China is now trying to shift blame for the coronavirus outbreak. But fresh reports have emerged, that expose how China destroyed the evidence to cover-up the outbreak. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: How China destroyed evidence of the outbreak, Wuhan Coronavirus

The coronavirus is the turning point of the new millennium, something that’s already made it to the annals of history. After all, it's not everyday one witnesses a global shutdown. While the optimistic upshot will be a colossal upscaling of the healthcare system, the current financial crisis is only deepening the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

Now the question we all should be asking is, 'Who benefits from this crisis?' Chances are that somebody does. The virus has cleverly created a myopic understanding of the calamity whereby the masses are focused on choosing life over death, ignorant of the upcoming ramifications even if they survive.

It was on October 18, 2019, at the World Economic Forum that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in partnership with The Johns Hopkins Centre For Health Security, hosted Event 201, a high-level pandemic exercise in New York. Bill Gates’ foresight to predict this pandemic way back in 2015 has struck the curiosity of sceptics like me. The billionaire philanthropist’s Ted Talks sermon is testimony to the point I’m making. The man has already pledged funding for vaccinations. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving $5 million to support the response in China, the virus-host. To be distributed among private and public partners that the organisation already works with, the Gates’ funding will reach China’s National Health Commission, Chinese Centre For Disease Control and Prevention and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Why would a business magnate invest millions in fighting an outbreak without any returns in the offing? Beware, because Gates, the psychic, has already warned of similar pandemics every two decades.

That Beijing has already gained a geopolitical edge over the west as it battles to contain COVID-19 is no secret. A big shot in the arm is the dragon’s massive Belt and Road initiative but the recent developments have raised the stakes higher. Not only is China leading with medical supplies to hard-hit countries in Europe and Africa, but it is also buying shares in banks across Asia. Case in point is The People’s Bank Of China buying HDFC's 1.75 crore shares worth 1.01 per cent of the shareholding.

 
Is COVID-19 a bioweapon? I personally believe that it's beyond just a zoonotic disease. As much as we want to support the idea of vegetarianism and lambaste ecological destruction as the cause for microbes jumping on to humans from animals, nobody can deny that consumption of wild meat is an ancient practice. Whether this virus was manufactured at a Wuhan lab or got leaked and reached Wuhan's wet market remains unanswered. But, the role of the Harvard Professor, Charles Leiber, allegedly setting up a laboratory is again questionable and not just a “coincidence”.

Analysts from the Eurasia group have already rated the current scenario as “the first international crisis" where China is actively taking a global leadership role and it stands in particular contrast to the US, which has disdained international cooperation and invested more political capital in criticising Beijing for its role in allowing the outbreak to spread.”

And perhaps it is the western void in multilateral institutions like the WHO that’s now being filled by China. Critics have questioned WHO’s unjustifiably delayed response in declaring the outbreak as a global pandemic in March when the virus had already surfaced in December 2019 in Wuhan. Moving into a new field- Health, Beijing has found a willing partner in the WHO.

After several denials and coverups, China successfully contained the COVID-19 but exported it to the world, now donning the new role of a public health superpower.

FYI, the WHO is dependent on China for funding. And, it was only when its Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, met with Xi Jinping in the end of January that WHO’s international experts were allowed access to China. Until then information by China was merely parroted by the international health body. Taiwan’s warnings were left unheard. Considering Taiwan’s estranged relationship with the dragon, it's not surprising that the country has no representation in a body that’s ironically part of the United Nations.

Termed as a “whacko” conspiracy theorist by many, David Icke talks about the 1 per cent at the top of the pyramid controlling the global economy and manufacturing total collapse of the current world economic system. He does throw some for food for thought though; What will this unprecedented financial disruption lead to?

Think and be ahead of the curve.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The coronavirus is the turning point of the new millennium, something that’s already made it to the annals of history. After all, it's not everyday one witnesses a global shutdown.

The coronavirus is the turning point of the new millennium, something that’s already made it to the annals of history. After all, it's not everyday one witnesses a global shutdown. While the optimistic upshot will be a colossal upscaling of the healthcare system, the current financial crisis is only deepening the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Now the question we all should be asking is, 'Who benefits from this crisis?' Chances are that somebody does. The virus has cleverly created a myopic understanding of the calamity whereby the masses are focused on choosing life over death, ignorant of the upcoming ramifications even if they survive. It was on October 18, 2019, at the World Economic Forum that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in partnership with The Johns Hopkins Centre For Health Security, hosted Event 201, a high-level pandemic exercise in New York. Bill Gates’ foresight to predict this pandemic way back in 2015 has struck the curiosity of sceptics like me. The billionaire philanthropist’s Ted Talks sermon is testimony to the point I’m making. The man has already pledged funding for vaccinations. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving $5 million to support the response in China, the virus-host. To be distributed among private and public partners that the organisation already works with, the Gates’ funding will reach China’s National Health Commission, Chinese Centre For Disease Control and Prevention and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Why would a business magnate invest millions in fighting an outbreak without any returns in the offing? Beware, because Gates, the psychic, has already warned of similar pandemics every two decades. That Beijing has already gained a geopolitical edge over the west as it battles to contain COVID-19 is no secret. A big shot in the arm is the dragon’s massive Belt and Road initiative but the recent developments have raised the stakes higher. Not only is China leading with medical supplies to hard-hit countries in Europe and Africa, but it is also buying shares in banks across Asia. Case in point is The People’s Bank Of China buying HDFC's 1.75 crore shares worth 1.01 per cent of the shareholding. Is COVID-19 a bioweapon? I personally believe that it's beyond just a zoonotic disease. As much as we want to support the idea of vegetarianism and lambaste ecological destruction as the cause for microbes jumping on to humans from animals, nobody can deny that consumption of wild meat is an ancient practice. Whether this virus was manufactured at a Wuhan lab or got leaked and reached Wuhan's wet market remains unanswered. But, the role of the Harvard Professor, Charles Leiber, allegedly setting up a laboratory is again questionable and not just a “coincidence”. Analysts from the Eurasia group have already rated the current scenario as “the first international crisis" where China is actively taking a global leadership role and it stands in particular contrast to the US, which has disdained international cooperation and invested more political capital in criticising Beijing for its role in allowing the outbreak to spread.” And perhaps it is the western void in multilateral institutions like the WHO that’s now being filled by China. Critics have questioned WHO’s unjustifiably delayed response in declaring the outbreak as a global pandemic in March when the virus had already surfaced in December 2019 in Wuhan. Moving into a new field- Health, Beijing has found a willing partner in the WHO. After several denials and coverups, China successfully contained the COVID-19 but exported it to the world, now donning the new role of a public health superpower. FYI, the WHO is dependent on China for funding. And, it was only when its Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, met with Xi Jinping in the end of January that WHO’s international experts were allowed access to China. Until then information by China was merely parroted by the international health body. Taiwan’s warnings were left unheard. Considering Taiwan’s estranged relationship with the dragon, it's not surprising that the country has no representation in a body that’s ironically part of the United Nations. Termed as a “whacko” conspiracy theorist by many, David Icke talks about the 1 per cent at the top of the pyramid controlling the global economy and manufacturing total collapse of the current world economic system. He does throw some for food for thought though; What will this unprecedented financial disruption lead to? Think and be ahead of the curve. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

COVID-19: A crisis manufactured?

The lockdown recently ended in Wuhan. But the city is echoing mixed emotions. Some people are celebrating the end of the lockdown. Some others have launched a protest. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Celebrations and protest in Wuhan | Coronavirus Outbreak

From New York to Paris to England to New Delhi, life has come to a standstill with some three billion people confined to their homes as&nbsp;governments and agencies&nbsp;fight&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-york-city-from-a-global-cultural-capital-to-a-ghost-town-290305">coronavirus outbreak</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/as-coronavirus-becomes-a-global-threat-who-china-ties-need-greater-international-scrutiny-291137">COVID 19 </a>infected more than 1.44 million people and killed over 83,000 worldwide.

The exact source of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/four-priorities-for-a-global-strategy-to-contain-coronavirus-pandemic-290518">novel coronavirus</a> remains under investigation, though it is thought to be linked to Wuhan wet market. Another theory&nbsp;says the virus was developed in a Chinese&nbsp;virology lab.

Here are the key developments since the novel coronavirus was announced:&nbsp;Coronavirus Timeline

December 30, 2019

The Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention in central China's Hubei province detected cases of "pneumonia of unknown cause". &nbsp;

December 31, 2019

The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission confirmed 27 cases, telling the public not to go to enclosed public&nbsp; 
 
January 8, 2020

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said a new coronavirus could be behind a pneumonia epidemic documented in December in the Chinese city of Wuhan.&nbsp;

January 11, 2020

China announced&nbsp;its first death in Wuhan

January 24, 2020

The first cases in Europe are recorded, in France.&nbsp;

January 25, 2020

Hubei province followed Wuhan in being placed in quarantine

January 28, 2020

Germany and Japan announced the first two confirmed instances of human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 outside China. Nations rushed to evacuate their citizens from China.

January 30, 2020

The WHO declared a "public health emergency of international concern".

February 2, 2020

The Philippines reported the first death outside China, a man from Wuhan.

February 7, 2020

The WHO warned that the world is running out of masks and other protective equipment.

February 19, 2020

As the toll topped 2,000, the WHO called for "proportionate" actions to COVID-19's international spread.

February 25, 2020

The WHO said&nbsp;there is a risk of a pandemic. The next day the number of new cases in the rest of the world surpasses that of China.

March 6-8, 2020

More than 100,000 cases were recorded around the world. Northern Italy was locked down, quickly followed by the rest of the country.

March 11, 2020

The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. US borders were gradually closed to around 30 countries. Governments and central banks rolled out massive economic support measures.

March 13, 2020

The WHO declared Europe as the pandemic's new epicentre.

By March 18, 2020

More than 2,00,000 cases were registered across the world.

March 19, 2020

Italy became the country with the highest death toll.&nbsp;

March 23, 2020

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned against a worse recession than the one that followed the 2008 world financial crisis.

Several<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sporting-events-that-fell-victim-to-coronavirus-280070#la-liga-285951"> sporting events </a>were either cancelled or postponed due to the spread of the novel virus.&nbsp;

March 24, 2020

Indian Prime Minister announced a 21 days nationwide lockdown.

March 26, 2020

The leaders of the Group of 20 nations came together for an ‘extraordinary virtual G20 Summit’ to discuss the impact of coronavirus pandemic on the global economy.

March 28, 2020

As China's Wuhan started emerging from lockdown, Italy passed the 10,000 death mark.

April 7, 2020

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neighbourhood-first-indias-policy-on-hydroxychloroquine-as-trump-demands-drug-for-us-291189">Indian government</a> decided to licence and paracetamol, in appropriate quantities, to the&nbsp;neighbouring countries. These drugs are seen as key in the treatment of coronavirus.

(With inputs from AFP and PTI)

From New York to Paris to England to New Delhi, life has come to a standstill with some three billion people confined to their homes as governments and agencies fight the coronavirus outbreak.

From New York to Paris to England to New Delhi, life has come to a standstill with some three billion people confined to their homes as governments and agencies fight the coronavirus outbreak. COVID 19 infected more than 1.44 million people and killed over 83,000 worldwide. The exact source of the novel coronavirus remains under investigation, though it is thought to be linked to Wuhan wet market. Another theory says the virus was developed in a Chinese virology lab. Here are the key developments since the novel coronavirus was announced: Coronavirus Timeline December 30, 2019 The Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention in central China's Hubei province detected cases of "pneumonia of unknown cause". December 31, 2019 The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission confirmed 27 cases, telling the public not to go to enclosed public January 8, 2020 The World Health Organisation (WHO) said a new coronavirus could be behind a pneumonia epidemic documented in December in the Chinese city of Wuhan. January 11, 2020 China announced its first death in Wuhan January 24, 2020 The first cases in Europe are recorded, in France. January 25, 2020 Hubei province followed Wuhan in being placed in quarantine January 28, 2020 Germany and Japan announced the first two confirmed instances of human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 outside China. Nations rushed to evacuate their citizens from China. January 30, 2020 The WHO declared a "public health emergency of international concern". February 2, 2020 The Philippines reported the first death outside China, a man from Wuhan. February 7, 2020 The WHO warned that the world is running out of masks and other protective equipment. February 19, 2020 As the toll topped 2,000, the WHO called for "proportionate" actions to COVID-19's international spread. February 25, 2020 The WHO said there is a risk of a pandemic. The next day the number of new cases in the rest of the world surpasses that of China. March 6-8, 2020 More than 100,000 cases were recorded around the world. Northern Italy was locked down, quickly followed by the rest of the country. March 11, 2020 The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. US borders were gradually closed to around 30 countries. Governments and central banks rolled out massive economic support measures. March 13, 2020 The WHO declared Europe as the pandemic's new epicentre. By March 18, 2020 More than 2,00,000 cases were registered across the world. March 19, 2020 Italy became the country with the highest death toll. March 23, 2020 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned against a worse recession than the one that followed the 2008 world financial crisis. Several sporting events were either cancelled or postponed due to the spread of the novel virus. March 24, 2020 Indian Prime Minister announced a 21 days nationwide lockdown. March 26, 2020 The leaders of the Group of 20 nations came together for an ‘extraordinary virtual G20 Summit’ to discuss the impact of coronavirus pandemic on the global economy. March 28, 2020 As China's Wuhan started emerging from lockdown, Italy passed the 10,000 death mark. April 7, 2020 The Indian government decided to licence and paracetamol, in appropriate quantities, to the neighbouring countries. These drugs are seen as key in the treatment of coronavirus. (With inputs from AFP and PTI)

Coronavirus timeline: From COVID-19's origin to spread

China has lifted the lockdown in Wuhan after 76 days. More than 55,000 thousand people left the city within hours of the restrictions being lifted. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: More than 55,000 people flee, after China lifts Wuhan lockdown

The lockdown has been lifted in Wuhan after more than two months and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-coronavirus-outbreak-chinese-companies-eye-european-businesses-291401">China </a>thought it's a good time to celebrate even as the rest of the world is still in very bad shape hit by the coronvirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-spectacular-light-show-preceded-ending-of-coronavirus-lockdown-in-wuhan-291326">Also Read: Spectacular light show preceded ending of coronavirus lockdown in Wuhan</a> 
&nbsp; 
After the announcement, Wuhan celebrated complete with a light and sound show because the lockdown has been lifted. It took 76 days for the lockdown to end which is the harshest lockdown in the world, however, some restrictions are still in place.&nbsp;

Highways have reopened, flights and trains are running again and so, it seems, are the people of Wuhan. A long line of cars wait for the highway to open with more than 55 thousand people set to leave Wuhan within a few hours of the lockdown being lifted.

There was a line of passengers at the airport too. For the people of Wuhan, the threat is far from over. Almost all of them were wearing a mask. Some were in protective suits, even with face shields. These passengers were desperate to leave Wuhan.&nbsp;

Passenger Wang Wenshu travelling home to see her parents, said: "I haven't been out since January 21. this is the first time I left the house today. Now I'm going back home to meet my parents."

The Wuhan story remains a mystery for the world as photographs from the city show thousands of urns being delivered to funeral homes. A report in Caixin magazine quotes a truck driver, who allegedly delivered five thousand urns. Another report says seven crematoriums in the city were handing out 3,500 urns per day but, it remains unclear if these deaths were due to the coronavirus.

Critics of the Chinese government have been&nbsp;demanding an independent investigation by an international agency. China may be opening up Wuhan for its citizens but, it won't open its doors to international investigators. 
&nbsp;

The lockdown has been lifted in Wuhan after more than two months and China thought it's a good time to celebrate even as the rest of the world is still in very bad shape hit by the coronvirus.

The lockdown has been lifted in Wuhan after more than two months and China thought it's a good time to celebrate even as the rest of the world is still in very bad shape hit by the coronvirus. Also Read: Spectacular light show preceded ending of coronavirus lockdown in Wuhan After the announcement, Wuhan celebrated complete with a light and sound show because the lockdown has been lifted. It took 76 days for the lockdown to end which is the harshest lockdown in the world, however, some restrictions are still in place. Highways have reopened, flights and trains are running again and so, it seems, are the people of Wuhan. A long line of cars wait for the highway to open with more than 55 thousand people set to leave Wuhan within a few hours of the lockdown being lifted. There was a line of passengers at the airport too. For the people of Wuhan, the threat is far from over. Almost all of them were wearing a mask. Some were in protective suits, even with face shields. These passengers were desperate to leave Wuhan. Passenger Wang Wenshu travelling home to see her parents, said: "I haven't been out since January 21. this is the first time I left the house today. Now I'm going back home to meet my parents." The Wuhan story remains a mystery for the world as photographs from the city show thousands of urns being delivered to funeral homes. A report in Caixin magazine quotes a truck driver, who allegedly delivered five thousand urns. Another report says seven crematoriums in the city were handing out 3,500 urns per day but, it remains unclear if these deaths were due to the coronavirus. Critics of the Chinese government have been demanding an independent investigation by an international agency. China may be opening up Wuhan for its citizens but, it won't open its doors to international investigators.

Wuhan stares at massive exodus as lockdown ends

United Kingdom on Wednesday reported 938 new deaths due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-china-is-muzzling-voices-that-speak-against-president-xi-jinping-291386">coronavirus</a> with the death toll surging past 7,000 as the country continued to grapple with the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-51-recovered-coronavirus-patients-test-positive-again-in-south-korea-291389">Also Read:&nbsp;At least 51 recovered coronavirus patients test positive again in South Korea</a>

"As of 5pm on April 7, of those hospitalized in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 7,097 have sadly died," the health ministry said. The current death toll is 152 more than the previous highest toll.

The number of confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 in the United Kingdom now stands at 7,097. The United Kingdom has 55,957 infected cases, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource center's live tracker.

British PM Boris Johnson,55, is the biggest high profile person to be hit by the virus and has been hospitalised under observation in the ICU at a London hospital. UK finance minister said on Wednesday that Boris Johnson's condition is "improving".

"The prime minister remains clinically stable and is responding to treatment," his official spokesman said. "He continues to be cared for in the intensive care unit in St Thomas' Hospital. He is in good spirits."

The British prime minister was admitted in intensive care on Monday after spending Sunday night in hospital following concerns he still had a cough and high temperature 10 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

As the virus continues to spread in the UK, a survey said fifth of UK private companies want to temporarily lay off staff due to the COVID-19 outbreak. "Our latest data shows that many businesses face a cliff-edge scenario, either at the end of this month or over the course of the next quarter," Adam Marshall, British Chamber of Commerce director said.

"Our latest data shows that many businesses face a cliff-edge scenario, either at the end of this month or over the course of the next quarter," Marshall he added. 
&nbsp;

United Kingdom on Wednesday reported 938 new deaths due to coronavirus with the death toll surging past 7,000 as the country continued to grapple with the virus.

United Kingdom on Wednesday reported 938 new deaths due to coronavirus with the death toll surging past 7,000 as the country continued to grapple with the virus. Also Read: At least 51 recovered coronavirus patients test positive again in South Korea "As of 5pm on April 7, of those hospitalized in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 7,097 have sadly died," the health ministry said. The current death toll is 152 more than the previous highest toll. The number of confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 in the United Kingdom now stands at 7,097. The United Kingdom has 55,957 infected cases, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource center's live tracker. British PM Boris Johnson,55, is the biggest high profile person to be hit by the virus and has been hospitalised under observation in the ICU at a London hospital. UK finance minister said on Wednesday that Boris Johnson's condition is "improving". "The prime minister remains clinically stable and is responding to treatment," his official spokesman said. "He continues to be cared for in the intensive care unit in St Thomas' Hospital. He is in good spirits." The British prime minister was admitted in intensive care on Monday after spending Sunday night in hospital following concerns he still had a cough and high temperature 10 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19. As the virus continues to spread in the UK, a survey said fifth of UK private companies want to temporarily lay off staff due to the COVID-19 outbreak. "Our latest data shows that many businesses face a cliff-edge scenario, either at the end of this month or over the course of the next quarter," Adam Marshall, British Chamber of Commerce director said. "Our latest data shows that many businesses face a cliff-edge scenario, either at the end of this month or over the course of the next quarter," Marshall he added.

UK reports highest one-day deaths as COVID-19 toll surges past 7,000

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-accuses-who-of-bias-toward-china-threatened-to-put-hold-on-us-funding-291237">Donald Trump accuses WHO of bias toward China, threatened to ‘put hold on’ US funding</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/17/133398-untitled-design-5.jpg?itok=-8Ieu99m" /> 
As the United States suffered a record total of nearly 2,000 deaths in the past 24 hours, China reported no new deaths for the first time since the outbreak began in Wuhan in late December.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-accuses-who-of-bias-toward-china-threatened-to-put-hold-on-us-funding-291237">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-african-americans-are-dying-at-higher-rates-from-covid-19-291240">Why African Americans are dying at higher rates from COVID-19?</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/29/134821-untitled-design-6.jpg?itok=EZHUQalk" /> 
Experts say blacks are disproportionately impacted by underlying health conditions linked to poverty, face discrimination in medical care, and are more likely to work jobs that require them to leave their home.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-african-americans-are-dying-at-higher-rates-from-covid-19-291240">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alls-well-that-ends-well-us-and-china-have-reached-a-truce-291239">All's well that ends well? US and China have reached a 'truce'</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/08/136054-us-china-truce.jpg?itok=Ag6w-1Jx" /> 
Coronavirus is no longer the "Wuhan virus" for the United States, as the country has reached a truce with China. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alls-well-that-ends-well-us-and-china-have-reached-a-truce-291239">READ MORE</a>

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&nbsp;

Donald Trump accuses WHO of bias toward China, threatened to ‘put hold on’ US funding As the United States suffered a record total of nearly 2,000 deaths in the past 24 hours, China reported no new deaths for the first time since the outbreak began in Wuhan in late December.

Donald Trump accuses WHO of bias toward China, threatened to ‘put hold on’ US funding As the United States suffered a record total of nearly 2,000 deaths in the past 24 hours, China reported no new deaths for the first time since the outbreak began in Wuhan in late December.READ MORE Why African Americans are dying at higher rates from COVID-19? Experts say blacks are disproportionately impacted by underlying health conditions linked to poverty, face discrimination in medical care, and are more likely to work jobs that require them to leave their home.READ MORE All's well that ends well? US and China have reached a 'truce' Coronavirus is no longer the "Wuhan virus" for the United States, as the country has reached a truce with China. READ MORE

Morning news brief: US death toll, Trump attacks WHO and more

After German officials accused the United States of diverting a shipment of masks heading to Germany, an American spokesperson has denied any such plot.

The shipment was allegedly diverted from an airport in Bangkok. The US embassy representative in Thailand simply claimed to have no knowledge.

Calling it an “act of modern piracy”, Berlin Secretary of Interior Andreas Geisel on Friday had claimed that over 200,000 masks were “confiscated” in Bangkok, and then rerouted to the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pain-solitude-fear-stories-of-surviving-covid-19-291005" hreflang="en">Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19</a>

“The United States Government did not take any action to divert any 3M supplies that were destined to Germany nor did we have any knowledge of such a shipment,” Jillian Bonnardeaux, the US embassy spokeswoman in Bangkok, told Reuters.

“We remain concerned about pervasive attempts to divide international efforts through unsourced, unattributed disinformation campaigns”, the representative added.

When Reuters reached out to Thai authorities, there was no response.&nbsp;

Rerouting a shipment may not come off as a big deal in the larger scheme of things, but as the world is grappling with a killer pandemic, countries across the globe are racing it out to secure the most protective gear.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/are-animals-next-see-how-many-have-tested-positive-for-covid-19-so-far-290812">Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far!</a>

This is not the first such accusation. Many countries in Europe and South America have complained of the US trying to block shipments of essential medical supplies heading for their countries.

Over 74,000 people have died from the virus as of now, with over 1,300,000 reported positive cases.

There’s no clarity on how the shipment was rerouted. The masks were ordered from a German wholesaler, and not from the US company 3M, which has denied any involvement.

US President Donald Trump recently asserted that “there had been no act of privacy”.

(With inputs from Reuters)

After German officials accused the United States of diverting a shipment of masks heading to Germany, an American spokesperson has denied any such plot. The shipment was allegedly diverted from an airport in Bangkok.

After German officials accused the United States of diverting a shipment of masks heading to Germany, an American spokesperson has denied any such plot. The shipment was allegedly diverted from an airport in Bangkok. The US embassy representative in Thailand simply claimed to have no knowledge. Calling it an “act of modern piracy”, Berlin Secretary of Interior Andreas Geisel on Friday had claimed that over 200,000 masks were “confiscated” in Bangkok, and then rerouted to the United States. Also read: Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19 “The United States Government did not take any action to divert any 3M supplies that were destined to Germany nor did we have any knowledge of such a shipment,” Jillian Bonnardeaux, the US embassy spokeswoman in Bangkok, told Reuters. “We remain concerned about pervasive attempts to divide international efforts through unsourced, unattributed disinformation campaigns”, the representative added. When Reuters reached out to Thai authorities, there was no response. Rerouting a shipment may not come off as a big deal in the larger scheme of things, but as the world is grappling with a killer pandemic, countries across the globe are racing it out to secure the most protective gear. Also read: Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far! This is not the first such accusation. Many countries in Europe and South America have complained of the US trying to block shipments of essential medical supplies heading for their countries. Over 74,000 people have died from the virus as of now, with over 1,300,000 reported positive cases. There’s no clarity on how the shipment was rerouted. The masks were ordered from a German wholesaler, and not from the US company 3M, which has denied any involvement. US President Donald Trump recently asserted that “there had been no act of privacy”. (With inputs from Reuters)

'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany?

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down economies, and rendered many people without wages, especially in the unorganised sector. One country has stepped up efforts to deal with this!

The Singapore government has rolled in relief measures to ease the economic fallout from lockdowns induced by the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-drugs-to-life-saving-paraphernalia-how-the-dark-web-is-capitalising-on-pandemic-panic-291049" hreflang="en">From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic!</a>

Almost the whole world is currently shut down, with economic and industrial activity resuming only in China, the original epicentre of COVID-19.

The government intends to pay over 75 per cent salaries of all local and permanent resident workers for April to compensate for losses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-health-minister-calls-himself-an-idiot-for-circumventing-lockdown-directives-gets-demoted-291065" hreflang="en">New Zealand's health minister calls himself 'an idiot' for circumventing lockdown directives; gets demoted</a>

Additionally, as expressed by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, people would also receive money under the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS). It will be fast tracked for this month to avoid shortage of cash!

According to local news portal Straits Times, this is the third attempt in a series of relief measures aimed at workers.

Almost 2 million workers in the country will receive wage subsidies and assistance from the government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-extends-coronavirus-lockdown-till-april-30-291067" hreflang="en">Philippines extends coronavirus lockdown till April 30</a>

The lockdown has halted most industries, with no firms operating in the country right now. “Circuit breaker measures” were announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday.

As part of this circuit-breaking, only essential services will operate for a month, with everything else ordered to remain shut.

Heng reiterated that employers should pay their workers even during the period, otherwise operations will not resume smoothly after the lockdown is lifted.

(With inputs from agencies)

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down economies, and rendered many people without wages, especially in the unorganised sector. One country has stepped up efforts to deal with this!

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down economies, and rendered many people without wages, especially in the unorganised sector. One country has stepped up efforts to deal with this! The Singapore government has rolled in relief measures to ease the economic fallout from lockdowns induced by the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic! Almost the whole world is currently shut down, with economic and industrial activity resuming only in China, the original epicentre of COVID-19. The government intends to pay over 75 per cent salaries of all local and permanent resident workers for April to compensate for losses. Also read: New Zealand's health minister calls himself 'an idiot' for circumventing lockdown directives; gets demoted Additionally, as expressed by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, people would also receive money under the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS). It will be fast tracked for this month to avoid shortage of cash! According to local news portal Straits Times, this is the third attempt in a series of relief measures aimed at workers. Almost 2 million workers in the country will receive wage subsidies and assistance from the government. Also read: Philippines extends coronavirus lockdown till April 30 The lockdown has halted most industries, with no firms operating in the country right now. “Circuit breaker measures” were announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday. As part of this circuit-breaking, only essential services will operate for a month, with everything else ordered to remain shut. Heng reiterated that employers should pay their workers even during the period, otherwise operations will not resume smoothly after the lockdown is lifted. (With inputs from agencies)

This Asian country is paying 75% wages of 2 million workers this month to beat economic slowdown

The world is currently experiencing the biggest pandemic of the last few decades: No major countries have been spared by the fury of COVID-19, which only takes a sneeze to catch on to potential carriers!

The virus has now killed over 70,000 people worldwide, with China, the US, and Italy serving as the major hotspots.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-new-israeli-tech-can-diagnose-anomalies-with-your-vehicle-and-also-detect-covid-19-symptoms-291036" hreflang="en">This new Israeli tech can diagnose anomalies with your vehicle, and also detect COVID-19 symptoms!</a>

Amidst the chaos and a crumbling healthcare infrastructure, protective gear like masks and gloves are increasingly running out.

The notorious corner of the internet: what is called the “dark web”, which can be accessed only using certain browsers is famous for selling arms and drugs. The dark web hosts multiple shopping websites that deliver all these goods to your doorstep.

However, the murky side of the internet is now selling face masks in the times of a pandemic.

What’s interesting is that while the rates of masks in the physical world as well as on the safer side of the internet have shot up due to overwhelming demand, the price of the same commodities on the dark web is much lesser. This could be as alarming as comforting, for people may be selling counterfeit or ineffective products.

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/divided-in-the-time-of-a-pandemic-coronavirus-separates-lovers-friends-at-swiss-german-border-fences-290765">Divided in the time of a pandemic: Coronavirus separates lovers, friends at Swiss-German border fences</a>

One N95 mask on Amazon or eBay costs about $10, while dark web is selling it for a much acceptable price of $1.75.

From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: One can also apparently buy testing kits for the virus online for over $90 per kit. Currently, many countries are hesitant in terms of testing because of the shortage of kits, and also due to the focus on serious life-threatening cases.

Additionally, capitalising on the panic-stricken people, sellers on the dark web are offering unverified cures with unverifiable descriptions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modern-piracy-did-united-states-reroute-a-shipment-of-face-masks-headed-to-germany-291024" hreflang="en">'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany?</a>

However, unlike Amazon and eBay, there is no buyer protection here. Once you are duped, there is no turning back: no refunds or exchanges.&nbsp;

Additionally, you could get caught in a legal crossfire as most of these web portals sell goods that remain largely illegal. Besides drugs, exotic animals, and banned visual material like underage pornography is openly sold across the web.

Many sellers could simply be hackers looking for a way into your system. By impersonating health officials and agencies, they may attack your computer/phone and steal access to your private information without you even realising it!

The world is currently experiencing the biggest pandemic of the last few decades: No major countries have been spared by the fury of COVID-19, which only takes a sneeze to catch on to potential carriers!

The world is currently experiencing the biggest pandemic of the last few decades: No major countries have been spared by the fury of COVID-19, which only takes a sneeze to catch on to potential carriers! The virus has now killed over 70,000 people worldwide, with China, the US, and Italy serving as the major hotspots. Also read: This new Israeli tech can diagnose anomalies with your vehicle, and also detect COVID-19 symptoms! Amidst the chaos and a crumbling healthcare infrastructure, protective gear like masks and gloves are increasingly running out. The notorious corner of the internet: what is called the “dark web”, which can be accessed only using certain browsers is famous for selling arms and drugs. The dark web hosts multiple shopping websites that deliver all these goods to your doorstep. However, the murky side of the internet is now selling face masks in the times of a pandemic. What’s interesting is that while the rates of masks in the physical world as well as on the safer side of the internet have shot up due to overwhelming demand, the price of the same commodities on the dark web is much lesser. This could be as alarming as comforting, for people may be selling counterfeit or ineffective products. In Pics: Divided in the time of a pandemic: Coronavirus separates lovers, friends at Swiss-German border fences One N95 mask on Amazon or eBay costs about $10, while dark web is selling it for a much acceptable price of $1.75. From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: One can also apparently buy testing kits for the virus online for over $90 per kit. Currently, many countries are hesitant in terms of testing because of the shortage of kits, and also due to the focus on serious life-threatening cases. Additionally, capitalising on the panic-stricken people, sellers on the dark web are offering unverified cures with unverifiable descriptions. Also read: 'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany? However, unlike Amazon and eBay, there is no buyer protection here. Once you are duped, there is no turning back: no refunds or exchanges. Additionally, you could get caught in a legal crossfire as most of these web portals sell goods that remain largely illegal. Besides drugs, exotic animals, and banned visual material like underage pornography is openly sold across the web. Many sellers could simply be hackers looking for a way into your system. By impersonating health officials and agencies, they may attack your computer/phone and steal access to your private information without you even realising it!

From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic!

A company in Israel has done the unthinkable! Uveye, a start-up claims that not only can it detect issues with a vehicle remotely, but now it can also test potential carriers of coronavirus without contact.

The contact-free emergency vehicle inspection system is equipped with thermal tech that can pick up any anomalies in the vehicle’s performance, while checking the temperature of the driver, or other passengers.&nbsp;

But how will they detect the fever? The company claims that the windshields are equipped with detection tech to record the temperatures.

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/divided-in-the-time-of-a-pandemic-coronavirus-separates-lovers-friends-at-swiss-german-border-fences-290765">Divided in the time of a pandemic: Coronavirus separates lovers, friends at Swiss-German border fences</a>

Besides this, the company can safely diagnose issues with the vehicles. These include tire quality, issues with the braking system, oil health, et cetera.

“Atlas” and “Helios” are the two flagship inspection technologies that have been embedded into the vehicular system.

According to a statement released by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UVeye, Amir Hever, the tech can alleviate the need for a “hands on” approach to testing and inspection. The basic rationale behind this is to limit potential contact among people, especially automobile sector workers who have to manually diagnose and fix issues with the vehicles.&nbsp;

Considering it’s hard to detect who is carrying the virus, it might as well save many lives. Many reports have claimed that the virus can live on metal and plastic surfaces for up to three days.

To help deal with the pandemic, the start-up recently offered to equip emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades, and police vehicles with this technology on a not-for-profit basis. Additionally, they have shown interest in fitting the same tech into vehicles that are used for delivering food and medical supplies.&nbsp;

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/are-there-nations-untouched-by-coronavirus-check-this-out-290468">Are there nations untouched by coronavirus? Check this out</a>

The contactless inspection system has received numerous orders globally, especially the United States and the United Kingdom.

The COVID-19 pandemic has so far killed over 70,000 people and infected over 1,000,000 people worldwide.

A company in Israel has done the unthinkable! Uveye, a start-up claims that not only can it detect issues with a vehicle remotely, but now it can also test potential carriers of coronavirus without contact.

A company in Israel has done the unthinkable! Uveye, a start-up claims that not only can it detect issues with a vehicle remotely, but now it can also test potential carriers of coronavirus without contact. The contact-free emergency vehicle inspection system is equipped with thermal tech that can pick up any anomalies in the vehicle’s performance, while checking the temperature of the driver, or other passengers. But how will they detect the fever? The company claims that the windshields are equipped with detection tech to record the temperatures. In Pics: Divided in the time of a pandemic: Coronavirus separates lovers, friends at Swiss-German border fences Besides this, the company can safely diagnose issues with the vehicles. These include tire quality, issues with the braking system, oil health, et cetera. “Atlas” and “Helios” are the two flagship inspection technologies that have been embedded into the vehicular system. According to a statement released by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UVeye, Amir Hever, the tech can alleviate the need for a “hands on” approach to testing and inspection. The basic rationale behind this is to limit potential contact among people, especially automobile sector workers who have to manually diagnose and fix issues with the vehicles. Considering it’s hard to detect who is carrying the virus, it might as well save many lives. Many reports have claimed that the virus can live on metal and plastic surfaces for up to three days. To help deal with the pandemic, the start-up recently offered to equip emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades, and police vehicles with this technology on a not-for-profit basis. Additionally, they have shown interest in fitting the same tech into vehicles that are used for delivering food and medical supplies. In Pics: Are there nations untouched by coronavirus? Check this out The contactless inspection system has received numerous orders globally, especially the United States and the United Kingdom. The COVID-19 pandemic has so far killed over 70,000 people and infected over 1,000,000 people worldwide.

This new Israeli tech can diagnose anomalies with your vehicle, and also detect COVID-19 symptoms!

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-wouldnt-there-be-trump-hints-at-retaliation-if-india-doesnt-send-anti-malarial-drug-291003">'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/04/135611-trump-corona.jpg?itok=RfSzjHdH" />

Trump added he saw no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-wouldnt-there-be-trump-hints-at-retaliation-if-india-doesnt-send-anti-malarial-drug-291003">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-refrains-from-directly-blaming-russia-for-syria-hospital-attacks-290997">UN refrains from directly blaming Russia for Syria hospital attacks</a>

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A UN board of inquiry investigating attacks on civilian establishments in Syria, including hospitals, has refrained from directly holding Russia responsible, according to a summary of its report published Monday.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-refrains-from-directly-blaming-russia-for-syria-hospital-attacks-290997">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-slams-colonial-mentality-says-covid-19-vaccines-wont-be-tested-in-africa-290999">WHO slams 'colonial mentality', says COVID-19 vaccines won't be tested in Africa</a>

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World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Africa would not become a testing ground for any vaccines against COVID-19.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-slams-colonial-mentality-says-covid-19-vaccines-wont-be-tested-in-africa-290999">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pain-solitude-fear-stories-of-surviving-covid-19-291005">Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19</a>

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12 people from different parts of the world who have survived COVID-19 share emotional and harrowing stories of the pain and fear after catching the virus.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pain-solitude-fear-stories-of-surviving-covid-19-291005">READ MORE</a> 
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'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug Trump added he saw no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine.

'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug Trump added he saw no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine.READ MORE UN refrains from directly blaming Russia for Syria hospital attacks A UN board of inquiry investigating attacks on civilian establishments in Syria, including hospitals, has refrained from directly holding Russia responsible, according to a summary of its report published Monday.READ MORE WHO slams 'colonial mentality', says COVID-19 vaccines won't be tested in Africa World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Africa would not become a testing ground for any vaccines against COVID-19.READ MORE Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19 12 people from different parts of the world who have survived COVID-19 share emotional and harrowing stories of the pain and fear after catching the virus.READ MORE

Morning news brief: Stories of surviving COVID-19, Trump hints at retaliation and more

China on Tuesday reported no new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-reports-over-100-deaths-in-one-day-amid-soft-approach-to-combat-coronavirus-291168">coronavirus</a> deaths for the first time since January when it began giving out reports on the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-coronavirus-death-toll-nearing-4000-291155">Also Read: Iran says coronavirus death toll nearing 4,000</a>

The number of virus cases has been falling in the past few weeks&nbsp;in China, also in Hubei province which was the epicenter of the virus around February after the first case was reported in Wuhan on December 31.&nbsp;

The country now fears a second wave of the virus from abroad. Amid recent cases of travellers coming from abroad, the Chinese government announced all nationals returning from the US, Italy and Iran will now have to provide daily updates on their health to a WeChat app for up to two weeks before their flights or be denied boarding.

Chinese authorities reported 32 new cases all of which were from abroad raising fears of a second wave of the deadly virus. There were also 30 new asymptomatic infections, health officials said.

Chinese health officials say nearly 1,000 imported cases of the virus have been reported so far.

According to China's health ministry, 3,331 people&nbsp;have been killed due to COVID-19 in the country with 81,740 people infected even as the global death toll due to the virus crossed 70,000.

China on Tuesday reported no new coronavirus deaths for the first time since January when it began giving out reports on the virus. Also Read: Iran says coronavirus death toll nearing 4,000 The number of virus cases has been falling in the past few weeks in China, also in Hubei province which was the epicenter of the virus around February after the first case was reported in Wuhan on December 31.

China on Tuesday reported no new coronavirus deaths for the first time since January when it began giving out reports on the virus. Also Read: Iran says coronavirus death toll nearing 4,000 The number of virus cases has been falling in the past few weeks in China, also in Hubei province which was the epicenter of the virus around February after the first case was reported in Wuhan on December 31. The country now fears a second wave of the virus from abroad. Amid recent cases of travellers coming from abroad, the Chinese government announced all nationals returning from the US, Italy and Iran will now have to provide daily updates on their health to a WeChat app for up to two weeks before their flights or be denied boarding. Chinese authorities reported 32 new cases all of which were from abroad raising fears of a second wave of the deadly virus. There were also 30 new asymptomatic infections, health officials said. Chinese health officials say nearly 1,000 imported cases of the virus have been reported so far. According to China's health ministry, 3,331 people have been killed due to COVID-19 in the country with 81,740 people infected even as the global death toll due to the virus crossed 70,000.

China reports no new coronavirus deaths for first time

“An idiot” is how New Zealand’s Health Minister recently described himself, after he was found breaking lockdown restrictions in the country.

David Clark, the minister in question claims he offered to resign in conversation with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after coming clean about a 20 kilometre drive he took with his family to the beach.

Health Minister David Clark said he offered his resignation to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after revealing he took a 20-kilometre drive to the beach with his family.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-new-israeli-tech-can-diagnose-anomalies-with-your-vehicle-and-also-detect-covid-19-symptoms-291036" hreflang="en">This new Israeli tech can diagnose anomalies with your vehicle, and also detect COVID-19 symptoms!</a>

"At a time when we are asking New Zealanders to make historic sacrifices, I've let the team down," he said in a statement.

"I've been an idiot and I understand why people will be angry with me", he added.

Besides this, he also claimed to have undertaken two-kilometre drives with his family, but these do not circumvent the country’s rules.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-drugs-to-life-saving-paraphernalia-how-the-dark-web-is-capitalising-on-pandemic-panic-291049" hreflang="en">From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic!</a>

He’s still in-charge of handling the country’s COVID-19 response. However, the PM claimed that she wouldn’t have budged about firing him, but given the crisis, she has demoted him from the junior role of associated finance minister in the cabinet.

"What he did was wrong, and there are no excuses," she said.

"But right now, my priority is our collective fight against Covid-19. We cannot afford massive disruption in the health sector or to our response. For that reason, and that reason alone, Dr Clark will maintain his role", the PM added.

The small country has over 1,000 positive cases so far, with only one death reported so far!

“An idiot” is how New Zealand’s Health Minister recently described himself, after he was found breaking lockdown restrictions in the country. David Clark, the minister in question claims he offered to resign in conversation with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after coming clean about a 20 kilometre drive he took with his family to the beach.

“An idiot” is how New Zealand’s Health Minister recently described himself, after he was found breaking lockdown restrictions in the country. David Clark, the minister in question claims he offered to resign in conversation with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after coming clean about a 20 kilometre drive he took with his family to the beach. Health Minister David Clark said he offered his resignation to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after revealing he took a 20-kilometre drive to the beach with his family. Also read: This new Israeli tech can diagnose anomalies with your vehicle, and also detect COVID-19 symptoms! "At a time when we are asking New Zealanders to make historic sacrifices, I've let the team down," he said in a statement. "I've been an idiot and I understand why people will be angry with me", he added. Besides this, he also claimed to have undertaken two-kilometre drives with his family, but these do not circumvent the country’s rules. Also read: From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic! He’s still in-charge of handling the country’s COVID-19 response. However, the PM claimed that she wouldn’t have budged about firing him, but given the crisis, she has demoted him from the junior role of associated finance minister in the cabinet. "What he did was wrong, and there are no excuses," she said. "But right now, my priority is our collective fight against Covid-19. We cannot afford massive disruption in the health sector or to our response. For that reason, and that reason alone, Dr Clark will maintain his role", the PM added. The small country has over 1,000 positive cases so far, with only one death reported so far!

'Idiot' New Zealand health minister demoted for flouting lockdown

Chinese streets resuscitate back to life after months of lockdown

The town of Chernobyl, near Pripyat in Ukraine has been the centre of attention for decades now. In 1986, a nuclear meltdown shut down the whole town, and sent shockwaves across all of Europe.&nbsp;

Dubbed as the world’s worst nuclear accident, it killed over 40 people immediately. However, there’s no way of knowing the real numbers, for a nuclear fallout has long-term effects, with people expected to develop cancer due to radiation for decades to come!

The site has been in the headlines again recently, as the radiation levels across the city have shot up!&nbsp;

Recently, a forest fire has spiked the radiation levels in the deserted town by over 16 times!

“There is bad news – radiation is above normal in the fire’s centre,” Yegor Firsov, Ukraine’s state ecological inspection service head, said on Facebook on Sunday, as reported by The Guardian.

In a clip posted by him, the radiation levels can be seen hovering 16 times above normal on a Geiger device, which is used to measure radiation.

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="187077f4-91c2-45e4-97e6-83bc1faedef9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_87.jpg" />

The fire is increasingly gaining traction and is currently burning over 250 acres of forest land.

Ukrainian authorities have responded to the crisis by deploying two aircraft, a helicopter, and over 100 firefighters to contain the fire.

As per media reports, the fire began on Saturday and continued to circle the abandoned town.

However, the radiation levels remained stable yesterday, as the fire remained contained within the burning grounds.

Even though high radiation is dangerous, local authorities claim that nearby towns are safe.&nbsp;

However, the radiation is a potential hazard for firefighters, who are directly in the line of fire.

Even after 33 years, the radiation levels have not normalised, and are not expected to normalise for many decades to come. The fallout from any nuclear plant or disaster has long-term effects. Even until today, people cannot live within 30 kilometres of the abandoned town.

Even after the mishap, reactors in Chernobyl were allowed to generate electricity until 2000.

The town of Chernobyl, near Pripyat in Ukraine has been the centre of attention for decades now. In 1986, a nuclear meltdown shut down the whole town, and sent shockwaves across all of Europe.

The town of Chernobyl, near Pripyat in Ukraine has been the centre of attention for decades now. In 1986, a nuclear meltdown shut down the whole town, and sent shockwaves across all of Europe. Dubbed as the world’s worst nuclear accident, it killed over 40 people immediately. However, there’s no way of knowing the real numbers, for a nuclear fallout has long-term effects, with people expected to develop cancer due to radiation for decades to come! The site has been in the headlines again recently, as the radiation levels across the city have shot up! Recently, a forest fire has spiked the radiation levels in the deserted town by over 16 times! “There is bad news – radiation is above normal in the fire’s centre,” Yegor Firsov, Ukraine’s state ecological inspection service head, said on Facebook on Sunday, as reported by The Guardian. In a clip posted by him, the radiation levels can be seen hovering 16 times above normal on a Geiger device, which is used to measure radiation. The fire is increasingly gaining traction and is currently burning over 250 acres of forest land. Ukrainian authorities have responded to the crisis by deploying two aircraft, a helicopter, and over 100 firefighters to contain the fire. As per media reports, the fire began on Saturday and continued to circle the abandoned town. However, the radiation levels remained stable yesterday, as the fire remained contained within the burning grounds. Even though high radiation is dangerous, local authorities claim that nearby towns are safe. However, the radiation is a potential hazard for firefighters, who are directly in the line of fire. Even after 33 years, the radiation levels have not normalised, and are not expected to normalise for many decades to come. The fallout from any nuclear plant or disaster has long-term effects. Even until today, people cannot live within 30 kilometres of the abandoned town. Even after the mishap, reactors in Chernobyl were allowed to generate electricity until 2000.

Forest fire near Chernobyl spikes nuclear radiation level by 16 times!

A new conspiracy is in town. And trust us, it doesn’t get more absurd than this!

A series of posts making the rounds on social media have started claiming that the new 5G technology could transmit coronavirus.

Uncanny, right? Not for many people in the United Kingdom.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-compensation-a-potential-lawsuit-against-china-worth-4-trillion-290772" hreflang="en">Coronavirus compensation? A potential lawsuit against China worth $4 trillion</a>

Recently, videos on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, etc showed mobile phone masts on fire in British cities of Birmingham and Merseyside. The fire was falsely attributed to coronavirus.

The scientific community has reiterated many times that the virus primarily spreads through surface contact followed by one touching their face with those infected hands.

Even now, many scientists have referred to the idea as “complete rubbish”. Additionally, it is also biologically impossible. The only way for the virus to spread through phone technology is if the infected person touches a phone, doesn’t disinfect it, and then someone else touches it, further creating a new cycle of the virus.

A classic case of fake news, the post has been shared by many famous users on social media.

The National Health Service’s England Medical Director Stephen Powis accurately called it “the worst kind of fake news”, the BBC reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imask-apple-starts-producing-protective-facial-gear-to-help-with-coronavirus-crisis-290773" hreflang="en">iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis</a>

The conspiracy had been making rounds on social media for a couple of months, but gained traction only recently, triggering mass panic in the UK.

While many believe that 5G technology compromises the immune system and makes one susceptible to the virus, others believe that 5G tech simply spreads the virus.

However, there’s nothing to fear: the virus was passed on to humans from infected animals, and now spreads from humans to humans. No kind of technology or waves can spread coronavirus!

A new conspiracy is in town. And trust us, it doesn’t get more absurd than this! A series of posts making the rounds on social media have started claiming that the new 5G technology could transmit coronavirus.

A new conspiracy is in town. And trust us, it doesn’t get more absurd than this! A series of posts making the rounds on social media have started claiming that the new 5G technology could transmit coronavirus. Uncanny, right? Not for many people in the United Kingdom. Also read: Coronavirus compensation? A potential lawsuit against China worth $4 trillion Recently, videos on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, etc showed mobile phone masts on fire in British cities of Birmingham and Merseyside. The fire was falsely attributed to coronavirus. The scientific community has reiterated many times that the virus primarily spreads through surface contact followed by one touching their face with those infected hands. Even now, many scientists have referred to the idea as “complete rubbish”. Additionally, it is also biologically impossible. The only way for the virus to spread through phone technology is if the infected person touches a phone, doesn’t disinfect it, and then someone else touches it, further creating a new cycle of the virus. A classic case of fake news, the post has been shared by many famous users on social media. The National Health Service’s England Medical Director Stephen Powis accurately called it “the worst kind of fake news”, the BBC reported. Also read: iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis The conspiracy had been making rounds on social media for a couple of months, but gained traction only recently, triggering mass panic in the UK. While many believe that 5G technology compromises the immune system and makes one susceptible to the virus, others believe that 5G tech simply spreads the virus. However, there’s nothing to fear: the virus was passed on to humans from infected animals, and now spreads from humans to humans. No kind of technology or waves can spread coronavirus!

No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus!

Apple Inc, the company behind the world’s most innovative smartphone and computer technology has now stepped in to help deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

In a statement released yesterday, Apple’s Chief Executive Tim Cook said that the company would be making protective face shields for health workers.

Starting out in the United States, Apple plans to make more than one million shields every week. After fulfilling the needs of the US, the shields will then be shipped to different parts of the world.

Besides amping up its own production, the company is sourcing over 20 million masks to help out with the global shortage of masks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-global-cases-cross-1200000-death-toll-rises-to-69444-290745">Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 1,200,000; death toll rises to 69,444</a>

Most companies around the world that have pre existing production capabilities are helping out during the pandemic, be it Tata in India, or Tesla elsewhere. Apple is the newest addition to the list.

Companies have undertaken building medical equipment like ventilators, as the world, in modest terms, was simply not prepared to deal with a pandemic on a scale as big as COVID-19.

"This is a truly global effort, and we're working continuously and closely with governments at all levels to ensure these are donated to places of greatest need," Cook said in a Twitter video.

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Apple is dedicated to supporting the worldwide response to COVID-19. We’ve now sourced over 20M masks through our supply chain. Our design, engineering, operations and packaging teams are also working with suppliers to design, produce and ship face shields for medical workers. <a href="https://t.co/3xRqNgMThX">pic.twitter.com/3xRqNgMThX</a>
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook/status/1246916489589837824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Apple has roped in engineers, suppliers, and designers to assist them with the face shield production.

According to Cook, the shields take over two minutes to be assembled. The first shipment of the plastic shields was sent to hospitals in Silicon Valley last week, with the material coming from the US and China.

"In both these efforts, our focus is on unique ways Apple can help, meeting essential needs of caregivers urgently and at a scale the circumstances require," Cook added.&nbsp;

The pandemic has brought into question the viability and effectiveness of global healthcare systems and infrastructure, as countries, irrespective of whether they’re perceived as developed or developing, are facing major repercussions of the infection.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiger-in-new-york-city-tests-positive-for-covid-19-other-cats-around-showing-symptoms-290762" hreflang="en">Tiger in New York City tests positive for COVID-19; other cats around showing symptoms!</a>

As of today, more than 600,000 people globally have been tested positive for the virus. Additionally, over 60,000 people have lost their lives to the killer infection which can cause pneumonia and essentially attacks the lungs.

From 3D-printing to makeshift production facilities, the world has woken up to the crisis call and is now responding to the demand with full force.

"For Apple, this is a labour of love and gratitude, and we will share more of our efforts over time", Cook additionally said.

Apple Inc, the company behind the world’s most innovative smartphone and computer technology has now stepped in to help deal with the COVID-19 crisis. In a statement released yesterday, Apple’s Chief Executive Tim Cook said that the company would be making protective face shields for health workers.

Apple Inc, the company behind the world’s most innovative smartphone and computer technology has now stepped in to help deal with the COVID-19 crisis. In a statement released yesterday, Apple’s Chief Executive Tim Cook said that the company would be making protective face shields for health workers. Starting out in the United States, Apple plans to make more than one million shields every week. After fulfilling the needs of the US, the shields will then be shipped to different parts of the world. Besides amping up its own production, the company is sourcing over 20 million masks to help out with the global shortage of masks. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 1,200,000; death toll rises to 69,444 Most companies around the world that have pre existing production capabilities are helping out during the pandemic, be it Tata in India, or Tesla elsewhere. Apple is the newest addition to the list. Companies have undertaken building medical equipment like ventilators, as the world, in modest terms, was simply not prepared to deal with a pandemic on a scale as big as COVID-19. "This is a truly global effort, and we're working continuously and closely with governments at all levels to ensure these are donated to places of greatest need," Cook said in a Twitter video. Apple is dedicated to supporting the worldwide response to COVID-19. We’ve now sourced over 20M masks through our supply chain. Our design, engineering, operations and packaging teams are also working with suppliers to design, produce and ship face shields for medical workers. pic.twitter.com/3xRqNgMThX — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 5, 2020 × Apple has roped in engineers, suppliers, and designers to assist them with the face shield production. According to Cook, the shields take over two minutes to be assembled. The first shipment of the plastic shields was sent to hospitals in Silicon Valley last week, with the material coming from the US and China. "In both these efforts, our focus is on unique ways Apple can help, meeting essential needs of caregivers urgently and at a scale the circumstances require," Cook added. The pandemic has brought into question the viability and effectiveness of global healthcare systems and infrastructure, as countries, irrespective of whether they’re perceived as developed or developing, are facing major repercussions of the infection. Also read: Tiger in New York City tests positive for COVID-19; other cats around showing symptoms! As of today, more than 600,000 people globally have been tested positive for the virus. Additionally, over 60,000 people have lost their lives to the killer infection which can cause pneumonia and essentially attacks the lungs. From 3D-printing to makeshift production facilities, the world has woken up to the crisis call and is now responding to the demand with full force. "For Apple, this is a labour of love and gratitude, and we will share more of our efforts over time", Cook additionally said.

iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis

In a surprising turn of events, a tiger has recently tested positive for the coronavirus infection.

A four-year-old Malayan tiger in New York City’s Bronx Zoo was recently tested and found positive.

Over the last few weeks, Nadia - the tiger had been displaying symptoms like dry cough.

Housed in the Bronx Zoo, Nadia’s results were confirmed as positive by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-global-cases-cross-1200000-death-toll-rises-to-69444-290745" hreflang="en">Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 1,200,000; death toll rises to 69,444</a>

Others around her have also been displaying symptoms, including her Malayan tiger sister Azul, and three African lions.

It is suspected that the virus was transmitted by a zookeeper, and all of them are expect to recover swiftly.

"We tested the cat [Nadia] out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about Covid-19 will contribute to the world's continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus," the zoo’s statement released on Sunday read.&nbsp;

The statement further claimed that the appetite of the animals had dropped tremendously, but that they are doing well otherwise.

“The cats are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers”, the statement added.

Can animals transmit it to humans?

The virus is still new, and its effects even on the human body are still being studied. It is not clear how the virus will develop in tigers or lions.&nbsp;

Even though nobody knows yet how various species can react to new infections, the animals have been put under 24x7 monitoring.

<img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f52d898e-a2de-469c-bcf9-71314db93811" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_119.jpg" />

The zoo hosts many other big cats, including tigers, cheetahs, cloud leopards, snow leopards, Amur leopards, a puma, etc. None of these have shown signs yet.&nbsp;

"Our cats were infected by a person caring for them who was asymptomatically infected with the virus or before that person developed symptoms," the zoo said.

The cats that had developed symptoms have now been quarantined in the “Tiger Mountain” area.

The Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City currently controls and runs four zoos, which have all remained closed since March 16.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sees-rises-in-new-coronavirus-cases-asymptomatic-patients-290743" hreflang="en">China sees rises in new coronavirus cases, asymptomatic patients</a>

However, as this case took everyone by surprise, new measures to avoid infection have been enforced.

However, no need to panic… yet! Turns out, animals cannot infect human beings, ie, they cannot transmit the virus to humans if they are carrying it. Or at least, there is no evidence for the same.

"No evidence that any person has been infected with Covid-19 in the US by animals, including by pet dogs or cats," the statement added.

However, many wild animals are at risk of developing the virus, which would then become uncontrollable. This holds true for close relatives of human beings, like gorillas, orangutans, and chimps.

In a surprising turn of events, a tiger has recently tested positive for the coronavirus infection. A four-year-old Malayan tiger in New York City’s Bronx Zoo was recently tested and found positive.

In a surprising turn of events, a tiger has recently tested positive for the coronavirus infection. A four-year-old Malayan tiger in New York City’s Bronx Zoo was recently tested and found positive. Over the last few weeks, Nadia - the tiger had been displaying symptoms like dry cough. Housed in the Bronx Zoo, Nadia’s results were confirmed as positive by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 1,200,000; death toll rises to 69,444 Others around her have also been displaying symptoms, including her Malayan tiger sister Azul, and three African lions. It is suspected that the virus was transmitted by a zookeeper, and all of them are expect to recover swiftly. "We tested the cat [Nadia] out of an abundance of caution and will ensure any knowledge we gain about Covid-19 will contribute to the world's continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus," the zoo’s statement released on Sunday read. The statement further claimed that the appetite of the animals had dropped tremendously, but that they are doing well otherwise. “The cats are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers”, the statement added. Can animals transmit it to humans? The virus is still new, and its effects even on the human body are still being studied. It is not clear how the virus will develop in tigers or lions. Even though nobody knows yet how various species can react to new infections, the animals have been put under 24x7 monitoring. The zoo hosts many other big cats, including tigers, cheetahs, cloud leopards, snow leopards, Amur leopards, a puma, etc. None of these have shown signs yet. "Our cats were infected by a person caring for them who was asymptomatically infected with the virus or before that person developed symptoms," the zoo said. The cats that had developed symptoms have now been quarantined in the “Tiger Mountain” area. The Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City currently controls and runs four zoos, which have all remained closed since March 16. Also read: China sees rises in new coronavirus cases, asymptomatic patients However, as this case took everyone by surprise, new measures to avoid infection have been enforced. However, no need to panic… yet! Turns out, animals cannot infect human beings, ie, they cannot transmit the virus to humans if they are carrying it. Or at least, there is no evidence for the same. "No evidence that any person has been infected with Covid-19 in the US by animals, including by pet dogs or cats," the statement added. However, many wild animals are at risk of developing the virus, which would then become uncontrollable. This holds true for close relatives of human beings, like gorillas, orangutans, and chimps.

Tiger in New York City tests positive for COVID-19; other cats around showing symptoms!

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<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-hospitalised-for-tests-after-persistent-coronavirus-symptoms-290737" hreflang="en">UK PM Johnson hospitalised for tests after persistent coronavirus symptoms</a></h2>

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<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-urges-govts-to-protect-women-as-domestic-violence-soars-due-to-lockdown-290738" hreflang="en">UN chief urges govts to protect women as domestic violence soars due to lockdown</a></h2>

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Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 1,200,000; death toll rises to 69,444 Queen Elizabeth II says collective effort will defeat COVID-19 China sees rises i

Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 1,200,000; death toll rises to 69,444 Queen Elizabeth II says collective effort will defeat COVID-19 China sees rises in new coronavirus cases, asymptomatic patients UK PM Johnson hospitalised for tests after persistent coronavirus symptoms UN chief urges govts to protect women as domestic violence soars due to lockdown Virus-hit US girds for 'Pearl Harbour moment' as death toll spikes

Morning news brief: COVID-19 kills over 69,000; Queen makes rare address, and more!

Amid rising concerns about the quality of equipment provided by China to other countries, the country yesterday claimed that they have sold over four billion masks in&nbsp;March.

Chinese Customs Official Jin Hai claimed that the country has exported 3.86 billion masks, 37.5 million pieces of protective clothing, 16,000 ventilators and over 2.84 million testing kits since March 1.

Currently, orders from 50 countries have been received by the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e-commerce-giants-issue-face-masks-for-employees-but-is-it-an-effective-barrier-290841">E-commerce giants issue face masks for employees, but is it an effective barrier?</a>

Hai further claimed that the export of supplies valued at 10.2 billion Yuan, roughly amounting to USD 1.4 billion.&nbsp;

The Netherlands, the Philippines, Croatia, Turkey, and Spain have recently returned masks and other equipment on account of substandard quality.

Just last week, over 1.3 million masks were shipped to the Netherlands, out of which 600,000 masks were returned.

According to China, the manufacturer, before sending the shipments, had clearly stated that “the masks are non-surgical”.

Additionally, Spain recently sent back thousands of testing kits after finding them faulty.&nbsp;

China hit out to this recently, and claimed that “this did not reflect the full facts”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-your-protective-gear-causing-coronavirus-cross-contamination-290823" hreflang="en">Is your protective gear causing coronavirus cross-contamination?</a>

"In reality there are various factors, such as China having different standards and different usage habits to other countries. Even improper use can lead to doubts over quality," said Jiang Fan, an official with the Ministry of Commerce.

Another spokesperson, from the Foreign Ministry, Hua Chunying urged the Western media to not “politicise” or “hype up” the issue.

Amid the critique, Beijing has increased regulations for medical equipment set for exports. The administration further claimed plans to ensure licensing standards of both China as well as the countries the supplies were headed.

Currently, China is producing over four million testing kits everyday!

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786">No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus!</a>

The coronavirus pandemic began in Wuhan, China and has amped up the production of face masks and gloves, with hard-hit countries increasingly running out of supplies.

As of now, over 60,000 have died worldwide!

Amid rising concerns about the quality of equipment provided by China to other countries, the country yesterday claimed that they have sold over four billion masks in March.

Amid rising concerns about the quality of equipment provided by China to other countries, the country yesterday claimed that they have sold over four billion masks in March. Chinese Customs Official Jin Hai claimed that the country has exported 3.86 billion masks, 37.5 million pieces of protective clothing, 16,000 ventilators and over 2.84 million testing kits since March 1. Currently, orders from 50 countries have been received by the country. Also read: E-commerce giants issue face masks for employees, but is it an effective barrier? Hai further claimed that the export of supplies valued at 10.2 billion Yuan, roughly amounting to USD 1.4 billion. The Netherlands, the Philippines, Croatia, Turkey, and Spain have recently returned masks and other equipment on account of substandard quality. Just last week, over 1.3 million masks were shipped to the Netherlands, out of which 600,000 masks were returned. According to China, the manufacturer, before sending the shipments, had clearly stated that “the masks are non-surgical”. Additionally, Spain recently sent back thousands of testing kits after finding them faulty. China hit out to this recently, and claimed that “this did not reflect the full facts”. Also read: Is your protective gear causing coronavirus cross-contamination? "In reality there are various factors, such as China having different standards and different usage habits to other countries. Even improper use can lead to doubts over quality," said Jiang Fan, an official with the Ministry of Commerce. Another spokesperson, from the Foreign Ministry, Hua Chunying urged the Western media to not “politicise” or “hype up” the issue. Amid the critique, Beijing has increased regulations for medical equipment set for exports. The administration further claimed plans to ensure licensing standards of both China as well as the countries the supplies were headed. Currently, China is producing over four million testing kits everyday! Also read: No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus! The coronavirus pandemic began in Wuhan, China and has amped up the production of face masks and gloves, with hard-hit countries increasingly running out of supplies. As of now, over 60,000 have died worldwide!

As countries return faulty supplies, China claims to have exported 4 million masks in March

The world is increasingly falling into the grip of COVID-19, the pandemic which has claimed over 69,000 lives globally.

The epicentre has shifted continents twice, first from China in Asia to European countries like Italy, and then to North America - the United States.

Currently, the US has over 300,000 active cases of the virus, with over 8,000 reported deaths. The toll is expected to increase over the next few weeks before the virus heats its peak in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-african-country-has-released-over-4000-prisoners-through-video-calling-to-limit-covid-19-clusters-290849" hreflang="en">This African country has released over 4,000 prisoners through video-calling to limit COVID-19 clusters!</a>

However, many religious congregations are defying the lockdown and social distancing directives.&nbsp;

In the US state of Louisiana, “Palm Sunday” was celebrated over the weekend. And the coronavirus didn’t stop a suburban church! Palm Sunday refers to the beginning of holy week among Christian churches.

The Life Tabernacle Church defied the stay-at-home orders on Sunday, with the pastor, Tony Spell telling people that there was “nothing to fear but fear itself.”

Besides this, across the area, gatherings of over 1,000 people have been happening in full-swing!

“We’re defying the rules because the commandment of God is to spread the Gospel,” Louisiana pastor Tony Spell said on Saturday.

The state of Louisiana has become one of the virus hotspots in the region, with over 400 deaths and 13,000 active cases.

“They would rather come to church and worship like free people than live like prisoners in their homes,” Spell further said.

Even when the majority of churches have been holding services online, many churches continue to defy the orders, in different states like Florida, Texas, California.

“Satan’s trying to keep us apart, he’s trying to keep us from worshipping together. But we’re not going to let him win,” Kelly Burton, the pastor at Lone Star Baptist Church in Lone Star, Texas, said on Facebook.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e-commerce-giants-issue-face-masks-for-employees-but-is-it-an-effective-barrier-290841" hreflang="en">E-commerce giants issue face masks for employees, but is it an effective barrier?</a>

Even the chronic denier of coronavirus, President Donald Trump recently warned that “there’s going to be a lot of death” in the country, and asked the citizens to prepare for a big surge in deaths.

As per data from White House, over 1,00,000 to 2,40,000 Americans could be killed due to the pandemic, even with lockdowns in place.

The state of New York remains the hardest-hit, the number of deaths rising everyday, and medical supplies quickly running out!

The world is increasingly falling into the grip of COVID-19, the pandemic which has claimed over 69,000 lives globally. The epicentre has shifted continents twice, first from China in Asia to European countries like Italy, and then to North America - the United States.

The world is increasingly falling into the grip of COVID-19, the pandemic which has claimed over 69,000 lives globally. The epicentre has shifted continents twice, first from China in Asia to European countries like Italy, and then to North America - the United States. Currently, the US has over 300,000 active cases of the virus, with over 8,000 reported deaths. The toll is expected to increase over the next few weeks before the virus heats its peak in the country. Also read: This African country has released over 4,000 prisoners through video-calling to limit COVID-19 clusters! However, many religious congregations are defying the lockdown and social distancing directives. In the US state of Louisiana, “Palm Sunday” was celebrated over the weekend. And the coronavirus didn’t stop a suburban church! Palm Sunday refers to the beginning of holy week among Christian churches. The Life Tabernacle Church defied the stay-at-home orders on Sunday, with the pastor, Tony Spell telling people that there was “nothing to fear but fear itself.” Besides this, across the area, gatherings of over 1,000 people have been happening in full-swing! “We’re defying the rules because the commandment of God is to spread the Gospel,” Louisiana pastor Tony Spell said on Saturday. The state of Louisiana has become one of the virus hotspots in the region, with over 400 deaths and 13,000 active cases. “They would rather come to church and worship like free people than live like prisoners in their homes,” Spell further said. Even when the majority of churches have been holding services online, many churches continue to defy the orders, in different states like Florida, Texas, California. “Satan’s trying to keep us apart, he’s trying to keep us from worshipping together. But we’re not going to let him win,” Kelly Burton, the pastor at Lone Star Baptist Church in Lone Star, Texas, said on Facebook. Also read: E-commerce giants issue face masks for employees, but is it an effective barrier? Even the chronic denier of coronavirus, President Donald Trump recently warned that “there’s going to be a lot of death” in the country, and asked the citizens to prepare for a big surge in deaths. As per data from White House, over 1,00,000 to 2,40,000 Americans could be killed due to the pandemic, even with lockdowns in place. The state of New York remains the hardest-hit, the number of deaths rising everyday, and medical supplies quickly running out!

'Not going to let Satan win': Churches in US defy stay-at-home orders to hold services amid coronavirus pandemic

Many governments across the world fear that prisons pose health hazards during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Many countries have also released several prisoners with negligible offences to prevent clusters from forming in the prison.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-your-protective-gear-causing-coronavirus-cross-contamination-290823" hreflang="en">Is your protective gear causing coronavirus cross-contamination?</a>

Another country to&nbsp;recently join in on the decongestion process is Kenya.&nbsp;

Over the last 30 days, the country has released over 4,800 prisoners across different prisons to ease the potential consequences of a cluster in the prison.

Most states are now taking steps based on the new information that keeps coming in about the pandemic.

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Today, Mombasa High Court Presiding Judge, Hon. Eric Ogola, delivered 23 judgements through the use of Skype Conference to the inmates in Shimo La Tewa Prison. <a href="https://t.co/DCsdn4nArj">pic.twitter.com/DCsdn4nArj</a>
— The Judiciary Kenya (@Kenyajudiciary) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kenyajudiciary/status/1244679392271441921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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What’s interesting is how these prisoners were released. With social distancing the new norm, the release sessions were conducted on video chatting applications like Skype and Zoom.

The prioritisation was based on the gravity of the crimes as well as the time left to serve in the prison.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786">No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus!</a>

The majority of 4,800 releases were undertaken online across 39 high court stations, as per information released by CNN.

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Hon Ritah Amwayi of Mombasa County Court dispensing justice through a video conference, linked to Kingorani Remand Prison. She delivered 5 Judgements and 8 rulings. 21 remandees were released. <a href="https://t.co/Jj6FOQAOup">pic.twitter.com/Jj6FOQAOup</a>
— The Judiciary Kenya (@Kenyajudiciary) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kenyajudiciary/status/1245672957726375940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As of now, Kenya, and largely Africa, has remained untouched by the killer virus. With just 110 cases, the country has enforced a dusk to dawn curfew. Nobody is allowed to leave their homes between 7 pm to 5 am.

The first case in the country was reported on March 12, after which all sports, religious, and other mega-events stand cancelled.&nbsp;

Many governments across the world fear that prisons pose health hazards during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries have also released several prisoners with negligible offences to prevent clusters from forming in the prison.

Many governments across the world fear that prisons pose health hazards during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries have also released several prisoners with negligible offences to prevent clusters from forming in the prison. Also read: Is your protective gear causing coronavirus cross-contamination? Another country to recently join in on the decongestion process is Kenya. Over the last 30 days, the country has released over 4,800 prisoners across different prisons to ease the potential consequences of a cluster in the prison. Most states are now taking steps based on the new information that keeps coming in about the pandemic. Today, Mombasa High Court Presiding Judge, Hon. Eric Ogola, delivered 23 judgements through the use of Skype Conference to the inmates in Shimo La Tewa Prison. pic.twitter.com/DCsdn4nArj — The Judiciary Kenya (@Kenyajudiciary) March 30, 2020 × What’s interesting is how these prisoners were released. With social distancing the new norm, the release sessions were conducted on video chatting applications like Skype and Zoom. The prioritisation was based on the gravity of the crimes as well as the time left to serve in the prison. Also read: No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus! The majority of 4,800 releases were undertaken online across 39 high court stations, as per information released by CNN. Hon Ritah Amwayi of Mombasa County Court dispensing justice through a video conference, linked to Kingorani Remand Prison. She delivered 5 Judgements and 8 rulings. 21 remandees were released. pic.twitter.com/Jj6FOQAOup — The Judiciary Kenya (@Kenyajudiciary) April 2, 2020 × As of now, Kenya, and largely Africa, has remained untouched by the killer virus. With just 110 cases, the country has enforced a dusk to dawn curfew. Nobody is allowed to leave their homes between 7 pm to 5 am. The first case in the country was reported on March 12, after which all sports, religious, and other mega-events stand cancelled.

This African country has released over 4,000 prisoners through video-calling to limit COVID-19 clusters!

Amidst the panic-driven state of all industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people who simply cannot work from home are being under risk as they head out to work everyday.

E-commerce is one such industry. With calls for people to stay inside, the pressure on online shopping for essential supplies increases.

Even though the World Health Organisation claims that face masks are not efficient in preventing the virus, the head of the Chinese Centers of Disease and Control claimed that countries need to tell all their citizens to wear masks.

Statistically also, countries that have enforced mask-wearing are performing better in terms of containment efforts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-your-protective-gear-causing-coronavirus-cross-contamination-290823" hreflang="en">Is your protective gear causing coronavirus cross-contamination?</a>

Austria and Slovenia recently made wearing masks compulsory.

Advisories to wear masks were issued in Czech Republic, with the US state of New York advising citizens to wear them.

Marks &amp; Spencer recently issued plastic face shields to protect employees.&nbsp;

Another big retail giant to join in is Amazon. Recently, the company told The Daily Telegraph that it had sourced “million of masks” for employees. Starting next week, every employee will don a mask.

Many are left wondering how places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have been able to contain the virus more effectively besides being so close to the epicentre&nbsp;- Wuhan in China.

Countries that advised against using masks, like Italy, Spain, France, and now the US have been hit hard, with many reporting over 1000 deaths a day during the virus’ peak.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786">No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus!</a>

In the UK alone, almost 5,000 are dead, and over 47,000 positive cases.

The US has reported over 8,000 deaths and 311,600 confirmed cases.

The total death toll in countries like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore stands at only 260, tremendously lower than Western countries, and with a bigger population!

Even if the masks may not be helping with protection, they most definitely act as a barrier between the infected and the uninfected. So a person who may not show symptoms but is infected may spread it to others without a mask, but by wearing it, the person is protecting people around them.

The virus spreads primarily through droplets that released into the air while coughing and sneezing. Additionally, new research claims that even talking and breathing around infected people can spread the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imask-apple-starts-producing-protective-facial-gear-to-help-with-coronavirus-crisis-290773" hreflang="en">iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis</a>

Amidst the panic-driven state of all industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people who simply cannot work from home are being under risk as they head out to work everyday.

Amidst the panic-driven state of all industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people who simply cannot work from home are being under risk as they head out to work everyday. E-commerce is one such industry. With calls for people to stay inside, the pressure on online shopping for essential supplies increases. Even though the World Health Organisation claims that face masks are not efficient in preventing the virus, the head of the Chinese Centers of Disease and Control claimed that countries need to tell all their citizens to wear masks. Statistically also, countries that have enforced mask-wearing are performing better in terms of containment efforts. Also read: Is your protective gear causing coronavirus cross-contamination? Austria and Slovenia recently made wearing masks compulsory. Advisories to wear masks were issued in Czech Republic, with the US state of New York advising citizens to wear them. Marks & Spencer recently issued plastic face shields to protect employees. Another big retail giant to join in is Amazon. Recently, the company told The Daily Telegraph that it had sourced “million of masks” for employees. Starting next week, every employee will don a mask. Many are left wondering how places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have been able to contain the virus more effectively besides being so close to the epicentre - Wuhan in China. Countries that advised against using masks, like Italy, Spain, France, and now the US have been hit hard, with many reporting over 1000 deaths a day during the virus’ peak. Also read: No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus! In the UK alone, almost 5,000 are dead, and over 47,000 positive cases. The US has reported over 8,000 deaths and 311,600 confirmed cases. The total death toll in countries like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore stands at only 260, tremendously lower than Western countries, and with a bigger population! Even if the masks may not be helping with protection, they most definitely act as a barrier between the infected and the uninfected. So a person who may not show symptoms but is infected may spread it to others without a mask, but by wearing it, the person is protecting people around them. The virus spreads primarily through droplets that released into the air while coughing and sneezing. Additionally, new research claims that even talking and breathing around infected people can spread the virus. Also read: iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis

E-commerce giants issue face masks for employees, but is it an effective barrier?

With coronavirus wreaking havoc across the globe, strict lockdowns and social distancing measures have been enforced to contain the pandemic.

However, frontline workers, especially in the healthcare industry continue to be at the highest risk of contracting the virus!

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786">No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus!</a>

Even as panic-stricken people hoard masks and gloves, cross-contamination is a very real threat and danger.

For instance, when people wear gloves in public places, the risk of cross contamination multiplies tremendously.

How does it work?

To explain simply, you go to a grocery store, mind you - you have hand gloves on! Then you pick up an item, put it in the trolley. You touch the trolley in the process. Then you touch some fruits. Later you touch the door while leaving. Then all those germs that you picked up during the process, you take them home with you. You touch your car door with the same gloves and open your front door with the same gloves on!&nbsp;

Scary, isn’t it?

After witnessing such contamination, a former health worker, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/69501899/videos/10100252201408846/">Molly Lixey decided to make a video</a> about how people are inadvertently contaminating more surfaces in the attempt of protecting themselves.

Lixey explained cross-contamination by using paint!&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/divided-in-the-time-of-a-pandemic-coronavirus-separates-lovers-friends-at-swiss-german-border-fences-290765" hreflang="en">Divided in the time of a pandemic: Coronavirus separates lovers, friends at Swiss-German border fences</a>

She stimulated a chain of contact and used paint to symbolise the germs she may have spread or picked up in the process. After touching an item, she attends a phone call, thereby attaching germs to her cellular device, without knowing so!

As she pretends to move across a grocery store stimulation, she picks up more paint, ie, germs, to represent how dangerously easy it is to trigger a chain of spreading germs!

As she picks up her phone and puts it across her cheek, the germs have now successfully found a way to her face, which is primarily how COVID-19 spreads.

So what should you do?

Even after all this contamination, one gets rid of the gloves, it will still remain lodged on some familiar surface, a phone? Headphones? Honestly, it could be anything.

In essence, wearing protective gear is very important, but frequent hand washing and sanitation plays a key role in limiting the clench of COVID-19!

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imask-apple-starts-producing-protective-facial-gear-to-help-with-coronavirus-crisis-290773" hreflang="en">iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis</a>

Additionally, one must disinfect their phones multiple times over the day, especially if they’re going out to buy supplies.

Even though earlier research claimed that the virus spreads only through coughing or sneezing, it turns out that it can spread simply by breathing, making everybody more vulnerable to the contagion!

Exercise caution and disinfect regularly, if you really want to steer away the killer virus!

With coronavirus wreaking havoc across the globe, strict lockdowns and social distancing measures have been enforced to contain the pandemic. However, frontline workers, especially in the healthcare industry continue to be at the highest risk of contracting the virus!

With coronavirus wreaking havoc across the globe, strict lockdowns and social distancing measures have been enforced to contain the pandemic. However, frontline workers, especially in the healthcare industry continue to be at the highest risk of contracting the virus! Also read: No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus! Even as panic-stricken people hoard masks and gloves, cross-contamination is a very real threat and danger. For instance, when people wear gloves in public places, the risk of cross contamination multiplies tremendously. How does it work? To explain simply, you go to a grocery store, mind you - you have hand gloves on! Then you pick up an item, put it in the trolley. You touch the trolley in the process. Then you touch some fruits. Later you touch the door while leaving. Then all those germs that you picked up during the process, you take them home with you. You touch your car door with the same gloves and open your front door with the same gloves on! Scary, isn’t it? After witnessing such contamination, a former health worker, Molly Lixey decided to make a video about how people are inadvertently contaminating more surfaces in the attempt of protecting themselves. Lixey explained cross-contamination by using paint! In pics: Divided in the time of a pandemic: Coronavirus separates lovers, friends at Swiss-German border fences She stimulated a chain of contact and used paint to symbolise the germs she may have spread or picked up in the process. After touching an item, she attends a phone call, thereby attaching germs to her cellular device, without knowing so! As she pretends to move across a grocery store stimulation, she picks up more paint, ie, germs, to represent how dangerously easy it is to trigger a chain of spreading germs! As she picks up her phone and puts it across her cheek, the germs have now successfully found a way to her face, which is primarily how COVID-19 spreads. So what should you do? Even after all this contamination, one gets rid of the gloves, it will still remain lodged on some familiar surface, a phone? Headphones? Honestly, it could be anything. In essence, wearing protective gear is very important, but frequent hand washing and sanitation plays a key role in limiting the clench of COVID-19! Also read: iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis Additionally, one must disinfect their phones multiple times over the day, especially if they’re going out to buy supplies. Even though earlier research claimed that the virus spreads only through coughing or sneezing, it turns out that it can spread simply by breathing, making everybody more vulnerable to the contagion! Exercise caution and disinfect regularly, if you really want to steer away the killer virus!

Is your protective gear causing coronavirus cross-contamination?

At a time when the whole world is battling the unprecedented outbreak of coronavirus, China has come under the global spotlight, for all the wrong reasons.

And while China is known for wiping the facts, people of the country are trying hard to keep the truth alive.

Ai Fen is a Chinese doctor and director of the emergency department of Central Hospital of Wuhan. She is the first medical personnel to disclose the 2019–20 coronavirus epidemic to the outside world.

In March, she gave an interview to a state-run magazine in which she spoke about the Chinese Communist Party trying to hide the Wuhan virus.

The interview is now deleted and&nbsp;the doctor is also missing since the interview.

Meanwhile, in a valiant effort, Chinese people on the internet have found unique ways to bypass the censors and have rallied to keep the story alive.

The netizens in China saved a copy of the interview and are coming up with various ways to preserve it and spread it further.

One of the Twitter users made a video and inserted the interview text in Mandarin into the famous opening scene of star wars.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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吹哨子的人，今天至少出来一百个版了，下面转发电影版，中国人民有智慧。 <a href="https://t.co/VgCt95sxdK">pic.twitter.com/VgCt95sxdK</a>
— 荣剑 (@rongjian1957) <a href="https://twitter.com/rongjian1957/status/1237743031316447238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Another user produced the entire text backwards.

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Not because of dyslexia. After x-rounds of deletion, Dr. Ali's story is now written backward, paragraph by paragraph. <a href="https://t.co/CPaRtqGat6">pic.twitter.com/CPaRtqGat6</a>
— FAN Wenxin (@xinwenfan) <a href="https://twitter.com/xinwenfan/status/1237407391479549953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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While another user recreated it by using emoticons.

"Censors keep deleting a story went viral about Ai Fen, a Wuhan doc who took pics of patient’s test results in late Dec and alert ppl. So Chinese netizens found their own ways: sharing in reversed order, as PDF, with an intentional misspelling of characters, and in emoji," Carolyn Zhang wrote on the micro-blogging site while sharing the emoticon version of the interview.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Censors keep deletin a story went viral about Ai Fen, a Wuhan doc who took pics of patient’s test results in late Dec and alert ppl. So Chinese netizens found their own ways: sharing in reversed order, as PDF, with intentional misspelling of characters, and in emoji <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/5QgDQgorIq">pic.twitter.com/5QgDQgorIq</a>
— Carolyn Zhang (@carolynzhang13) <a href="https://twitter.com/carolynzhang13/status/1237452770971697158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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One more user-created the interview in Braille and posted on social media. &nbsp;The QR code, Telegram codes version of the interview are also being circulated on the interview to escape the Chinese censors.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The rally to repost the censored Dr. Ai Fen's story is now a visual/performance art. The Braille version -- or at least how it looks. <a href="https://t.co/VWZkzZUiGJ">pic.twitter.com/VWZkzZUiGJ</a>
— FAN Wenxin (@xinwenfan) <a href="https://twitter.com/xinwenfan/status/1237540842824298496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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On December 30, 2019, Ai Fen received a test report of patients with unknown pneumonia. She circled the word "sars coronavirus" in red, according to the English translation of the interview published on a Chinese website.

When asked by a former medical school classmate, she took the report and shared it with her who is also a doctor.

That night, the report was circulated within the doctor circles in Wuhan, and those who forwarded the report included eight doctors who were disciplined by the police later.

Later, she was interviewed by the hospital disciplinary committee&nbsp;as she was the source of the report. The hospital accused Fen of spreading rumours as a profession.

The report shared by&nbsp;Fen became the first piece of evidence of the outbreak and the whistleblower, Doctor Li Wenlian had also shared the same report with the world.

Dr li later contracted the coronavirus himself and died in February this year. 
&nbsp;

At a time when the whole world is battling the unprecedented outbreak of coronavirus, China has come under the global spotlight, for all the wrong reasons. And while China is known for wiping the facts, people of the country are trying hard to keep the truth alive.

At a time when the whole world is battling the unprecedented outbreak of coronavirus, China has come under the global spotlight, for all the wrong reasons. And while China is known for wiping the facts, people of the country are trying hard to keep the truth alive. Ai Fen is a Chinese doctor and director of the emergency department of Central Hospital of Wuhan. She is the first medical personnel to disclose the 2019–20 coronavirus epidemic to the outside world. In March, she gave an interview to a state-run magazine in which she spoke about the Chinese Communist Party trying to hide the Wuhan virus. The interview is now deleted and the doctor is also missing since the interview. Meanwhile, in a valiant effort, Chinese people on the internet have found unique ways to bypass the censors and have rallied to keep the story alive. The netizens in China saved a copy of the interview and are coming up with various ways to preserve it and spread it further. One of the Twitter users made a video and inserted the interview text in Mandarin into the famous opening scene of star wars. 吹哨子的人，今天至少出来一百个版了，下面转发电影版，中国人民有智慧。 pic.twitter.com/VgCt95sxdK — 荣剑 (@rongjian1957) March 11, 2020 × Another user produced the entire text backwards. Not because of dyslexia. After x-rounds of deletion, Dr. Ali's story is now written backward, paragraph by paragraph. pic.twitter.com/CPaRtqGat6 — FAN Wenxin (@xinwenfan) March 10, 2020 × While another user recreated it by using emoticons. "Censors keep deleting a story went viral about Ai Fen, a Wuhan doc who took pics of patient’s test results in late Dec and alert ppl. So Chinese netizens found their own ways: sharing in reversed order, as PDF, with an intentional misspelling of characters, and in emoji," Carolyn Zhang wrote on the micro-blogging site while sharing the emoticon version of the interview. Censors keep deletin a story went viral about Ai Fen, a Wuhan doc who took pics of patient’s test results in late Dec and alert ppl. So Chinese netizens found their own ways: sharing in reversed order, as PDF, with intentional misspelling of characters, and in emoji #COVID2019 pic.twitter.com/5QgDQgorIq — Carolyn Zhang (@carolynzhang13) March 10, 2020 × One more user-created the interview in Braille and posted on social media. The QR code, Telegram codes version of the interview are also being circulated on the interview to escape the Chinese censors. The rally to repost the censored Dr. Ai Fen's story is now a visual/performance art. The Braille version -- or at least how it looks. pic.twitter.com/VWZkzZUiGJ — FAN Wenxin (@xinwenfan) March 11, 2020 × On December 30, 2019, Ai Fen received a test report of patients with unknown pneumonia. She circled the word "sars coronavirus" in red, according to the English translation of the interview published on a Chinese website. When asked by a former medical school classmate, she took the report and shared it with her who is also a doctor. That night, the report was circulated within the doctor circles in Wuhan, and those who forwarded the report included eight doctors who were disciplined by the police later. Later, she was interviewed by the hospital disciplinary committee as she was the source of the report. The hospital accused Fen of spreading rumours as a profession. The report shared by Fen became the first piece of evidence of the outbreak and the whistleblower, Doctor Li Wenlian had also shared the same report with the world. Dr li later contracted the coronavirus himself and died in February this year.

Coronavirus: China deletes whistleblower's interview; people become watchdog and keep the truth alive

A Chinese doctor who first broke out the news of coronavirus spread in CHina has gone missing. Doctor Ai Fen is director of the emergency department of Central Hospital of Wuhan where the first case of coronavirus had emerged. &nbsp;She is the first medical personnel to disclose the 2019–20 coronavirus epidemic to the outside world.

Her whereabouts are unknown since she gave an interview to a state-run magazine in which she spoke in details about how Chinese authorities tried to hold the information regarding the deadly coronavirus which has now spread to over 180 countries.

The interview became proof of China's cover-up as she told the world how China knew about the coronavirus, way back in December and did nothing to stop it.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-china-deletes-whistleblowers-interview-people-become-watchdog-and-keep-the-truth-alive-290480">Coronavirus -&nbsp;China deletes whistleblower's interview; people become watchdog and keep the truth alive</a>

In the interview, she said she wasn't the whistleblower. She was the one who gave the whistle.

WION has been investigating Fen's claims. On Friday, WION accessed a copy of Ai Fen's interview in an English translation published on a Chinese site.

This interview is a smoking gun!

According to the interview, Dr Ai Fen was in her hospital, when the first coronavirus patients walked in. It was a disease, that no other doctor had seen before.

The patients were showing "flu-like symptoms. But, usual treatment methods were not working," she says in the interview.

Dr ai fen was treating some of the patients herself during she decided to carry out some tests. The result showed that it was a "SARS coronavirus".

The interview states, Dr Fen saying that she read the report several times to confirm and her conclusion did not change.

She broke out into "a cold sweat," she says adding that she "knew an unprecedented challenge was staring at her."

Dr Fen circled the diagnosis and took a photograph of the report and shared with a friend. 
&nbsp; 
Soon the report was circulated across Wuhan's medical circles and other doctors began talking about this new mysterious disease.

Dr li Wenliang was one of them. He too received this report and is now known as the first whistleblower. Dr Fen gave him the whistle, as she puts it.

Dr Wenliang shared the report further and soon it emerged on the radar of the Chinese censors.

Subsequently, Chinese authorities began the coverup of the report. Dr li was pulled up by Chinese officials for sharing the report and accused of spreading false information.

Later, the Chinese police tracked down Dr Fen as the source. The authorities gave her a warning and asked her to stay quiet.&nbsp;

Hospital's disciplinary inspection committee also called Dr Fen and reprimanded her. They accused her of spreading misinformation.&nbsp;

In the interview, Dr Fen also says that she knew about the human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus; but "no one listened to her."

Instead of acting on her report, the Wuhan Central Hospital joined the government's cover-up and forbade the staff from passing messages pr images about the virus.

A few months later, Dr Fen got a chance to speak again. She spoke to Chinese magazine call "People". This time she did not hold back anything and told the magazine everything she knew.

&nbsp;And now, nobody knows where Dr Fen is.

A Chinese doctor who first broke out the news of coronavirus spread in CHina has gone missing. Doctor Ai Fen is director of the emergency department of Central Hospital of Wuhan where the first case of coronavirus had emerged.

A Chinese doctor who first broke out the news of coronavirus spread in CHina has gone missing. Doctor Ai Fen is director of the emergency department of Central Hospital of Wuhan where the first case of coronavirus had emerged. She is the first medical personnel to disclose the 2019–20 coronavirus epidemic to the outside world. Her whereabouts are unknown since she gave an interview to a state-run magazine in which she spoke in details about how Chinese authorities tried to hold the information regarding the deadly coronavirus which has now spread to over 180 countries. The interview became proof of China's cover-up as she told the world how China knew about the coronavirus, way back in December and did nothing to stop it. Also read: Coronavirus - China deletes whistleblower's interview; people become watchdog and keep the truth alive In the interview, she said she wasn't the whistleblower. She was the one who gave the whistle. WION has been investigating Fen's claims. On Friday, WION accessed a copy of Ai Fen's interview in an English translation published on a Chinese site. This interview is a smoking gun! According to the interview, Dr Ai Fen was in her hospital, when the first coronavirus patients walked in. It was a disease, that no other doctor had seen before. The patients were showing "flu-like symptoms. But, usual treatment methods were not working," she says in the interview. Dr ai fen was treating some of the patients herself during she decided to carry out some tests. The result showed that it was a "SARS coronavirus". The interview states, Dr Fen saying that she read the report several times to confirm and her conclusion did not change. She broke out into "a cold sweat," she says adding that she "knew an unprecedented challenge was staring at her." Dr Fen circled the diagnosis and took a photograph of the report and shared with a friend. Soon the report was circulated across Wuhan's medical circles and other doctors began talking about this new mysterious disease. Dr li Wenliang was one of them. He too received this report and is now known as the first whistleblower. Dr Fen gave him the whistle, as she puts it. Dr Wenliang shared the report further and soon it emerged on the radar of the Chinese censors. Subsequently, Chinese authorities began the coverup of the report. Dr li was pulled up by Chinese officials for sharing the report and accused of spreading false information. Later, the Chinese police tracked down Dr Fen as the source. The authorities gave her a warning and asked her to stay quiet. Hospital's disciplinary inspection committee also called Dr Fen and reprimanded her. They accused her of spreading misinformation. In the interview, Dr Fen also says that she knew about the human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus; but "no one listened to her." Instead of acting on her report, the Wuhan Central Hospital joined the government's cover-up and forbade the staff from passing messages pr images about the virus. A few months later, Dr Fen got a chance to speak again. She spoke to Chinese magazine call "People". This time she did not hold back anything and told the magazine everything she knew. And now, nobody knows where Dr Fen is.

First Chinese doctor to raise alarm over coronavirus missing since her now 'deleted interview'

As the reported cases of domestic violence against women continue to rise globally, with more people staying in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe has found a way to deal with it: in secret!

Many people are now trapped with their abusive partners due to the globally enforced shutdowns, whereby movement is allowed only to fetch essential supplies.

While many are too afraid to call the police owing to potential repercussions, women have found a new technique: using a code word.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/global-rise-in-domestic-violence-cases-as-covid-19-lockdown-turns-into-captivity-for-many-women-290213" hreflang="en">Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women</a>

As reported across Spain and France, which are now recording high cases of the virus, women who say the codeword “mask 19” to a pharmacist can protect themselves.

As reported by CNN, a woman in the French city of Nancy went to a pharmacy, and soon after, her abusive partner was arrested by the police.

French authorities are now asking victims to go to the pharmacy in case they need protection against their abusers.

The world has witnessed a spike in domestic violence, be it Australia, India, or Europe. As people’s regular lives are abruptly disrupted, partners become abusive. There are many studies in place that underline the increase in aggressive behaviour during stressful events, such as a global pandemic, with a cloud of uncertainty!&nbsp;

As reported by CNN, similar patterns of spike in abuse were recorded during the 2008 economic crisis, during times of natural calamities, and somehow also during big sporting events!

According to Christophe Castaner, the French Interior Minister, there has been a 36 per cent increase in cases of domestic violence that required police intervention, in Paris alone!

The French government acted quickly, and has offered to pay for 20,000 nights in a hotel room.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/domestic-violence-cases-in-australia-shoot-up-amid-coronavirus-induced-lockdown-pm-announces-relief-package-289408" hreflang="en">Domestic violence cases in Australia shoot up amid coronavirus-induced lockdown, PM announces relief package</a>

However, as most emergency services have been mitigated to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, the fear of not delivering help to victims in time has overtaken the narrative.

Away from Europe, Australia recorded most domestic violence- related searches in the last five years on Google, an approximate increase of 75 per cent.

An additional aid of US $92 million was introduced to help victims of domestic violence in the midst of the pandemic.

As the reported cases of domestic violence against women continue to rise globally, with more people staying in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe has found a way to deal with it: in secret!

As the reported cases of domestic violence against women continue to rise globally, with more people staying in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe has found a way to deal with it: in secret! Many people are now trapped with their abusive partners due to the globally enforced shutdowns, whereby movement is allowed only to fetch essential supplies. While many are too afraid to call the police owing to potential repercussions, women have found a new technique: using a code word. Also read: Global rise in domestic violence cases as Covid-19 lockdown turns into captivity for many women As reported across Spain and France, which are now recording high cases of the virus, women who say the codeword “mask 19” to a pharmacist can protect themselves. As reported by CNN, a woman in the French city of Nancy went to a pharmacy, and soon after, her abusive partner was arrested by the police. French authorities are now asking victims to go to the pharmacy in case they need protection against their abusers. The world has witnessed a spike in domestic violence, be it Australia, India, or Europe. As people’s regular lives are abruptly disrupted, partners become abusive. There are many studies in place that underline the increase in aggressive behaviour during stressful events, such as a global pandemic, with a cloud of uncertainty! As reported by CNN, similar patterns of spike in abuse were recorded during the 2008 economic crisis, during times of natural calamities, and somehow also during big sporting events! According to Christophe Castaner, the French Interior Minister, there has been a 36 per cent increase in cases of domestic violence that required police intervention, in Paris alone! The French government acted quickly, and has offered to pay for 20,000 nights in a hotel room. Also read: Domestic violence cases in Australia shoot up amid coronavirus-induced lockdown, PM announces relief package However, as most emergency services have been mitigated to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, the fear of not delivering help to victims in time has overtaken the narrative. Away from Europe, Australia recorded most domestic violence- related searches in the last five years on Google, an approximate increase of 75 per cent. An additional aid of US $92 million was introduced to help victims of domestic violence in the midst of the pandemic.

As domestic violence against women soars due to lockdown, Europe tries something new!

The UK recently announced plans to test 100,000 people everyday by the end of this month.

However, as of now, the country has not even met the target of conducting 25,000 tests per day.

Additionally, Boris Johnson, who himself tested positive for the virus has vowed to improve testing in the country, amid criticism that the country is simply not conducting enough tests compared to other countries at a similar stage of the epidemic.

So far, the virus has taken the lives of over 2,921 people in the UK, with 569 deaths recorded just on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-enlists-social-media-influencers-to-fight-covid-19-misinformation-290275" hreflang="en">Finland enlists social media influencers to fight COVID-19 misinformation</a>

The British Medical Association (BMA) recently came up with a controversial set of “ethics guidelines”. As per this, older patients who may not survive the virus will not receive guaranteed treatment. In essence, the ventilators will be allotted to healthier patients.

Older, sicker patients could be in for a harder time amid equipment shortages. As has been the global pattern, the younger and healthier will be favoured, while the rest will simply be left to die, given the shortage of ventilators.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d4f8fbcf-de81-44e0-b72c-c2bf8290b631" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_118.jpg" /> 
UK PM Boris Johnson | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

As per BMA guidelines, doctors will need to make “grave decisions” about who should receive “scarce lifesaving resources” as the country’s health system gets overwhelmed everyday.

"As such, some of the most unwell patients may be denied access to treatment such as intensive care or artificial ventilation," the BMA's ethics guidance note states.

"This will inevitably be indirectly discriminatory against both the elderly and those with long-term health conditions, with the latter being denied access to life-saving treatment as a result of their pre-existing health problems", it added.

An age cut-off for treatment?

Even though an age cut-off cannot be enforced, for it would be illegal, older patients with pre-existing conditions will not be given priority for care, especially ones with existing respiratory issues.&nbsp;

As per the statement, people with a "very high chance of dying despite intensive care” will not be prioritised for admission.

The UK government had earlier warned that the country’s system could be overburdened if social distancing measures were not followed strictly.

A convention centre in London is being converted into a huge hospital, and could become the biggest intensive care unit in the country.

Additionally, a temporary mortuary is being built in east London, with the numbers increasing everyday.

Testing rates in the country have remained dismal amid increased calls to improve the mechanism.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-records-highest-one-day-covid-19-death-toll-with-1169-fatalities-290246" hreflang="en">United States records highest one-day COVID-19 death toll with 1,169 fatalities</a>

"We acknowledge that more needs to be done in relation to testing. We need to be testing more people and we need to be making progress very quickly," a government spokesperson told CNN.

The Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty on Wednesday claimed that the country did not have “sufficient testing” capabilities to identify cases, adding that there was a “global shortage” of tests.

Additionally, medical personnel have raised concerns regarding PPEs and supplies running low.

However, the government expressed confidence over procuring more equipment.

The UK recently announced plans to test 100,000 people everyday by the end of this month. However, as of now, the country has not even met the target of conducting 25,000 tests per day.

The UK recently announced plans to test 100,000 people everyday by the end of this month. However, as of now, the country has not even met the target of conducting 25,000 tests per day. Additionally, Boris Johnson, who himself tested positive for the virus has vowed to improve testing in the country, amid criticism that the country is simply not conducting enough tests compared to other countries at a similar stage of the epidemic. So far, the virus has taken the lives of over 2,921 people in the UK, with 569 deaths recorded just on Wednesday. Also read: Finland enlists social media influencers to fight COVID-19 misinformation The British Medical Association (BMA) recently came up with a controversial set of “ethics guidelines”. As per this, older patients who may not survive the virus will not receive guaranteed treatment. In essence, the ventilators will be allotted to healthier patients. Older, sicker patients could be in for a harder time amid equipment shortages. As has been the global pattern, the younger and healthier will be favoured, while the rest will simply be left to die, given the shortage of ventilators. UK PM Boris Johnson | AFP As per BMA guidelines, doctors will need to make “grave decisions” about who should receive “scarce lifesaving resources” as the country’s health system gets overwhelmed everyday. "As such, some of the most unwell patients may be denied access to treatment such as intensive care or artificial ventilation," the BMA's ethics guidance note states. "This will inevitably be indirectly discriminatory against both the elderly and those with long-term health conditions, with the latter being denied access to life-saving treatment as a result of their pre-existing health problems", it added. An age cut-off for treatment? Even though an age cut-off cannot be enforced, for it would be illegal, older patients with pre-existing conditions will not be given priority for care, especially ones with existing respiratory issues. As per the statement, people with a "very high chance of dying despite intensive care” will not be prioritised for admission. The UK government had earlier warned that the country’s system could be overburdened if social distancing measures were not followed strictly. A convention centre in London is being converted into a huge hospital, and could become the biggest intensive care unit in the country. Additionally, a temporary mortuary is being built in east London, with the numbers increasing everyday. Testing rates in the country have remained dismal amid increased calls to improve the mechanism. Also read: United States records highest one-day COVID-19 death toll with 1,169 fatalities "We acknowledge that more needs to be done in relation to testing. We need to be testing more people and we need to be making progress very quickly," a government spokesperson told CNN. The Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty on Wednesday claimed that the country did not have “sufficient testing” capabilities to identify cases, adding that there was a “global shortage” of tests. Additionally, medical personnel have raised concerns regarding PPEs and supplies running low. However, the government expressed confidence over procuring more equipment.

An age cut-off for coronavirus treatment? UK's plans stir anger!

As the world comes up with creative ways to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, countries like Finland are pooling in existing social capital to contain it.

Social influencers, or people with social media clout, have been enlisted by the Finnish government to help reach a bigger audience during the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-records-highest-one-day-covid-19-death-toll-with-1169-fatalities-290246">United States records highest one-day COVID-19 death toll with 1,169 fatalities</a>

“We can reach a large part of the public in Finland through official communications and traditional media, but it’s clear the authorities’ messaging doesn’t always reach all population groups,” the government communications director, Päivi Anttikoski, told The Guardian.

With this, the country hopes to reach more people and further fight misinformation. So far, Finland is the only country in the world which has designated social media influencers as “critical operators”. Other critical operators include doctors, bus drivers, and supermarket workers.&nbsp;

Finland’s 34-year-old Prime Minister Sanna Marin, in collaboration with a social media consultancy, alongside a network of media companies, intends to reach social media moguls and further accentuate the penetration of reliable information.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-have-rich-countries-disappointed-the-poor-290245" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Have rich countries disappointed the poor?</a>

As per Politico, government announcements are edited to fit the social media format. After this, they’re sent to 1,500 influencers.&nbsp;

“It’s about supporting social media influencers in sharing reliable information related to the coronavirus, and helping ensure that the right information is available on all channels at the right time,” the company, PING Helsinki said. “By working together, we can prevent the spread of false information”, they added.

However, this is not a coronavirus-related project, for these tools were envisioned in 2018. The aim is to develop tools that can improve the credibility of social media influencers, and to further use their platforms to share reliable information.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-spends-more-money-on-travel-than-on-public-health-problems-290220" hreflang="en">WHO spends more money on travel than on public health problems</a>

Additionally, the company has come up with a do’s and don'ts that need to be followed during the pandemic.&nbsp;

The basic tenets of these include - stop and think before sharing; review content critically; distinguish fact from opinion; check facts and never share false information.

As the world comes up with creative ways to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, countries like Finland are pooling in existing social capital to contain it. Social influencers, or people with social media clout, have been enlisted by the Finnish government to help reach a bigger audience during the pandemic.

As the world comes up with creative ways to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, countries like Finland are pooling in existing social capital to contain it. Social influencers, or people with social media clout, have been enlisted by the Finnish government to help reach a bigger audience during the pandemic. Also read: United States records highest one-day COVID-19 death toll with 1,169 fatalities “We can reach a large part of the public in Finland through official communications and traditional media, but it’s clear the authorities’ messaging doesn’t always reach all population groups,” the government communications director, Päivi Anttikoski, told The Guardian. With this, the country hopes to reach more people and further fight misinformation. So far, Finland is the only country in the world which has designated social media influencers as “critical operators”. Other critical operators include doctors, bus drivers, and supermarket workers. Finland’s 34-year-old Prime Minister Sanna Marin, in collaboration with a social media consultancy, alongside a network of media companies, intends to reach social media moguls and further accentuate the penetration of reliable information. Also read: Coronavirus: Have rich countries disappointed the poor? As per Politico, government announcements are edited to fit the social media format. After this, they’re sent to 1,500 influencers. “It’s about supporting social media influencers in sharing reliable information related to the coronavirus, and helping ensure that the right information is available on all channels at the right time,” the company, PING Helsinki said. “By working together, we can prevent the spread of false information”, they added. However, this is not a coronavirus-related project, for these tools were envisioned in 2018. The aim is to develop tools that can improve the credibility of social media influencers, and to further use their platforms to share reliable information. Also read: WHO spends more money on travel than on public health problems Additionally, the company has come up with a do’s and don'ts that need to be followed during the pandemic. The basic tenets of these include - stop and think before sharing; review content critically; distinguish fact from opinion; check facts and never share false information.

Finland enlists social media influencers to fight COVID-19 misinformation

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