Covid 19 Virus

Seven SARS-CoV-2 variants found in US carrying the same mutation, scientists claim

Prevalence of these seven lineages will be hard to determine since roughly 1 percent of test samples are sent for sequencing.

South African SARS-CoV-2 variant more contagious, no evidence of it being deadlier, experts confirm

It is not yet known if current vaccines would be effective against the new variant, though several studies are ongoing to find out.

Ligue 1 prohibits handshakes between players and officials as precaution measure against coronavirus

The French league said in a statement on Wednesday that pre-match protocol has been modified to help prevent the “spread of the coronavirus."

Serie A: Italy likely to order that all league games be played behind closed doors to curb coronavirus threat

Italy is likely to order all top-flight Serie A football games to be played behind closed doors in efforts to curb Europe’s worst coronavirus outbreak, the sports minister said on Wednesday

Tokyo Olympics 2020 Organising Committee steps up health measures for torch relay amid coronavirus concerns

Tokyo 2020 Olympics Organising Committee said on Wednesday it had stepped up its measures to protect the health of runners and spectators for the torch relay as the coronavirus spreads nationwide.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: IOC not discussing cancellation or postponement of Games over coronavirus, says Thomas Bach

“Neither the word cancellation nor the word postponement was even mentioned,” IOC president Thomas Bach said while trying to allay fears and speculation on whether the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak will affect the Tokyo Olympics.

ISSF New Delhi World Cup: No ranking points in competition, says ISSF after many countries pull out due to coronavirus threat

The ISSF said there will no ranking points in the tournament scheduled to be held from 15 to 26 March as the organisers are not in a position to guarantee participation of all athletes owing to the extraordinary situation.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: 'Host City Contract' gives IOC a lot of leeway to cancel Games as coronavirus casts shadow

Japan's Olympic Minister Seiko Hashimoto suggested in Parliament this week that the Tokyo Games could be postponed by a few months from the planned 24 July opening and still meet a contract agreement with the International Olympic Committee. It's not that clear cut and seems unlikely.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Flame-lighting ceremony in Greece to proceed despite coronavirus threat

Next week's flame-lighting ceremony for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will go ahead in Greece despite concerns about the virus outbreak, organisers said on Tuesday.

Brazil reports first case of coronavirus in Latin America; 61-year-old tested positive after travelling to Italy

Due to the spread of the new virus worldwide, Brazil on Monday broadened its criteria for analysis of suspected cases. The Health Ministry determined that people with fever and flu symptoms returning from Italy and six other countries should be considered suspected cases.