With 17 new cases, Covid-19 in China's northwest city continues to surge

China had largely contained local transmission of the virus before the Urumqi outbreak and has taken swift action to bring it under control

Numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases in China’s northwestern city of Urumqi continue to rise, with another 17 reported on Monday, bringing the total in China’s latest outbreak to at least 47. Another five cases were brought from outside the country, according to the National Health Commission.

No new deaths were reported, leaving the total at 4,634 among 83,682 cases, and 249 people remain in treatment. Another 158 people were being monitored in isolation for showing signs of having the virus or for testing positive without displaying symptoms. China had largely contained local transmission of the virus before the Urumqi outbreak and has taken swift action to bring it under control. The city has cut subway, bus and taxi service, closed some communities, imposed travel restrictions and ordered widespread testing.

Social controls are already tight across the Xinjiang region of which Urumqi is the capital as part of what Beijing calls a campaign to curb terrorism and religious extremism. Rights groups and foreign government have accused China on widespread human rights abuses against the region’s Uighurs and other Muslim minority groups.

Tibetan leader Dalai Lama condoles demise of US Congressman John Lewis

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has offered condolences on the passing away of US Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has offered condolences on the passing away of US Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis.

He expressed his sadness on his passing away while noting the great legacy of the deceased civil rights pioneer whose impact on the civil rights movement and US politics remains a huge inspiration for Americans and activists across the world. “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman John Lewis. He was not only a leader of the American civil rights movement; his principled commitment to non-violence and justice made him an inspiration and a moral beacon to the world at large.

“Like millions of people throughout the world, I am an admirer of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Whenever I talk about non-violence, I cite the examples of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Dr Martin Luther King. Congressman Lewis not only knew Dr King but also gave him crucial support. Although I did not have the privilege of meeting Dr King myself, in meeting Congressman Lewis, I feel I have made a direct connection with him,” the spiritual leader said in a statement…Read More