Coronavirus

19 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 21,987 with 289 of those fatalities since the start of this year. In the 24-hour period since the last count, the CCSA recorded 8,129 new Covid-19 cases and 6,978 recoveries. There are now 82,734 people in Thailand being treated for Covid-19. Out of the new cases recorded today, 54 were found in correctional facilities. More than 80,000 inmates at Thailand’s overcrowded prisons and detention centres have tested positive for Covid-19 over the past several months. Since the start of the pandemic last year, the CCSA has recorded 2,353,062 confirmed Covid-19 cases. Out of that number, 129,627 Infections have been reported since January 1. Vaccination update In the Thai government’s mass vaccination drive, which was launched on February 28, a total of 110,799,936 doses have been administered, according to the CCSA. Yesterday, 43,455 people received their first dose of … [Read more...] about Thursday Covid Update: 8,129 new cases; provincial totals

Thailand’s State of Emergency was extended for another two months. The decree, which was first invoked by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha in March 2020, gives the government sweeping powers, through the establishment of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, to set restrictions and measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus in Thailand. The decree was last set to expire on January 31. It has been extended numerous times due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation. The government has discussed ending the State of Emergency, but an end to a decree would mean an end to the CCSA. The Covid-19 task force has been responsible for setting disease control measures, including entry schemes like the Test & Go quarantine exemption scheme. As an alternative to the decree, the government has discussed amending the Communicable Disease Act for a more long term approach to manage the Covid-19 situation in Thailand and transition the CCSA into another government body once the decree is … [Read more...] about Thailand extends State of Emergency for another two months

Restrictions are easing in 25 provinces following a revision to the colour-coded zoning based on local infection rates. Starting January 24, those provinces will move from “orange” controlled zones to “yellow” zones under surveillance. In the “yellow” and “blue” zones, alcohol sales will be allowed until 11pm. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation decided to relax some measures today at its general meeting chaired by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha. A spokesperson says the decisions were taken under careful consideration, and while the infection rate has risen, the number of severe infections and Covid-related fatalities remain fairly low. The “blue” zones, which are approved for pilot tourism programmes, have remained the same. Blue zones include Bangkok, Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phang Nga, and Phuket. Several areas and districts, including the area in Samut Prakan by the Suvarnabhumi Airport, are also designated as “blue” zones. Alcohol sales at restaurants … [Read more...] about Restrictions ease, 25 provinces reclassified as “yellow” zones

- A + A SYDNEY (Jan 20): Australian employment raced ahead in December as the jobless rate fell to its lowest point since 2008, showing strength that should help the economy weather the current surge in coronavirus cases across the country. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday showed employment jumped 64,800 in December, topping market forecasts of a 43,300 rise and adding to November's record jump of 366,000. The unemployment rate fell to 4.2%, from 4.6% in November, the lowest reading since August 2008, when the jobless rate bottomed out at 4%. The ABS noted that to find a result under 4% you needed to go back to the 1970s. Investors reacted by nudging the local dollar up to US$0.7228 on wagers of an early rate increase from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), which has been seeking to drive unemployment to 4% or lower to lift wage growth after years of sub-par gains. The blistering growth in jobs hit a speed bump this month, however, as a … [Read more...] about Australia jobless number dives to lowest since 2008 as case builds for rate rise

- A + A BERLIN (Jan 20): The German police are investigating 12,000 suspected bogus vaccination certificates in the country, Anadolu Agency quoted local media on Wednesday (Jan 19). An investigation has been launched after fraud related to the 3G (vaccination, testing, and recovery) requirement increased in many areas with 12,000 vaccination certificates forged in various states, according to the German News Agency. It was stated that fraud is widespread on the messaging application Telegram and these certificates can be obtained for 200-300 euros (RM951-RM1,427). It is not possible for the law enforcement agencies to determine the actual number of fake vaccine documents in circulation at the moment, the agency said. The contract of Markus Anfang, the coach of Werder Bremen, a German second football league team, was terminated and an investigation was launched after it was revealed that he had used a fake vaccination certificate. The German government has … [Read more...] about German cops investigating 12,000 fake vaccine certificates

Suganuma (left) and Cheng showing the media the capabilities of nanoe technology - A + A KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 20): The exclusive nano-sized atomised water particles generating technology — nanoe technology — by Panasonic has proven its inhibitory effects against four novel coronavirus variants (SARS-CoV-1), namely Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. It also improves indoor air quality. In a media briefing on Thursday (Jan 20), Managing Director of Panasonic Corp’s QAFL Business Promotion Office, Ichiro Suganuma said that although the virus inhibitory test on the latest Omicron variant has not been carried out yet, based on the previous record, the nanoe technology should be able to inhibit that variant too. “Panasonic has been conducting research on this [nanoe] technology since 1997 and has realised its effectiveness in a variety of areas, including inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) and allergens, breaking down PM 2.5 components that … [Read more...] about Panasonic’s nanoe technology inhibits Covid-19 variants; improves indoor air quality

Hong Kong (CNN Business) China plans to cut its reliance on fossil fuels to below 20% by 2060, according to a cabinet document published in state media Sunday. While the document detailed new measures on how the world's biggest polluter will decarbonize, the country is not updating its pledge to reduce emissions. The guidelines come less than a week before world leaders descend on Glasgow, Scotland, for crucial COP26 international climate talks. There, they will be expected to hash out a plan to accelerate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over this decade. Chinese President Xi Jinping hasn't left China since the pandemic began and is unlikely to attend COP26 in person. The government has yet to announce details of its delegation to the summit. The official document sheds more light on how Xi intends to make good on previous pledges to reach peak emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Carbon neutrality, or net zero … [Read more...] about China unveils plan to slash fossil fuels but fails to announce new emissions target

Syringe/Vaccine (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) MANILA, Philippines — A mobile COVID-19 vaccination drive for commuters and transport workers will be held at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) from January 24-28 through a joint initiative of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Dubbed as the “We Vax as One: Mobile Vaccination Drive,” the DOTr said the five-day activity aims to give the AstraZeneca vaccine brand as first, second, or booster doses to qualified recipients. Those receiving their booster shots will be given priority, it added. DOTr Secretary Art Tugade said in a statement Thursday they plan to give 500 doses of anti-coronavirus vaccine per day at the mobile vaccination site. “Mahalaga po para sa atin na masigurong bakunado ang ating mga bayaning transport workers, lalo na at iba’t-ibang lugar ang kanilang pinupuntahan, gayundin ang ibang stakeholders at mga commuters na kanilang nakakasalamuha … [Read more...] about Mobile COVID-19 vaccination for commuters, transport workers set at PITX

The maximum number of attendees for reunion dinners was not stated. PHOTO: PIXABAY via The Straits Times/Asia News Network KUALA LUMPUR — Health experts in Malaysia are not expecting a surge in Covid-19 cases with Chinese New Year (CNY) just around the corner and Hari Raya Aidilfitri in May because most adults are fully vaccinated. House visits and family reunion dinners will be allowed during CNY this year, the National Unity Ministry said on Wednesday (Jan 13). “No open houses can be held. Chinese New Year receptions can be held, but by invitation only,” National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique told a news conference. Open houses often involve a constant stream of visitors, including the public, while house visits are closed-door and for invited guests only. Under movement curbs last year, reunion dinners were limited to 15 people within a 10km radius. This year, house visits will be allowed throughout CNY celebrations between January 31 and February 15, and there are … [Read more...] about COVID-19 rules eased in Malaysia to allow for CNY reunion dinners, house visits

Apr 5, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; San Francisco Giants players celebrate on the field after defeating the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports Mike Yastrzemski, who was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to a sore left hand, belted a pinch-hit home run to break a seventh-inning tie and lead the visiting San Francisco Giants to a 3-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Monday. However, the loss of a second straight game wasn’t the Padres’ biggest concern. Fernando Tatis Jr. sustained a partial dislocation of his left shoulder on a swinging third strike in the third inning and immediately left the game in considerable pain. The 22-year-old shortstop, who signed a 14-year, $340 million contract with the Padres in mid-February, collapsed in pain at home plate after swinging through the pitch from Anthony DeSclafani. Padres manager Jayce Tingler and a trainer rushed to the plate. Tatis walked off the field holding his left … [Read more...] about MLB roundup: Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. hurt in Giants’ win