Coronavirus cases falling - but people suffering long Covid at almost 2 MILLION

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government Information Department confirms that 9 COVID-19 deaths have occurred on 11th of August.The deceased include 04 between ages 30-59, and 05 over the age of 60.Meanwhile, 162 COVID-19 cases have been reported, totaling the full number of COVID-19 patients discovered in Sri Lanka to 667,735.

PTI report said. Interestingly, the results show that certain animals are more able to make these types of "pan-SARS virus" antibodies than humans, giving scientists clues as to how to make better vaccines and the findings, published on Thursday in the journal Science Translational Medicine, reveal the antibody structures that produce this more comprehensive immune response.

COLOMBO (News 1st); World Elephant Day is observed today and the elephant habitat in Sri Lanka has reduced by 15% over the last 50 years.Every year August 12th is designated as World Elephant Day in view of the conservation of the world’s wild elephants.Elephants are termed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.The World Elephant Day is extremely important for Sri Lanka, since there is an urgent need for a sustainable solution to the Human-Elephant conflict, which has intensified in recent years. According to the most recent elephant census, the population of elephants in Sri Lanka is around 6000, of which only 5 percent is estimated to be Tuskers. As per the data available, around 300 elephants die every year due to the Human-Elephant conflict, while over 100 human lives are also lost. Pruthuviraj Fernando, an expert on Elephants in Sri Lanka says that elephants too are facing a severe food crisis due to authorities not taking the necessary steps to tackle the human elephant conflict. On the world elephant day, we emphasize on the need to protect the wild elephant population in Sri Lanka. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Yuan Wang 5, a ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship in China's research vessel fleet that was moving away from Sri Lanka on Thursday (11) is back on its original course towards the southern port of Hambantota.However, the ship is facing the Bay of Bengal from the Eastern Ocean region of Sri Lanka.The Yuan Wang 5 was located some 620 nautical miles away from the Hambantota Port in the Sea of Sri Lanka.On Wednesday (10) the Yuan Wang 5 changes its course slightly, and also dropped its speed.An observation of the course of the Yuan Wang 5 revealed that it was passing over the Ninety East Ridge, a mid-ocean ridge on the Indian Ocean floor named for its near-parallel strike along the 90th meridian at the center of the Eastern Hemisphere.On Friday (12) evening, the Yuan Wang 5 was traveling at a speed of 6 knots.In 2021, a Chinese government survey ship, the Xiang Yang Hong 03, was operating in the same region in the Indian Ocean and carrying out a search pattern west of Sumatra.The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry already requested China to defer the arrival of the Yuan Wang 5, a ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship in China's research vessel fleet.However, there is no announcement on whether or not this vessel will be allowed to enter the Hambantota Port.The Harbour Master for the Hambantota Port says that the Yuan Wang 5, a ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship in China's research vessel fleet, will not reach port on Thursday (11).He said that no vessel can enter the Hambantota Port without his permission.The Spokesperson to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Arindam Bagchi categorially rejected insinuations about statements claiming that India is adding pressure on Sri

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles met with the Ambassador of USA to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung recently.According to the Ministry of Public Security, the bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries were discussed in the meeting that took place on Thursday (11).The Ambassador has said that the USA's expectation is to see Sri Lanka becoming a developed country.The ambassador had also emphasized the importance of protecting human rights.The release issued by the Ministry of Public Security also states that the United States will assist Sri Lanka in obtaining assistance from the International Monetary Fund.Views were also exhcnaged with regard to the protests which took place in Sri Lanka, and the ambassador has responded positively to no catastrophic incidents taking place in the country on 9th of August.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan Supreme Court has granted to proceed with the three Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions that were filed seeking a ruling that the imposition of the State of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance violates the Fundamental Rights of the people.The FRs were filed by three parties including Attorney-at-Law Namini Pandith and Rusiru Egodage.The Supreme Court said that NO interim order preventing the implementation of the Emergency Regulations will be issued at this time.The Attorney General was ordered by the Supreme Court to report back in two weeks with regard to the amendments that need to be made on the concent of the Emergency Regulations.The petitions will be taken up from the 28th of October. 

PTI reported. This development comes following the Delhi government recently reiterating that wearing masks in public places is mandatory and a fine of ₹500 is to be imposed on violators, the traders are concerned that if cases continue to rise, restrictions will be imposed on markets, which are still reeling under the compound effect of inflation and multiple covid waves. Additionally, the national capital on Thursday reported 2,726 fresh Covid-19 cases, the highest in nearly seven months, according to health department data and markets are the first ones to be impacted because of restrictions.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Scottish tourist Kayleigh Fraser filed a writ application with the Court of Appeal on Friday (12) seeking an order to invalidate the decision taken by the Department of Immigration and Emigration to deport her from Sri Lanka.The Controller General of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and the Attorhey General have been named as respondents in the application.The petitioner states that she was involved in the protests at Galle Face in Colombo, and thereafter the Department of Immigrationa and Emigration had taken an arbitrary decision to terminate her VISA.She is seeking for the Court of Appeal to rule that the decision by the Department of Immigration and Emigration is unjust.The Department of Immigration and Emigration said it decided to terminate the VISA issue to British National Kayleigh Fraser, who posted Aragalaya protest content on Social Media.In a letter, the Department of Immigration and Emigration had informed her to leave Sri Lanka before the 15th of August.Earlier, The Department of Immigration and Emigration said that the passport of British National Kayleigh Fraser was seized because she had violated her visa conditions.Kayleigh Fraser was informed to visit to the Immigration and Emigration Department within 07 days for an investigation.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Scottish tourist Kayleigh Fraser filed a writ application with the Court of Appeal on Friday (12) seeking an order to invalidate the decision taken by the Department of Immigration and Emigration to deport her from Sri Lanka.The Controller General of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and the Attorhey General have been named as respondents in the application.The petitioner states that she was involved in the protests at Galle Face in Colombo, and thereafter the Department of Immigrationa and Emigration had taken an arbitrary decision to terminate her VISA.She is seeking for the Court of Appeal to rule that the decision by the Department of Immigration and Emigration is unjust.The Department of Immigration and Emigration said it decided to terminate the VISA issue to British National Kayleigh Fraser, who posted Aragalaya protest content on Social Media.In a letter, the Department of Immigration and Emigration had informed her to leave Sri Lanka before the 15th of August.Earlier, The Department of Immigration and Emigration said that the passport of British National Kayleigh Fraser was seized because she had violated her visa conditions.Kayleigh Fraser was informed to visit to the Immigration and Emigration Department within 07 days for an investigation.

  CENTER CITY - A 30-year-old man has been arrested charged with in connection with two indecent assault incidents within the last two weeks in separate neighborhoods of Philadelphia.Officials with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office said Tyree Blake was arrested in Philadelphia after surveillance shots of him wearing a hooded sweatshirt with NASA on the front of the sweatshirt were circulated.On August 7th, according to authorities, Blake reportedly reached out and grabbed a woman’s buttocks as she was exiting a SEPTA trolley station at 19th and Market Streets. He is charged with Indecent Assault and Harassment in this incidence.MORE HEADLINES:On July 30th, Blake allegedly touched an adult without consent inside a Wawa at 33rd and Market Streets.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Multiple agrarian unions have proposed to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Agriculture and Wildlife to delist the Grizzled Giant Squirrel as a National Animal of the country.The farmers point out that the Grizzled Giant Squirrel tops the list of animals that threaten cultivations, and it is impossible to take any form of action against the menace as the Grizzled Giant Squirrel was named a National Animal of Sri Lanka.They are requesting Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera to replace the Grizzled Giant Squirrel with another endemic species, possibly one that is under the threat.Minister Amaraweera told News 1st that the matter will be discussed with the relevant stakeholders including the Consultative Committee on National Heritages.The Minister said among the other animals proposed to replace the Grizzled Giant Squirrel as a National Animal, is the Sri Lankan Leopard.He said that the Grizzled Giant Squirrel causes considerable damage to Coconut and Cocoa cultivations in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Taimur arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning (12th August 2022). The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.The 134m-long ship is commanded by Captain M Yasir Tahir and it is manned by 169 as the ship’s complement.In the meantime, the Commanding Officer of PNS Taimur is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters today.

The Centre has directed seven states--Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana--reporting a surge of covid cases to continue to monitor the spread of infection and advised them to increase the pace of vaccination NEW DELHI: India reported 16,561 fresh coronavirus infections and 49 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the health ministry’s update on Friday. The country’s active caseload currently stands at 1,23,535, with total reported cases since March 2020--when the pandemic hit--4.42 crore.

New Delhi: The Centre has asked States to ensure there are no large gatherings for Independence Day celebrations in view of the Covid-19.  India continues to record an average of over 15,000 coronavirus cases daily.  In a communication, the ministry said, "As a precaution, against COVID-19, large congregations in the ceremony be avoided.

Covid-19: The data showed that active cases currently stands at 1,23,535, now constituting 0.28% of the total infections. India on Friday recorded 16,561 new coronavirus cases, according to the latest Union Health Ministry data. With these additions, the country's overall Covid-19 figures rose to 4,42,23,557 cases and 5,26,928 deaths.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Agriculture has taken steps to import 100,000 MT of Urea fertilizer for the Maha Season cultivations. The Chairman of the Commercial Fertilizer Company Methsiri Wijegunawardena said the consignment of urea fertilizer will reach Sri Lanka in the first week of October. 800,000 hectares of paddy land will be cultivated during the Maha season this year, which begins on the 15th of September. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) published the daily exchange rates on its official website.

@CDCDirector’s position to ignore COVID quarantines. https://t.co/ovpghm9Gaw Expressing his opinion on the recent US FDA advisory, Dr Ding took to Twitter and wrote, "BREAKING—the @US_FDA just advised people to perform repeat/serial testing following a negative result on any at-home #COVID19 antigen test, regardless **whether or not you have symptoms**. This now also totally destroys @CDCDirector’s bogus @CDCgov 5-day zero-test-exit rule."⚠️BREAKING—the @US_FDA just advised people to perform repeat/serial testing following a negative result on any at-home #COVID19 antigen test, regardless **whether or not you have symptoms**.

@CDCDirector’s position to ignore COVID quarantines. https://t.co/ovpghm9Gaw Expressing his opinion on the recent US FDA advisory, Dr Ding took to Twitter and wrote, "BREAKING—the @US_FDA just advised people to perform repeat/serial testing following a negative result on any at-home #COVID19 antigen test, regardless **whether or not you have symptoms**. This now also totally destroys @CDCDirector’s bogus @CDCgov 5-day zero-test-exit rule."⚠️BREAKING—the @US_FDA just advised people to perform repeat/serial testing following a negative result on any at-home #COVID19 antigen test, regardless **whether or not you have symptoms**.

Today we are reporting 4,126 community cases and 549 current hospitalisations.

There are three factors that could lead to inflation which include demand-pull inflation, cost-push inflation and built-in inflation.It appears that inflation has finally hit the wealthy. A New York Post report found that rich people are feeling the pinch as they seek a spot to dine out. Applebee’s and IHOP claim "richer" people are "trading down," to enjoy the chain’s well-known burgers and pancakes. "Guests that often dine at more expensive restaurants are finding Applebee’s and IHOP because of their well-known value position," parent company Dine Brands chief executive John Peyton told the Post.

ALSO READ: Corbevax approved as booster for those jabbed with Covishield, Covaxin: Report "This approval came after the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approved the vaccine for emergency use as a heterologous COVID-19 booster dose for individuals aged 18 years on June 4, 2022," an official statement from the BE said. Apart from this, the Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company said that the Corbevax had received emergency use authorization as a primary two-dose vaccination regimen in adults, adolescents and children aged 5 years and above, in a series of approvals from December'21 to April'22. "Pan-India roll-out of the booster shot vaccine in children aged between 12 to 14 years was initiated on March 16, 2022 and till now almost 7 crore doses have been administered and 2.9 crore children completed their two-dose vaccination regimen," it said.

ALSO READ: Canada: Random Covid testing will resume for international travellers The House panel said J&J told it that a batch of the shots failed inspection, which rendered all of them unusable. According to South Carolina Democrat and COVID-19 subcommittee chairman Jim Clyburn, the factory's problems have hurt vaccinations in areas of the world where vaccines are still in short supply.

ANI says that infection with SARS-COV-2 can cause brain alterations and neurocognitive dysfunction, particularly in long Covid-19, but the underlying mechanisms are elusive. Daniel Martins-de-Souza and colleagues conducted MRI of 81 study participants recovering from mild Covid-19 infection and 81 healthy individuals to compare their brain structure. It was found that the former group exhibited reduced cortical thickness, which was correlated with cognitive impairments and symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Covid-19 outbreak, as she vowed to “eradicate" South Korean authorities if they continued to tolerate propaganda leaflets the regime blames for spreading the virus. Repeating dubious claims that the pamphlets caused the recent Covid outbreak in the north, Kim Yo Jong blamed “South Korean puppets" for sending “dirty objects" across the border in leaflets carried by balloons, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Thursday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today updated its COVID-19 guidance, which deemphasizes distancing measures and focuses on protecting the most vulnerable groups.

Two new US studies describe pediatric COVID-19, one finding that 7.0% of hospitalized children developed neurologic complications such as seizures, and the other showing that even mild infections can lead to long COVID.

A medical worker collects a swab sample from a resident for a COVID-19 test in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Aug. 5, 2022.

LAS VEGAS - New details were released Thursday on the DUI arrest of former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch from earlier this week in Las Vegas. On Aug. 9 before 7:30 a.m, an officer was conducting a vehicle stop on a car for a man asleep behind the wheel.According to a police report, the car had significant damage, with no rim or tire on the driver’s side front wheel, with dents and dings on the rear driver’s side wheel that about to fall off and the front passenger rim and tire that was almost off. The officer noticed the car was not running but the car had a push button to start and the keys were with the driver. The driver, who was later identified as Lynch, was asleep behind the wheel with the driver’s door open and leaning back in the seat, documents said. Investigators noted Lynch would speak and fell in and out of sleep several times throughout the encounter. According to the police report, the officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol emitting from the car and Lynch, his eyes were bloodshot and watery, and he had one shoe on.  Lynch told the officer that he was "not drinking and he does not do drugs, but that he stole the vehicle," documents said. The report said the responding officer asked Lynch if he would exit the car, he refused and became uncooperative.

GO Transit warns of cancellations this week due to staff illnesses “For the next few weeks, some schedules will be temporarily adjusted to provide a reliable customer experience based on the crews we have available,” they said.Metrolinx is advising passengers to check schedules ahead of time to prepare for any trips on the service.The issues have been brought on by rail crew shortages caused by staff getting ill, most of whom are suffering from COVID-19.

infectious Omicron sub-variant (BA 2.75) has been detected in the majority of samples taken from Covid patients in Delhi as part of a study at the LNJP Hospital here, news agency PTI reported. Delhi on Wednesday reported eight fatalities due to coronavirus, the highest in nearly 180 days, and 2,146 new cases with a positivity rate of 17.83 per cent, according to data shared by the health department here. Local social network 'LocalCircles' carried out the survey in the national capital with 6,291 respondents for three categories -- mask compliance, type of masks used and social distancing.

With inputs from PTI 

Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar on Thursday pointed out that only 17% of people have taken booster doses in the state and further urged all to get the third shot. This comes at a time when the positivity rate seems to be increasing in the state.  Noting that immunity decreases or wanes after 6-7 months of taking the vaccine, he said, Sudhakar said, "Not taking the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine even when it has been made available free for everyone amounts to negligence and we as responsible citizens must avail it to enhance immunity."  The health minister today met the COVID-19 technical advisory committee (TAC), and following which, he said, “The average positivity rate of Karnataka is 7.2% at the moment.

A student eats a meal served for lunch at a school on Feb. 4, 2022, in New York City.

STEPHEN Mulhern revealed that he was "astounded" by the fan reaction after he filled in for Phillip Schofield on the last series of Dancing on Ice. The TV presenter - who stepped in for Phillip when he tested positive for Covid back in February - confirmed a possible return to hosting the ITV show in the future. Stephen, 45, said he was chuffed to reunite with best pal Holly Willoughby on-screen for the first time in 16 years.

REUTERS; Sri Lanka's former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has arrived in Thailand on Thursday for a temporary stay, according to The Straits Times.Rajapaksa is believed to have arrived in Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport around 8 p.m.

What is ‘Centaurus’ COVID BA.2.75 variant?  The Omicron BA.2.75 seemed to have evolved from BA.2 subvariant, which spread widely in early 2022. And several studies had previously pointed out that the new variant has some extra mutation.  “This could mean that it has had the chance to evolve an advantage over an already successful virus lineage, said Dr Stephen Griffin, a virologist at the University of Leeds, last month.  Is ‘Centaurus’ COVID BA.2.75 variant causing the recent surge in New Delhi?  Evidences indicate the recent surge in New Delhi might be triggered by the  BA.2.75 variant.  More than 19,760 COVID-19 cases in total have been recorded in Delhi from August 1-10, according to official data shared by the city health department.

cruise was cancelled by P&O because the company is using their disabled cabin as a Covid-19 isolation room. Wheelchair-user Claire Bromley, 58, and husband Keith, 62, were looking forward to a two-week trip across the Canaries at the end of the month, but had their dreams shattered less than a month before they were due to set sail.

A professor in microbiology from Paisley is proud of the role he played in setting up UK's first covid test infrastructure.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Harbour Master for the Hambantota Port says that the Yuan Wang 5, a ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship in China's research vessel fleet, will not reach port today.He said that no vessel can enter the Hambantota Port without his permission.The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry already requested China to defer the arrival of the Yuan Wang 5, a ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship in China's research vessel fleet.However, there is no announcement on whether or not this vessel will be allowed to enter the Hambantota Port.The Yuan Wang 5 left its Chinese Port of Origin on the 14th of July, and until now it has not entered a single port along its route.The vessel has been sailing for approximately 28 days with zero replenishment.On the 28th of June 2022, China announced that the Yuan Wang 5 would reach the Hambantota Port and the Foreign Ministry granted approval on the 12th of July.However, on the 8th of August 2022, Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry in a letter to the Chinese Embassy requested for the ship to be delayed, however, the Yuan Wang 5 had already entered the Indian Ocean by that time.However, the statement from the Foreign Ministry did not specify the reason for such a request.In recent days, Indian media reports suggested that Indian authorities had voiced their protest against the arrival of the Yuan Wang 5, citing security concerns.When News 1st made an inquiry from the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka on Wednesday (10) on this matter, the High Commission said NO COMMENT.On Wednesday (10) vessel trackers showed that the Yuan Wang 5 was moving away from its course to Sri Lanka, however, on Thursday (11) the vessel was back on its course to Sri Lanka.The Yuan Wang 5 was

COLOMBO (News 1st); A 13-year-old boy died after he was knocked down by a speeding car in Hirana, Panadura on Thursday (11) afternoon.Sri Lanka Police said that a 55-year-old woman who was behind the wheel had lost control of the speeding car and crashed onto the boy who was on his bicycle outside a store.The deceased was identified as a grade 9 student from Hirana.The driver was arrested by the Police and she will be produced in court on Friday (12).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Australia's cricketers were moved by the scenes they saw in Sri Lanka during their mid-year tourAustralia's men's cricketers have donated their prizemoney from the recent tour of Sri Lanka to support children and families impacted by the nation's worst economic crisis in decades.Led by captains Pat Cummins, who is a UNICEF Australia ambassador, and Aaron Finch, the team will donate A$45,000 to the organization's Sri Lanka appeal.Australia's cricketers witnessed the crisis first-hand during their all-format tour in June-July this year, with long lines at petrol stations commonplace and the cries of thousands of peaceful protesters echoing around the Galle International Cricket Ground on day two of the second Test, with similar demonstrations in the capital of Colombo forcing the resignation of the country's president and prime minister.The economic situation gripping the island nation has resulted in food prices skyrocketing by 80 percent with more than two-thirds of households have reduced food consumption.School is limited to three days per week as travel for teachers and students is hindered by fuel shortages, queuing for medicines and fuel has become part of everyday life, health services are increasingly difficult to access, and clean drinking water is in short supply.The funds donated by Australia's cricketers will go towards UNICEF's programs to support nutrition, healthcare, safe drinking water, education, and mental health services for 1.7 million vulnerable Sri Lankan children in need."It was very clear to us how much day-to-day life for Sri Lankans is being impacted," Cummins said."When the team saw what was happening it was an easy decision to donate our prize money to UNICEF, who have been

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Power and Energy says that a cargo ship carrying 35,000 MT of Petrol will arrive in Colombo tonight (11). He said the relevant cargo is scheduled to be unloaded tomorrow (12) and the Payments for the cargo were completed yesterday with the assistance of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian trawlers poaching in the island’s waters today (10th August 2022). The operation led to the seizure of an Indian trawler with 09 Indian fishermen while poaching in Sri Lanka’s waters off Mullaitivu, via the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).The Navy continues to carry out regular patrols in the island’s waters to prevent illegal fishing practices by foreign fishermen, intending to protect the fishery resources of the country and the livelihood of local fishermen.Accordingly, the Navy deployed a Fast Attack Craft of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF), attached to the Eastern Naval Command to chase away Indian trawlers poaching in Sri Lanka’s waters, via the IMBL on 10th August.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

Check these 10 points to know about the recent COVID rise in Delhi:  (With inputs from agencies)

monkeypox and one death so far. Monkeypox virus strain A.2 in 2 UAE-returned travellers Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology recently analysed two monkeypox cases of travellers who had returned from the UAE. The analysis showed that two cases were infected with monkeypox virus strain A.2, which is related to the lineage of hMPXV-1A clade 3.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has sent a letter on behalf of buyers to its counterpart association in Sri Lanka, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), to reiterate the US apparel and footwear industry’s strong support for the Sri Lankan garment industry during what it calls this time of crisis and transition.In the letter, AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar say the organization applauds JAAF and its members for its “relentless efforts” to keep workers employed, safe, and healthy amid an unprecedented economic crisis.“Your continued work has kept the industry moving forward, preserved jobs in Sri Lanka’s garment industry, and supported the Sri Lankan economy through these extremely difficult times.”Lamar adds the AAFA recognizes any significant changes in sourcing during this time could have a major impact on Sri Lanka’s garment industry, the hundreds of thousands of workers the industry employs, their families, and the Sri Lankan economy.