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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is China deliberately flooding Wuhan to flush out evidence?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spain's Catalonia region makes masks obligatory everywhere

China has released the first pictures of its virus factory -- the Wuhan Virology lab. What are Beijing's reasons behind releasing the pictures six months after the pandemic has killed 5 lakh people? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Wuhan virology lab | Inside China's virus factory

Has China deliberately flooded Wuhan to whitewash all evidence on the origin of the Coronavirus? Wuhan is flooded with water and conspiracies.

Gravitas: Wuhan floods | Natural or Deliberate?

The world has tried different medicines at different junctures of COVID-19 touting it as the “cure” - hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, and now dexamethasone. Even though all prove to be more effective than the last, no potent “cure” has come up yet.

A company - Regeneron has begun its stage-3 clinical trials of an antibody cocktail to ascertain whether it will be of any use in battling COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-samples-with-96-resemblance-to-covid-19-were-sent-to-wuhan-lab-in-2013-311205" hreflang="en">Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013</a>

Announced in a release on Monday, the biotechnology company claims that this late-stage trial will focus on the drug’s ability to protect people from catching the virus, especially if they have had close contact with an active carrier. The “prevention trial” is taking place at over 100 sites, with 2,000 patients participating in it, all in the United States.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/scientists-urge-who-to-address-airborne-transmission-of-coronavirus-310974/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mass trials underway

Additionally, the drug has progressed onto phase 2/3 which is focused on treating the active patients of COVID-19. These will involve over 1,850 people who are hospitalised, and 1,050 who haven’t been hospitalised. This depends on the intensity of the virus in a particular host. This phase will be materialised across 150 sites in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and the United States.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142" hreflang="en">7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

As per the press release, the company is running “simultaneous adaptive trials” to treat and prevent coronavirus infections. The trial in question has been undertaken in conjunction with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which falls within the ambit of the National Institutes of Health.

The antibody treatment includes the doctors filtering through thousands of antibodies to pin-point the one that will fight COVID-19 most effectively. Following this trajectory, the company’s scientists chose two antibodies, and are hoping to use them in the medicine which will possibly protect people from the clutches of the virus.

Success?

What’s imperative here is the fact that the drug was able to reach such a late stage of trials, implying the company has found success in the results since it began trials early in June.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-induced-disruption-in-resources-may-cause-1-million-extra-deaths-due-to-other-diseases-311086" hreflang="en">Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths</a>

A new report by the United Nations recently claimed that if the source of such deadly viruses is found and analysed, we may be able to control such outbreaks in the future.

The COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 11 million across the globe spanning&nbsp;188 countries, and has killed over 533,000. Over six million people have also recovered.

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

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

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

China’s Xi Jinping may be undergoing the biggest crisis of his political career.&nbsp;During a time of global scrutiny owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, China attacked India out of the blue. However, the troops are now withdrawing.

In the aftermath, China has lost India’s market and consumers, alongside the world’s support for it.

China has not admitted any casualties yet, but all reports point to a high number of deaths on the People’s Liberation Army front in the battle. If true, it points to a dangerous pattern whereby sacrifices of its soldiers mean nothing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Diplomacy dead?

Xi Jinping has dumped the so-called confidence building measures with India, which began in Mamallapuram and culminated in a border clash in the Galwan Valley.

Due to this, Chinese businesses are losing access to one of the largest markets in the world. Products in India are now under scrutiny.

Last year, the value of India's imports from China crossed 70 billion USD, which now looms in uncertainty. The Indian government is now scrutinising Xhinese investments.

Smartphone applications made in China are now being banned and boycotted. The UK has already decided to not involve Huawei in its 5G market. India could be next.

Jinping's moves!

As China's scrutiny grows, Jinping has taken two major decisions to contain dissent.

Firstly, Beijing has created a special task force to ramp up political policing, and the country has stepped up its watch on political activity to maintain “social stability”.

According to a report, this task force has been asked to "handle the disputes and unrest stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.”

Just recently, Xu Zhangrun, a law professor in Beijing was arrested by the police for speaking out against Jinping.

Additionally, Xi Jinping has absolute control over the People's Liberation Army. He leads the Central Military Commission (CMC), which is the top decision making body for China's defence forces.

Allegedly, Jinping is eyeing more control over the military.&nbsp;To this end, China has placed the military reserve forces under a centralised and unified command of the Communist Party and the CMC, effectively implying that the reserve forces now report to Jinping.

A couple of weeks back, the CMC issued orders which said that senior military officials will now be subjected to a "economic responsibility audit".

Starting this month, senior officers will be audited for how well they implement decisions and perform tasks especially when it comes to matters of money. This audit will be a part of an officers' performance evaluation and will dictate appointments and dismissals.

China’s Xi Jinping may be undergoing the biggest crisis of his political career. During a time of global scrutiny owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, China attacked India out of the blue.

China’s Xi Jinping may be undergoing the biggest crisis of his political career. During a time of global scrutiny owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, China attacked India out of the blue. However, the troops are now withdrawing. In the aftermath, China has lost India’s market and consumers, alongside the world’s support for it. China has not admitted any casualties yet, but all reports point to a high number of deaths on the People’s Liberation Army front in the battle. If true, it points to a dangerous pattern whereby sacrifices of its soldiers mean nothing. Diplomacy dead? Xi Jinping has dumped the so-called confidence building measures with India, which began in Mamallapuram and culminated in a border clash in the Galwan Valley. Due to this, Chinese businesses are losing access to one of the largest markets in the world. Products in India are now under scrutiny. Last year, the value of India's imports from China crossed 70 billion USD, which now looms in uncertainty. The Indian government is now scrutinising Xhinese investments. Smartphone applications made in China are now being banned and boycotted. The UK has already decided to not involve Huawei in its 5G market. India could be next. Jinping's moves! As China's scrutiny grows, Jinping has taken two major decisions to contain dissent. Firstly, Beijing has created a special task force to ramp up political policing, and the country has stepped up its watch on political activity to maintain “social stability”. According to a report, this task force has been asked to "handle the disputes and unrest stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.” Just recently, Xu Zhangrun, a law professor in Beijing was arrested by the police for speaking out against Jinping. Additionally, Xi Jinping has absolute control over the People's Liberation Army. He leads the Central Military Commission (CMC), which is the top decision making body for China's defence forces. Allegedly, Jinping is eyeing more control over the military. To this end, China has placed the military reserve forces under a centralised and unified command of the Communist Party and the CMC, effectively implying that the reserve forces now report to Jinping. A couple of weeks back, the CMC issued orders which said that senior military officials will now be subjected to a "economic responsibility audit". Starting this month, senior officers will be audited for how well they implement decisions and perform tasks especially when it comes to matters of money. This audit will be a part of an officers' performance evaluation and will dictate appointments and dismissals.

After losing global support, Jinping is using these tactics to amass more power in China!

Hydroxychloroquine was touted as the magic-cure for coronavirus until scientists realised it wasn’t producing the results they had anticipated. Many months have passed since it was first used, and scientists still don’t have a definitive answer.

Many supporters, but no proof!

Even though its effectiveness is under question, US President Donald Trump continues to flash it as an effective treatment, recently calling it a “life-saving drug”.

He used a study to corroborate his claims. Undertaken in Michigan, the study involved 2,500 patients who took the drug and had a lower fatality rate.

Regardless, the World Health Organization has halted the trial involving the drug for the second time, claiming it simply does not work.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-bolsonaro-tests-positive-for-covid-19-311427" hreflang="en">Brazilian President Bolsonaro tests positive for COVID-19</a>

Additionally, each country has taken a different approach when it comes to the drug. For instance, India has been using the drug, and has also supplied it to over 100 countries.

While the US remains divided, India continues to use it. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration doesn’t recommend the drug. Regardless, drug prescriptions have skyrocketed in the US, especially between February and March. The jump in sales was almost 80 per cent!

Brazil, too, stands behind the drug. In June, health authorities began recommending it to patients. Around the same time, the country supplied two million doses of HCQ to the United States.&nbsp;Brazilian President Bolsonaro, who recently tested positive for coronavirus has also admitted to taking the drug and its efficacy.

Should one consume it?

Despite the voices of support for the drug, the science still remains inconclusive. There are more than 200 trials underway around the world, just to figure out if HCQ works or not. Naturally, scientists need more time to come up with a definitive answer.

Two pertinent questions in this research are: Can the drug treat active patients? And whether the drug can be taken as a preventive measure against the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-second-wave-us-still-knee-deep-in-first-wave-of-coronavirus-says-anthony-fauci-311405" hreflang="en">No second wave? US still 'knee deep' in first wave of coronavirus, says Anthony Fauci</a>

HCQ has also gained prominence because of its cheap pricing. A strip of 15 tablets costs around 100 INR, roughly over $1.

Even though countries have stockpiled the drug, it hasn’t shown impressive results in the trials, which were derailed earlier this year.

A study published in The Lancet claimed that the drug increased complications and chances of death, along with heart problems. The study was later withdrawn.

Hydroxychloroquine was touted as the magic-cure for coronavirus until scientists realised it wasn’t producing the results they had anticipated. Many months have passed since it was first used, and scientists still don’t have a definitive answer.

Hydroxychloroquine was touted as the magic-cure for coronavirus until scientists realised it wasn’t producing the results they had anticipated. Many months have passed since it was first used, and scientists still don’t have a definitive answer. Many supporters, but no proof! Even though its effectiveness is under question, US President Donald Trump continues to flash it as an effective treatment, recently calling it a “life-saving drug”. He used a study to corroborate his claims. Undertaken in Michigan, the study involved 2,500 patients who took the drug and had a lower fatality rate. Regardless, the World Health Organization has halted the trial involving the drug for the second time, claiming it simply does not work. Also read: Brazilian President Bolsonaro tests positive for COVID-19 Additionally, each country has taken a different approach when it comes to the drug. For instance, India has been using the drug, and has also supplied it to over 100 countries. While the US remains divided, India continues to use it. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration doesn’t recommend the drug. Regardless, drug prescriptions have skyrocketed in the US, especially between February and March. The jump in sales was almost 80 per cent! Brazil, too, stands behind the drug. In June, health authorities began recommending it to patients. Around the same time, the country supplied two million doses of HCQ to the United States. Brazilian President Bolsonaro, who recently tested positive for coronavirus has also admitted to taking the drug and its efficacy. Should one consume it? Despite the voices of support for the drug, the science still remains inconclusive. There are more than 200 trials underway around the world, just to figure out if HCQ works or not. Naturally, scientists need more time to come up with a definitive answer. Two pertinent questions in this research are: Can the drug treat active patients? And whether the drug can be taken as a preventive measure against the virus. Also read: No second wave? US still 'knee deep' in first wave of coronavirus, says Anthony Fauci HCQ has also gained prominence because of its cheap pricing. A strip of 15 tablets costs around 100 INR, roughly over $1. Even though countries have stockpiled the drug, it hasn’t shown impressive results in the trials, which were derailed earlier this year. A study published in The Lancet claimed that the drug increased complications and chances of death, along with heart problems. The study was later withdrawn.

The HCQ dilemma: Backed by world leaders, but not by scientists!

What was once the world's most feared disease is back again because of china. From COVID-19, to Swine flu and now the Bubonic plague.

The Chinese city of Bayannur in inner Mongolia is the epicentre of what may be another epidemic. China's questionable healthcare and animal trade has risked the lives of millions, yet again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142">Have a look|&nbsp;7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

A patient has been admitted to a hospital in Bayannur. He is a herdsman and is suspected to be infected by the Bubonic plague -- a disease which has long been synonymous to death.

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Bubonic plague

The Bubonic plague is a zoonotic disease. It is transmitted through flea bites, rodents and infected animals. This is highly infectious and often fatal.&nbsp;The disease results in&nbsp;painful and swollen lymph nodes. Patients have fever, chills and coughing.

Bayannur authorities have issued a level-3 warning for plague prevention. The residents of Bayannur have been told to minimise the risk of human-to-human transmission. They have also been told to avoid hunting, and eating certain animals like marmots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/case-of-bubonic-plague-in-china-china-imposes-strict-control-measures-311098">Also read|&nbsp;Case of Bubonic plague in China: China imposes strict control measures</a>

Unlike COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) says the Bubonic plague can be cured using common antibiotics. However, the antibiotics need to be administered urgently.

If an infected adult is not urgently hospitalised then he or she can die in less than 24 hours. If untreated, the plague can kill at least 30 to 60 per cent of the infected people.&nbsp;

The scary part is, even Bubonic plague can explode, and it has in the past. The disease caused the Black Death pandemic in the 14th century. It spread to Asia, Europe and Africa. At least 50 million people were killed in Europe alone.

In 2017, Madagascar saw over 300 cases. Mongolia saw two cases last year; both the patients had eaten raw marmot meat.

It all comes down to China's animal trade and wet markets. Over the weekend, Chinese authorities asked people to report dead or sick marmots.

Our question is, how is this enough? The world is already battling the coronavirus -- one whose origin lies in one of the city's infamous wet markets.

Stamping out animal trade on paper is not enough. Marmots have a proven track record of spelling disaster, and in China, they are selling like hot cakes.

In other words, China is a threat to global healthcare and this is being proved over and over again.

What was once the world's most feared disease is back again because of china. From COVID-19, to Swine flu and now the Bubonic plague. The Chinese city of Bayannur in inner Mongolia is the epicentre of what may be another epidemic.

What was once the world's most feared disease is back again because of china. From COVID-19, to Swine flu and now the Bubonic plague. The Chinese city of Bayannur in inner Mongolia is the epicentre of what may be another epidemic. China's questionable healthcare and animal trade has risked the lives of millions, yet again. Have a look| 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world A patient has been admitted to a hospital in Bayannur. He is a herdsman and is suspected to be infected by the Bubonic plague -- a disease which has long been synonymous to death. Bubonic plague The Bubonic plague is a zoonotic disease. It is transmitted through flea bites, rodents and infected animals. This is highly infectious and often fatal. The disease results in painful and swollen lymph nodes. Patients have fever, chills and coughing. Bayannur authorities have issued a level-3 warning for plague prevention. The residents of Bayannur have been told to minimise the risk of human-to-human transmission. They have also been told to avoid hunting, and eating certain animals like marmots. Also read| Case of Bubonic plague in China: China imposes strict control measures Unlike COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) says the Bubonic plague can be cured using common antibiotics. However, the antibiotics need to be administered urgently. If an infected adult is not urgently hospitalised then he or she can die in less than 24 hours. If untreated, the plague can kill at least 30 to 60 per cent of the infected people. The scary part is, even Bubonic plague can explode, and it has in the past. The disease caused the Black Death pandemic in the 14th century. It spread to Asia, Europe and Africa. At least 50 million people were killed in Europe alone. In 2017, Madagascar saw over 300 cases. Mongolia saw two cases last year; both the patients had eaten raw marmot meat. It all comes down to China's animal trade and wet markets. Over the weekend, Chinese authorities asked people to report dead or sick marmots. Our question is, how is this enough? The world is already battling the coronavirus -- one whose origin lies in one of the city's infamous wet markets. Stamping out animal trade on paper is not enough. Marmots have a proven track record of spelling disaster, and in China, they are selling like hot cakes. In other words, China is a threat to global healthcare and this is being proved over and over again.

Bubonic plague: Yet another plague originating from China

The World Health Organization on Tuesday urged travellers to wear masks on planes and keep themselves informed as COVID-19 cases surge again in some countries, prompting new restrictions in places like Australia.

Spokeswoman Margaret Harris urged people not to be caught off-guard by resurgent local epidemics and quarantine measures, saying: "If it's anywhere, it's everywhere and people travelling have to understand that."&nbsp;

"This virus is widespread and people have to take that very, very seriously."&nbsp;

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The WHO said last month that it would update its travel guidelines ahead of the northern hemisphere summer holidays but they have not yet been released.

In the meantime, travellers should "remember things will change, or may well change", Harris said at a Geneva briefing.

"We're seeing a lot of upticks, a lot of changes in different countries, countries that had successfully shut down their first transmission are seeing second upticks," she added, mentioning Australia and Hong Kong.

Lockdown measures were reimposed in Australia's second biggest city on Tuesday, confining Melbourne residents to their homes unless undertaking essential business, as officials scramble to contain a coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-doesnt-see-bubonic-plague-in-china-as-high-risk-311353" hreflang="en">WHO doesn't see bubonic plague in China as high risk</a>

The WHO's previous guidance for travellers has included common-sense advice applicable to other settings such as social distancing, washing your hands and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Harris also proposed on Tuesday wearing a mask on planes, a measure which is already a requirement of many airlines.

"If you are flying, there is no way you can social distance in a plane, so you will need to take other precautions including using a face covering," she said.

The World Health Organization on Tuesday urged travellers to wear masks on planes and keep themselves informed as COVID-19 cases surge again in some countries, prompting new restrictions in places like Australia.

The World Health Organization on Tuesday urged travellers to wear masks on planes and keep themselves informed as COVID-19 cases surge again in some countries, prompting new restrictions in places like Australia. Spokeswoman Margaret Harris urged people not to be caught off-guard by resurgent local epidemics and quarantine measures, saying: "If it's anywhere, it's everywhere and people travelling have to understand that." "This virus is widespread and people have to take that very, very seriously." Also read: Operation Warp Speed: US injects $1.6 billion in Novavax for coronavirus vaccine The WHO said last month that it would update its travel guidelines ahead of the northern hemisphere summer holidays but they have not yet been released. In the meantime, travellers should "remember things will change, or may well change", Harris said at a Geneva briefing. "We're seeing a lot of upticks, a lot of changes in different countries, countries that had successfully shut down their first transmission are seeing second upticks," she added, mentioning Australia and Hong Kong. Lockdown measures were reimposed in Australia's second biggest city on Tuesday, confining Melbourne residents to their homes unless undertaking essential business, as officials scramble to contain a coronavirus outbreak. Also read: WHO doesn't see bubonic plague in China as high risk The WHO's previous guidance for travellers has included common-sense advice applicable to other settings such as social distancing, washing your hands and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Harris also proposed on Tuesday wearing a mask on planes, a measure which is already a requirement of many airlines. "If you are flying, there is no way you can social distance in a plane, so you will need to take other precautions including using a face covering," she said.

WHO to travellers: Keep an eye on COVID-19 'anywhere and everywhere'

China on July 7 announced that foreigners living in China have “nothing to fear” if they follow the laws in place.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman&nbsp; Zhao Lijian at a news conference called out Australia after the country warned its citizens that they risk detention in China, and advised them against visiting the country altogether.

While alluding to Australia, Lijian said that the “relevant country” needs to be careful while speaking and to strengthen China-Australia relations.

"Obey the law" and fear nothing

"For foreigners living in China, as long as they obey the law then they have nothing to fear. I hope that the relevant country can maintain an objective and fair attitude, practice caution when speaking, and do more things that will contribute towards the development in China-Australia relations”, he said.

Ever since Australia called for an independent international inquiry into the source of the coronavirus, the relationship between both the countries has soured.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-slams-chinas-orwellian-censorship-moves-in-hong-kong-311241" hreflang="en">Mike Pompeo slams China's 'Orwellian' censorship moves in Hong Kong</a>

COVID-19 emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and has since then spread to 188 countries and infected millions, with the numbers rising each day.

Regardless, Australia has advised its citizens to avoid any travel to China. Additionally, no person can leave the country without a grant by the Home Affairs department, in a bid to control the spread of COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-security-law-is-not-doom-and-gloom-but-is-a-red-line-leader-says-311354" hreflang="en">Hong Kong security law is not doom and gloom but is a red line, leader says</a>

Beijing has also faced ire recently for imposing a security legislation in Hong Kong, which was semi-autonomous until now. As part of the law, Beijing will have tremendous control over the power to arrest and detain people, especially activists who have been demanding a full-fledged democracy in the city for over a year. Anybody found guilty of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with foreign forces can face prison term upto life, and could be extradited to Mainland China, limiting scope of freedom.

China warns UK

The UK has responded to China by offering citizenship to over 3 million Hong Kongers who want to leave the city. Australia is expected to follow suit.

China hit out at the UK for "interference" after the country extended help to holders to British National Overseas Passport.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-looking-at-banning-chinese-social-media-apps-including-tiktok-pompeo-311273">US looking at banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok: Pompeo</a>

"All our Hong Kong compatriots, including holders of the British National Overseas (BNO) passport, are Chinese citizens. Before Hong Kong returned to its motherland, the British side has pledged explicitly that they will not give the BNO-holders the right of residency in the United Kingdoms," said Zhao.

He also warned the British of consequences.

(With inputs from AFP &amp; Reuters)

China on July 7 announced that foreigners living in China have “nothing to fear” if they follow the laws in place. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a news conference called out Australia after the country warned its citizens that they risk detention in China, and advised them against visiting the country altogether.

China on July 7 announced that foreigners living in China have “nothing to fear” if they follow the laws in place. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a news conference called out Australia after the country warned its citizens that they risk detention in China, and advised them against visiting the country altogether. While alluding to Australia, Lijian said that the “relevant country” needs to be careful while speaking and to strengthen China-Australia relations. "Obey the law" and fear nothing "For foreigners living in China, as long as they obey the law then they have nothing to fear. I hope that the relevant country can maintain an objective and fair attitude, practice caution when speaking, and do more things that will contribute towards the development in China-Australia relations”, he said. Ever since Australia called for an independent international inquiry into the source of the coronavirus, the relationship between both the countries has soured. Also read: Mike Pompeo slams China's 'Orwellian' censorship moves in Hong Kong COVID-19 emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and has since then spread to 188 countries and infected millions, with the numbers rising each day. Regardless, Australia has advised its citizens to avoid any travel to China. Additionally, no person can leave the country without a grant by the Home Affairs department, in a bid to control the spread of COVID-19. Also read: Hong Kong security law is not doom and gloom but is a red line, leader says Beijing has also faced ire recently for imposing a security legislation in Hong Kong, which was semi-autonomous until now. As part of the law, Beijing will have tremendous control over the power to arrest and detain people, especially activists who have been demanding a full-fledged democracy in the city for over a year. Anybody found guilty of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with foreign forces can face prison term upto life, and could be extradited to Mainland China, limiting scope of freedom. China warns UK The UK has responded to China by offering citizenship to over 3 million Hong Kongers who want to leave the city. Australia is expected to follow suit. China hit out at the UK for "interference" after the country extended help to holders to British National Overseas Passport. Also read: US looking at banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok: Pompeo "All our Hong Kong compatriots, including holders of the British National Overseas (BNO) passport, are Chinese citizens. Before Hong Kong returned to its motherland, the British side has pledged explicitly that they will not give the BNO-holders the right of residency in the United Kingdoms," said Zhao. He also warned the British of consequences. (With inputs from AFP & Reuters)

'Obey the law': China tells foreigners they have 'nothing to fear' after countries issue advisories

The US&nbsp;government delivered far less food aid than it had pledged by the end of June, according to food bank managers and data from the agriculture department sent to Reuters, after it hired inexperienced companies to box food during the pandemic.

The Farmers to Families Food Box programme, one of several new government efforts to relieve struggling Americans, aimed to take food from farmers typically produced for restaurants and deliver it to the millions of people who lost their jobs or were otherwise hit by the coronavirus lockdown.

But the programme has drawn criticism from food banks, analysts and some U.S. senators for awarding contracts to often inexperienced vendors that were unable to source the food and deliver it in a timely manner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/view-mask-refusers-like-drink-drivers-says-leading-scientist-311357" hreflang="en">View mask refusers like drink drivers, says leading scientist</a>

Data sent to Reuters shows the programme fell short of its target to deliver $1.2 billion worth of food to food banks, churches, and other organizations in need by June 30, a goal announced when food box contracts were awarded to private vendors on May 8.&nbsp;

The agency expects to verify a total of 27.5 million food boxes delivered from the first round of the programme, a USDA representative said in an email. That is equivalent to $755.5 million, according to calculations by Reuters based on the average cost of food boxes provided by USDA, or 63% of the $1.2 billion pledged.&nbsp;

Overburdened food banks across the country were optimistic that the programme would bring ready-to-deliver food to families in need.&nbsp;

The programme, championed by the daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, sought to build a bridge between people unable to buy enough food and farmers who were dumping milk, euthanizing hogs and destroying lettuce fields as demand from shuttered restaurants fell off.

But deliveries were slow to start and have amounted to less than promised as some of the companies involved had never worked with food banks or even wholesale food distribution.

"We're getting about 60% of what we were told we would get," said Brian Greene, CEO of the Houston Food Bank, in an email.&nbsp;"Some of it was vendors couldn't do what they said they would do."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/worldwide-coronavirus-cases-cross-116-million-death-toll-at-538395-311347" hreflang="en">Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 11.6 million, death toll at 538,395</a>

The USDA representative, who asked not to be named, said the agency is continuing to review food deliveries to ensure quality and safety standards. USDA cancelled two contracts within the first few weeks of the programme, and did not renew 16 others. The agency representative did not comment on the June 30 delivery shortfall.&nbsp;

The Trump administration announced up to $3 billion for the Food Box programme in April as part of a broader aid initiative for farmers.

Last week, the USDA said it was renewing $1.2 billion in food box contracts from more than 185 food distributors to be delivered by the end of August. The agency is also offering new contracts to 16 new food distributors totalling $180 million.&nbsp;

'SUPPOSED TO EASE THE BURDEN'

With vendors falling short on deliveries, food banks have reassigned employees to manage the programme and volunteered their own trucks to get the food into the hands of those who need it.

"We're dedicating significant staff time to coordinate these deliveries - in some case we have to do the deliveries ourselves," said Greg Trotter, senior manager of public relations for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "It was supposed to ease some burden from food banks. That has not been the case here for us."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/us-looking-at-banning-chinese-social-media-apps-including-tiktok-pompeo-311273" hreflang="en">US looking at banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok: Pompeo</a>

When the deliveries come through, Trotter said the programme has provided high-quality food to a rising number of out-of-work Americans. The Greater Chicago Food Depository has seen a 90% increase in people served since January.

By early June, the number of Americans facing food insecurity doubled compared with pre-coronavirus, according to data from U.S. Census Bureau's weekly Household Pulse Survey.&nbsp;

Among the vendors not renewed in the second round was event planner Texas-based CRE8AD8 LLC. The company, pronounced "Create a Date," had to hire people for every role needed to fulfill its $39.13 million contract.

According to the Houston Food Bank's Greene, CRE8AD8 delivered just 17 of its 90 promised food box loads.

The US government delivered far less food aid than it had pledged by the end of June, according to food bank managers and data from the agriculture department sent to Reuters, after it hired inexperienced companies to box food during the pandemic.

The US government delivered far less food aid than it had pledged by the end of June, according to food bank managers and data from the agriculture department sent to Reuters, after it hired inexperienced companies to box food during the pandemic. The Farmers to Families Food Box programme, one of several new government efforts to relieve struggling Americans, aimed to take food from farmers typically produced for restaurants and deliver it to the millions of people who lost their jobs or were otherwise hit by the coronavirus lockdown. But the programme has drawn criticism from food banks, analysts and some U.S. senators for awarding contracts to often inexperienced vendors that were unable to source the food and deliver it in a timely manner. Also read: View mask refusers like drink drivers, says leading scientist Data sent to Reuters shows the programme fell short of its target to deliver $1.2 billion worth of food to food banks, churches, and other organizations in need by June 30, a goal announced when food box contracts were awarded to private vendors on May 8. The agency expects to verify a total of 27.5 million food boxes delivered from the first round of the programme, a USDA representative said in an email. That is equivalent to $755.5 million, according to calculations by Reuters based on the average cost of food boxes provided by USDA, or 63% of the $1.2 billion pledged. Overburdened food banks across the country were optimistic that the programme would bring ready-to-deliver food to families in need. The programme, championed by the daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, sought to build a bridge between people unable to buy enough food and farmers who were dumping milk, euthanizing hogs and destroying lettuce fields as demand from shuttered restaurants fell off. But deliveries were slow to start and have amounted to less than promised as some of the companies involved had never worked with food banks or even wholesale food distribution. "We're getting about 60% of what we were told we would get," said Brian Greene, CEO of the Houston Food Bank, in an email. "Some of it was vendors couldn't do what they said they would do." Also read: Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 11.6 million, death toll at 538,395 The USDA representative, who asked not to be named, said the agency is continuing to review food deliveries to ensure quality and safety standards. USDA cancelled two contracts within the first few weeks of the programme, and did not renew 16 others. The agency representative did not comment on the June 30 delivery shortfall. The Trump administration announced up to $3 billion for the Food Box programme in April as part of a broader aid initiative for farmers. Last week, the USDA said it was renewing $1.2 billion in food box contracts from more than 185 food distributors to be delivered by the end of August. The agency is also offering new contracts to 16 new food distributors totalling $180 million. 'SUPPOSED TO EASE THE BURDEN' With vendors falling short on deliveries, food banks have reassigned employees to manage the programme and volunteered their own trucks to get the food into the hands of those who need it. "We're dedicating significant staff time to coordinate these deliveries - in some case we have to do the deliveries ourselves," said Greg Trotter, senior manager of public relations for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "It was supposed to ease some burden from food banks. That has not been the case here for us." Also read: US looking at banning Chinese social media apps, including TikTok: Pompeo When the deliveries come through, Trotter said the programme has provided high-quality food to a rising number of out-of-work Americans. The Greater Chicago Food Depository has seen a 90% increase in people served since January. By early June, the number of Americans facing food insecurity doubled compared with pre-coronavirus, according to data from U.S. Census Bureau's weekly Household Pulse Survey. Among the vendors not renewed in the second round was event planner Texas-based CRE8AD8 LLC. The company, pronounced "Create a Date," had to hire people for every role needed to fulfill its $39.13 million contract. According to the Houston Food Bank's Greene, CRE8AD8 delivered just 17 of its 90 promised food box loads.

US government's boxed food aid promise falls short

People who refuse to wear face masks during the coronavirus pandemic should be stigmatised the same as drink drivers, the head of the prestigious Royal Society science journal said Tuesday.&nbsp; 
 
The comments from Venki Ramakrishnan come as two new peer-reviewed studies showed how wearing face coverings may help significantly reduce the spread of viruses such as COVID-19. 
 
"It used to be quite normal to have quite a few drinks and drive home, and it also used to be normal to drive without seatbelts," Ramakrishnan wrote in a comment article.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/worldwide-coronavirus-cases-cross-116-million-death-toll-at-538395-311347" hreflang="en">Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 11.6 million, death toll at 538,395</a> 
 
"Today both of those would be considered antisocial, and not wearing face coverings in public should be regarded in the same way." 
 
Ramakrishnan stressed how masks are only genuinely effective if worn by most people. 
 
"If all of us wear one, we protect each other and thereby ourselves, reducing transmission," he said.&nbsp; 
 
The COVID-19 pandemic has spread at different speeds throughout the world and there are a number of public health interventions that appear to have flattened the curve of localised new infections, including lockdowns and social distancing.&nbsp; 
 
Estimates vary, but it is thought around 40-60 percent of transmissions occur when carriers are pre- or asymptomatic -- that is, they may not know they are ill but are still able to infect others.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australias-second-largest-city-heads-back-into-coronavirus-lockdown-311343" hreflang="en">Australia's second largest city heads back into coronavirus lockdown</a> 
 
One study by teams from the Universities of Pennsylvania and Cambridge analysed pregnant women admitted for delivery in New York City who were screened for COVID-19. 
 
They found that 13.7 percent of the women were carrying the virus, 88 percent of whom showed no symptoms. 
 
Cloth face masks reduce oral particle dispersion between 50-100 percent, depending on a number of factors, the researchers wrote.&nbsp; 
 
In pre-symptomatic individuals, studies have shown that viral droplets are emitted not only by sneezing and coughing, but also by talking and breathing, meaning mass face coverings would significantly reduce the risk of new infections.&nbsp;

Britain exceptional 
Another study published Monday in the Royal Society outlined vast discrepancies in mask-wearing rates among rich nations.&nbsp; 
 
In late April -- as COVID-19 raged throughout Europe -- mask-wearing uptake in Britain was around 25 percent, the study found.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-induced-disruption-in-resources-may-cause-1-million-extra-deaths-due-to-other-diseases-311086" hreflang="en">Coronavirus-induced disruption in resources may cause 1 million extra deaths due to other diseases</a> 
 
This compared to 83.4 percent in Italy, 65.8 percent in the United States and 63.8 percent in Spain.&nbsp; 
 
The authors said that while none of the countries studied had a culture of mask-wearing, those with established and clear public guidance had a far higher uptake. 
 
"It isn't the public's fault for not wearing masks in the UK," said Melinda Mills, director of the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science at the University of Oxford and lead author.&nbsp; 
 
"Rather, consistent policies and effective public messaging is vital.&nbsp; 
 
"People in countries like Italy, the US and Spain... have rapidly adopted face coverings largely because the authorities provided them with clear guidelines to understand why they should wear them."

People who refuse to wear face masks during the coronavirus pandemic should be stigmatised the same as drink drivers, the head of the prestigious Royal Society science journal said Tuesday.

People who refuse to wear face masks during the coronavirus pandemic should be stigmatised the same as drink drivers, the head of the prestigious Royal Society science journal said Tuesday. The comments from Venki Ramakrishnan come as two new peer-reviewed studies showed how wearing face coverings may help significantly reduce the spread of viruses such as COVID-19. "It used to be quite normal to have quite a few drinks and drive home, and it also used to be normal to drive without seatbelts," Ramakrishnan wrote in a comment article. Also read: Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 11.6 million, death toll at 538,395 "Today both of those would be considered antisocial, and not wearing face coverings in public should be regarded in the same way." Ramakrishnan stressed how masks are only genuinely effective if worn by most people. "If all of us wear one, we protect each other and thereby ourselves, reducing transmission," he said. The COVID-19 pandemic has spread at different speeds throughout the world and there are a number of public health interventions that appear to have flattened the curve of localised new infections, including lockdowns and social distancing. Estimates vary, but it is thought around 40-60 percent of transmissions occur when carriers are pre- or asymptomatic -- that is, they may not know they are ill but are still able to infect others. Also read: Australia's second largest city heads back into coronavirus lockdown One study by teams from the Universities of Pennsylvania and Cambridge analysed pregnant women admitted for delivery in New York City who were screened for COVID-19. They found that 13.7 percent of the women were carrying the virus, 88 percent of whom showed no symptoms. Cloth face masks reduce oral particle dispersion between 50-100 percent, depending on a number of factors, the researchers wrote. In pre-symptomatic individuals, studies have shown that viral droplets are emitted not only by sneezing and coughing, but also by talking and breathing, meaning mass face coverings would significantly reduce the risk of new infections. Britain exceptional Another study published Monday in the Royal Society outlined vast discrepancies in mask-wearing rates among rich nations. In late April -- as COVID-19 raged throughout Europe -- mask-wearing uptake in Britain was around 25 percent, the study found. Also read: Coronavirus-induced disruption in resources may cause 1 million extra deaths due to other diseases This compared to 83.4 percent in Italy, 65.8 percent in the United States and 63.8 percent in Spain. The authors said that while none of the countries studied had a culture of mask-wearing, those with established and clear public guidance had a far higher uptake. "It isn't the public's fault for not wearing masks in the UK," said Melinda Mills, director of the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science at the University of Oxford and lead author. "Rather, consistent policies and effective public messaging is vital. "People in countries like Italy, the US and Spain... have rapidly adopted face coverings largely because the authorities provided them with clear guidelines to understand why they should wear them."

View mask refusers like drink drivers, says leading scientist

As the world comes under the grip of what is being dubbed as the second-wave of COVID-19, a new study claims that most global leadership and independent efforts to deal with the virus are heavily focused on treating the health and economic symptoms, but without any attempt to identify the environmental cause.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-samples-with-96-resemblance-to-covid-19-were-sent-to-wuhan-lab-in-2013-311205" hreflang="en">Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013</a>

The report, published by the United Nations, claims that if the source of such deadly viruses is found and analysed, we may be able to control such outbreaks in the future.&nbsp;Additionally, the report claims that our failure in doing so may result in the transmission of many more viruses from animals to human beings.

Zoonotic mayhem

Referred to as “zoonotic” viruses, the report adds that in the centre of all all such viruses and their elevation to a pandemic lies in the destruction of natural resources by the hands of human beings. For a better understanding, the report cites major&nbsp;outbreaks like Ebola, SARS, the West Nile virus, and the Rift Valley Fever.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142" hreflang="en">7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

Coronavirus, according to them, is simply an amplification of what has existed for quite some time. Even before COVID-19 ravaged the planet, over two million people died of such zoonotic diseases every year, especially in developing countries.

COVID-19 was "highly predictable"

Building on this, the report claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic was “highly predictable”, even though world leaders claim to be caught by surprise from it. According to the UN environment chief, COVID-19 may indeed be the “worst”, but it is definitely not the “first”. Most of the attention it has received is due to its high infection rate, which fortunately corresponds to its low fatality rate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-induced-disruption-in-resources-may-cause-1-million-extra-deaths-due-to-other-diseases-311086" hreflang="en">Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths</a>

The developed nations will suffer major economic losses, and the will bear the cost of revitalising the global economy, which may amount upto over $9 trillion, as per figures from the International Monetary Fund.

The report additionally called for a “one health” approach in dealing with the threat of such viruses here on, calling for a joint approach based on humans, animals, and the environment to understand, predict, and contain potential pandemics.

As the world comes under the grip of what is being dubbed as the second-wave of COVID-19, a new study claims that most global leadership and independent efforts to deal with the virus are heavily focused on treating the health and economic symptoms, but without any attempt to identify the environmental cause.

As the world comes under the grip of what is being dubbed as the second-wave of COVID-19, a new study claims that most global leadership and independent efforts to deal with the virus are heavily focused on treating the health and economic symptoms, but without any attempt to identify the environmental cause. Also read: Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013 The report, published by the United Nations, claims that if the source of such deadly viruses is found and analysed, we may be able to control such outbreaks in the future. Additionally, the report claims that our failure in doing so may result in the transmission of many more viruses from animals to human beings. Zoonotic mayhem Referred to as “zoonotic” viruses, the report adds that in the centre of all all such viruses and their elevation to a pandemic lies in the destruction of natural resources by the hands of human beings. For a better understanding, the report cites major outbreaks like Ebola, SARS, the West Nile virus, and the Rift Valley Fever. In pics: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world Coronavirus, according to them, is simply an amplification of what has existed for quite some time. Even before COVID-19 ravaged the planet, over two million people died of such zoonotic diseases every year, especially in developing countries. COVID-19 was "highly predictable" Building on this, the report claimed that the COVID-19 pandemic was “highly predictable”, even though world leaders claim to be caught by surprise from it. According to the UN environment chief, COVID-19 may indeed be the “worst”, but it is definitely not the “first”. Most of the attention it has received is due to its high infection rate, which fortunately corresponds to its low fatality rate. Also read: Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths The developed nations will suffer major economic losses, and the will bear the cost of revitalising the global economy, which may amount upto over $9 trillion, as per figures from the International Monetary Fund. The report additionally called for a “one health” approach in dealing with the threat of such viruses here on, calling for a joint approach based on humans, animals, and the environment to understand, predict, and contain potential pandemics.

Coronavirus an inevitable consequence of long-term environmental damage: Report

Samples of a virus that were sent out to Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2013 resembled the key characteristics of COVID-19, a new report has claimed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-induced-disruption-in-resources-may-cause-1-million-extra-deaths-due-to-other-diseases-311086" hreflang="en">Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths</a>

According to the report which ran in Sunday Times, the similarity of the samples was asserted. Wuhan was the initial epicentre of COVID-19, where the virus first emerged in November 2019.

Bats - the culprit!

Seven years ago, scientists had picked up samples from a copper mine in southwest China. Reportedly, six workers in the mine started showing visible symptoms of a pneumonia like disease, after which the samples were taken. Out of these six, three died of the probable coronavirus which was possibly contracted from one of the bats in the mines.

<h6><img alt="This aerial view shows the P4 laboratory (L) on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on May 27, 2020. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75ce275b-8817-4f3a-9774-9c024ad675b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_117.jpg" /> 
This aerial view shows the P4 laboratory (L) on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on May 27, 2020. | AFP</h6>

The newspaper said that the virus may have spread from bat faeces, which was being cleared out by workers.

She Zhengli, another expert in viruses, studied the same mine and worked at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Dubbed as the “bat woman”, she had been conducting expeditions in bat caves. In February 2020, she claimed that the sample, named “RaTG13” had 96.2 per cent similarity to the current coronavirus - COVID-19. The sample in question was obtained in 2013 from a mine in Yunnan. 
 
"Most certainly"

According to the publication, RaTG13 is “certainly” the same virus found in the mines.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142" hreflang="en">7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

When conspiracies of a virus leaking from the Wuhan lab were making the rounds on social media, the institute’s director said that they did not possess a live sample of the RaTG13, dispelling all potential theories surrounding leakage.

The COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 11 million across the globe spanning&nbsp;188 countries, and has killed over 533,000. Over six million people have also recovered.

Samples of a virus that were sent out to Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2013 resembled the key characteristics of COVID-19, a new report has claimed. Also read: Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths According to the report which ran in Sunday Times, the similarity of the samples was asserted.

Samples of a virus that were sent out to Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2013 resembled the key characteristics of COVID-19, a new report has claimed. Also read: Disruption in resources due to COVID-19 may cause 1 million extra deaths According to the report which ran in Sunday Times, the similarity of the samples was asserted. Wuhan was the initial epicentre of COVID-19, where the virus first emerged in November 2019. Bats - the culprit! Seven years ago, scientists had picked up samples from a copper mine in southwest China. Reportedly, six workers in the mine started showing visible symptoms of a pneumonia like disease, after which the samples were taken. Out of these six, three died of the probable coronavirus which was possibly contracted from one of the bats in the mines. This aerial view shows the P4 laboratory (L) on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on May 27, 2020. | AFP The newspaper said that the virus may have spread from bat faeces, which was being cleared out by workers. She Zhengli, another expert in viruses, studied the same mine and worked at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Dubbed as the “bat woman”, she had been conducting expeditions in bat caves. In February 2020, she claimed that the sample, named “RaTG13” had 96.2 per cent similarity to the current coronavirus - COVID-19. The sample in question was obtained in 2013 from a mine in Yunnan. "Most certainly" According to the publication, RaTG13 is “certainly” the same virus found in the mines. In pics: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world When conspiracies of a virus leaking from the Wuhan lab were making the rounds on social media, the institute’s director said that they did not possess a live sample of the RaTG13, dispelling all potential theories surrounding leakage. The COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 11 million across the globe spanning 188 countries, and has killed over 533,000. Over six million people have also recovered.

Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013

Another report published in a leading daily puts forward another latest theory about coronavirus. The theory confirms COVID-19 origin in China. Watch report.

Fineprint: Virus was sent to Wuhan lab in 2013, RaBtCoV/4991 is 96% similar to COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has absorbed the focus of all health agencies and relief groups, leaving in the lurch many suffering&nbsp;life-threatening diseases like HIV, AIDS, and TB.

Progress reversal?

A new report by the International AIDS Society claims that the progress achieved in managing and limiting the contraction of other diseases may be reversed owing to the mitigation of all available resources to battle the deadly coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australia-state-border-sealed-first-time-in-100-years-after-surge-in-fresh-coronavirus-cases-310975" hreflang="en">Australia: State border sealed first time in 100 years after surge in fresh coronavirus cases</a>

The 23rd International AIDS conference is set to begin on Monday, where professionals will talk about the pandemic and how it has crippled existing control programmes for HIV and other diseases across the world, especially in the continent of Africa.

"The social distancing efforts and lockdowns to control the spread of it [coronavirus], have disrupted HIV prevention and treatment programs and put vital HIV research on hold," said Dr Anton Pozniak, president of the International AIDS Society.

Services disrupted

An earlier survey released in June by the Global Fund, which allocates resources for fighting AIDS, TB, and Malaria claimed that in 106 countries where it was active, over 85 per cent disruption in its HIV services was experienced. Additionally, 78 and 73 per cent disruptions were noted for tuberculosis and malaria respectively.

<h6><img alt="Relatives carry a coffin for the dead body of a victim, who died from the COVID-19 coronavirus, before the burial at a graveyard in New Delhi on July 6, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22a5466f-cafc-4553-90fc-675be2dd0f97" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_36.jpg" /> 
Relatives carry a coffin for the dead body of a victim, who died from the COVID-19 coronavirus, before the burial at a graveyard in New Delhi on July 6, 2020 | AFP</h6>

According to the calculations done by the World Health Organization, Stop TB partnership, and Imperial College in London, over 1 million deaths could be triggered by this disruption in services. This figure is above the already figure of deaths caused directly by coronavirus.

Another calculation made by the WHO and UNAIDS claimed that if a disruption lasted longer than six months, which it has, over 500,000 could die of AIDS-related illnesses in 2021, that too in the sub-Saharan Africa alone. This is an addition to the 470,000 deaths that will have occurred anyway, based on figures from 2018.

12 years behind?

According to the UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, this would roll back the progress made on HIV control by over 12 years, setting a chain of more fatalities over the next few years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-us-update-nearly-40000-new-cases-bring-tally-close-to-3-million-310954" hreflang="en">Coronavirus US update: Nearly 40,000 new cases bring tally close to 3 million</a>

"There is a risk that the hard-earned gains of the AIDS response will be sacrificed to the fight against COVID-19… But the right to health means that no one disease should be fought at the expense of the other”, Byanyima said in a statement in May.

Based on the numbers by Stop TB partnership, a “best-case scenario” would cause 1.8 million extra cases of TB across the globe, with over 340,000 extra deaths in the next five years. This is an addition to 10 million who catch TB every year, and 1.5 million who die of the disease each year.

The coronavirus pandemic has absorbed the focus of all health agencies and relief groups, leaving in the lurch many suffering life-threatening diseases like HIV, AIDS, and TB.

The coronavirus pandemic has absorbed the focus of all health agencies and relief groups, leaving in the lurch many suffering life-threatening diseases like HIV, AIDS, and TB. Progress reversal? A new report by the International AIDS Society claims that the progress achieved in managing and limiting the contraction of other diseases may be reversed owing to the mitigation of all available resources to battle the deadly coronavirus. Also read: Australia: State border sealed first time in 100 years after surge in fresh coronavirus cases The 23rd International AIDS conference is set to begin on Monday, where professionals will talk about the pandemic and how it has crippled existing control programmes for HIV and other diseases across the world, especially in the continent of Africa. "The social distancing efforts and lockdowns to control the spread of it [coronavirus], have disrupted HIV prevention and treatment programs and put vital HIV research on hold," said Dr Anton Pozniak, president of the International AIDS Society. Services disrupted An earlier survey released in June by the Global Fund, which allocates resources for fighting AIDS, TB, and Malaria claimed that in 106 countries where it was active, over 85 per cent disruption in its HIV services was experienced. Additionally, 78 and 73 per cent disruptions were noted for tuberculosis and malaria respectively. Relatives carry a coffin for the dead body of a victim, who died from the COVID-19 coronavirus, before the burial at a graveyard in New Delhi on July 6, 2020 | AFP According to the calculations done by the World Health Organization, Stop TB partnership, and Imperial College in London, over 1 million deaths could be triggered by this disruption in services. This figure is above the already figure of deaths caused directly by coronavirus. Another calculation made by the WHO and UNAIDS claimed that if a disruption lasted longer than six months, which it has, over 500,000 could die of AIDS-related illnesses in 2021, that too in the sub-Saharan Africa alone. This is an addition to the 470,000 deaths that will have occurred anyway, based on figures from 2018. 12 years behind? According to the UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, this would roll back the progress made on HIV control by over 12 years, setting a chain of more fatalities over the next few years. Also read: Coronavirus US update: Nearly 40,000 new cases bring tally close to 3 million "There is a risk that the hard-earned gains of the AIDS response will be sacrificed to the fight against COVID-19… But the right to health means that no one disease should be fought at the expense of the other”, Byanyima said in a statement in May. Based on the numbers by Stop TB partnership, a “best-case scenario” would cause 1.8 million extra cases of TB across the globe, with over 340,000 extra deaths in the next five years. This is an addition to 10 million who catch TB every year, and 1.5 million who die of the disease each year.

Coronavirus-induced disruption in resources may cause 1 million extra deaths due to other diseases

While the coronavirus pandemic has hit almost every country in the world, the Gulf economies have been worst affected.

The virus has triggered a constant free-fall in oil prices, with a lot of highly-skilled expats leaving the countries. Additionally, the debt continues to mount.

The International Monetary Fund has made a bleak prediction for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which includes six Arab states - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Major impact

The IMF expects these economies to shrink by 7.6 per cent this year, across both oil and non-oil sectors.

However, the biggest impact will be felt in oil revenues. The drop in prices this year has caused a loss of over 10 billion USD. By the end of 2020 - this could cross 20 billion USD.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-oil-not-gulfs-golden-goose-anymore-310040/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Before the pandemic, oil was selling at 75 USD per barrel, while it is being sold at 40 USD per barrel right now.

Saudi Arabia is facing a 6.8 per cent decline in its GDP. The profits of state-run oil explorer Saudi AramCo fell by 25 per cent.

As the lockdown cut the demand, OPEC decided to cut oil output.&nbsp;AramCo followed suit, and over 500 people were fired, mostly expats.

This has become the new normal in Gulf countries, where foreign workers are being sent home. This is worrying because expats make up close to half the population in some Gulf countries.&nbsp;Mostly working as builders and labourers, they are responsible for building the sprawling skylines in Gulf cities.

Gulf countries are highly-reliant on the expatriate population.&nbsp;GCC could lose four million expats by the end of this pandemic - almost 10 per cent of its total population.

What are these countries doing to plug the gaps? 

The countries have announced relief packages, amounting for two-three percent of their GDPs.

Six countries together have set aside over 50 billion USD.

However, most of these countries are already deep in debt which was to be paid with petro-Dollars. As of now, the debt has piled up over 300 billion USD, with the amount expected to increase.

Besides oil, tourism has also suffered a major hit, witnessing a decline of 7.4 per cent in 2020. All this while entertainment and media sector contracted by 5.6 per cent.

While the coronavirus pandemic has hit almost every country in the world, the Gulf economies have been worst affected. The virus has triggered a constant free-fall in oil prices, with a lot of highly-skilled expats leaving the countries.

While the coronavirus pandemic has hit almost every country in the world, the Gulf economies have been worst affected. The virus has triggered a constant free-fall in oil prices, with a lot of highly-skilled expats leaving the countries. Additionally, the debt continues to mount. The International Monetary Fund has made a bleak prediction for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which includes six Arab states - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Major impact The IMF expects these economies to shrink by 7.6 per cent this year, across both oil and non-oil sectors. However, the biggest impact will be felt in oil revenues. The drop in prices this year has caused a loss of over 10 billion USD. By the end of 2020 - this could cross 20 billion USD. Before the pandemic, oil was selling at 75 USD per barrel, while it is being sold at 40 USD per barrel right now. Saudi Arabia is facing a 6.8 per cent decline in its GDP. The profits of state-run oil explorer Saudi AramCo fell by 25 per cent. As the lockdown cut the demand, OPEC decided to cut oil output. AramCo followed suit, and over 500 people were fired, mostly expats. This has become the new normal in Gulf countries, where foreign workers are being sent home. This is worrying because expats make up close to half the population in some Gulf countries. Mostly working as builders and labourers, they are responsible for building the sprawling skylines in Gulf cities. Gulf countries are highly-reliant on the expatriate population. GCC could lose four million expats by the end of this pandemic - almost 10 per cent of its total population. What are these countries doing to plug the gaps? The countries have announced relief packages, amounting for two-three percent of their GDPs. Six countries together have set aside over 50 billion USD. However, most of these countries are already deep in debt which was to be paid with petro-Dollars. As of now, the debt has piled up over 300 billion USD, with the amount expected to increase. Besides oil, tourism has also suffered a major hit, witnessing a decline of 7.4 per cent in 2020. All this while entertainment and media sector contracted by 5.6 per cent.

Left in the desert: Coronavirus cripples Gulf economies

A new flu virus is circulating among pigs in China, while the world reels from the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists believe that it has “pandemic potential”.

According to a new study, Chinese pigs are getting infected by the influenza virus more frequently, with the possibility of it transmitting to humans.

The virus has all the essential hallmarks to infect humans, as per information by scientists at Chinese universities and China's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.&nbsp;If it were to spread among people, people would have zero immunity against it.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-a-new-virus-raises-fears-of-another-pandemic-309761/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As part of a project to identify potential pandemic causing viruses, Chinese researchers looked at influenza viruses found in pigs from 2011 to 2018. They analysed nearly 30,000 nasal swabs taken from pigs at slaughterhouses in 10 provinces. This led to the detection of the new influenza virus. This new strain of the flu has been named G4

It is similar to the virus that caused the 2009 global Swine Flu outbreak. But, this strain is more dangerous. Like COVID-19, it can affect the human respiratory system.

400 million pigs in China

According to blood tests, nearly 10 per cent of the pig farm workers have already been infected. And, nearly five percent of the general population has been exposed to the virus. China has the largest population of pigs in the world, with over 400 million!

And, millions of Chinese live in close proximity to pigs, in farms, breeding facilities, slaughterhouses and wet markets.

Infectious disease experts have called for an immediate monitoring of people who work in the swine industry.

Carl Bergstorm - a leading biologist says, “Screening will be important, particularly if clusters of illness emerge in swine workers”.

Most influenza viruses jump from pigs to humans, but do not spread among humans. But two cases of the G4 infections have been recorded so far.

An annual flu vaccine protects Chinese from earlier known influenza viruses, which may have helped contain its spread from infected people. However, there is no evidence to show if it is effective against the G4.

A new flu virus is circulating among pigs in China, while the world reels from the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists believe that it has “pandemic potential”. According to a new study, Chinese pigs are getting infected by the influenza virus more frequently, with the possibility of it transmitting to humans.

A new flu virus is circulating among pigs in China, while the world reels from the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists believe that it has “pandemic potential”. According to a new study, Chinese pigs are getting infected by the influenza virus more frequently, with the possibility of it transmitting to humans. The virus has all the essential hallmarks to infect humans, as per information by scientists at Chinese universities and China's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If it were to spread among people, people would have zero immunity against it. As part of a project to identify potential pandemic causing viruses, Chinese researchers looked at influenza viruses found in pigs from 2011 to 2018. They analysed nearly 30,000 nasal swabs taken from pigs at slaughterhouses in 10 provinces. This led to the detection of the new influenza virus. This new strain of the flu has been named G4 It is similar to the virus that caused the 2009 global Swine Flu outbreak. But, this strain is more dangerous. Like COVID-19, it can affect the human respiratory system. 400 million pigs in China According to blood tests, nearly 10 per cent of the pig farm workers have already been infected. And, nearly five percent of the general population has been exposed to the virus. China has the largest population of pigs in the world, with over 400 million! And, millions of Chinese live in close proximity to pigs, in farms, breeding facilities, slaughterhouses and wet markets. Infectious disease experts have called for an immediate monitoring of people who work in the swine industry. Carl Bergstorm - a leading biologist says, “Screening will be important, particularly if clusters of illness emerge in swine workers”. Most influenza viruses jump from pigs to humans, but do not spread among humans. But two cases of the G4 infections have been recorded so far. An annual flu vaccine protects Chinese from earlier known influenza viruses, which may have helped contain its spread from infected people. However, there is no evidence to show if it is effective against the G4.

Double pandemic? Experts believe new swine flu in China could wreak havoc if left unchecked

Delhi recently witnessed a massive surge of coronavirus cases, overtaking Maharashtra. But soon after, Tamil Nadu’s caseload took over the national capital territory’s.

With the recovery rate touching 60 per cent nationwide, more people may now be getting discharged than getting admitted, especially in Delhi.

Based on Delhi government’s data, the average infection rate during the second week of June was 31 per cent. In the week of June 22-28, it had improved to 18 per cent.

Additionally, in the week ending June 28, 27 more people on an average were discharged compared to those who were admitted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-strikes-bihar-wedding-groom-dies-more-than-100-infected-309867" hreflang="en">Coronavirus strikes Bihar wedding, groom dies, more than 100 infected</a>

In the last 24 hours, the pandemic had claimed 507 lives in the country, with the country adding over 18,600 new cases.

As of now, the total number of cases in the country stand at 5,85,493, with over 2,20,114 active cases in the country.

The death toll has risen to 17,400.&nbsp;Additionally, India's health ministry said that 3,47,979 have been cured of the virus.

Maharashtra which has been one of the hit hardest states due to the virus reported 245 deaths and 4,878 new coronavirus cases today with the total number of cases in the state rising to 1,74,761 including 75,979 active cases. Mumbai alone has inducted 4,554 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-reports-507-deaths-in-24-hours-toll-rises-to-17400-309815" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: India reports 507 deaths in 24 hours; toll rises to 17,400</a>

India's national capital reported 2,199 new coronavirus cases and 62 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 8,7360 including 2,62,70 active cases

The death toll due to virus in Delhi has gone up to 2,742. The Delhi government said that 5,31,752 tests have been done so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi recently witnessed a massive surge of coronavirus cases, overtaking Maharashtra. But soon after, Tamil Nadu’s caseload took over the national capital territory’s.

Delhi recently witnessed a massive surge of coronavirus cases, overtaking Maharashtra. But soon after, Tamil Nadu’s caseload took over the national capital territory’s. With the recovery rate touching 60 per cent nationwide, more people may now be getting discharged than getting admitted, especially in Delhi. Based on Delhi government’s data, the average infection rate during the second week of June was 31 per cent. In the week of June 22-28, it had improved to 18 per cent. Additionally, in the week ending June 28, 27 more people on an average were discharged compared to those who were admitted. Also read: Coronavirus strikes Bihar wedding, groom dies, more than 100 infected In the last 24 hours, the pandemic had claimed 507 lives in the country, with the country adding over 18,600 new cases. As of now, the total number of cases in the country stand at 5,85,493, with over 2,20,114 active cases in the country. The death toll has risen to 17,400. Additionally, India's health ministry said that 3,47,979 have been cured of the virus. Maharashtra which has been one of the hit hardest states due to the virus reported 245 deaths and 4,878 new coronavirus cases today with the total number of cases in the state rising to 1,74,761 including 75,979 active cases. Mumbai alone has inducted 4,554 deaths. Also read: Coronavirus: India reports 507 deaths in 24 hours; toll rises to 17,400 India's national capital reported 2,199 new coronavirus cases and 62 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 8,7360 including 2,62,70 active cases The death toll due to virus in Delhi has gone up to 2,742. The Delhi government said that 5,31,752 tests have been done so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Delhi is now discharging more patients than it is admitting

Global tourism revenues are expected to fall by up to $3.3 trillion due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the United States standing to lose the most, according to a UN&nbsp;study published on Wednesday.

The 'COVID-19 and Tourism' report released by The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is based on three scenarios for the industry, with lockdown measures lasting 4 months, 8 months and 12 months.

In those scenarios, revenues would fall $1.17 trillion, $2.22 trillion and $3.3 trillion respectively or between 1.5-4.2 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/businesses-breathe-sigh-of-relief-as-spain-portugal-open-border-to-tourism-309896" hreflang="en">Businesses breathe sigh of relief as Spain, Portugal open border to tourism</a>

The report did not say which scenario was most likely, although an UNCTAD official said the middle scenario "could be&nbsp;a realistic one".

"International tourism has been almost totally suspended, and domestic tourism curtailed by lockdown conditions imposed in many countries," the report said.

"Although some destinations have started slowly to open up, many are afraid of international travel or cannot afford it due to the economic crisis."

The United States incurs the highest losses in all three scenarios, with a $187 billion drop in the one lasting just four months, followed by China with $105 billion. Thailand and France also stand to lose approximately $47 billion each.

Small island states such as Jamaica stand to suffer big losses in proportion to their economies, facing an 11 percent fall in GDP or $1.68 billion.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kong-may-retail-sales-tumble-as-spending-tourism-evaporate-309628" hreflang="en">Hong Kong May retail sales tumble as spending, tourism evaporate</a>

The US&nbsp;loss in the "pessimistic" scenario is $538 billion, or three percent of GDP.

The UNCTAD report covers 65 individual countries and regions. It calls for governments to boost social protection for affected workers in badly-hit nations.

Some of the estimates are comparable to those in a previous U.N. report by its World Tourism Organization in May, which found that tourism numbers could fall by 60-80 percent compared with 66 percent in UNCTAD's intermediate scenario.

Global tourism revenues are expected to fall by up to $3.3 trillion due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the United States standing to lose the most, according to a UN study published on Wednesday.

Global tourism revenues are expected to fall by up to $3.3 trillion due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the United States standing to lose the most, according to a UN study published on Wednesday. The 'COVID-19 and Tourism' report released by The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is based on three scenarios for the industry, with lockdown measures lasting 4 months, 8 months and 12 months. In those scenarios, revenues would fall $1.17 trillion, $2.22 trillion and $3.3 trillion respectively or between 1.5-4.2 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP). Also read: Businesses breathe sigh of relief as Spain, Portugal open border to tourism The report did not say which scenario was most likely, although an UNCTAD official said the middle scenario "could be a realistic one". "International tourism has been almost totally suspended, and domestic tourism curtailed by lockdown conditions imposed in many countries," the report said. "Although some destinations have started slowly to open up, many are afraid of international travel or cannot afford it due to the economic crisis." The United States incurs the highest losses in all three scenarios, with a $187 billion drop in the one lasting just four months, followed by China with $105 billion. Thailand and France also stand to lose approximately $47 billion each. Small island states such as Jamaica stand to suffer big losses in proportion to their economies, facing an 11 percent fall in GDP or $1.68 billion. Also read: Hong Kong May retail sales tumble as spending, tourism evaporate The US loss in the "pessimistic" scenario is $538 billion, or three percent of GDP. The UNCTAD report covers 65 individual countries and regions. It calls for governments to boost social protection for affected workers in badly-hit nations. Some of the estimates are comparable to those in a previous U.N. report by its World Tourism Organization in May, which found that tourism numbers could fall by 60-80 percent compared with 66 percent in UNCTAD's intermediate scenario.

Global tourism stands to lose up to $3.3 trillion from COVID-19: UN study

Neighbours Spain and Portugal reopened their border on Wednesday to all travellers after a three-month closure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, bringing relief to local business owners who have struggled to make ends meet without tourism.&nbsp;

"It has been miserable since we reopened in May. There are no customers," Jose Valentim, a restaurant owner in the Portuguese border town of Elvas, told Reuters. "We hope that from today onwards some Spaniards will be able to come."

In the presence of Spain's King Felipe and Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa, solemnly opened their 1,200-km (750 mile) border.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/spain-to-try-new-coronavirus-tracing-app-for-2-weeks-before-rolling-out-nationwide-308237" hreflang="en">Spain to try new coronavirus tracing app for 2 weeks before rolling out nationwide</a>

During a short ceremony in the Spanish city of Badajoz, with the flags of both countries behind them, the assembled leaders stood still as a small string orchestra played their respective national anthems.

Residents applauded and shouted "Viva!" to celebrate the occasion.

All other travel restrictions within the European Union were lifted last week.

"Our shared prosperity and common destiny within the European project depend on this border being open," Costa tweeted earlier on Wednesday. "The pandemic offered us a new vision of the past we do not want to come back to: a continent with closed borders."&nbsp;

The border had remained open to transport of goods and cross-border workers commercial traffic thoughout the epidemic, although they still had to go through checkpoints.

But tourist and leisure travel had been restricted since mid-March. Now the border is open to traffic including short trips and family visits.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/spain-to-allow-british-tourists-to-visit-from-sunday-without-need-for-quarantine-spanish-foreign-minister-307363" hreflang="en">Spain to allow British tourists to visit from Sunday without need for quarantine: Spanish foreign minister</a>

Most of Portugal downgraded to a "state of alert" on Wednesday, with gatherings still limited to 20 people, but restrictions remained stricter across Lisbon's suburbs as authorities tackle a worrying surge in coronavirus cases.

Portugal has been hailed as a coronavirus success story but it now has the second highest number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Europe after Sweden in the past 30 days, according to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The country defends its considerable case toll by citing its high testing rate.

With nearly 250,000 cases and more than 28,000 deaths Spain was worse hit, but authorities managed to bring the outbreak under control through one of the world's strictest lockdowns.

Its national state of emergency expired two weeks ago, permitting Spaniards to travel throughout the country.&nbsp;

Neighbours Spain and Portugal reopened their border on Wednesday to all travellers after a three-month closure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, bringing relief to local business owners who have struggled to make ends meet without tourism.

Neighbours Spain and Portugal reopened their border on Wednesday to all travellers after a three-month closure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, bringing relief to local business owners who have struggled to make ends meet without tourism. "It has been miserable since we reopened in May. There are no customers," Jose Valentim, a restaurant owner in the Portuguese border town of Elvas, told Reuters. "We hope that from today onwards some Spaniards will be able to come." In the presence of Spain's King Felipe and Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa, solemnly opened their 1,200-km (750 mile) border. Also read: Spain to try new coronavirus tracing app for 2 weeks before rolling out nationwide During a short ceremony in the Spanish city of Badajoz, with the flags of both countries behind them, the assembled leaders stood still as a small string orchestra played their respective national anthems. Residents applauded and shouted "Viva!" to celebrate the occasion. All other travel restrictions within the European Union were lifted last week. "Our shared prosperity and common destiny within the European project depend on this border being open," Costa tweeted earlier on Wednesday. "The pandemic offered us a new vision of the past we do not want to come back to: a continent with closed borders." The border had remained open to transport of goods and cross-border workers commercial traffic thoughout the epidemic, although they still had to go through checkpoints. But tourist and leisure travel had been restricted since mid-March. Now the border is open to traffic including short trips and family visits. Also read: Spain to allow British tourists to visit from Sunday without need for quarantine: Spanish foreign minister Most of Portugal downgraded to a "state of alert" on Wednesday, with gatherings still limited to 20 people, but restrictions remained stricter across Lisbon's suburbs as authorities tackle a worrying surge in coronavirus cases. Portugal has been hailed as a coronavirus success story but it now has the second highest number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Europe after Sweden in the past 30 days, according to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The country defends its considerable case toll by citing its high testing rate. With nearly 250,000 cases and more than 28,000 deaths Spain was worse hit, but authorities managed to bring the outbreak under control through one of the world's strictest lockdowns. Its national state of emergency expired two weeks ago, permitting Spaniards to travel throughout the country.

Businesses breathe sigh of relief as Spain, Portugal open border to tourism

The outlook for the global labour market in the second half of 2020 is "highly uncertain" and the forecast recovery will not be enough for employment to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, the International Labour Organization said on Tuesday.

In its latest report, the UN&nbsp;agency said the fall in global working hours was "significantly worse than previously estimated" in the first half of the year. The Americas was the hardest-hit region, losing 18.3% of working hours.&nbsp;

Worldwide, an estimated 14% of working hours were lost in the second quarter, equivalent to 400 million full-time jobs, due to the pandemic, the&nbsp;ILO&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

It estimated that working-hour losses were likely to still be in the order of 4.9 per cent in the fourth quarter, equivalent to 140 million full-time jobs. Under a pessimistic scenario in a so-called second wave of the pandemic, this figure could rise to 11.9% or 340 million jobs, it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-house-prices-fall-for-first-time-since-2012-309885" hreflang="en">UK house prices fall for first time since 2012</a>

"The estimates have revised upwards considerably the damage done to our labour markets by the pandemic," Guy Ryder,&nbsp;ILO&nbsp;director-general, told a Geneva news conference. "So there is not going to be a simple or a quick recovery."&nbsp;

The figures cover people who are working shorter hours, who are furloughed, have lost their jobs, or withdrawn from the labour force.

They reflect "worsening conditions", especially in developing countries, the report said.

Some 93 per cent of workers still live in countries with some sort of workplace closures, it said.

The pandemic has had a "disproportionate and damaging effect" on women workers, who are often employed in hard-hit sectors such as food and accommodation, retail and real estate, Ryder said.&nbsp;

Asked about Brazil not imposing strict public health measures to halt spread of coronavirus, Ryder said: "Clearly undue delay in acting on the health side of pandemic is going to bring worse social and economic outcomes."

"It is inevitable...that the world is going to begin to emerge from this pandemic with higher levels of unemployment, higher levels of poverty, higher levels of inequality, higher levels of frustration among citizens, but also higher levels of indebtedness," he said.

The outlook for the global labour market in the second half of 2020 is "highly uncertain" and the forecast recovery will not be enough for employment to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, the International Labour Organization said on Tuesday.

The outlook for the global labour market in the second half of 2020 is "highly uncertain" and the forecast recovery will not be enough for employment to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, the International Labour Organization said on Tuesday. In its latest report, the UN agency said the fall in global working hours was "significantly worse than previously estimated" in the first half of the year. The Americas was the hardest-hit region, losing 18.3% of working hours. Worldwide, an estimated 14% of working hours were lost in the second quarter, equivalent to 400 million full-time jobs, due to the pandemic, the ILO said. It estimated that working-hour losses were likely to still be in the order of 4.9 per cent in the fourth quarter, equivalent to 140 million full-time jobs. Under a pessimistic scenario in a so-called second wave of the pandemic, this figure could rise to 11.9% or 340 million jobs, it said. Also read: UK house prices fall for first time since 2012 "The estimates have revised upwards considerably the damage done to our labour markets by the pandemic," Guy Ryder, ILO director-general, told a Geneva news conference. "So there is not going to be a simple or a quick recovery." The figures cover people who are working shorter hours, who are furloughed, have lost their jobs, or withdrawn from the labour force. They reflect "worsening conditions", especially in developing countries, the report said. Some 93 per cent of workers still live in countries with some sort of workplace closures, it said. The pandemic has had a "disproportionate and damaging effect" on women workers, who are often employed in hard-hit sectors such as food and accommodation, retail and real estate, Ryder said. Asked about Brazil not imposing strict public health measures to halt spread of coronavirus, Ryder said: "Clearly undue delay in acting on the health side of pandemic is going to bring worse social and economic outcomes." "It is inevitable...that the world is going to begin to emerge from this pandemic with higher levels of unemployment, higher levels of poverty, higher levels of inequality, higher levels of frustration among citizens, but also higher levels of indebtedness," he said.

No return to pre-pandemic job levels in 2020: ILO

Thai schools reopened on Wednesday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms.&nbsp;

At Sam Khok school, about 50 km (31 miles) north of Bangkok, nearly 5,000 students were told to self-quarantine at home for 15-days prior to the re-start as an extra precaution, Principal Chuchart Thiengtham said.&nbsp;

"Once students arrive at school, teachers hand face masks to them because it's mandatory to wear them," said Chuchart, adding that face shields were also provided to pupils for additional safety during some activities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/thailand-set-to-ease-nightlife-lockdown-allow-business-travellers-medical-tourists-309377" hreflang="en">Thailand set to ease nightlife lockdown; allow business travellers, medical tourists</a>

Students also get their temperatures checked and a facial recognition scanner automatically sends a message to parents, he said.&nbsp;

In the classroom, the school has turned cardboard ballot boxes used in elections into partitions to ensure social distancing between desks.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; "I feel good studying behind the box because it makes me feel safer returning to school," said student Kanlaya Srimongkhol.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/thailands-tourism-social-enterprises-help-locals-hit-by-coronavirus-307942" hreflang="en">Thailand's tourism social enterprises help locals hit by coronavirus</a>

However, 17-year-old Soponwich Thianthong said while he felt more secure the partitions could be irritating because it limited his field of vision. &nbsp;

The coronavirus has killed 58 people in Thailand out of 3,173 infections, though the country has not recorded a case of local transmission for 37 days. &nbsp; &nbsp; Thailand this week extended an emergency decree until the end of July in a bid to avoid the risk of a second wave, even as it relaxed more restrictions by also opening bars and allowing some foreigners into the country.&nbsp;

Thai schools reopened on Wednesday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms.

Thai schools reopened on Wednesday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms. At Sam Khok school, about 50 km (31 miles) north of Bangkok, nearly 5,000 students were told to self-quarantine at home for 15-days prior to the re-start as an extra precaution, Principal Chuchart Thiengtham said. "Once students arrive at school, teachers hand face masks to them because it's mandatory to wear them," said Chuchart, adding that face shields were also provided to pupils for additional safety during some activities. Also read: Thailand set to ease nightlife lockdown; allow business travellers, medical tourists Students also get their temperatures checked and a facial recognition scanner automatically sends a message to parents, he said. In the classroom, the school has turned cardboard ballot boxes used in elections into partitions to ensure social distancing between desks. "I feel good studying behind the box because it makes me feel safer returning to school," said student Kanlaya Srimongkhol. Also read: Thailand's tourism social enterprises help locals hit by coronavirus However, 17-year-old Soponwich Thianthong said while he felt more secure the partitions could be irritating because it limited his field of vision. The coronavirus has killed 58 people in Thailand out of 3,173 infections, though the country has not recorded a case of local transmission for 37 days. Thailand this week extended an emergency decree until the end of July in a bid to avoid the risk of a second wave, even as it relaxed more restrictions by also opening bars and allowing some foreigners into the country.

Schools reopen across Thailand with temperature checks, masks

The European Union released its initial “safe list” as it prepares to reopen its borders for non-essential travel from Wednesday.

The 27-member organisation, however, sidelined United States from its pilot list, citing safety concerns related to COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/source-very-very-important-who-will-send-expert-team-to-china-to-investigate-covid-19s-origin-309694" hreflang="en">‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin</a>

Besides its own member-countries, the EU will now allow travel from 14 countries, as stated by the Council of the EU - a club representative of EU governments.

So far, the countries to make it onto the list include Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay.

Reciprocation is key

China, too, has been given approval provisionally. However, there’s a catch - the EU would allow Chinese travellers only if China allows EU visitors, making reciprocation an intrinsic part of making it onto the list.

For Russia, US, Brazil, and Turkey, the bloc will rethink its decision based on the progression of the virus in the countries after two weeks. The reviews will happen every two weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-news-as-china-warns-of-another-pandemic-from-pigs-who-insists-to-not-let-our-guard-down-309643" hreflang="en">As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'</a>

This is part of EU’s bigger plan to open itself up for tourism and travel, in a bid to resuscitate the dry economy, which has crippled livelihoods of millions.

This list, which was passed today, required a “qualified majority” of EU nations, implying 15 EU countries which represent 65 per cent of the population.

Countries may go a different route

However, it is not an arbitrary list. Individual countries can enforce other measures to deter travel from countries that are on the list. However, no additions can be made without the bloc’s approval.

Earlier efforts to reopen the borders fell short, especially in the Schengen area, which serves as a window to the 26 countries, for most countries are only providing minimal access to certain visitors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-california-texas-see-record-covid-19-surges-arizona-clamps-down-309630" hreflang="en">US: California, Texas see record COVID-19 surges, Arizona clamps down</a>

For instance, Greece has made testing of people arriving into the country compulsory, even from within the bloc. These include France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Moreover, those people would undergo quarantine until the results came out.

Similarly, the Czech Republic has disallowed tourists coming in from Portugal and Sweden.

When it comes to the UK, they may travel to multiple EU countries, but non-essential travellers to Britain have to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-isolation.

The European Union released its initial “safe list” as it prepares to reopen its borders for non-essential travel from Wednesday. The 27-member organisation, however, sidelined United States from its pilot list, citing safety concerns related to COVID-19.

The European Union released its initial “safe list” as it prepares to reopen its borders for non-essential travel from Wednesday. The 27-member organisation, however, sidelined United States from its pilot list, citing safety concerns related to COVID-19. Also read: ‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin Besides its own member-countries, the EU will now allow travel from 14 countries, as stated by the Council of the EU - a club representative of EU governments. So far, the countries to make it onto the list include Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay. Reciprocation is key China, too, has been given approval provisionally. However, there’s a catch - the EU would allow Chinese travellers only if China allows EU visitors, making reciprocation an intrinsic part of making it onto the list. For Russia, US, Brazil, and Turkey, the bloc will rethink its decision based on the progression of the virus in the countries after two weeks. The reviews will happen every two weeks. Also read: As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down' This is part of EU’s bigger plan to open itself up for tourism and travel, in a bid to resuscitate the dry economy, which has crippled livelihoods of millions. This list, which was passed today, required a “qualified majority” of EU nations, implying 15 EU countries which represent 65 per cent of the population. Countries may go a different route However, it is not an arbitrary list. Individual countries can enforce other measures to deter travel from countries that are on the list. However, no additions can be made without the bloc’s approval. Earlier efforts to reopen the borders fell short, especially in the Schengen area, which serves as a window to the 26 countries, for most countries are only providing minimal access to certain visitors. Also read: US: California, Texas see record COVID-19 surges, Arizona clamps down For instance, Greece has made testing of people arriving into the country compulsory, even from within the bloc. These include France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Moreover, those people would undergo quarantine until the results came out. Similarly, the Czech Republic has disallowed tourists coming in from Portugal and Sweden. When it comes to the UK, they may travel to multiple EU countries, but non-essential travellers to Britain have to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-isolation.

EU releases pilot 'safe list' for non-essential travel, no US citizens allowed

The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon send a team of experts to China to understand and analyse the origin of COVID-19, which has now infected over 10 million people worldwide.&nbsp;The WHO claims that a better understanding of the origin of the virus will facilitate its management and eradication.

Calling the source of any virus “very, very important”, WHO chief said that fighting a virus is easier when one knows everything about it. “Knowing the source of the virus is very, very important,” the WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a virtual press conference on Monday.

“We can fight the virus better when we know everything about the virus, including how it started,” he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-news-as-china-warns-of-another-pandemic-from-pigs-who-insists-to-not-let-our-guard-down-309643" hreflang="en">As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'</a>

The organisation intends to send a professional team to China next week. “We will be sending a team next week to China to prepare for that and we hope that that will lead into understanding how the virus started”, he further said.

Scientists are almost certain that the virus was transmitted from animals to humans. Emerging in Wuhan’s wet food market, the suspected carriers include bats, pangolins, etc. Meat of exotic animals is widely consumed in China, with many Chinese believing in the healing properties of animals.

Even though the WHO chief did not point out to the make-up of the team, and what its exact mission would be, he did warn that the virus was “speeding up”. He had earlier claimed that “the worst is still to come”, and called for a global effort instead of fragmented efforts.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/who-chief-warns-that-the-worst-is-yet-to-come-in-covid-19-pandemic-309546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Second-wave&nbsp;

Even though there is no official second-wave yet, cases have resurfaces with new clusters in the Chinese capital of Beijing, forcing the whole city into a lockdown. Here too, the cases emerged from a local meat market.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/pandemic-is-speeding-up-warns-who-chief-as-reinfections-surface-globally-309501" hreflang="en">'Pandemic is speeding up', warns WHO chief as reinfections surface globally</a>

In the US, California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona reimposed restrictions on movement following a new surge in the number of cases, with many states recording their highest hospitalisations ever, reiterating the view of many professionals, who believe that the second-wave is usually more devastating than the first. New York governor recently asked president Donald Trump to make face coverings in public mandatory, something that was done in the UK very recently.

Countries like India and Brazil are now hitting the peak of their first-wave infections, inducting record cases everyday.

The US continues to remain the hardest hit country, with 2.6 million infections and over 126,131 deaths. Over 500,000 have died globally, with the number of cases expected to hit 11 million over the course of this week.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon send a team of experts to China to understand and analyse the origin of COVID-19, which has now infected over 10 million people worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon send a team of experts to China to understand and analyse the origin of COVID-19, which has now infected over 10 million people worldwide. The WHO claims that a better understanding of the origin of the virus will facilitate its management and eradication. Calling the source of any virus “very, very important”, WHO chief said that fighting a virus is easier when one knows everything about it. “Knowing the source of the virus is very, very important,” the WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a virtual press conference on Monday. “We can fight the virus better when we know everything about the virus, including how it started,” he added. Also read: As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down' The organisation intends to send a professional team to China next week. “We will be sending a team next week to China to prepare for that and we hope that that will lead into understanding how the virus started”, he further said. Scientists are almost certain that the virus was transmitted from animals to humans. Emerging in Wuhan’s wet food market, the suspected carriers include bats, pangolins, etc. Meat of exotic animals is widely consumed in China, with many Chinese believing in the healing properties of animals. Even though the WHO chief did not point out to the make-up of the team, and what its exact mission would be, he did warn that the virus was “speeding up”. He had earlier claimed that “the worst is still to come”, and called for a global effort instead of fragmented efforts. Second-wave Even though there is no official second-wave yet, cases have resurfaces with new clusters in the Chinese capital of Beijing, forcing the whole city into a lockdown. Here too, the cases emerged from a local meat market. Also read: 'Pandemic is speeding up', warns WHO chief as reinfections surface globally In the US, California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona reimposed restrictions on movement following a new surge in the number of cases, with many states recording their highest hospitalisations ever, reiterating the view of many professionals, who believe that the second-wave is usually more devastating than the first. New York governor recently asked president Donald Trump to make face coverings in public mandatory, something that was done in the UK very recently. Countries like India and Brazil are now hitting the peak of their first-wave infections, inducting record cases everyday. The US continues to remain the hardest hit country, with 2.6 million infections and over 126,131 deaths. Over 500,000 have died globally, with the number of cases expected to hit 11 million over the course of this week.

‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin

A new flu virus which has emerged among pigs in China has sparked concerns of another pandemic, while the world still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 10 million people worldwide.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that they will read a new study carefully while&nbsp;referring to this elusive new flu.

The WHO also added that the issue that needs to be highlighted is the surveillance of ongoing influenza and upcoming influenza during the ongoing pandemic.

"Pandemic virus"

Reports suggest that the new flu virus has gained traction and is becoming more infectious by day, and needs to be monitored closely. The WHO said that the virus may become a “pandemic virus” if it is ignored.

"We will read carefully the paper to understand what is new," the WHO's Christian Lindmeier said during a briefing in Geneva, while asserting the need to collaborate on potential findings and to monitor animal populations that may be susceptible to contracting and spreading the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/astrazenecas-covid-19-vaccines-trial-on-pigs-shows-promise-with-two-shots-307935" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine's trial on pigs shows promise with two shots</a>

"It also highlights we cannot let our guard down on influenza and need to be vigilant and continue surveillance even in the coronavirus pandemic," Lindmeier added.

The study said that there is no imminent threat, but said that health authorities need to be watchful.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/who-to-send-a-team-to-china-to-investigate-covid-19-virus-origin-309560/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"G4"

During their research, the Chinese scientists monitored viruses in pigs from 2011 to 2018, and discovered that a “G4” strain possesses the capability to trigger another pandemic, while the world is already battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This strain has “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus", the study said.

The paper was published by an American journal - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/swine-flu-strain-with-human-pandemic-potential-found-increasingly-in-china-309525" hreflang="en">Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China</a>

Additionally, workers in vicinity of the pigs in the farm also had a higher concentration of the virus in their bloodstream.

The researchers had added that “close monitoring in human populations, especially the workers in the swine industry, should be urgently implemented".

The study added that once the species barrier is crossed, and the virus spreads among people, another pandemic may be triggered.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic also emerged in China, and reportedly spread to humans through a seafood market.

"China is following the developments in regard to this matter. We will take necessary measures to prevent the spread and outbreak of any virus," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday.

The study referred to pigs as “mixing vessels” and suggested “systematic surveillance” of the issue.

A new flu virus which has emerged among pigs in China has sparked concerns of another pandemic, while the world still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 10 million people worldwide.

A new flu virus which has emerged among pigs in China has sparked concerns of another pandemic, while the world still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 10 million people worldwide. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that they will read a new study carefully while referring to this elusive new flu. The WHO also added that the issue that needs to be highlighted is the surveillance of ongoing influenza and upcoming influenza during the ongoing pandemic. "Pandemic virus" Reports suggest that the new flu virus has gained traction and is becoming more infectious by day, and needs to be monitored closely. The WHO said that the virus may become a “pandemic virus” if it is ignored. "We will read carefully the paper to understand what is new," the WHO's Christian Lindmeier said during a briefing in Geneva, while asserting the need to collaborate on potential findings and to monitor animal populations that may be susceptible to contracting and spreading the virus. Also read: AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine's trial on pigs shows promise with two shots "It also highlights we cannot let our guard down on influenza and need to be vigilant and continue surveillance even in the coronavirus pandemic," Lindmeier added. The study said that there is no imminent threat, but said that health authorities need to be watchful. "G4" During their research, the Chinese scientists monitored viruses in pigs from 2011 to 2018, and discovered that a “G4” strain possesses the capability to trigger another pandemic, while the world is already battered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This strain has “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus", the study said. The paper was published by an American journal - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Also read: Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China Additionally, workers in vicinity of the pigs in the farm also had a higher concentration of the virus in their bloodstream. The researchers had added that “close monitoring in human populations, especially the workers in the swine industry, should be urgently implemented". The study added that once the species barrier is crossed, and the virus spreads among people, another pandemic may be triggered. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic also emerged in China, and reportedly spread to humans through a seafood market. "China is following the developments in regard to this matter. We will take necessary measures to prevent the spread and outbreak of any virus," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday. The study referred to pigs as “mixing vessels” and suggested “systematic surveillance” of the issue.

As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'

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