Coronavirus spread

China created COVID-19 as a 'bioweapon,' Wuhan researcher claims

Chao Shao asserts that the virus was deliberately engineered by China as a "bioweapon," and that his colleagues were tasked with identifying the most effective strain for spreading.

 Security personnel keep watch outside the Wuhan Institute of Virology during the visit by the World Health Organization (WHO) team tasked with investigating the origins of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Wuhan, Hubei province, China February 3, 2021.
 SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus behind COVID-19 (Illustrative).

Scientists advance in search for new COVID strain's patient zero

 SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus behind COVID-19 (Illustrative).

New COVID variant XBB.1.16 under WHO observation as cases spike

 A South Korean soldier wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) guides a group of Chinese tourists for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) tests upon their arrival at the Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, January 4, 2023.

China pledges 'final victory' over COVID as outbreak raises global alarm


Brazil asks women to delay pregnancy over new coronavirus variant fears

"The clinical experience of specialists shows that this new variant acts more aggressively in pregnant women," Parente said.

Pregnant woman receives a vaccine in the US

Higher risk of brain clots from COVID-19 than from vaccines - UK study

British and European regulators have stressed that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.

A healthcare worker shows a vial and a box of the AstraZeneca coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, as vaccinations resume after a brief pause in their use over concern for possible connection to blood clots, in Turin, Italy, March 19, 2021.

Indian hospitals overwhelmed by COVID surge as beds, oxygen fall short

Unrelated patients share beds, while bodies of the recently deceased lie outside the ward before being taken to the mortuary.

Patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) get treatment at the casualty ward in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) hospital, amidst the spread of the disease in New Delhi, India April 15, 2021.

Are the Olympics canceled? Japan official's comments sow doubts

Cancellation is "of course" an option, he said, adding: "If the Olympics were to spread infection, then what are the Olympics for?"

The Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower are illuminated with Olympic colours to mark 100 days countdown to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics that have been postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan April 14, 2021

COVID: Leaving seat open during flight reduces transmission by up to 57%

A laboratory model showed that leaving the middle seat in each airplane aisle vacant reduced COVID transmission by 23% to 57%.

A member of a flight crew wears a face mask as a preventive measure during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as he arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City

Tel Aviv center closes after vaccinating nearly 20,000 foreign nationals

The vaccination center was initially established in partnership with Ichilov Medical Center.

A worker at the south Tel Aviv vaccination center administers the coronavirus vaccine to a foreign national.

Fauci: Israeli COVID-19 study misleading on vaccine effectiveness

Fauci explained that the while the S. African variant can break through the vaccines, they are still effective at preventing serious illness and death.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci attends the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 13, 2020

Returning to normalcy as the COVID-19 crisis winds down in Israel

Businesses in Israel prepare and struggle as the country slowly opens up.

A man enters the main branch of Bank Hapoalim, Israel's biggest bank, in Tel Aviv, Israel July 18, 2016.

Giving credit to those who helped olim during the coronavirus crisis

The change of heart did not happen by itself but through the tireless efforts of a number of individuals.

Passengers in Ben-Gurion Airport amid ongoing coronavirus restrictions, Feb. 2021

Increased sunlight exposure linked to reduced coronavirus death risk

More exposure to sunlight seemingly lower the mortality risk of COVID-19, as there is a proven correlation between prolonged sunlight exposure in certain areas and a lower number of COVID deaths.

A protective face mask is seen as curbs to fight the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reimposed after a rise in new cases, at Zikim beach in southern Israel July 21, 2020. Picture taken July 21, 2020.