Hyderabad: The coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 8,16,96,394 and killed over 17,82,111people across the world. More than 5,78,34,932 people have recovered so far.
The US is the worst-hit nation with cases more than 1,97,81,718 and fatalities over 3,43,182.
The US House of Representatives has passed legislation to provide Americans with USD 2,000 stimulus cheques in an effort to offer financial relief during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The House passed on Monday the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act in a 275-134 vote, sending the measure to the Senate for consideration.
Last week, President Donald Trump threatened to veto the COVID-19 relief and spending package passed by Congress if it did not include changes such as boosting stimulus payments from USD 600 to USD 2,000 for each US citizen.
Sri Lanka has reopened to tourists after more than nine months.
The Indian Ocean island nation closed to tourists in March, amid the first wave of the coronavirus. Authorities also closed the two main international airports.
The government says a pilot program to attract tourists is now being implemented. The first tourists arrived on a special flight from Ukraine on Monday. The 186 tourists are expected to stay in Sri Lanka for 10 days.
Will COVID-19 vaccines work on the new coronavirus variant? Experts believe so, but they’re working to confirm that. A coronavirus variant in the United Kingdom has caused alarm because of the possibility that it might spread more easily. But even if that turns out to be true, experts say the COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out will likely still work on the variant.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said data coming from Britain indicates the vaccines still will block the virus. But the U.S. also will do tests to be sure.
Viruses often undergo small changes as they reproduce and move through a population. In fact, the slight modifications are how scientists track the spread of a virus from one place to another.
Read: WHO chief vows vaccine for all countries
