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Coronavirus

On December 31, 2019, China reported a new virus to the World Health Organization (WHO), which later came to be known as COVID-19 -- the “CO” stands for coronavirus, “VI” for virus and “D” for disease. The coronavirus itself is called “nCoV-2019”. The virus, which causes symptoms ranging from an itchy throat to pneumonia, has killed thousands globally and infected millions. Several countries, including India, have implemented lockdown measures and other restrictions in a bid to stop the tranmission of the coronavirus. There are global efforts to find a cure or vaccine for the coronavirus, with several studies underway and in different stages of development. Scientists are also trying to understand the origin of the virus and how it is transmitted. An indigenous vaccine for the coronavirus is being developed in the country by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (MMIL).

India initiated a lockdown on March 24 due to the coronavirus, and has gradually eased restrictions in phases. The country stopped rail and air services to contain the coronavirus. The Centre announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore package to that would largely benefit the unorganised sector workers, especially daily wage earners and the urban and rural poor. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also taken several relief measures to mitigate the economic fallout due to the coronavirus.

The Centre initiated Shramik Special trains in May to help stranded migrants, tourists students and others return to their home states. It announced the Vande Bharat Mission and Operation Samudra Setu to help Indian nationals abroad return to the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic is altering beviour across the world. From social distancing to wearing masks, from washing hands to working from home, people have been forced to change their habits. And not just humans, the coronavirus pandemic has led to cleaner air, blue skies and a change in animal behaviour.

CORONAVIRUS NEWS

Covid is past but it future-proofs this Jharkhand control room for migrants

March 30, 2025 9:11 pm

The SOS video caused outrage, leading the State Migrant Control Room (SMCR) of Jharkhand to launch a rescue mission in coordination with the Indian and Cameroon governments to repatriate the workers in three phases until the first week of January.

What is human coronavirus detected in a Kolkata woman? Here’s all you need to know about this strain

March 17, 2025 6:53 pm

HKU1 was identified in 2005, so not a novel virus. There’s no need to panic.

Study finds new bat Coronavirus capable of human transmission via same route as Covid-19

February 22, 2025 10:31 am

According to the study, the virus has the ability to bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), the same receptor used by the Sars-CoV-2 virus to enter human cells.

‘We are monitoring situation in China’: Kerala health minister on HMPV fears

January 04, 2025 4:35 pm

HMPV Outbreak in China: Kerala minister Veena George says there is no ground for panic, advises masks for pregnant women and people with serious diseases.

PM CARES Fund received Rs 912 crore contribution in year after Covid pandemic

December 28, 2024 7:52 am

The PM CARES Funds received Rs 909.64 crore as voluntary contributions and Rs 2.57 crore as foreign contributions during 2022-23, the latest year for which audited accounts are available in the public domain.

Athletics: Noah Lyles on getting Covid before his 200m Paris Olympics race

November 27, 2024 7:12 pm

One of the reasons Lyles managed to even get to the track in Paris was because of the laxer conditions revolving around Covid in the French capital for the 2024 Olympics.

Indian travellers more adventurous and sophisticated now, hope to set up resort by 2030: Club Med Asia CEO

November 13, 2024 9:38 am

In a conversation with Aggam Walia, Rachael Harding, Club Med’s CEO of East, South Asia and Pacific, talked about variation in global travel demand, evolving preferences, and the company’s India plans.

Former New York Covid adviser fired after video reveals he partied during pandemic

September 30, 2024 8:07 am

Dr Jay Varma was the architect of New York City's pandemic response while he attended sex parties with his friends.

American man's X post on making over $1 dollar selling 'touch tool' during pandemic goes viral

August 17, 2024 10:21 am

A simple tool Haas ideated, designed and produced earned him over a million dollars during the pandemic.

Covid virus is still here. Why aren’t more people falling ill?

May 07, 2024 11:33 am

In the first three weeks of that month, more than 3 lakh positive cases were detected every day on average. Daily detections peaked exactly three years ago — on May 6, 2021 — when more than 4.14 lakh positive cases were reported.

CORONAVIRUS PHOTOS

In pictures: Artists paint the post-pandemic life in vibrant hues

March 24, 2023 11:41 am

The ideology of the exhibition was to bring out artists from the dullness and darkness that pandemic lashed out at the world

In pictures: People offer prayers, celebrate Eid after two years of sombre festivities amid pandemic

May 03, 2022 4:48 pm

People get together to celebrate the festival of Eid after the holy month of fasting called Ramadan

Solo exhibition reflects on cosmos, humans during the pandemic

March 09, 2022 6:41 pm

The paintings by artist Divyaman Singh depicted a collective conscience’s journey: from despair to hope and living in harmony with elements around us through the pandemic

A day in the life of a Delhi school student after two years of school shutdown

February 20, 2022 10:54 pm

After Delhi government reopened schools for all grades after a two-year closure. On Friday, Indian Express shadowed class 2 student, Mohammed Zaid (7), on his first day of school. The last time Zaid attended school was March 2020, and he was a 5-year-old completing kindergarten.

Long lines, crowded lounges at IGI Airport as new guidelines come into effect

December 02, 2021 2:31 pm

Around five or six passengers showed Covid-like symptoms during the rapid PCR and RT-PCR test and were sent to Lok Nayak hospital.

Some Argentines turn to unusual pandemic pets for comfort

October 04, 2021 2:43 pm

Millions of people have found solace during the pandemic in cuddling a dog or cat. For a few, comfort comes in other forms — those of a horse or a pig, perhaps a possum-like sugar glider or even a tarantula

World Tourism Day: 7 offbeat places to add to your travel wish list once the pandemic ends

September 27, 2021 12:14 pm

Virtual travel is on the rise, as is planning imaginary itineraries for when the world goes back to travelling and exploring again. On the occasion of World Tourism Day today, we bring you some offbeat destinations from around the world that you can travel to, once the pandemic ends.

Delhi Zoo welcomes visitors after three months; take a look at these photos

August 04, 2021 9:55 am

After a long wait -- of three months -- Delhi Zoo and all its animal and bird species welcomed back visitors. As was expected, people made a beeline for the place which, in pre-pandemic times, would have tourists swarming it all year long

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