Africa amid ban on tobacco sale</a>

Sharing information is vital to tackling the pandemic in Africa – both for planning the response and mobilising donor funding - public health experts say. As things stand, it is impossible to gauge the full severity of the contagion across the continent.

According to the latest data collated by Reuters, Africa, with a population of 1.3 billion people, had over 493,000 confirmed cases and 11,600 deaths. By comparison, Latin America, with roughly half the population, had 2.9 million cases and 129,900 deaths.

The official numbers make it seem as though the illness has skirted much of Africa, but the real picture is certain to be worse, with WHO special envoy Samba Sow warning on May 25 of a possible “silent epidemic” if testing was not prioritised.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews/videos/africa-tops-with-721-mn-child-labourers-pandemic-pushes-millions-into-poverty-305396/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

By July 7, 4,200 tests per million people had been carried out across the continent, according to a Reuters analysis of figures from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a body set up by the African Union in 2017. That compares with averages of 7,650 in Asia and 74,255 in Europe.

Interviews with dozens of health workers, diplomats and local officials revealed not just a scarcity of reliable testing in most countries, but also the lengths some governments have gone to prevent news of infection rates from emerging, even if that meant they missed out on donor funding.&nbsp;

“We cannot help a country against its own will,” Michel Yao, head of emergency operations for the WHO in Africa, told Reuters. “In some countries, they are having meetings and not inviting us. We are supposed to be the main technical advisor.”  Yao declined to single out countries, saying the WHO needed to preserve a working relationship with governments.

TROUBLE IN TANZANIA

Tanzania confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 16. The next day, the government convened a task force  to coordinate the response with international partners including the WHO, foreign embassies, donors and aid agencies, multiple sources said.

This body never met again with outsiders, two foreign officials familiar with the situation told Reuters, while government officials failed to show up to dozens of subsequent coronavirus-related meetings, they said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/south-africa-begins-continents-pilot-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-308365" hreflang="en">South Africa begins continent's pilot coronavirus vaccine trial</a>

“It’s very clear the government does not want any information about the state of COVID in the country,” said one aid official, who like many of those interviewed by Reuters for this story, asked not to be identified for fear of antagonizing political leaders.

Tanzania’s health minister Ummy Mwalimu and government spokesman did not respond to phone calls or emailed questions raised by this article about their handling of the crisis. The spokesman, Hassan Abbasi, has previously denied withholding information about the country’s epidemic.

Tanzania has not published nationwide figures since May 8, when it had recorded 509 cases and 21 deaths. Days earlier, President Magufuli dismissed testing kits imported from abroad as faulty, saying on national television that they had also returned positive results on samples taken from a goat and a pawpaw fruit.

According to three emails seen by Reuters sent between May 8-13, the WHO believed it had reached an agreement with the government to let it take part in joint surveillance missions around the country. However, a WHO spokeswoman said these were all cancelled on the day they were supposed to start, with no reason given.

Donors have released some $40 million to fund Tanzania’s coronavirus response, two diplomatic sources involved said. But the country’s lack of engagement meant it had missed out on “tens of millions of dollars” more, another official said.&nbsp;

By mid-May, the government decided to ease its lockdown, despite doctors and diplomats saying the outbreak was far from contained. The U.S. Embassy warned its citizens on May 13 that hospitals in the main city Dar es Salaam were “overwhelmed”, an assertion denied at the time by the Tanzanian government.

Tanzania’s failure to share information about its outbreak has frustrated its neighbours, who fear that gains won through painful lockdowns in their own countries could be jeopardized as Tanzanians cross porous borders.&nbsp;

The WHO organised a call on April 23 with African health ministers to discuss, among other things, a lack of information sharing, Yao said. He declined to say who was on the call, and Tanzania did not respond to requests for comment as to whether its minister participated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/african-medics-struggle-in-virus-war-zone-306470" hreflang="en">African medics struggle in virus 'war zone'</a>

The United Nations agency cannot compel cooperation and must tread carefully. When WHO officials expressed concern in late April about a lack of measures to contain the virus in Burundi, the tiny East African nation expelled its top representative and three other WHO experts without explanation on May 12.&nbsp;

Burundi was one of the first African countries to shut its borders in March, which seemed to slow the virus’ spread initially. But the country saw an uptick in suspected cases after rallies were held in the run-up to May 20 general elections, a health care provider said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Burundi’s 55-year-old president, Pierre Nkurunziza, died in early June amid speculation he had come down with COVID-19. The government said in a statement he had suffered a heart attack. An air ambulance service told Reuters it had flown his wife, Denise Bucumi, to Kenya on May 21 but declined to confirm reports in the Kenyan media that she had sought treatment for the coronavirus. A family spokesman declined to comment.

Burundi's new president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, has promised measures to tackle the pandemic, including mass testing of people in areas suspected of being epicentres of the virus.

Another African state to fall out with the WHO was Equatorial Guinea. It hasn’t shared figures with the U.N. agency since late May, when its government accused the WHO of inflating the caseload and demanded that it recall its representative. The WHO blamed a “misunderstanding over data” and denied any falsification of figures.

Mitoha Ondo'o Ayekaba, Equatorial Guinea’s deputy health minister, did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the dispute. The Central African country has continued to provide periodic updates to the Africa CDC, which puts the number of confirmed cases there at 3,071 with 51 deaths.

SURVEILLANCE  GAPS &nbsp;

While some countries won’t share information, others can’t: Their health systems are too broken to carry out any large-scale testing, surveillance or contact tracing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-spreading-like-wildfire-in-africa-test-kits-needed-who-305077" hreflang="en">Coronavirus spreading like wildfire in Africa, test kits needed: WHO</a>

"Even at the best of times, collecting quality data from countries is not easy because people are stretched thin,” said John Nkengasong, director of the Africa CDC. “Combine that with an emergency, and it becomes very, very difficult.”&nbsp;

For example, Islamist militants and ethnic militias operate across vast swathes of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, making it impossible for governments there to establish a nationwide picture of the spread of the illness.

As in other countries, a shortage of kits has led Burkina Faso to largely limit the number of tests it conducts to contacts of confirmed cases and people arriving from abroad. This means there is little data on local transmission, health ministry reports show.

Some countries, like Cameroon and Nigeria, have decentralised testing, but many others have very little capacity outside their capitals, said Franck Ale, an epidemiologist with the international aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders).

Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation of 85 million that was already battling Ebola, was quick to suspend international flights and lock down parts of the capital Kinshasa when the virus hit in mid-March.&nbsp;

However, it took three months before the government was able to process tests outside Kinshasa, said Steve Ahuka, a member of Congo’s COVID-19 response committee, citing a lack of laboratories, equipment and personnel. In many areas, it still takes two weeks to get results, said two doctors.

South Africa, the continent’s most advanced economy, is one of the few to have rolled out mass testing. But it had a backlog of more than 63,000 unprocessed specimens as of June 10, because global suppliers were unable to meet its demand for laboratory kits, according to the health ministry. South Africa’s national laboratory service declined to disclose the current backlog.&nbsp;

In the absence of comprehensive testing data in other parts of the world, researchers look to different yardsticks to judge the prevalence of the coronavirus, including reviewing the number of deaths that exceed the average for the time of year.

But even that is not possible in most of Africa because data from previous years is lacking. Only eight countries - Algeria, Cape Verde, Djibouti, Egypt, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles and South Africa - record more than 75% of their deaths, according to the United Nations. Ethiopia records less than 2%, the country’s health ministry said.&nbsp;

Without information about how severe an outbreak is and what resources are available to cope with it, nations risk lifting lockdowns too soon or maintaining them too long, said Amanda McClelland of the U.S.-based health policy initiative Resolve to Save Lives. 

“The big gap for us is really understanding the severity of the outbreak,” she said. “Without clarity on data, it is very hard to justify the economic pain that shutting down countries causes.”

When the new coronavirus hit Tanzania in mid-April, President John Magufuli called for three days of national prayer to seek God’s protection from the scourge. Barely a month later, he claimed victory over the disease and invited tourists to return to his East African nation.

When the new coronavirus hit Tanzania in mid-April, President John Magufuli called for three days of national prayer to seek God’s protection from the scourge. Barely a month later, he claimed victory over the disease and invited tourists to return to his East African nation. His rush to reopen came despite alarm from the World Health Organization (WHO) over an almost total lack of information on the spread of the virus in the country of 55 million people, which has one of the region’s weakest healthcare systems. The shortage of reliable data afflicts many African nations, with some governments reluctant to acknowledge epidemics or to expose their crumbling health systems to outside scrutiny. Other nations simply cannot carry out significant testing because they are so ravaged by poverty and conflict. Also read: Illegal cigarette trade flourishes in South Africa amid ban on tobacco sale Sharing information is vital to tackling the pandemic in Africa – both for planning the response and mobilising donor funding - public health experts say. As things stand, it is impossible to gauge the full severity of the contagion across the continent. According to the latest data collated by Reuters, Africa, with a population of 1.3 billion people, had over 493,000 confirmed cases and 11,600 deaths. By comparison, Latin America, with roughly half the population, had 2.9 million cases and 129,900 deaths. The official numbers make it seem as though the illness has skirted much of Africa, but the real picture is certain to be worse, with WHO special envoy Samba Sow warning on May 25 of a possible “silent epidemic” if testing was not prioritised. By July 7, 4,200 tests per million people had been carried out across the continent, according to a Reuters analysis of figures from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a body set up by the African Union in 2017. That compares with averages of 7,650 in Asia and 74,255 in Europe. Interviews with dozens of health workers, diplomats and local officials revealed not just a scarcity of reliable testing in most countries, but also the lengths some governments have gone to prevent news of infection rates from emerging, even if that meant they missed out on donor funding. “We cannot help a country against its own will,” Michel Yao, head of emergency operations for the WHO in Africa, told Reuters. “In some countries, they are having meetings and not inviting us. We are supposed to be the main technical advisor.”  Yao declined to single out countries, saying the WHO needed to preserve a working relationship with governments. TROUBLE IN TANZANIA Tanzania confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 16. The next day, the government convened a task force  to coordinate the response with international partners including the WHO, foreign embassies, donors and aid agencies, multiple sources said. This body never met again with outsiders, two foreign officials familiar with the situation told Reuters, while government officials failed to show up to dozens of subsequent coronavirus-related meetings, they said. Also read: South Africa begins continent's pilot coronavirus vaccine trial “It’s very clear the government does not want any information about the state of COVID in the country,” said one aid official, who like many of those interviewed by Reuters for this story, asked not to be identified for fear of antagonizing political leaders. Tanzania’s health minister Ummy Mwalimu and government spokesman did not respond to phone calls or emailed questions raised by this article about their handling of the crisis. The spokesman, Hassan Abbasi, has previously denied withholding information about the country’s epidemic. Tanzania has not published nationwide figures since May 8, when it had recorded 509 cases and 21 deaths. Days earlier, President Magufuli dismissed testing kits imported from abroad as faulty, saying on national television that they had also returned positive results on samples taken from a goat and a pawpaw fruit. According to three emails seen by Reuters sent between May 8-13, the WHO believed it had reached an agreement with the government to let it take part in joint surveillance missions around the country. However, a WHO spokeswoman said these were all cancelled on the day they were supposed to start, with no reason given. Donors have released some $40 million to fund Tanzania’s coronavirus response, two diplomatic sources involved said. But the country’s lack of engagement meant it had missed out on “tens of millions of dollars” more, another official said. By mid-May, the government decided to ease its lockdown, despite doctors and diplomats saying the outbreak was far from contained. The U.S. Embassy warned its citizens on May 13 that hospitals in the main city Dar es Salaam were “overwhelmed”, an assertion denied at the time by the Tanzanian government. Tanzania’s failure to share information about its outbreak has frustrated its neighbours, who fear that gains won through painful lockdowns in their own countries could be jeopardized as Tanzanians cross porous borders. The WHO organised a call on April 23 with African health ministers to discuss, among other things, a lack of information sharing, Yao said. He declined to say who was on the call, and Tanzania did not respond to requests for comment as to whether its minister participated. Also read: African medics struggle in virus 'war zone' The United Nations agency cannot compel cooperation and must tread carefully. When WHO officials expressed concern in late April about a lack of measures to contain the virus in Burundi, the tiny East African nation expelled its top representative and three other WHO experts without explanation on May 12. Burundi was one of the first African countries to shut its borders in March, which seemed to slow the virus’ spread initially. But the country saw an uptick in suspected cases after rallies were held in the run-up to May 20 general elections, a health care provider said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Burundi’s 55-year-old president, Pierre Nkurunziza, died in early June amid speculation he had come down with COVID-19. The government said in a statement he had suffered a heart attack. An air ambulance service told Reuters it had flown his wife, Denise Bucumi, to Kenya on May 21 but declined to confirm reports in the Kenyan media that she had sought treatment for the coronavirus. A family spokesman declined to comment. Burundi's new president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, has promised measures to tackle the pandemic, including mass testing of people in areas suspected of being epicentres of the virus. Another African state to fall out with the WHO was Equatorial Guinea. It hasn’t shared figures with the U.N. agency since late May, when its government accused the WHO of inflating the caseload and demanded that it recall its representative. The WHO blamed a “misunderstanding over data” and denied any falsification of figures. Mitoha Ondo'o Ayekaba, Equatorial Guinea’s deputy health minister, did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the dispute. The Central African country has continued to provide periodic updates to the Africa CDC, which puts the number of confirmed cases there at 3,071 with 51 deaths. SURVEILLANCE  GAPS  While some countries won’t share information, others can’t: Their health systems are too broken to carry out any large-scale testing, surveillance or contact tracing. Also read: Coronavirus spreading like wildfire in Africa, test kits needed: WHO "Even at the best of times, collecting quality data from countries is not easy because people are stretched thin,” said John Nkengasong, director of the Africa CDC. “Combine that with an emergency, and it becomes very, very difficult.” For example, Islamist militants and ethnic militias operate across vast swathes of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, making it impossible for governments there to establish a nationwide picture of the spread of the illness. As in other countries, a shortage of kits has led Burkina Faso to largely limit the number of tests it conducts to contacts of confirmed cases and people arriving from abroad. This means there is little data on local transmission, health ministry reports show. Some countries, like Cameroon and Nigeria, have decentralised testing, but many others have very little capacity outside their capitals, said Franck Ale, an epidemiologist with the international aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders). Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation of 85 million that was already battling Ebola, was quick to suspend international flights and lock down parts of the capital Kinshasa when the virus hit in mid-March. However, it took three months before the government was able to process tests outside Kinshasa, said Steve Ahuka, a member of Congo’s COVID-19 response committee, citing a lack of laboratories, equipment and personnel. In many areas, it still takes two weeks to get results, said two doctors. South Africa, the continent’s most advanced economy, is one of the few to have rolled out mass testing. But it had a backlog of more than 63,000 unprocessed specimens as of June 10, because global suppliers were unable to meet its demand for laboratory kits, according to the health ministry. South Africa’s national laboratory service declined to disclose the current backlog. In the absence of comprehensive testing data in other parts of the world, researchers look to different yardsticks to judge the prevalence of the coronavirus, including reviewing the number of deaths that exceed the average for the time of year. But even that is not possible in most of Africa because data from previous years is lacking. Only eight countries - Algeria, Cape Verde, Djibouti, Egypt, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles and South Africa - record more than 75% of their deaths, according to the United Nations. Ethiopia records less than 2%, the country’s health ministry said. Without information about how severe an outbreak is and what resources are available to cope with it, nations risk lifting lockdowns too soon or maintaining them too long, said Amanda McClelland of the U.S.-based health policy initiative Resolve to Save Lives.  “The big gap for us is really understanding the severity of the outbreak,” she said. “Without clarity on data, it is very hard to justify the economic pain that shutting down countries causes.”

In Africa, lack of coronavirus data raises fears of 'silent epidemic'

Catalonia's regional authorities will on Wednesday decide to make it mandatory to wear masks regardless of people's ability to maintain a safe distance, becoming Spain's first region to do so, Catalan regional leader Quim Torra said.

Torra said the measure would come into force on Thursday.

Wearing masks indoors and outdoors is mandatory in Spain if people cannot guarantee a 1.5 metre distance from one another until a cure or vaccine for the coronavirus is found.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/regional-officers-in-catalonia-want-toughened-mask-wearing-rules-311441" hreflang="en">Regional officers in Catalonia want 'toughened' mask wearing rules</a>

Around 200,000 people in Lerida, west of Barcelona were placed under strict lockdown on Saturday after over 1,000 cases of COVID-19 were detected since early June. They have reported 64 new cases in the last 24-hours.&nbsp;

Wearing masks is already compulsory in Spain if people are unable to avoid being closer than 1.5 metres while commuting through public transport.&nbsp;

"We want to make wearing masks obligatory at all times," regional government spokeswoman Meritxell Budo said by way of clarification.

"We have noticed some easing up in the use of masks" so a tighter measure might be called for, she explained.

Fernando Simon, the chief Spanish epidemiologist, said on Monday that he was "very concerned" of the outbreak in Catalonia.&nbsp;

Catalonia's regional authorities will on Wednesday decide to make it mandatory to wear masks regardless of people's ability to maintain a safe distance, becoming Spain's first region to do so, Catalan regional leader Quim Torra said.

Catalonia's regional authorities will on Wednesday decide to make it mandatory to wear masks regardless of people's ability to maintain a safe distance, becoming Spain's first region to do so, Catalan regional leader Quim Torra said. Torra said the measure would come into force on Thursday. Wearing masks indoors and outdoors is mandatory in Spain if people cannot guarantee a 1.5 metre distance from one another until a cure or vaccine for the coronavirus is found. Also read: Regional officers in Catalonia want 'toughened' mask wearing rules Around 200,000 people in Lerida, west of Barcelona were placed under strict lockdown on Saturday after over 1,000 cases of COVID-19 were detected since early June. They have reported 64 new cases in the last 24-hours. Wearing masks is already compulsory in Spain if people are unable to avoid being closer than 1.5 metres while commuting through public transport. "We want to make wearing masks obligatory at all times," regional government spokeswoman Meritxell Budo said by way of clarification. "We have noticed some easing up in the use of masks" so a tighter measure might be called for, she explained. Fernando Simon, the chief Spanish epidemiologist, said on Monday that he was "very concerned" of the outbreak in Catalonia.

Spain's Catalonia region makes masks obligatory everywhere

The world has tried different medicines at different junctures of COVID-19 touting it as the “cure” - hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, and now dexamethasone. Even though all prove to be more effective than the last, no potent “cure” has come up yet.

A company - Regeneron has begun its stage-3 clinical trials of an antibody cocktail to ascertain whether it will be of any use in battling COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-samples-with-96-resemblance-to-covid-19-were-sent-to-wuhan-lab-in-2013-311205" hreflang="en">Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013</a>

Announced in a release on Monday, the biotechnology company claims that this late-stage trial will focus on the drug’s ability to protect people from catching the virus, especially if they have had close contact with an active carrier. The “prevention trial” is taking place at over 100 sites, with 2,000 patients participating in it, all in the United States.

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Mass trials underway

Additionally, the drug has progressed onto phase 2/3 which is focused on treating the active patients of COVID-19. These will involve over 1,850 people who are hospitalised, and 1,050 who haven’t been hospitalised. This depends on the intensity of the virus in a particular host. This phase will be materialised across 150 sites in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and the United States.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142" hreflang="en">7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

As per the press release, the company is running “simultaneous adaptive trials” to treat and prevent coronavirus infections. The trial in question has been undertaken in conjunction with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which falls within the ambit of the National Institutes of Health.

The antibody treatment includes the doctors filtering through thousands of antibodies to pin-point the one that will fight COVID-19 most effectively. Following this trajectory, the company’s scientists chose two antibodies, and are hoping to use them in the medicine which will possibly protect people from the clutches of the virus.

Success?

What’s imperative here is the fact that the drug was able to reach such a late stage of trials, implying the company has found success in the results since it began trials early in June.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-induced-disruption-in-resources-may-cause-1-million-extra-deaths-due-to-other-diseases-311086" hreflang="en">Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths</a>

A new report by the United Nations recently claimed that if the source of such deadly viruses is found and analysed, we may be able to control such outbreaks in the future.

The COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 11 million across the globe spanning&nbsp;188 countries, and has killed over 533,000. Over six million people have also recovered.

The world has tried different medicines at different junctures of COVID-19 touting it as the “cure” - hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, and now dexamethasone. Even though all prove to be more effective than the last, no potent “cure” has come up yet.

The world has tried different medicines at different junctures of COVID-19 touting it as the “cure” - hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, and now dexamethasone. Even though all prove to be more effective than the last, no potent “cure” has come up yet. A company - Regeneron has begun its stage-3 clinical trials of an antibody cocktail to ascertain whether it will be of any use in battling COVID-19. Also read: Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013 Announced in a release on Monday, the biotechnology company claims that this late-stage trial will focus on the drug’s ability to protect people from catching the virus, especially if they have had close contact with an active carrier. The “prevention trial” is taking place at over 100 sites, with 2,000 patients participating in it, all in the United States. Mass trials underway Additionally, the drug has progressed onto phase 2/3 which is focused on treating the active patients of COVID-19. These will involve over 1,850 people who are hospitalised, and 1,050 who haven’t been hospitalised. This depends on the intensity of the virus in a particular host. This phase will be materialised across 150 sites in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and the United States. In pics: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world As per the press release, the company is running “simultaneous adaptive trials” to treat and prevent coronavirus infections. The trial in question has been undertaken in conjunction with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which falls within the ambit of the National Institutes of Health. The antibody treatment includes the doctors filtering through thousands of antibodies to pin-point the one that will fight COVID-19 most effectively. Following this trajectory, the company’s scientists chose two antibodies, and are hoping to use them in the medicine which will possibly protect people from the clutches of the virus. Success? What’s imperative here is the fact that the drug was able to reach such a late stage of trials, implying the company has found success in the results since it began trials early in June. Also read: Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths A new report by the United Nations recently claimed that if the source of such deadly viruses is found and analysed, we may be able to control such outbreaks in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 11 million across the globe spanning 188 countries, and has killed over 533,000. Over six million people have also recovered.

Regeneron begins stage-3 clinical trials of COVID-19 antibody cocktail

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