Five Years after the COVID 19 Pandemic in Colombia

Five Years after the COVID 19 Pandemic in Colombia

Two men are seen chating at a public bench in downtown Bogota, Colombia during the first day of a preventive quarantine imposed by Bogota's mayor Claudia Lopez on march 20, 2020. This collection of images showcases the daily life in the streets of Bogota, Colombia during the first months of the COVID-19 Pandemic in what many called new normality, COVID-19 lockdowns started in Colombia on march 20, 2020 as mayor Claudia Lopez enforced a preventive quarantine that was later followed by a nation wide lockdown to prevent the spread of cases. Photo by: Sebastian Barros/Long Visual Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

CHINA-BEIJING-DIGITIZED CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE-FORUM (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-DIGITIZED CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE-FORUM (CN)

(240716) -- BEIJING, July 16, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Guest attend the seventh International Symposium on Cultural Heritage Conservation by Digitization in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2024. The seventh International Symposium on Cultural Heritage Conservation by Digitization (CHCD) kicked off Tuesday in Beijing. Under the theme "RE-shape: Digital Heritage Driven by Technological Innovation," and featuring two parallel sessions, the four-day symposium will focus on the new technologies and models of digital heritage, with multiple panels and events scheduled. Over 300 representatives from 20 countries and regions are attending the symposium, where more than 100 professional reports and cases covering various fields will be presented and discussed. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Fang Sixian)

CHINA-BEIJING-DIGITIZED CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE-FORUM (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-DIGITIZED CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE-FORUM (CN)

(240716) -- BEIJING, July 16, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Guest to the seventh International Symposium on Cultural Heritage Conservation by Digitization look at posters in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2024. The seventh International Symposium on Cultural Heritage Conservation by Digitization (CHCD) kicked off Tuesday in Beijing. Under the theme "RE-shape: Digital Heritage Driven by Technological Innovation," and featuring two parallel sessions, the four-day symposium will focus on the new technologies and models of digital heritage, with multiple panels and events scheduled. Over 300 representatives from 20 countries and regions are attending the symposium, where more than 100 professional reports and cases covering various fields will be presented and discussed. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Fang Sixian)

CHINA-BEIJING-DIGITIZED CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE-FORUM (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-DIGITIZED CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE-FORUM (CN)

(240716) -- BEIJING, July 16, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Guest attend the seventh International Symposium on Cultural Heritage Conservation by Digitization in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2024. The seventh International Symposium on Cultural Heritage Conservation by Digitization (CHCD) kicked off Tuesday in Beijing. Under the theme "RE-shape: Digital Heritage Driven by Technological Innovation," and featuring two parallel sessions, the four-day symposium will focus on the new technologies and models of digital heritage, with multiple panels and events scheduled. Over 300 representatives from 20 countries and regions are attending the symposium, where more than 100 professional reports and cases covering various fields will be presented and discussed. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Fang Sixian)

CHINA-BEIJING-DIGITIZED CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE-FORUM (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-DIGITIZED CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE-FORUM (CN)

(240716) -- BEIJING, July 16, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A guest to the seventh International Symposium on Cultural Heritage Conservation by Digitization speaks during an interview in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2024. The seventh International Symposium on Cultural Heritage Conservation by Digitization (CHCD) kicked off Tuesday in Beijing. Under the theme "RE-shape: Digital Heritage Driven by Technological Innovation," and featuring two parallel sessions, the four-day symposium will focus on the new technologies and models of digital heritage, with multiple panels and events scheduled. Over 300 representatives from 20 countries and regions are attending the symposium, where more than 100 professional reports and cases covering various fields will be presented and discussed. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Fang Sixian)

Zambia announces more measures to tackle cholera

STORY: Zambia announces more measures to tackle cholera SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 12, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 15, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:20 LOCATION: Lusaka CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of the cholera treatment center at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka STORYLINE: Zambia on Sunday announced more stringent measures aimed at containing the cholera outbreak. Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said the government has introduced a clause in a statutory instrument announced earlier to enhance cholera prevention and control measures. She told reporters during a cholera update press briefing that the introduced clause also prohibits the entry of bedsitters into the cholera treatment centers and the safe burial of cholera suspects. Other earlier measures include restriction of trading of food in unsanitary conditions, and prohibition of funeral gatherings for people dying of cholera, while churches were only allowed to meet for a maximum two hours. "The number of new cases is still very high. Even as we have cont

Peru strengthens vaccine administration following new COVID-19 variant

STORY: Peru strengthens vaccine administration following new COVID-19 variant DATELINE: Sept. 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:36 LOCATION: Lima CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Ministry of Health conference announcing the new variant in Peru 2. various of the vaccination 3. various of Peruvians in downtown Lima 4. various of vaccine 5. various of the vaccination STORYLINE: Peruvian Health Minister Cesar Vasquez announced on Friday that in the coming days they will reinforce the administration of the bivalent vaccine against the coronavirus variant EG.5 after confirming the first two cases in the country. He emphasized that the bivalent vaccine "provides the best protection against these new variants" and mentioned that the country has a "sufficient quantity of these vaccines" to protect the entire population, especially vulnerable groups and those who have not yet been vaccinated against the new coronavirus. According to the Ministry of Health, these EG.5 variant cases involve a 57-year-old male and a

Egypt confirms first cases of new coronavirus variant EG.5

STORY: Egypt confirms first cases of new coronavirus variant EG.5 DATELINE: Aug. 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of Egypt's Health Ministry headquarters in Cairo 2. various of hospitals in Egypt STORYLINE: Egypt reported Tuesday the country's first two cases of new coronavirus variant EG.5. Both cases show slight symptoms, the Ministry of Health said in a statement, recommending a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine as a precaution. Test results from a monitoring system enrolled by 450 hospitals across Egypt for respiratory diseases confirmed the two cases, said the ministry. EG.5 is a sublineage of the omicron variant, and its first case was reported in February. On Aug. 9, the World Health Organization classified EG.5 as a "variant of interest." Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo. (XHTV)

India's capital records 348 dengue cases this year

STORY: India's capital records 348 dengue cases this year DATELINE: Aug. 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:29 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of India gate 2. various of mosquitoes 3. various of hospital area STORYLINE: As many as 105 new dengue cases have been recorded in India's capital Delhi over the past week, taking the total number of infections to 348 so far this year, the local government said on Monday. The incidence of dengue cases almost doubled over the past week as compared to the preceding two to three weeks, according to the latest report on the mosquito-borne disease issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The weekly count continues to double over the last three weeks with Delhi reporting 56 cases and 24 cases, respectively, in the preceding two weekly cycles, according to the report. With the addition of 105 new cases, the overall count of dengue cases reported so far this year stands at 348 cases. The current level of dengue case count of the capital is

India reports 2 deaths due to H3N2

STORY: India reports 2 deaths due to H3N2 DATELINE: March 11, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:31 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of India gate 2. various of people moving into crowded market place 3. various of hospital area 4. various of traffic STORYLINE: Two persons have died in India due to the seasonal influenza H3N2 - one in Karnataka state and the other in Haryana state, Indian health authorities confirmed on Friday. Both the deceased were said to be suffering from old age and comorbidities. "A total of 3,038 laboratory-confirmed cases of various subtypes of Influenza, including H3N2, have been reported till March 9 by the states. This includes 1,245 cases in January, 1307 in February and 486 cases in March (till 9th March)," said an official statement issued by the federal Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It added, "So far, Karnataka and Haryana have confirmed one death each from H3N2 influenza." The federal health ministry is keeping a close watch on the seasonal influe

Ghana confirms 14 Lassa fever cases, including one death

STORY: Ghana confirms 14 Lassa fever cases, including one death DATELINE: March 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:40 LOCATION: Accra CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of street scenes in Ghana 2. various of medical workers STORYLINE: Ghana confirmed 12 new cases of Lassa fever after Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 14, said a release issued by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Wednesday. The GHS said the 12 new cases were close contacts of the two cases confirmed earlier and identified through contact tracing. Ghana first reported two confirmed cases of Lassa fever Sunday, indicating that one of the infected persons had died of the disease, leaving the number of confirmed active cases at 13. "All 13 cases are alive and in stable condition and are being managed in designated health facilities. A total of 97 contacts have been identified, and efforts are underway to identify more contacts," the release added. Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus, transmitted to humans through conta

Travel restrictions against Chinese tourists "ridiculous": media

STORY: Travel restrictions against Chinese tourists "ridiculous": media reports DATELINE: Jan. 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:05 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: POLITICS/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of airplanes and Chinese tourists 2. various of screenshots of headlines STORYLINE: Travel restrictions imposed by a few countries on Chinese tourists are "ridiculous," said some media reports on the latest discriminatory entry requirements targeting China. On Saturday, an article published by the Atlantic agreed that these measures have "no scientific basis" and pointed out that "travel restrictions can't stop COVID from crossing borders." The story goes on to say that the vast majority of China's locally acquired cases are being caused by two Omicron lineages that are "old news elsewhere." And now, the article says, the most dangerous new variant is "from New York -- XBB.1.5 -- which the U.S. is now busy exporting to the rest of the world." TodayOnline, a Singaporean news website, quoted infectious disease experts as s

Uganda declares end of Ebola outbreak

STORY: Uganda declares end of Ebola outbreak DATELINE: Jan. 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:40 LOCATION: Kampala CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of Kampala 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS, WHO Director-General 3. various of healthcare workers caring for patients 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MATSHIDISO MOETI, WHO Regional Director for Africa 5. WHO staff talking to a healthcare worker 6. various of the healthcare worker unboxing supplies 7. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): MATSHIDISO MOETI, WHO Regional Director for Africa 8. various of participants in a workshop STORYLINE: Uganda on Wednesday said the Ebola Sudan Virus outbreak in the country has ended after no new case was reported over a period of 42 days. The World Health Organization (WHO) requires that for a country to be declared Ebola-free, it should spend 42 days (two 21-day incubation cycles of the virus) without any new cases reported. Minister of Health Ruth Aceng made the announcement in the Central Region district of Mubende, which was

Special COVID restrictions for travelers from China unjustified: Polish minister

STORY: Special COVID restrictions for travelers from China unjustified: Polish minister DATELINE: Jan. 6, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:51 LOCATION: Warsaw CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. Health Minister Adam Niedzielski walking in 2. SOUNDBITE (Polish): ADAM NIEDZIELSKI, Polish Minister of Health 3. Minister Adam Niedzielski walking away 4. various pictures of the hospital ward in Legnica STORYLINE: Poland's Health Minister Adam Niedzielski said on Thursday that Poland will not impose special COVID-19 restrictions on people coming from China. He said that introducing such measures "does not seem justified." SOUNDBITE (Polish): ADAM NIEDZIELSKI, Poland's Health Minister "First of all, when we look at the number of COVID-19 cases, we have been dealing with decreases for the last two weeks. Second, and this is actually decisive, neither the WHO (World Health Organization) nor any institution responsible for health at an international level has identified that we are dealing with some new mutation of the virus in China.

Shanghai to halt live bird sales

Shanghai to halt live bird sales

SHANGHAI, China - Officials of the Shanghai municipal government hold a press conference in Shanghai on April 5, 2013. The municipal government said sales of live birds will be banned in the municipality beginning April 6 as the death toll from the H7N9 type of avian influenza has risen to six while 16 people are infected in eastern China, including two new cases in Jiangsu Province.

Japan's tally of new-flu infections reaches 292

Japan's tally of new-flu infections reaches 292

TOKYO, Japan - Students on a school excursion wear masks as they go sightseeing at Sensoji Temple, a tourist attraction in downtown Tokyo, on May 21, a day after two 16-year-old girls in Tokyo and its vicinity became the first new-flu cases outside of western Japan.

Japan's tally of new-flu infections reaches 292

Japan's tally of new-flu infections reaches 292

TOKYO, Japan - Students on a school excursion wear masks as they go sightseeing at Sensoji Temple, a tourist attraction in downtown Tokyo, on May 21, a day after two 16-year-old girls in Tokyo and its vicinity became the first new-flu cases outside of western Japan.

New flu hits Tokyo, infections total 281 in Japan

New flu hits Tokyo, infections total 281 in Japan

KAWASAKI, Japan - A woman takes a photo of a figure of a pig wearing a face mask in Kobe's Chinatown area on May 21, a day after the first two cases of the new strain of influenza were confirmed in Tokyo and nearby areas.

China donates new batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Zimbabwe

STORY: China donates new batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Zimbabwe DATELINE: Nov. 26, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:45 LOCATION: Harare CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of the donation ceremony 2. SOUNDBITE (English): AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, First Lady of Zimbabwe STORYLINE: China on Friday donated a new batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Zimbabwe to aid its fight against the pandemic. SOUNDBITE (English): AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, First Lady of Zimbabwe "We humbly appreciate this noble gesture by our comprehensive strategic partner. The donation symbolizes the close cordial relations between the two countries and vividly reflects the strong bonds of solidarity that exist between our two nations. This donation today is ample proof that the government of the People's Republic of China remains committed to assisting the country to achieve herd immunity thereby reducing the severity of COVID-19 cases and its associated adverse impacts." Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Harare. (XHTV)

Italy sees new surge in COVID-19 cases

STORY: Italy sees new surge in COVID-19 cases DATELINE: Nov. 26, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:05 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views in Italy STORYLINE: Italy has reported yet another outbreak of COVID-19, with the transmission rate rising above 1.0 again, the country's National Institute of Health (ISS) said on Friday. The institute said in its weekly report that the nationwide reproduction rate of the virus jumped to 1.04 in the two weeks from Nov. 2 to 15, a dramatic increase from 0.88 registered in the previous week. Any rate above 1.0 means the reach of the virus is expanding, with each recovered patient replaced by more than one new infection. In addition, the overall number of cases totaled 388 per 100,000 residents for the week of Nov. 18-24, up from 353 per 100,000 residents a week earlier. Earlier this week, the Gimbe Foundation, a health sector monitoring entity, reported that overall COVID-19 hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units were on the rise. It

2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference held in NE China

STORY: 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference held in NE China DATELINE: Nov. 8, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:18 LOCATION: SHENYANG, China CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): JIANG BOYU, Engineer, State Grid Liaoning Electric Power Supply Co., Ltd. STORYLINE: The 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference (GIIC) kicked off Monday in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The two-day event is held under the theme of empowering a high-quality economy and fostering new growth drivers. Top scholars and industry leaders from home and abroad are invited to discuss a diverse range of topics regarding industrial internet. Themed sub-forums and dialogues, and exhibitions and competitions will also take place during the conference. With an exhibition area of about 20,000 square meters, this year's conference attracted over 100 enterprises, featuring cutting-edge technologies, application scenarios and typical cases of ind

Health experts concerned over "triple threat" of flu, COVID, RSV in U.S.

STORY: Health experts concerned over "triple threat" of flu, COVID, RSV in U.S. DATELINE: Oct. 29, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:02 LOCATION: NEW YORK, U.S. CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of street view in U.S. 2. STANDUP (English): XIA LIN, Xinhua correspondent 3. various of people getting vaccinated 4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): STEPHEN NDEGWA, International relations lecturer, United States International University (USIU-Africa) 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): BULENT ERTUGRUL, Expert from Reyap Hospital in Türkiye STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): XIA LIN, Xinhua correspondent "Respiratory viruses are spreading at high levels in the United States as temperatures begin to drop, causing the surge of pediatric cases across the country. Health experts are concerned over the "triple threat" of the flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV. Official surveillance data shows a rise in RSV cases nationwide, which more than tripled over the past two months. If left untreated, severe cases of COVID-19, RSV or the flu ca

Bolivia accumulates 55 monkeypox cases

STORY: Bolivia accumulates 55 monkeypox cases DATELINE: Aug. 27, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:58 LOCATION: La Paz CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. street and aerial views of La Paz, the capital of Bolivia STORYLINE: Bolivia accumulated 55 monkeypox cases in less than a month after the first infection was recorded, with an average of two cases per day, the Ministry of Health and Sports announced Friday. Three new cases were registered in the department of Santa Cruz, bringing the overall figure in that region to 47, with one recovery. The department with the second most cases was Cochabamba with five, followed by La Paz with three, and Potosi with one. Evelin Fortun, Executive General Director of the National Institute of Health Laboratories, told Xinhua that the first female case of monkeypox was confirmed on Wednesday in an 11-year-old patient. She said Cochabamba's department of health service reported that the patient showed symptoms of the disease and was in stable condition, while contact tracing was

Monkeypox scare grips India after 8 cases, 1 death

STORY: Monkeypox scare grips India after 8 cases, 1 death DATELINE: Aug. 3, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:32 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views 2. various of people walking on the streets 3. various of street views STORYLINE: After eight monkeypox cases, including one death, over the past two-and-a-half weeks, the viral disease scare seems to have gripped India as the federal government is planning to develop a vaccine. The southern state of Kerala has been the most affected after five cases have been reported there, while the rest three were detected in Delhi. Currently, 20 high-risk contacts are said to be under observation in Kerala, including three health workers, a doctor, and two nursing staff from a private hospital. The country's first case, reported in Kerala on July 14, fully recovered last weekend, and was subsequently discharged from the hospital. India's latest two positive cases, one each in Kerala and Delhi, were reported on Tuesday. The Kerala patient arrive

African swine fever cases detected in southern Indian state

STORY: African swine fever cases detected in southern Indian state DATELINE: July 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:21 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. shot of India Gate 2. various of village area 3. various of pigs STORYLINE: African swine fever (ASF) cases have been reported from two farms in the southern Indian state of Kerala, officials said Friday. The cases were detected at Mananthavady in Wayanad district, about 468 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. "The disease was detected among pigs of two farms in the district and later confirmed after the samples were tested at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal," an official at the district magistrate office in Wayanad said. "The samples were collected after pigs died last week." According to officials, measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease, and an order to cull pigs has been issued. "After confirming the infection orders have been issued to cull 300 pigs from all the n

As fresh COVID-19 cases pour in, Indian capital face challenges with below-expectation vaccination coverage

STORY: As fresh COVID-19 cases pour in, Indian capital face challenges with below-expectation vaccination coverage DATELINE: July 12, 2022 LENGTH: 0:02:01 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: SOCIETY/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of the India Gate 2. various of the government building 3. various of the hospital 4. various of the COVID-19 vaccination center 5. various of traffic STORYLINE: Despite the Indian government's ongoing campaign to accelerate the pace and coverage of COVID-19 vaccination across states, data shows only one district in the Indian capital has completed over 90 percent of the two-dose vaccination coverage. According to the data available with the government's CoWIN portal, Indian government's COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network, of the 11 districts in the capital, only the New Delhi district has consistently been the best performer when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination, with 94.2 percent second dose coverage. Three districts - Southwest, East and West have been able to achieve 89.8 pe

Italy fears summer COVID-19 wave as cases rise

STORY: Italy fears summer COVID-19 wave as cases rise DATELINE: June 23, 2022 LENGTH: 0:03:10 LOCATION: Rome CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of tourists in seaside resorts 2. various of tourists in historical sites in Rome STORYLINE: COVID-19 cases are again surging in Italy, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday, fueling fears of a fresh wave of the pandemic during the summer tourist season. The government reported on Wednesday nearly 54,000 new infections over the previous 24 hours. A day earlier, there were 62,704 new infections. Accordingly, the past two days produced the highest back-to-back figures in the country since late April. Italy's seven-day case count is set to increase for the third consecutive week after eight weeks of decline. The daily infection figures are still far below the peaks of more than 200,000 cases registered in January. The country recorded 50 new deaths from COVID-19 on Wednesday, down from 62 on Tuesday. Despite the recent increase in infections, healt

Daily COVID-19 cases surpass 10,000-mark once again in India

STORY: Daily COVID-19 cases surpass 10,000-mark once again in India DATELINE: June 16, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:39 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views of New Delhi STORYLINE: The number of new COVID-19 cases per day in India continues to increase at a fast pace with 12,213 new cases recorded during the past 24 hours, showed data released by the federal health ministry on Thursday. This was the first time in the past couple of months that the number of new cases per day crossed the 10,000-mark. According to official figures released by the federal health ministry, the rate of increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases over the past two days has been around 35 percent. The number of new cases registered per day has almost doubled over the past two days. So far, India's COVID-19 tally has stood at 43,257,730. The daily positivity rate is 2.35 percent, while the weekly positivity rate has been 2.38 percent, revealed the federal health ministry. Besides, 11 peo

Beijing to expand nucleic acid testing to more areas

STORY: Beijing to expand nucleic acid testing to more areas DATELINE: April 26, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:38 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): XU HEJIAN, Spokesperson of the municipal government of Beijing 2. STANDUP 2 (English): PANG YUANYUAN, Xinhua correspondent 3. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): XU LINA, Party chief of Wumart Group STORYLINE: Beijing will conduct three rounds of nucleic acid testing in 11 areas from Tuesday to Saturday in efforts to curb the risk of COVID-19. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): XU HEJIAN, Spokesperson of the municipal government of Beijing "From April 26 to 30, Beijing will conduct three rounds of nucleic acid testing in 11 areas, including the districts of Dongcheng, Xicheng, Haidian, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Fangshan, Tongzhou, Shunyi, Changping, Daxing and Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area." Beijing has already started a district-wide nucleic acid testing in Chaoyang District on Monday after new local cases had been reported. Two more rounds of

Dynamic zero-COVID approach helps save lives of elderly patients: ICU doctor

STORY: Dynamic zero-COVID approach helps save lives of elderly patients: ICU doctor DATELINE: April 25, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:13 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: various of treatment for patientsSOUNDBITE (Chinese): GAO YUAN, Director of ICU department, Renji Hospital STORYLINE: "If we don't stick to the dynamic zero-COVID approach, I think it would be disastrous. Shanghai, with a population of over 20 million, is rapidly aging. If we give up on the current epidemic control measures, it'll be a disaster to the elderly population, " says Gao Yuan, director of ICU department from Renji Hospital, east China's Shanghai. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): GAO YUAN, Director of ICU department, Renji Hospital "The number of severe and critical cases caused by the Omicron variant is relatively smaller than that in the past two years. One big distinction of this wave of new infections is that there are more people infected. The number of infections is bigger this time. Therefore there are more critical cases wi

Omicron subvariants drive spike in COVID-19 cases in New York

STORY: Omicron subvariants drive spike in COVID-19 cases in New York DATELINE: April 21, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:04 LOCATION: NEW YORK, U.S. CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of press conference 2. SOUNDBITE (English): KATHY HOCHUL, New York Governor 3. various of the street view in New York City 4. various of the New York governor delivering a speech STORYLINE: New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday warned of a potential "rising tide" of COVID-19 cases, as two subvariants of Omicron are driving the current spike in infections in the state of New York. She cautioned the public about the uncertainty of subvariants during a press briefing in Syracuse. SOUNDBITE (English): KATHY HOCHUL, New York Governor "We did identify two subvariants of Omicron, which is driving the current spike in cases. But we have no evidence that this variant, these variants are more likely to have severe impacts than other subvariants. So we're not panicking about this. We're not changing, but we also want to make sure that we'

New Zealand gov't urges people to wear masks during Easter holidays

STORY: New Zealand gov't urges people to wear masks during Easter holidays DATELINE: April 16, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:18 LOCATION: Wellington CATEGORY: SOCIETY/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views 2. various of people playing in the amusement park 3. various of night views of the city STORYLINE: New Zealand's Ministry of Health has warned the public to wear masks and stay vigilant during the Easter holidays. The country reported 13,636 new community cases and 30 deaths of COVID-19 in the past two days, said the ministry in a statement on Saturday. New Zealand moved from the highest Red settings under the COVID-19 Protection Framework to Orange settings from midnight Wednesday. According to the latest regulations, there are no indoor capacity limits and the seated and separated rules for hospitality venues lifts under Orange settings, so bars, cafes and restaurants are able to fill up again. However, wearing a face mask is still important and recommended. New Zealand has reported 818,882 confirm

NEW ZEALAND-COVID-19-CASES

NEW ZEALAND-COVID-19-CASES

(220416) -- AUCKLAND, April 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People wearing masks walk in downtown Auckland, New Zealand, on April 15, 2022. New Zealand reported 13,636 new community cases and 30 deaths of COVID-19 in the past two days, said the Ministry of Health in a statement on Saturday. (Photo by Zhao Gang/Xinhua)

NEW ZEALAND-COVID-19-CASES

NEW ZEALAND-COVID-19-CASES

(220416) -- AUCKLAND, April 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A woman wearing a mask passes by a theatre in downtown Auckland, New Zealand, on April 16, 2022. New Zealand reported 13,636 new community cases and 30 deaths of COVID-19 in the past two days, said the Ministry of Health in a statement on Saturday. (Photo by Zhao Gang/Xinhua)

NEW ZEALAND-COVID-19-CASES

NEW ZEALAND-COVID-19-CASES

(220416) -- AUCKLAND, April 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People wearing masks play at Easter Family Fun Festival in Auckland, New Zealand, on April 15, 2022. New Zealand reported 13,636 new community cases and 30 deaths of COVID-19 in the past two days, said the Ministry of Health in a statement on Saturday. (Photo by Zhao Gang/Xinhua)

NEW ZEALAND-COVID-19-CASES

NEW ZEALAND-COVID-19-CASES

(220416) -- AUCKLAND, April 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People wearing masks play at Easter Family Fun Festival in Auckland, New Zealand, on April 15, 2022. New Zealand reported 13,636 new community cases and 30 deaths of COVID-19 in the past two days, said the Ministry of Health in a statement on Saturday. (Photo by Zhao Gang/Xinhua)

British expat in Shanghai helps with anti-pandemic fight in community

STORY: British expat in Shanghai helps with anti-pandemic fight in community DATELINE: March 22, 2022 LENGTH: 00:03:05 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): ADAM JAMES MCLLMOYLE, British expat living in Shanghai(SOURCE: THE Adventure China @Youtube) 2. SOUNDBITE (English): ADAM JAMES MCLLMOYLE, British expat living in Shanghai (SOURCE: THE Adventure China @Youtube) STORYLINE: SOUNDBITE (Chinese): ADAM JAMES MCLLMOYLE, British expat living in Shanghai "Come and take the nucleic acid test. Come on everybody. Come and take the testing." SOUNDBITE (English): ADAM JAMES MCLLMOYLE, British expat living in Shanghai "Last week Shanghai had a rise in cases, schools went online and whole areas have been locked down. Where I live in Anting New Town has closed two roads in and out. Everyone was tested last week twice and this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, they are being tested again. And one of the local groups, they asked if anyone would like to volunteer and help, s

India celebrates Holi with full vigor as COVID-19 pandemic on decline

STORY: India celebrates Holi with full vigor as COVID-19 pandemic on decline DATELINE: March 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:16 LOCATION: New Delhi CATEGORY: CULTURE/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): DEEPAK PRAKASH, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of Holi celebrations STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): DEEPAK PRAKASH, Xinhua correspondent "Indians are celebrating Holi, the festival of colors, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the festival is celebrated on March 18, though the festivities tend to run longer in some places." The festival of colors Holi was once again here on Friday and the whole of India is immersed in the mad festive mood, as people had avoided celebrating the festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the past two years. Over the past four days, around 2,500 new cases are registered per day as daily deaths due to the pandemic have come down to below the 100-mark. Only two days ago, the country extended the vaccination drive to children in the age group of 12-14 years. India has been on

Israel detects new COVID-19 strain: ministry

STORY: Israel detects new COVID-19 strain: ministry DATELINE: March 17, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:22 LOCATION: Jerusalem CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of passengers at Ben Gurion airport 2. various of prevention and control measures 3. various of Jerusalem STORYLINE: The Israeli Ministry of Health on Wednesday announced the detection of a new COVID-19 strain. This is a combined strain of the original Omicron lineage BA.1 and its subvariant BA.2, which was detected from two arriving passengers at the Ben Gurion International Airport in recent days, said the ministry. Both passengers suffered from mild symptoms of fever, headaches and muscle aches, and did not require special medical attention, it added. The ministry said that it would continue monitoring the results of sequencing tests. Meanwhile, the ministry reported 6,310 new COVID-19 cases in the past day, bringing the total tally of infections to 3,734,462. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jerusalem. (XHTV)

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-TEST

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-TEST

(220316) -- RIO DE JANEIRO, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A medical worker works for a COVID-19 test at a health center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 16, 2022. Brazil has confirmed two cases of infection with the new Deltacron variant of the coronavirus, which combines genetic characteristics of the Delta and Omicron variants, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-TEST

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-TEST

(220316) -- RIO DE JANEIRO, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A medical worker works for a COVID-19 test at a health center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 16, 2022. Brazil has confirmed two cases of infection with the new Deltacron variant of the coronavirus, which combines genetic characteristics of the Delta and Omicron variants, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-VACCINATION

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-VACCINATION

(220316) -- RIO DE JANEIRO, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A man prepares to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 16, 2022. Brazil has confirmed two cases of infection with the new Deltacron variant of the coronavirus, which combines genetic characteristics of the Delta and Omicron variants, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-TEST

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-TEST

(220316) -- RIO DE JANEIRO, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A medical worker collects a swab from a woman for a COVID-19 test at a health center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 16, 2022. Brazil has confirmed two cases of infection with the new Deltacron variant of the coronavirus, which combines genetic characteristics of the Delta and Omicron variants, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-VACCINATION

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-VACCINATION

(220316) -- RIO DE JANEIRO, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A man receives the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 16, 2022. Brazil has confirmed two cases of infection with the new Deltacron variant of the coronavirus, which combines genetic characteristics of the Delta and Omicron variants, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-TEST

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-TEST

(220316) -- RIO DE JANEIRO, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A medical worker works for a COVID-19 test at a health center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 16, 2022. Brazil has confirmed two cases of infection with the new Deltacron variant of the coronavirus, which combines genetic characteristics of the Delta and Omicron variants, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-TEST

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-TEST

(220316) -- RIO DE JANEIRO, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A medical worker collects a swab from a woman for a COVID-19 test at a health center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 16, 2022. Brazil has confirmed two cases of infection with the new Deltacron variant of the coronavirus, which combines genetic characteristics of the Delta and Omicron variants, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-VACCINATION

BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-COVID-19-VACCINATION

(220316) -- RIO DE JANEIRO, March 16, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People get vaccinated at a COVID-19 vaccination site in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 16, 2022. Brazil has confirmed two cases of infection with the new Deltacron variant of the coronavirus, which combines genetic characteristics of the Delta and Omicron variants, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong)

CHINA-HONG KONG-COVID-19-CASES (CN)

CHINA-HONG KONG-COVID-19-CASES (CN)

(220228) -- HONG KONG, Feb. 28, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People wearing face masks walk in Tsuen Wan, south China's Hong Kong, Feb. 28, 2022. Hong Kong recorded 34,466 new COVID-19 cases and 87 deaths on Monday. In the past week, 117,033 confirmed cases were recorded, bringing the total number of cases since the latest wave began on Dec. 30 last year to 158,683, which is 12 times the total number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong in the previous two years. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

CHINA-HONG KONG-COVID-19-CASES (CN)

CHINA-HONG KONG-COVID-19-CASES (CN)

(220228) -- HONG KONG, Feb. 28, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People wearing face masks are seen in Tsuen Wan, south China's Hong Kong, Feb. 28, 2022. Hong Kong recorded 34,466 new COVID-19 cases and 87 deaths on Monday. In the past week, 117,033 confirmed cases were recorded, bringing the total number of cases since the latest wave began on Dec. 30 last year to 158,683, which is 12 times the total number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong in the previous two years. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

CHINA-HONG KONG-COVID-19-CASES (CN)

CHINA-HONG KONG-COVID-19-CASES (CN)

(220228) -- HONG KONG, Feb. 28, 2022 (Xinhua) -- People wearing face masks walk in Tsuen Wan, south China's Hong Kong, Feb. 28, 2022. Hong Kong recorded 34,466 new COVID-19 cases and 87 deaths on Monday. In the past week, 117,033 confirmed cases were recorded, bringing the total number of cases since the latest wave began on Dec. 30 last year to 158,683, which is 12 times the total number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong in the previous two years. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)