Hong Kong's latest Wuhan virus outbreak has become a nightmare for residents. Many are choosing to leave the city. In the last three weeks, over 60,000 people could have left Hong Kong. Palki Sharma tells you about the mass exodus.

Gravitas: Hong Kong's Covid-19 outbreak triggers mass exodus

Since the new type of coronavirus, NeoCov, has been reported by Wuhan scientists in China, the world seems to be witnessing sleepless nights. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The speculation about its severity has been tormenting numerous people. Read on to know the truth behind this type of coronavirus. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Is it a new variant or a different type of coronavirus? &nbsp;

It is a new strain or another type of coronavirus like SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19. It is not a new variant like Omicron or Delta. The study by the researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences and Wuhan University shows that NeoCov is closely related to the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), a viral disease, which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ba2-subvariant-more-transmissible-than-original-omicron-scientists-448644" hreflang="en">BA.2 subvariant more transmissible than original Omicron: Scientists</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;

How worried should we be? &nbsp;

It is ‘believed’ to be highly transmissible and have high mortality rate. According to the Wuhan scientists, one in three patients infected by NeoCov can die due to the complications. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Has it been found in humans yet? &nbsp;&nbsp;

No. It has been found in only bats in South Africa but may pose threat to humans in future if it mutates further, as per the study by Chinese researchers. "It is only one mutation away from becoming dangerous for humans," the researchers said.

NeoCov can penetrate human cells in the same way as SARS-CoV-2, the scientists from the Wuhan University in China added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-quietly-locks-down-area-near-beijing-after-covid-19-cases-448593" hreflang="en">China quietly locks down area near Beijing after COVID-19 cases</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is WHO saying? &nbsp;

The WHO has said that more research is needed to ascertain its effects on humans. "Whether the virus detected in the study will pose a risk for humans will require further study," the health body was quoted as saying to TASS news agency. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Has the study been peer-reviewed? &nbsp;

The study, which has been cited in the media reports, have not been peer-reviewed yet. It is an important step for any study to get authenticity. The study has been recently posted on the preprint repository BioRxiv. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Since the new type of coronavirus, NeoCov, has been reported by Wuhan scientists in China, the world seems to be witnessing sleepless nights. The speculation about its severity has been tormenting numerous people.

Since the new type of coronavirus, NeoCov, has been reported by Wuhan scientists in China, the world seems to be witnessing sleepless nights. The speculation about its severity has been tormenting numerous people. Read on to know the truth behind this type of coronavirus. Is it a new variant or a different type of coronavirus? It is a new strain or another type of coronavirus like SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19. It is not a new variant like Omicron or Delta. The study by the researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences and Wuhan University shows that NeoCov is closely related to the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), a viral disease, which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Also Read: BA.2 subvariant more transmissible than original Omicron: Scientists How worried should we be? It is ‘believed’ to be highly transmissible and have high mortality rate. According to the Wuhan scientists, one in three patients infected by NeoCov can die due to the complications. Has it been found in humans yet? No. It has been found in only bats in South Africa but may pose threat to humans in future if it mutates further, as per the study by Chinese researchers. "It is only one mutation away from becoming dangerous for humans," the researchers said. NeoCov can penetrate human cells in the same way as SARS-CoV-2, the scientists from the Wuhan University in China added. Also Read: China quietly locks down area near Beijing after COVID-19 cases What is WHO saying? The WHO has said that more research is needed to ascertain its effects on humans. "Whether the virus detected in the study will pose a risk for humans will require further study," the health body was quoted as saying to TASS news agency. Has the study been peer-reviewed? The study, which has been cited in the media reports, have not been peer-reviewed yet. It is an important step for any study to get authenticity. The study has been recently posted on the preprint repository BioRxiv. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer: What is new coronavirus NeoCov that kills 1 in 3 patients? Find out the truth

Scientists in Wuhan have flagged a deadlier coronavirus found in bats from South Africa. They say the virus is one mutation away from infecting humans. Its mortality rate is around 33%.

WHO: More research needed on deadlier coronavirus flagged by Scientists in Wuhan

Scientists in Wuhan have flagged a deadlier coronavirus found in bats from South Africa. They say the virus is one mutation away from infecting humans. Its mortality rate is around 33%. Palki Sharma tells you how the world must respond.

Gravitas: Wuhan scientists flag deadlier coronavirus

Even as coronavirus and its variants were not enough, the news of a new type of the virus like Covid (SARS-CoV-2)&nbsp;has made headlines.

With the emergence of every&nbsp;new type of the virus, comes a huge amount of speculation and hype.&nbsp;Well, it is quite understandable as the coronavirus has been tormenting the world for over two years now. &nbsp;

In the latest development, the new type of coronavirus has been detected among bats in South Africa by Chinese researchers.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-is-the-new-stealth-omicron-447976" hreflang="en">Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'?</a>

Even as the research claims that it has latent ability to mutate, the World Health Organisation has said that its potential needs further clarity. &nbsp;

NeoCov can penetrate human cells in the same way as SARS-CoV-2, as per scientists from the Wuhan University in China. &nbsp;

It is actually the closest relative to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-exit-from-zero-covid-19-china-struggles-to-find-policy-off-ramp-448101" hreflang="en">No exit from zero-COVID-19: China struggles to find policy off-ramp</a>

In a paper posted on preprint website bioRxiv, the researchers said, "It is only one mutation away from becoming dangerous for humans."&nbsp; &nbsp;

The paper is yet to be peer-reviewed. &nbsp;

The question whether the NeoCov coronavirus poses a threat to humans requires further study, as per the WHO. &nbsp;

"Whether the virus detected in the study will pose a risk for humans will require further study," the health body was quoted as saying to TASS news agency. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as coronavirus and its variants were not enough, the news of a new type of the virus like Covid (SARS-CoV-2) has made headlines. With the emergence of every new type of the virus, comes a huge amount of speculation and hype.

Even as coronavirus and its variants were not enough, the news of a new type of the virus like Covid (SARS-CoV-2) has made headlines. With the emergence of every new type of the virus, comes a huge amount of speculation and hype. Well, it is quite understandable as the coronavirus has been tormenting the world for over two years now. In the latest development, the new type of coronavirus has been detected among bats in South Africa by Chinese researchers. Also Read: Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'? Even as the research claims that it has latent ability to mutate, the World Health Organisation has said that its potential needs further clarity. NeoCov can penetrate human cells in the same way as SARS-CoV-2, as per scientists from the Wuhan University in China. It is actually the closest relative to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Also Read: No exit from zero-COVID-19: China struggles to find policy off-ramp In a paper posted on preprint website bioRxiv, the researchers said, "It is only one mutation away from becoming dangerous for humans." The paper is yet to be peer-reviewed. The question whether the NeoCov coronavirus poses a threat to humans requires further study, as per the WHO. "Whether the virus detected in the study will pose a risk for humans will require further study," the health body was quoted as saying to TASS news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Wuhan is back in news with revelation on NeoCov. Check out what WHO has to say

The Omicron variant is spreading in China. It's inching closer to Beijing, the venue for Winter Olympics 2022. Should the games be cancelled? WHO says Beijing's 'anti-covid plan' looks strong. Palki Sharma busts their hypocrisy.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus returns to China

Has the Wuhan Virus weakened? So far, most of the Omicron infections worldwide have led to mild symptoms. Is that reason to be optimistic? Palki Sharma tells you why shouldn't let your guard down.

Gravitas: Has the Wuhan Virus weakened?

With the growing number of companies reporting cases of the Omicron variant, nations are shutting borders, covid-19 restrictions are returning, global markets are bracing for a crucial week ahead. WION reporters are tracking all the latest developments of the new deadly variant.

WION tracks spread of new covid-19 variant Omicron

According to a new report, the first known patient sickened with the COVID-19 was in the Huanan market, Wuhan. The claims are from researcher Michael Worobey of the University of Arizona.

First COVID-19 patient was a female seafood vendor at Huanan market, scientist claims

In a recent revelation, a peer-reviewed article published in the journal Science claims that early coronavirus infection during 2019 originated from a market in Wuhan.

In a recent revelation, a peer-reviewed article published in the journal Science claims that early coronavirus infection during 2019 originated from a market in Wuhan. Dr Michael Worobey, an expert in virus evolution at the University of Arizona has claimed that the first person to contract Covid-19 was a seafood vendor at a Wuhan animal market. The scientist analysed public accounts of early Covid-19 cases in China and concluded that the WHO inquiry had gotten the early chronology of the pandemic wrong. Worobey encountered a few timeline discrepancies in both medical journals and video interviews of the first two documented infections. After completing his analysis, Worobey put forth his argument stating that the vendor’s ties to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market and the recent analysis of hospitalised patients’ connections to the market indicate that the pandemic originated there. He has also been open to the theory of a lab leak as he was one among the group of scientists who wrote a letter to Science urging for an investigation to identify the origins of the virus, including a laboratory accident. Also read | WHO forms new expert group to continue research into origins of Covid in Wuhan Not just Worobey, but various experts, including one of the pandemic investigators chosen said that his work makes sense and the first known case of Covid was most likely a seafood vendor. However, they further mentioned that the evidence was still not enough. Another theory by the scientists indicates that the virus infected a “patient zero” before the vendor’s case. Afterwards, it spread widely in the market. Jesse Bloom, a virologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center was quoted by The New York Times as saying, “I don’t disagree with the analysis." “But I don’t agree that any of the data are strong enough or complete enough to say anything very confidently, other than that the Huanan Seafood Market was clearly a super-spreading event.”

Scientists working on Covid origin notice timeline discrepancies; 1st case was a vendor at Wuhan market

A former vice-minister of public security who had visited Wuhan in March 2020 has now been arrested on charges of bribery.<o:p></o:p>

Sun Lijun was one of many officials who were sent to Wuhan, the epicenter of coronavirus pandemic, when the virus was rapidly spreading all through the globe. However, in September, he was expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) due to allegations made against him.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-to-punish-those-who-supports-taiwan-427146">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-to-punish-those-who-supports-taiwan-427146/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Lijun had been under investigation for more than a year after he was alleged of abandoning his post during the coronavirus outbreak. He was also accused of possessing confidential material without any official approval.<o:p></o:p>

"The investigation found that on the frontline of fighting the Covid-19 epidemic, Sun deserted his post. He also possessed confidential materials without authorisation and engaged in superstitious activities for a long time," the earlier report said.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-bar-people-from-mainland-if-found-supporting-taiwanese-independence-427172">China to bar people from mainland if found supporting Taiwanese independence</a></o:p>

It was alleged that Lijun was not dedicated to the party’s ideals and faith. He "displayed extremely inflated political ambition and very poor political integrity, issued groundless criticisms of the party’s policies, and spread political rumours," the report stated. "The circumstances were particularly serious, the nature was particularly pernicious, the impact was extremely bad and the case must be handled with extreme seriousness."<o:p></o:p>

Now, he has been arrested for accepting large sums of money, property, banquet invitations and other forms of high-end entertainment activities. Authorities believe that him accepting these things could have led to him being bias. <o:p></o:p>

A former vice-minister of public security who had visited Wuhan in March 2020 has now been arrested on charges of bribery. Sun Lijun was one of many officials who were sent to Wuhan, the epicenter of coronavirus pandemic, when the virus was rapidly spreading all through the globe.

A former vice-minister of public security who had visited Wuhan in March 2020 has now been arrested on charges of bribery. Sun Lijun was one of many officials who were sent to Wuhan, the epicenter of coronavirus pandemic, when the virus was rapidly spreading all through the globe. However, in September, he was expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) due to allegations made against him. WATCH | Lijun had been under investigation for more than a year after he was alleged of abandoning his post during the coronavirus outbreak. He was also accused of possessing confidential material without any official approval. "The investigation found that on the frontline of fighting the Covid-19 epidemic, Sun deserted his post. He also possessed confidential materials without authorisation and engaged in superstitious activities for a long time," the earlier report said. Also read | China to bar people from mainland if found supporting Taiwanese independence It was alleged that Lijun was not dedicated to the party’s ideals and faith. He "displayed extremely inflated political ambition and very poor political integrity, issued groundless criticisms of the party’s policies, and spread political rumours," the report stated. "The circumstances were particularly serious, the nature was particularly pernicious, the impact was extremely bad and the case must be handled with extreme seriousness." Now, he has been arrested for accepting large sums of money, property, banquet invitations and other forms of high-end entertainment activities. Authorities believe that him accepting these things could have led to him being bias.

China arrests official who was sent to Wuhan during Covid outbreak

Chinese citizen journalist, Zhang Zhan, who exposed reality of coronavirus outbreak in China’s Wuhan is critically weak and close to death due to her ongoing hunger strike, her family has reported.<o:p></o:p>

Zhan, a 38-year-old former lawyer gained attention from Chinese authorities when she travelled to Wuhan in February 2020 to report on the pandemic centres from the epicenter of Covid, Wuhan. Through her reports, she questioned the handling of the pandemic by the Chinese authorities. <o:p></o:p>

Using her mobile phone, she recorded and shared shocking evidence of bedridden Covid patients who were lined up in hospital corridors in the beginning of the pandemic in Wuhan. She was also manhandled and intimidated by police officers and other Chinese officials who tried to stop her from recording and sharing these videos and images.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-zhang-zhan-jailed-for-covid-19-reporting-in-wuhan-is-on-brink-of-death-426893">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-zhang-zhan-jailed-for-covid-19-reporting-in-wuhan-is-on-brink-of-death-426893/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As expected, China did not let her investigation go on for too long. Her mission came at a great cost and she was detained by Chinese authorities in May 2020. After being detained for nearly seven months, in December she was then sentenced to jail for four years on the charges of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble". &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Upon her arrest, she started a hunger strike to protest the inhumane and illegal treatment being given to her. "By not eating, she wants to protest against the illegal nature of her treatment," said Zhang Keke, a member of the legal team representing Zhang. "She believes that not eating is a way to tell them they are wrong."<o:p></o:p>

Her lawyer had also claimed that she was being forced fed through nasal tubes.<o:p></o:p>

However, her family has now claimed that she is now severely underweight and there are higher chances that she "may not live for much longer".<o:p></o:p>

"Zhan is 177cm tall, now she has less than 40 kg wt. She may not survive the coming cold winter. I hope the world remember how she used to be," her brother Zhang Ju reported through his Twitter account.<o:p></o:p>

Calling it a 'shameful attack on human rights', Amnesty International has reiterated on the importance of immediate release of the former lawyer. "Release her immediately so that she can end her hunger strike and receive the appropriate medical treatment she desperately needs," the human rights organisation said in a statement.<o:p></o:p>

"If Zhang Zhan dies in prison, her blood will be on the Chinese government's hands," Amnesty campaigner Gwen Lee said.<o:p></o:p>

Chinese citizen journalist, Zhang Zhan, who exposed reality of coronavirus outbreak in China’s Wuhan is critically weak and close to death due to her ongoing hunger strike, her family has reported.

Chinese citizen journalist, Zhang Zhan, who exposed reality of coronavirus outbreak in China’s Wuhan is critically weak and close to death due to her ongoing hunger strike, her family has reported. Zhan, a 38-year-old former lawyer gained attention from Chinese authorities when she travelled to Wuhan in February 2020 to report on the pandemic centres from the epicenter of Covid, Wuhan. Through her reports, she questioned the handling of the pandemic by the Chinese authorities. Using her mobile phone, she recorded and shared shocking evidence of bedridden Covid patients who were lined up in hospital corridors in the beginning of the pandemic in Wuhan. She was also manhandled and intimidated by police officers and other Chinese officials who tried to stop her from recording and sharing these videos and images. WATCH | As expected, China did not let her investigation go on for too long. Her mission came at a great cost and she was detained by Chinese authorities in May 2020. After being detained for nearly seven months, in December she was then sentenced to jail for four years on the charges of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble". Upon her arrest, she started a hunger strike to protest the inhumane and illegal treatment being given to her. "By not eating, she wants to protest against the illegal nature of her treatment," said Zhang Keke, a member of the legal team representing Zhang. "She believes that not eating is a way to tell them they are wrong." Her lawyer had also claimed that she was being forced fed through nasal tubes. However, her family has now claimed that she is now severely underweight and there are higher chances that she "may not live for much longer". "Zhan is 177cm tall, now she has less than 40 kg wt. She may not survive the coming cold winter. I hope the world remember how she used to be," her brother Zhang Ju reported through his Twitter account. Calling it a 'shameful attack on human rights', Amnesty International has reiterated on the importance of immediate release of the former lawyer. "Release her immediately so that she can end her hunger strike and receive the appropriate medical treatment she desperately needs," the human rights organisation said in a statement. "If Zhang Zhan dies in prison, her blood will be on the Chinese government's hands," Amnesty campaigner Gwen Lee said.

Zhang Zhan, who exposed China's mishandling of Covid, is close to death in jail: Family

A citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, jailed for her coverage of China's initial response to COVID-19 in Wuhan is close to death after going on hunger strike. The right groups have renewed calls for her immediate release.

China: Zhang Zhan, jailed for COVID-19 reporting in Wuhan is on brink of death

US intelligence agencies said they may never be able to conclude whether the COVID-19 virus was developed in a Wuhan lab or transmitted from animal to human, a declassified report has stated.

In an updated assessment of how the virus originated, the Office of the US Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) in its report said that a natural origin and a lab leak are both plausible hypotheses for how SARS-COV-2 first infected humans.

But it said the analysts disagree on which is more likely or whether any definitive assessment can be made at all.

The report issued on Friday is an update of a 90-day review that President Joe Biden's administration released in August.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/origin-of-wuhan-virus-needs-to-be-found-386627">Origin of Wuhan virus needs to be found</a>

The report also dismissed suggestions that the coronavirus originated as a bioweapon, saying proponents of this theory "do not have direct access to the Wuhan Institute of Virology" and have been accused of spreading disinformation.

On Friday, China responded by criticizing the report.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-origin-probe-poisoned-by-politics-says-who-388122">Virus origin probe 'poisoned by politics', says WHO</a>

“The US moves of relying on its intelligence apparatus instead of scientists to trace the origins of COVID-19 is a complete political farce,” Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said in an emailed statement.

“It will only undermine science-based origins study and hinder the global effort of finding the source of the virus,” the statement said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-calls-on-china-to-release-medical-records-of-wuhan-lab-workers-report-389348">Also read | Fauci calls on China to release medical records of Wuhan lab workers: Report</a>

Chinese authorities had linked early COVID-19 cases to a seafood market in Wuhan, leading many scientists to theorise that the virus first passed to humans from animals.

But earlier this year, there were several US media reports suggesting growing evidence that the virus could instead have emerged from a virology lab in Wuhan.

In May, President Joe Biden ordered intelligence officials to investigate the virus's origins, including the lab leak theory, which is rejected by China.

(With inputs from agencies)

US intelligence agencies said they may never be able to conclude whether the COVID-19 virus was developed in a Wuhan lab or transmitted from animal to human, a declassified report has stated.

US intelligence agencies said they may never be able to conclude whether the COVID-19 virus was developed in a Wuhan lab or transmitted from animal to human, a declassified report has stated. In an updated assessment of how the virus originated, the Office of the US Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) in its report said that a natural origin and a lab leak are both plausible hypotheses for how SARS-COV-2 first infected humans. But it said the analysts disagree on which is more likely or whether any definitive assessment can be made at all. The report issued on Friday is an update of a 90-day review that President Joe Biden's administration released in August. Also Read | Origin of Wuhan virus needs to be found The report also dismissed suggestions that the coronavirus originated as a bioweapon, saying proponents of this theory "do not have direct access to the Wuhan Institute of Virology" and have been accused of spreading disinformation. On Friday, China responded by criticizing the report. Also Read | Virus origin probe 'poisoned by politics', says WHO “The US moves of relying on its intelligence apparatus instead of scientists to trace the origins of COVID-19 is a complete political farce,” Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said in an emailed statement. “It will only undermine science-based origins study and hinder the global effort of finding the source of the virus,” the statement said. Also read | Fauci calls on China to release medical records of Wuhan lab workers: Report Chinese authorities had linked early COVID-19 cases to a seafood market in Wuhan, leading many scientists to theorise that the virus first passed to humans from animals. But earlier this year, there were several US media reports suggesting growing evidence that the virus could instead have emerged from a virology lab in Wuhan. In May, President Joe Biden ordered intelligence officials to investigate the virus's origins, including the lab leak theory, which is rejected by China. (With inputs from agencies)

We may never know how COVID-19 originated, say US intelligence officials

The Wuhan Marathon, which had been due to take place on Sunday, has been postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, just ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

China reported 26 new domestic COVID-19 cases on Sunday.Authorities have been making attempts to contain virus infections using mass testing of residents and targeted lockdowns. However, with a rise in cases, organisers of the Wuhan Marathon said in a statement released that they would postpone

Sunday's event in the central Chinese city "to prevent the risk of epidemic spread".

The marathon was expected to have 26,000 participants taking part in races, including full and half marathons in the city where coronavirus was first identified towards the end of 2019. Next weekend's 40th edition of the Beijing marathon could also be delayed, local media outlet Beijing Daily reported Sunday

Recently, the authorities also announced the suspension of cross-provincial tour groups in five areas where cases have been detected, including Beijing. "The risk that the outbreak spreads further is still increasing," warned National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng.

Some cities, including Gansu's provincial capital of Lanzhou, and parts of Inner Mongolia have also suspended bus and taxi services, authorities said.

Beijing on Wednesday will mark 100 days before the Winter Olympics, which are set to open on February 4. Organisers admitted earlier this month that they "face great pressure" because of COVID-19.

The upcoming games could be the most restricted mass sporting event since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-offering-covid-19-booster-shots-four-months-ahead-of-olympics-423034">Also read |&nbsp;Beijing offering COVID-19 booster shots four months ahead of Olympics</a>

There have been no international spectators allowed and a vaccine mandate for anyone entering a strictly enforced "bubble".Also, the athletes need to be vaccinated or face 21-day quarantine upon entry to China.

Authorities in China have started offering booster shots against the deadly coronavirus disease in Beijing and surrounding regions.&nbsp;

People who are 18 or older, and have received two-dose Chinese vaccines and belong to at-risk groups, including those participating, organising or working on games facilities, would be eligible for the additional shot.

To get rid of a new outbreak, which has been linked to a group of tourists, authorities in China have closed schools, cancelled hundreds of flights and have ramped up mass testing.

According to reports by AFP, the new outbreak is traced to an elderly couple who were in a group of other tourists. They had started their trip in Shanghai before going to Xi'an, Gansu province and Inner Mongolia.&nbsp;

The Wuhan Marathon, which had been due to take place on Sunday, has been postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, just ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

The Wuhan Marathon, which had been due to take place on Sunday, has been postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, just ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. China reported 26 new domestic COVID-19 cases on Sunday.Authorities have been making attempts to contain virus infections using mass testing of residents and targeted lockdowns. However, with a rise in cases, organisers of the Wuhan Marathon said in a statement released that they would postpone Sunday's event in the central Chinese city "to prevent the risk of epidemic spread". The marathon was expected to have 26,000 participants taking part in races, including full and half marathons in the city where coronavirus was first identified towards the end of 2019. Next weekend's 40th edition of the Beijing marathon could also be delayed, local media outlet Beijing Daily reported Sunday Recently, the authorities also announced the suspension of cross-provincial tour groups in five areas where cases have been detected, including Beijing. "The risk that the outbreak spreads further is still increasing," warned National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng. Some cities, including Gansu's provincial capital of Lanzhou, and parts of Inner Mongolia have also suspended bus and taxi services, authorities said. Beijing on Wednesday will mark 100 days before the Winter Olympics, which are set to open on February 4. Organisers admitted earlier this month that they "face great pressure" because of COVID-19. The upcoming games could be the most restricted mass sporting event since the pandemic began. Also read | Beijing offering COVID-19 booster shots four months ahead of Olympics There have been no international spectators allowed and a vaccine mandate for anyone entering a strictly enforced "bubble".Also, the athletes need to be vaccinated or face 21-day quarantine upon entry to China. Authorities in China have started offering booster shots against the deadly coronavirus disease in Beijing and surrounding regions. People who are 18 or older, and have received two-dose Chinese vaccines and belong to at-risk groups, including those participating, organising or working on games facilities, would be eligible for the additional shot. To get rid of a new outbreak, which has been linked to a group of tourists, authorities in China have closed schools, cancelled hundreds of flights and have ramped up mass testing. According to reports by AFP, the new outbreak is traced to an elderly couple who were in a group of other tourists. They had started their trip in Shanghai before going to Xi'an, Gansu province and Inner Mongolia.

Wuhan marathon postponed as COVID-19 cases surge in China

In a stunning admission, USA's National Institute of Health has accepted&nbsp;that US-funded money was used for bat coronavirus gain-of-function research in a lab in Wuhan.

Gain of function refers to a genetically altering animal viruses to make them more transmissible in humans.

A top NIH official has admitted to US funding in a letter written to Congressman James Comer. Lawrence A. Tabak, principal deputy director of the NIH however, has insisted that bat viruses studied under NIH grant could not have become Covid-19.

The admission of funding to gain-of-function research from the NIH is contradictory to stand taken by Dr Anthony Fauci, USA's top disease expert,&nbsp;who has firmly denied such a thing.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-spending-plan-is-bigger-than-obamacare-says-biden-423022">Democrats' spending plan is 'bigger' than Obamacare, says Biden</a>

Tabak, in his letter, has blamed EcoHealth Alliance — the New York City-based nonprofit which funneled US money to Wuhan lab. Tabak says that the nonprofit was not transparent about what it was doing.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-outbreak-of-bacteria-infection-reported-in-wet-markets-of-hong-kong-423002">New outbreak of bacteria infection reported in wet markets of Hong Kong</a>

Dr Anthony Fauci's denials about gain-of-function research has often put him at odds with American politicians. Republican senator Rand Paul is one of them.

Paul took to Twitter when the NIH letter surfaced.&nbsp;

“I told you so” doesn’t even begin to cover it here" he tweeted

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“I told you so” doesn’t even begin to cover it here: <a href="https://t.co/9JFn85I24i">https://t.co/9JFn85I24i</a>
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/RandPaul/status/1450996489862459394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Lawrence Tabak, NIH principal deputy director, said in his letter that EcoHelath Alliance did not comply with the terms of the grant that was given to it. 
&nbsp;

In a stunning admission, USA's National Institute of Health has accepted that US-funded money was used for bat coronavirus gain-of-function research in a lab in Wuhan.

In a stunning admission, USA's National Institute of Health has accepted that US-funded money was used for bat coronavirus gain-of-function research in a lab in Wuhan. Gain of function refers to a genetically altering animal viruses to make them more transmissible in humans. A top NIH official has admitted to US funding in a letter written to Congressman James Comer. Lawrence A. Tabak, principal deputy director of the NIH however, has insisted that bat viruses studied under NIH grant could not have become Covid-19. The admission of funding to gain-of-function research from the NIH is contradictory to stand taken by Dr Anthony Fauci, USA's top disease expert, who has firmly denied such a thing. Also Read | Democrats' spending plan is 'bigger' than Obamacare, says Biden Tabak, in his letter, has blamed EcoHealth Alliance — the New York City-based nonprofit which funneled US money to Wuhan lab. Tabak says that the nonprofit was not transparent about what it was doing. Also Read | New outbreak of bacteria infection reported in wet markets of Hong Kong Dr Anthony Fauci's denials about gain-of-function research has often put him at odds with American politicians. Republican senator Rand Paul is one of them. Paul took to Twitter when the NIH letter surfaced. “I told you so” doesn’t even begin to cover it here" he tweeted “I told you so” doesn’t even begin to cover it here: https://t.co/9JFn85I24i — Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) October 21, 2021 × Lawrence Tabak, NIH principal deputy director, said in his letter that EcoHelath Alliance did not comply with the terms of the grant that was given to it.

Coronavirus: NIH admits to US funding of gain-of-function research in Wuhan lab

In a vaccine century for India, the country has administered 100 crores (1 billion) doses of Wuhan Virus vaccines. This is twice the number of doses administered by the US, 5 times that of Japan, and 10 times the doses administered by France. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: India administers 1 Billion doses of Wuhan Virus vaccines

WHO has a new team to probe the origins of the Wuhan virus. But once again, China is dictating the terms. Foreign investigators won't be allowed to test blood samples from Wuhan. China has also denied access to the infamous bat caves. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: China will not allow foreigners to test Wuhan blood samples

A classified US intelligence report that was submitted to the White House recently couldn’t conclusively trace the origins of the COVID-19 virus due to lack of information provided by China, a report by the US media has stated.

The assessment report, which was ordered by President Joe Biden three months ago, couldn’t prove whether the virus that first emerged in central China had jumped to humans via animals or escaped a highly secure research facility in Wuhan, a report from the Washington report said citing two unnamed US officials who are familiar with the matter.

They said the report would be declassified in coming days.

When Biden ordered the investigation, he said the US intelligence agencies were split over the “two likely scenarios”—animals or lab.

Former president Donald Trump and his aides had earlier pointed fingers at Beijing, claiming that the virus came out of a Wuhan virology lab amid intense criticism over their administration’s handling of the outbreak.

“Despite Biden’s directive that the intelligence community redouble their efforts to untangle the origin debate, the 90-day review brought them no closer to consensus,” the officials told the Post

Responding to reports, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Wednesday criticised Washington for “politicising” the issue of COVID origin-tracing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-virologist-claims-covid-19-was-made-in-wuhan-lab-offers-scientific-proof-327153">Chinese virologist claims COVID-19 was made in Wuhan lab; offers scientific proof</a>

“The United States says it lacks information from China,” Wang told a press briefing, according to China News service, a state-owned newswire.

“I can tell the United States that this is just an excuse to cover up the failure of its intelligence in origin tracing.”

Wang said the report was political and therefore it would not draw any scientific conclusion, “and would only disturb and damage the international effort in finding the origin of the virus and the global cooperation against COVID-19.”

Beijing has repeatedly rejected calls from the United States and other countries for a renewed origin probe after a heavily politicized visit by a World Health Organization (WHO) team in January also proved inconclusive and faced criticism for lacking transparency and access.

Even WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus admitted that the global health body’s probe into Wuhan’s virology labs did not go far enough.

(With inputs from agencies)

A classified US intelligence report that was submitted to the White House recently couldn’t conclusively trace the origins of the COVID-19 virus due to lack of information provided by China, a report by the US media has stated.

A classified US intelligence report that was submitted to the White House recently couldn’t conclusively trace the origins of the COVID-19 virus due to lack of information provided by China, a report by the US media has stated. The assessment report, which was ordered by President Joe Biden three months ago, couldn’t prove whether the virus that first emerged in central China had jumped to humans via animals or escaped a highly secure research facility in Wuhan, a report from the Washington report said citing two unnamed US officials who are familiar with the matter. They said the report would be declassified in coming days. When Biden ordered the investigation, he said the US intelligence agencies were split over the “two likely scenarios”—animals or lab. Former president Donald Trump and his aides had earlier pointed fingers at Beijing, claiming that the virus came out of a Wuhan virology lab amid intense criticism over their administration’s handling of the outbreak. “Despite Biden’s directive that the intelligence community redouble their efforts to untangle the origin debate, the 90-day review brought them no closer to consensus,” the officials told the Post Responding to reports, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Wednesday criticised Washington for “politicising” the issue of COVID origin-tracing. Also read | Chinese virologist claims COVID-19 was made in Wuhan lab; offers scientific proof “The United States says it lacks information from China,” Wang told a press briefing, according to China News service, a state-owned newswire. “I can tell the United States that this is just an excuse to cover up the failure of its intelligence in origin tracing.” Wang said the report was political and therefore it would not draw any scientific conclusion, “and would only disturb and damage the international effort in finding the origin of the virus and the global cooperation against COVID-19.” Beijing has repeatedly rejected calls from the United States and other countries for a renewed origin probe after a heavily politicized visit by a World Health Organization (WHO) team in January also proved inconclusive and faced criticism for lacking transparency and access. Even WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus admitted that the global health body’s probe into Wuhan’s virology labs did not go far enough. (With inputs from agencies)

Classified US intelligence study inconclusive on COVID origins: Report

Organ donation has less uptake in India, when compared to western nations. Covid-19 pandemic raging over the last 18 months, has further dwindled down the number of organ donations, say health experts. 
 
August 13 is observed as World Organ Donation Day every year to motivate people to pledge organ donation after death and to spread awareness and eliminate myths and fears regarding organ donation. 
 
During Covid pandemic lockdowns, fear of infection, and lack of awareness compounded the reduction in organ donation chances, the experts said. 
 
"The number of organ donations in our country has been very low in comparison to the western countries. Furthermore, there is a significant drop since the start of the pandemic, the reason being Covid recovered patients cannot donate immediately after recovering. Too much focus on Covid and the lack of awareness on organ donation are also the reason why this number has dropped significantly," Vishwanath S, HOD and Consultant - Nephrology, Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, told IANS. 
 
There are two ways to donate organs: a living donor -- a healthy person who donates one of a pair of organs such as the kidney or part of an organ such as the liver; and/or through Cadaveric donation -- when you harvest organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas) from brain dead people, as well as tissue donation, meaning taking tissues (skin, corneas, tendons, bone) from brain dead as well as those whose heart has stopped, but in that case it has to be done with limited time period. 
 
A single cadaveric donor can give life to about six-nine recipients (two kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, intestine, eyes and tissues). 
 
"Due to Covid-induced lockdowns and reduced traffic on the roads, accidents with consequent head injury and brain death related organ donors have reduced. On the other hand, even the recipients are unable to travel to transplant centres due to intra and interstate travel restrictions," Mukul Rastogi, Additional Director-Hepatology, Fortis Noida, told IANS. 
 
"There is also an apprehension regarding Covid status and potential transmission from deceased donors to recipients and healthcare providers. Similarly, there is a risk of recipients, live donors and the healthcare team inadvertently transmitting Covid to each other," he added. 
 
However, the doctors suggest that it is safe to donate after two-three months of Covid recovery. A complete vaccination before the process can make it safer, protecting both the donor and the recipient from the future infection of Covid. Even if they develop Covid, it will be very mild. 
 
"After the Covid pandemic, doctors have been extra cautious in the procedures of organ donation. It is safe to donate once you recover from Covid. Post-Covid, we assess whether there is any Covid-related involvement of the organs. If any person wants to donate organs post-recovery, we evaluate them completely. In cases when lungs are needed to be donated, we ensure there are no residual problems before donation," Vishwanath said. 
 
Moreover, with the availability of accurate tests (RT -PCR and antibody) for Covid with a rapid turnaround time (4-6 hours), it is possible to determine whether transplant can be safely performed, the doctors said. 
 
In India, every year almost 3.5 lakh people need some form of organ transplant but less than 11,000 transplants are carried out. The overall organ donation rate in India is quite low at around 0.52 per million population, compared with 36.07 donors per million in the US. 
 
The Cardiology Society of India reveals that over 50,000 patients need heart transplantation in a year but less than 250 actually get one. 
 
As per the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation, of the 21,395 kidneys transplanted in India between 1971 and 2015, only 783 were from cadaveric donors. Out of more than 50,000 people who need liver transplant, only 2,000 procedures are being done, according to Indian Society of Gastroenterology. 
 
"Organ donation in India needs to pick up the pace to match the humongous gap that is existing between patients who need organs and organ availability. As critical illnesses are on the rise, harvesting organs from deceased bodies and making it accessible to the one who needs should be the priority," D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals, in Hyderabad, told IANS.

Organ donation has less uptake in India, when compared to western nations. Covid-19 pandemic raging over the last 18 months, has further dwindled down the number of organ donations, say health experts.

Organ donation has less uptake in India, when compared to western nations. Covid-19 pandemic raging over the last 18 months, has further dwindled down the number of organ donations, say health experts. August 13 is observed as World Organ Donation Day every year to motivate people to pledge organ donation after death and to spread awareness and eliminate myths and fears regarding organ donation. During Covid pandemic lockdowns, fear of infection, and lack of awareness compounded the reduction in organ donation chances, the experts said. "The number of organ donations in our country has been very low in comparison to the western countries. Furthermore, there is a significant drop since the start of the pandemic, the reason being Covid recovered patients cannot donate immediately after recovering. Too much focus on Covid and the lack of awareness on organ donation are also the reason why this number has dropped significantly," Vishwanath S, HOD and Consultant - Nephrology, Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, told IANS. There are two ways to donate organs: a living donor -- a healthy person who donates one of a pair of organs such as the kidney or part of an organ such as the liver; and/or through Cadaveric donation -- when you harvest organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas) from brain dead people, as well as tissue donation, meaning taking tissues (skin, corneas, tendons, bone) from brain dead as well as those whose heart has stopped, but in that case it has to be done with limited time period. A single cadaveric donor can give life to about six-nine recipients (two kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, intestine, eyes and tissues). "Due to Covid-induced lockdowns and reduced traffic on the roads, accidents with consequent head injury and brain death related organ donors have reduced. On the other hand, even the recipients are unable to travel to transplant centres due to intra and interstate travel restrictions," Mukul Rastogi, Additional Director-Hepatology, Fortis Noida, told IANS. "There is also an apprehension regarding Covid status and potential transmission from deceased donors to recipients and healthcare providers. Similarly, there is a risk of recipients, live donors and the healthcare team inadvertently transmitting Covid to each other," he added. However, the doctors suggest that it is safe to donate after two-three months of Covid recovery. A complete vaccination before the process can make it safer, protecting both the donor and the recipient from the future infection of Covid. Even if they develop Covid, it will be very mild. "After the Covid pandemic, doctors have been extra cautious in the procedures of organ donation. It is safe to donate once you recover from Covid. Post-Covid, we assess whether there is any Covid-related involvement of the organs. If any person wants to donate organs post-recovery, we evaluate them completely. In cases when lungs are needed to be donated, we ensure there are no residual problems before donation," Vishwanath said. Moreover, with the availability of accurate tests (RT -PCR and antibody) for Covid with a rapid turnaround time (4-6 hours), it is possible to determine whether transplant can be safely performed, the doctors said. In India, every year almost 3.5 lakh people need some form of organ transplant but less than 11,000 transplants are carried out. The overall organ donation rate in India is quite low at around 0.52 per million population, compared with 36.07 donors per million in the US. The Cardiology Society of India reveals that over 50,000 patients need heart transplantation in a year but less than 250 actually get one. As per the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation, of the 21,395 kidneys transplanted in India between 1971 and 2015, only 783 were from cadaveric donors. Out of more than 50,000 people who need liver transplant, only 2,000 procedures are being done, according to Indian Society of Gastroenterology. "Organ donation in India needs to pick up the pace to match the humongous gap that is existing between patients who need organs and organ availability. As critical illnesses are on the rise, harvesting organs from deceased bodies and making it accessible to the one who needs should be the priority," D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals, in Hyderabad, told IANS.

Organ donation dropped significantly due to COVID-19: Experts

Videos of Chinese officials keeping citizens inside their houses have appeared on social media as the Delta variation of COVID-19 spreads.

Multiple videos emerged on Weibo, Twitter, and YouTube showing hazmat workers slamming iron bars over people's doors to prevent them from leaving.

According to a Taiwan News report, if someone is discovered to have opened their door more than three times, the authorities will lock them inside. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwij1KjS5K3yAhUCjuYKHXStCbIQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw30iaDUzC7Jzu4ibK9Owl3q" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450" target="_blank">COVID-19: All you need to know about&nbsp;Delta Plus&nbsp;variant</a>

As shown in a Twitter photo, people wearing full PPE gear can be seen hammering large metallic bars over a doorway in an X pattern at a house.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Chinese Communist Party is locking people inside their homes again. 
 
If someone in the building tests positive or has positive contact tracing, the whole building gets sealed for 14 to 21 days, sometimes longer. 
 
August 2021 <a href="https://t.co/LyArs7DQN6">pic.twitter.com/LyArs7DQN6</a>
— Things China Doesn't Want You To Know (@TruthAbtChina) <a href="https://twitter.com/TruthAbtChina/status/1424511477264785411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
大爷出来透一下气。<a href="https://t.co/4cQvpmn9Pt">pic.twitter.com/4cQvpmn9Pt</a>
— 习近彭 (@wakeupfrog01) <a href="https://twitter.com/wakeupfrog01/status/1424687889942679552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
小姑娘感谢来封门。 
专政铁拳，应用到防疫工作上。<a href="https://t.co/5I1s6LAnig">pic.twitter.com/5I1s6LAnig</a>
— 习近彭 (@wakeupfrog01) <a href="https://twitter.com/wakeupfrog01/status/1424669647513612302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Monday, China reported 143 new cases, up from 125 the day before.

According to authorities, the highly transmissible delta form is mostly responsible for China's recent clusters.

The National Health Commission said that 108 of the new confirmed illnesses, the largest number since Jan. 20, were locally transmitted, up from 94 the day before, while the rest were imported.

Most local infections were in the eastern province of Jiangsu and the central province of Henan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Videos of Chinese officials keeping citizens inside their houses have appeared on social media as the Delta variation of COVID-19 spreads. Multiple videos emerged on Weibo, Twitter, and YouTube showing hazmat workers slamming iron bars over people's doors to prevent them from leaving.

Videos of Chinese officials keeping citizens inside their houses have appeared on social media as the Delta variation of COVID-19 spreads. Multiple videos emerged on Weibo, Twitter, and YouTube showing hazmat workers slamming iron bars over people's doors to prevent them from leaving. According to a Taiwan News report, if someone is discovered to have opened their door more than three times, the authorities will lock them inside. Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant As shown in a Twitter photo, people wearing full PPE gear can be seen hammering large metallic bars over a doorway in an X pattern at a house. The Chinese Communist Party is locking people inside their homes again. If someone in the building tests positive or has positive contact tracing, the whole building gets sealed for 14 to 21 days, sometimes longer. August 2021 pic.twitter.com/LyArs7DQN6 — Things China Doesn't Want You To Know (@TruthAbtChina) August 8, 2021 × 大爷出来透一下气。pic.twitter.com/4cQvpmn9Pt — 习近彭 (@wakeupfrog01) August 9, 2021 × 小姑娘感谢来封门。 专政铁拳，应用到防疫工作上。pic.twitter.com/5I1s6LAnig — 习近彭 (@wakeupfrog01) August 9, 2021 × On Monday, China reported 143 new cases, up from 125 the day before. According to authorities, the highly transmissible delta form is mostly responsible for China's recent clusters. The National Health Commission said that 108 of the new confirmed illnesses, the largest number since Jan. 20, were locally transmitted, up from 94 the day before, while the rest were imported. Most local infections were in the eastern province of Jiangsu and the central province of Henan. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | COVID-19: China locks citizens behind iron bars as Delta variant surge

China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus cases</a> hit a seven-month high on Tuesday after a cluster at a test site helped drive up numbers as the Delta variant challenges Beijing's grip on the pandemic.

State media has described the current outbreak -- which has sparked local lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions -- as the most severe since the virus emerged in the central city of Wuhan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-tests-all-residents-as-chinas-virus-cases-reach-six-month-high-404132">Wuhan tests all residents as China's virus cases reach six-month high</a>

Authorities had brought domestic infections down to virtually zero, allowing economic activity to rebound albeit with tight border restrictions.

But now, cases are rising.

On Tuesday, Chinese health authorities reported 143 new coronavirus infections -- 108 of them locally transmitted.

Dozens of cases in recent days have been linked to a COVID-19 testing site in eastern Yangzhou city.

In a sign of the anxiety over even relatively minor outbreaks, several officials have been issued warnings for mishandling mass testing, which city authorities said allowed the virus to spread.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-records-highest-daily-covid-19-cases-in-current-outbreak-403296">China records highest daily COVID-19 cases in current outbreak</a>

Yangzhou city authorities said, "a small number of party members and cadres have yet to perform their duties properly".

The city of about 4.6 million people has so far conducted five rounds of widespread testing, collecting 1.6 million samples in an attempt to stamp out the spread.

The latest surge started after infections among airport cleaners in neighbouring Nanjing city sparked a chain of cases across the country.

Tuesday's numbers are the highest since January, when the country logged 144 new cases and 126 domestic infections, mostly in the northern regions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-resurgence-in-wuhan-leads-to-testing-of-1123-million-403810">Coronavirus resurgence in Wuhan leads to testing of 11.23 million</a>

Authorities are now working to shore up confidence that the latest resurgence is controllable.

"We have successfully contained the epidemic in Guangzhou, and the epidemic in Nanjing is gradually being put under control," the official Xinhua news agency cited infectious diseases specialist Zhang Wenhong as saying.

China's coronavirus cases hit a seven-month high on Tuesday after a cluster at a test site helped drive up numbers as the Delta variant challenges Beijing's grip on the pandemic.

China's coronavirus cases hit a seven-month high on Tuesday after a cluster at a test site helped drive up numbers as the Delta variant challenges Beijing's grip on the pandemic. State media has described the current outbreak -- which has sparked local lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions -- as the most severe since the virus emerged in the central city of Wuhan. Also read | Wuhan tests all residents as China's virus cases reach six-month high Authorities had brought domestic infections down to virtually zero, allowing economic activity to rebound albeit with tight border restrictions. But now, cases are rising. On Tuesday, Chinese health authorities reported 143 new coronavirus infections -- 108 of them locally transmitted. Dozens of cases in recent days have been linked to a COVID-19 testing site in eastern Yangzhou city. In a sign of the anxiety over even relatively minor outbreaks, several officials have been issued warnings for mishandling mass testing, which city authorities said allowed the virus to spread. Also read | China records highest daily COVID-19 cases in current outbreak Yangzhou city authorities said, "a small number of party members and cadres have yet to perform their duties properly". The city of about 4.6 million people has so far conducted five rounds of widespread testing, collecting 1.6 million samples in an attempt to stamp out the spread. The latest surge started after infections among airport cleaners in neighbouring Nanjing city sparked a chain of cases across the country. Tuesday's numbers are the highest since January, when the country logged 144 new cases and 126 domestic infections, mostly in the northern regions. Also read | Coronavirus resurgence in Wuhan leads to testing of 11.23 million Authorities are now working to shore up confidence that the latest resurgence is controllable. "We have successfully contained the epidemic in Guangzhou, and the epidemic in Nanjing is gradually being put under control," the official Xinhua news agency cited infectious diseases specialist Zhang Wenhong as saying.

China Covid cases hit seven-month high as Delta variant challenges Beijing

The patient was transported to Beijing four days ago after showing symptoms, and the person was later quarantined and put under treatment.

On Monday, Beijing reported an anthrax pneumonia patient from Chengde, Hebei Province, who had previous contact with cattle and sheep, as well as goods derived from such animals.

The patient was taken to Beijing by ambulance four days after exhibiting symptoms, and the person was then isolated and treated, according to the Beijing CDC.&nbsp;

Cattle and sheep are both susceptible to anthrax.

Infection occurs when humans come into contact with ill animals or contaminated items.

According to the Beijing CDC, skin contact is the most frequent method of infection, accounting for 95% of reported cases and leading to blisters and skin necrosis.

Anthrax pneumonia is the most severe infection, which occurs when a patient inhales dust containing bacillus anthracis and becomes sick.

People who ingest infected food, generally meat, can get intestinal anthrax, which causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Anthrax can be passed from person to person, but it is not as contagious as the flu or COVID-19.

(With inputs from agencies)

The patient was transported to Beijing four days ago after showing symptoms, and the person was later quarantined and put under treatment. On Monday, Beijing reported an anthrax pneumonia patient from Chengde, Hebei Province, who had previous contact with cattle and sheep, as well as goods derived from such animals.

The patient was transported to Beijing four days ago after showing symptoms, and the person was later quarantined and put under treatment. On Monday, Beijing reported an anthrax pneumonia patient from Chengde, Hebei Province, who had previous contact with cattle and sheep, as well as goods derived from such animals. The patient was taken to Beijing by ambulance four days after exhibiting symptoms, and the person was then isolated and treated, according to the Beijing CDC. Cattle and sheep are both susceptible to anthrax. Infection occurs when humans come into contact with ill animals or contaminated items. According to the Beijing CDC, skin contact is the most frequent method of infection, accounting for 95% of reported cases and leading to blisters and skin necrosis. Anthrax pneumonia is the most severe infection, which occurs when a patient inhales dust containing bacillus anthracis and becomes sick. People who ingest infected food, generally meat, can get intestinal anthrax, which causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Anthrax can be passed from person to person, but it is not as contagious as the flu or COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Deadly Anthrax Pneumonia case in China, patient under treatment: Report 

China's Wuhan city officials said they had completed coronavirus tests of all 11 million people amid a resurgence of the virus in the country.

The health officials said except for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-under-threat-as-us-battles-current-virus-outbreak-404108">children</a> under six and students on summer break all residents were tested for the virus.

Meanwhile, residents of Yangzhou city stood in queue on the street to get their COVID-19 tests amid a surge in infections caused by the Delta variant.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-delta-variant-breaches-chinas-virus-defences-402692/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China on Monday reported 94 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/constellation-names-for-new-covid-variants-that-could-evade-vaccines-who-404058">coronavirus</a> cases with 40 cases detected in Zhengzhou and 38 in Yangzhou.

Last week on Thursday the country had reported 124 coronavirus cases with 80 locally transmitted cases including 62 on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The eastern Jiangsu province has become the epicentre of the virus even as new cases were discovered in the provincial city of Yangzhou on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River near Shanghai.

Wuhan which was the epicentre of the virus last year reported cases among migrant workers triggering a city-wide testing campaign on Tuesday.

Reports say 28,000 health workers across the city were mobilised and thousands of testing sites were set up as officials battled to test all citizens.

Health officials say the Delta virus has been responsible for the latest surge as millions of people have been put under lockdown across various towns in the country and domestic traffic links cut amid large scale testing.

The authorities have also cut down on air travel with documents needed for "non-essential and non-emergency" cases however a blanket ban on air travel hasn't been put in place.

The virus cases have been the highest since January in China with over 500 domestic cases reported since mid-July. The outbreak is believed to have started among airport cleaners in Nanjing in Jiangsu province and it spread rapidly thereafter.

The local authorities in Nanjing had cut down domestic travel and banned taxi services in and around the outbreak area. Officials said Nanjing residents comprising of 9.2 million were tested three times.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

China's Wuhan city officials said they had completed coronavirus tests of all 11 million people amid a resurgence of the virus in the country. The health officials said except for children under six and students on summer break all residents were tested for the virus.

China's Wuhan city officials said they had completed coronavirus tests of all 11 million people amid a resurgence of the virus in the country. The health officials said except for children under six and students on summer break all residents were tested for the virus. Meanwhile, residents of Yangzhou city stood in queue on the street to get their COVID-19 tests amid a surge in infections caused by the Delta variant. Watch: China on Monday reported 94 new coronavirus cases with 40 cases detected in Zhengzhou and 38 in Yangzhou. Last week on Thursday the country had reported 124 coronavirus cases with 80 locally transmitted cases including 62 on Wednesday. The eastern Jiangsu province has become the epicentre of the virus even as new cases were discovered in the provincial city of Yangzhou on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River near Shanghai. Wuhan which was the epicentre of the virus last year reported cases among migrant workers triggering a city-wide testing campaign on Tuesday. Reports say 28,000 health workers across the city were mobilised and thousands of testing sites were set up as officials battled to test all citizens. Health officials say the Delta virus has been responsible for the latest surge as millions of people have been put under lockdown across various towns in the country and domestic traffic links cut amid large scale testing. The authorities have also cut down on air travel with documents needed for "non-essential and non-emergency" cases however a blanket ban on air travel hasn't been put in place. The virus cases have been the highest since January in China with over 500 domestic cases reported since mid-July. The outbreak is believed to have started among airport cleaners in Nanjing in Jiangsu province and it spread rapidly thereafter. The local authorities in Nanjing had cut down domestic travel and banned taxi services in and around the outbreak area. Officials said Nanjing residents comprising of 9.2 million were tested three times. (With inputs from Agencies)

Wuhan tests all residents as China's virus cases reach six-month high

A day after Wuhan recorded seven new coronavirus cases,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-provinces-face-lockdown-amid-rise-in-delta-virus-cases-402412"> Chinese</a> authorities said the entire population of the city will be tested.

Wuhan official Li Tao said nucleic acid testing will be carried out for all residents. Officials had earlier linked the latest coronavirus cases to a train station with the infected cases identified among&nbsp;migrant workers.

Wuhan which was the epicentre of the virus last year has kept the virus largely under control for the past year but has once again seen locally transmitted cases rise.

Watch:

 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-opposes-the-second-probe-into-origins-of-coronavirus-401505/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The development comes as China has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases in the past week with several provinces in lockdown.

On Monday, China reported 55 new coronavirus cases with the highly transferable Delta variant reaching over 20 cities in the country.

China has once again ramped up tested with millions tested in capital Beijing even as Zhuzhou in Hunan province was placed in lockdown along with the tourist destination of Zhangjiajie.

Beijing authorities have disallowed tourists from entering the capital as summer travel peaks with just "essential travellers" allowed in the capital.

Health officials had earlier identified the eastern city of Nanjing as a virus hotspot with the Delta variant spreading fast throughout the country.

Jiangsu in Nanjing reported 30 new locally transmitted cases as authorities grapple&nbsp;with the virus. Reports say coronavirus cases in Nanjing has risen to 180 with all flights out of Nanjing cancelled.

Over 1,500 people linked to Nanjing airport have been ordered to quarantine at home for 14 days.

China's Henan province also recorded fresh COVID-19 cases as flood-hit Zhengzhou reported 11 new cases over the weekend.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

A day after Wuhan recorded seven new coronavirus cases, Chinese authorities said the entire population of the city will be tested. Wuhan official Li Tao said nucleic acid testing will be carried out for all residents.

A day after Wuhan recorded seven new coronavirus cases, Chinese authorities said the entire population of the city will be tested. Wuhan official Li Tao said nucleic acid testing will be carried out for all residents. Officials had earlier linked the latest coronavirus cases to a train station with the infected cases identified among migrant workers. Wuhan which was the epicentre of the virus last year has kept the virus largely under control for the past year but has once again seen locally transmitted cases rise. Watch: The development comes as China has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases in the past week with several provinces in lockdown. On Monday, China reported 55 new coronavirus cases with the highly transferable Delta variant reaching over 20 cities in the country. China has once again ramped up tested with millions tested in capital Beijing even as Zhuzhou in Hunan province was placed in lockdown along with the tourist destination of Zhangjiajie. Beijing authorities have disallowed tourists from entering the capital as summer travel peaks with just "essential travellers" allowed in the capital. Health officials had earlier identified the eastern city of Nanjing as a virus hotspot with the Delta variant spreading fast throughout the country. Jiangsu in Nanjing reported 30 new locally transmitted cases as authorities grapple with the virus. Reports say coronavirus cases in Nanjing has risen to 180 with all flights out of Nanjing cancelled. Over 1,500 people linked to Nanjing airport have been ordered to quarantine at home for 14 days. China's Henan province also recorded fresh COVID-19 cases as flood-hit Zhengzhou reported 11 new cases over the weekend. (With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese authorities to test all Wuhan residents amid virus surge

A day after Wuhan recorded seven new coronavirus cases, Chinese authorities said the entire population of the city will be tested. Wuhan official Li Tao said nucleic acid testing will be carried out for all residents. Officials had earlier linked the latest coronavirus cases to a train station with the infected cases identified among migrant workers. Watch this and more trending news on this show WION Trending.

WION Trending: Chinese authorities to test all Wuhan residents amid COVID surge

Around a year back, more than 200 virus samples from China "mysteriously disappeared" from a US database. This included samples of early cases from Wuhan. Why did Chinese scientists delete the data? Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: Why did China delete 200+ virus samples from Wuhan?

A new research has found that more than 47,000 wild animals were sold in Wuhan in the run up to the pandemic. What kind of animals were these? What does the research tell us about COVID origins? WION’s Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas | Wuhan virus: Probing the wet market angle

Did the United States suspect a lab leak in Wuhan last year? A new report now claims that in May 2020, American experts at a top laboratory found a lab leak "plausible". WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about the American assessment.

Gravitas: Did the United States suspect a lab leak in Wuhan last year?

Amid the leaked Anthony S Fauci emails and independent investigations into the Wuhan lab secrets, reports have emerged again that the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China was funded by the US government and the virology lab, headed by Shi Zhengli, received nearly $600,000 in gain-of-function research. 
 
At a US Senate hearing on May 11, Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky) said that scientists in the US have long known how to mutate animal viruses to infect humans.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-lab-leak-theory-389670/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
"For years, Dr Ralph Baric, a virologist in the US, has been collaborating with Dr Shi Zhengli of the Wuhan Virology Institute, sharing his discoveries about how to create super viruses. This gain-of-function research has been funded by the NIH. Dr Fauci, do you still support funding of the NIH funding of the lab in Wuhan?," he said at&nbsp;the hearing. 
 
Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, replied: "Senator Paul, with all due respect, you are entirely and completely incorrect that the NIH has not never and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology." 
 
However, according to documents obtained by Daily Mail last year, the controversial Wuhan Institute of Virology in China undertook coronavirus experiments on bats and other wild animals which were funded by a $3.4 million grant from the US government.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-i-was-right-about-wuhan-lab-leak-demands-10-trillion-penalty-from-china-389378">Trump says 'I was right about Wuhan lab leak'; demands $10 trillion penalty from China</a> 
 
Zhengli, also known as the 'Bat Woman'&nbsp;is back in the limelight as the conversation around the gain-of-function research has once again started to dominate the headlines. 
 
In 2014, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the NIH arm that Fauci heads, awarded a $3.4 million grant to the New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, which aims to protect people from viruses that jump from species to species. 
 
The group hired the virology lab in Wuhan to conduct genetic analyses of bat coronaviruses collected in Yunnan province, about 800 miles southwest of Wuhan, Tampa Bay Times reported last month. 
 
"The research was considered crucial in part because coronaviruses had previously emerged in China and begun to spread among humans. EcoHealth Alliance paid the lab $598,500 over five years. The lab had secured approval from both the US&nbsp;State Department and the NIH," the report mentioned. 
 
All parties involved in the grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology have denied that it involved gain-of-function research.

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-did-the-wuhan-lab-take-a-database-of-22000-virus-samples-offline-389547/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
In Wuhan, China, where the first cases of the coronavirus emerged in late 2019, at least two labs studied coronaviruses that originate in bats,&nbsp;the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention (WHCDC). 
 
"Both are close to the seafood market that was originally deemed the source of the outbreak. The WIV is about eight miles (nearly 13 km) away. The WHCDC is right around the corner," according to a report in the Washington Post. 
 
The WIV is where Zhengli works. The WIV has a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory, the most secure, where researchers wear protective suits. 
 
"But some of WIV`s more controversial experiments on bat coronaviruses are believed to have been done at BSL-2 labs, where researchers wear white lab coats and gloves, as in a dental office," the report mentioned. 
 
Many experts have until recently denied the lab-leak theory and claimed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> originated as a natural infection leaping from animals to humans. But now, there has been a shift. 
 
A team of 18 scientists from Universities in the US, Canada, the UK and Switzerland have signed a letter in the journal Science arguing the need to determine the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
Various other studies have hinted at COVID-19 as a result of the Wuhan lab leak. 
 
"There is some smoke here," said the Washington Post report.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Amid the leaked Anthony S Fauci emails and independent investigations into the Wuhan lab secrets, reports have emerged again that the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China was funded by the US government and the virology lab, headed by Shi Zhengli, received nearly $600,000 in gain-of-function research.

Amid the leaked Anthony S Fauci emails and independent investigations into the Wuhan lab secrets, reports have emerged again that the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China was funded by the US government and the virology lab, headed by Shi Zhengli, received nearly $600,000 in gain-of-function research. At a US Senate hearing on May 11, Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky) said that scientists in the US have long known how to mutate animal viruses to infect humans. "For years, Dr Ralph Baric, a virologist in the US, has been collaborating with Dr Shi Zhengli of the Wuhan Virology Institute, sharing his discoveries about how to create super viruses. This gain-of-function research has been funded by the NIH. Dr Fauci, do you still support funding of the NIH funding of the lab in Wuhan?," he said at the hearing. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, replied: "Senator Paul, with all due respect, you are entirely and completely incorrect that the NIH has not never and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology." However, according to documents obtained by Daily Mail last year, the controversial Wuhan Institute of Virology in China undertook coronavirus experiments on bats and other wild animals which were funded by a $3.4 million grant from the US government. Also Read | Trump says 'I was right about Wuhan lab leak'; demands $10 trillion penalty from China Zhengli, also known as the 'Bat Woman' is back in the limelight as the conversation around the gain-of-function research has once again started to dominate the headlines. In 2014, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the NIH arm that Fauci heads, awarded a $3.4 million grant to the New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, which aims to protect people from viruses that jump from species to species. The group hired the virology lab in Wuhan to conduct genetic analyses of bat coronaviruses collected in Yunnan province, about 800 miles southwest of Wuhan, Tampa Bay Times reported last month. "The research was considered crucial in part because coronaviruses had previously emerged in China and begun to spread among humans. EcoHealth Alliance paid the lab $598,500 over five years. The lab had secured approval from both the US State Department and the NIH," the report mentioned. All parties involved in the grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology have denied that it involved gain-of-function research. In Wuhan, China, where the first cases of the coronavirus emerged in late 2019, at least two labs studied coronaviruses that originate in bats, the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention (WHCDC). "Both are close to the seafood market that was originally deemed the source of the outbreak. The WIV is about eight miles (nearly 13 km) away. The WHCDC is right around the corner," according to a report in the Washington Post. The WIV is where Zhengli works. The WIV has a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory, the most secure, where researchers wear protective suits. "But some of WIV`s more controversial experiments on bat coronaviruses are believed to have been done at BSL-2 labs, where researchers wear white lab coats and gloves, as in a dental office," the report mentioned. Many experts have until recently denied the lab-leak theory and claimed that COVID-19 originated as a natural infection leaping from animals to humans. But now, there has been a shift. A team of 18 scientists from Universities in the US, Canada, the UK and Switzerland have signed a letter in the journal Science arguing the need to determine the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. Various other studies have hinted at COVID-19 as a result of the Wuhan lab leak. "There is some smoke here," said the Washington Post report.

Did China's 'Bat Woman' receive $600K from US for coronavirus work?

Is the Wuhan virus here to stay? More than 24 rich countries have already bought 6 billion vaccine doses - locking up supplies till 2023. Will vaccine hoarding push this pandemic towards an endemic? WION’s Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Is the Wuhan virus here to stay?

wuhan

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