Third vaccine dose can boost effectiveness against Omicron: UK Studies
London: A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can provide up to 88 per cent protection against hospitalisation from infection by the Omicron variant of coronavirus, according to early results from studies conducted in the UK. The findings compiled in a report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) show significantly higher protection provided by third […]
Global COVID cases up 11% last week, omicron risk high: WHO
Berlin: The World Health Organization says the number of COVID-19 cases recorded worldwide increased by 11% last week compared with the previous week, with the biggest increase in the Americas. The gain followed a gradual increase since October. The U.N. health agency said in its weekly epidemiological report released late Tuesday that there were nearly […]
Less economic activities led to low air pollution: Study
New Delhi: Reduction in economic activities during the pandemic-related lockdown had resulted in decrease in air pollution in most parts of India, but satellite observations show that parts of central-western and northern India recorded an increase in pollution in contrast to the general trend, the government said on Monday quoting a study. Scientists at the […]
AstraZeneca vaccine protection wanes after three months: Lancet Study
London: The protection offered by the Oxford-Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine declines after three months of receiving two doses of the preventive, according to a study published in The Lancet journal. The findings drawn from datasets in Brazil and Scotland suggest that booster programmes are needed to help maintain protection from severe disease in those vaccinated […]
Omicron infects 70 times faster, causes less severe disease: Study
Beijing: The Omicron variant of coronavirus infects and multiplies 70 times faster than Delta and the original COVID-19 strain, but the severity of illness is likely to be much lower, according to a study. The yet-to-be peer-reviewed study provides the first information on how the novel variant of concern infects human respiratory tract. The researchers […]
Kids in 5-14 age group in Europe show highest COVID rates: WHO
Geneva: The World Health Organization’s office for Europe said Tuesday that children in the 5 to 14 age group now account for the highest rates of reported COVID-19 infection in the region. WHO Europe regional director Dr Hans Kluge also argued that vaccine mandates should be an absolute last resort, and said that COVID-19 deaths […]
Significant: Chewing gum to ‘cut’ Covid transmission
Washington: Scientists are developing a chewing gum laced with a plant-grown protein that serves as a “trap” for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, reducing viral load in saliva and potentially lowering transmission. The researchers noted that people who are fully vaccinated can still become infected with SARS-CoV-2 and can carry a viral load similar […]
Five kg free foodgrains scheme extended till March 2022
New Delhi: In a bid to support the poor recovering from the COVID-19 shock, the Centre on Wednesday decided to further extend the free supply of 5kg foodgrains per month under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Anna Yojana for four months till March 2022, a decision that will cost an additional Rs 53,344 crore to the […]
Kartarpur Sahib corridor to be reopened from today
New Delhi: The Kartarpur Sahib corridor to the most revered shrines of Sikhs located in Pakistan will be reopened from Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Tuesday. The corridor links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab’s Gurdaspur […]
Hajj 2022 online application process starts
Union Minister announces enhanced facilities
Mumbai: The online application process for Haj 2022 began on Monday with Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi announcing significant reforms and enhanced facilities for the pilgrimage. While announcing Haj 2022 at Haj House in south Mumbai, Naqvi said the entire Haj process will be 100 per cent digital/online. The last date of […]
