Archive for March 19th, 2020
China reports zero new domestic virus cases for first time
China on Thursday marked a major milestone in its battle against the coronavirus pandemic as it recorded zero domestic infections for the first time since the outbreak [...] » More

Japan’s Aso calls Tokyo Olympics “cursed” amid cancellation concern
Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on Wednesday referred to the 2020 Olympics as “cursed” due to mounting speculation that the Games may need to be postponed [...] » More
‘That’s a fact’: Olympics are ‘cursed’, says Japan’s deputy prime minister
Japan’s deputy prime minister has said the Tokyo Olympics are “cursed”, as speculation mounts that the Games will have to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. [...] » More
‘No need to decide today’, Australia continues to plan for Tokyo
Australia will put extra measures in place because of the coronavirus pandemic but is continuing preparations to send a delegation to Tokyo for the Olympics in July, [...] » More
COVID-19 outbreak could last 2 years in Thailand but there is still time to limit impact: Expert
Half of Thailand’s population – about 33 million people – could be infected by COVID-19 over the next two years in the worst case scenario described by deputy [...] » More
Thailand should shut down for 21 days, says infectious disease expert
The doctor in charge of Chulalongkorn University’s Information Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases believes all public activity in Thailand should be shut down for 21 [...] » More
Thai-Malaysia border sealed
The Thai-language daily Khao Sod reported today the Royal Thai Army has ordered a shutdown of 13 temporary Thai-Malay border checkpoints to prevent the spread of the Covid 19 [...] » More
Thailand confirms 35 new coronavirus cases, total surpasses 200
Thirty-five new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus have been confirmed in Thailand today, a new daily record, taking the total to 212 since the virus struck in January. [...] » More
COVID-19: All travellers entering S’pore to serve 14-day stay-home notice; S’poreans advised to defer all travel abroad
From Friday (20 March), all travellers entering Singapore must serve the 14-day stay-home notice as part of enhanced measures announced amid a spike of imported COVID-19 [...] » More
Philippines’ death rate from coronavirus one of world’s highest
The Philippines is reporting one of the highest death rates for the coronavirus pandemic that has swept across the globe. Manila’s health ministry confirmed 15 [...] » More
Indonesians seek to get tested for COVID-19 as tally rises; govt says unnecessary to test everyone
Mr Fachri Muchtar developed a cough and had difficulty breathing after staying in a packed lodging in Jakarta’s Old Town for an event in early March. He visited a referral [...] » More
Indonesia praises China effort in fighting Covid-19
China has earned precious time for the world in the battle against COVID-19 and embodied a high sense of responsibility for global public health, a renowned Indonesian expert [...] » More
Indonesia reports 14 more COVID-19 deaths, bringing death toll to 19
Indonesia reported 14 more COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday (Mar 18), taking the death toll to 19, a health ministry official said. This marks the country’s biggest [...] » More

Thousands of Muslim pilgrims brave coronavirus to gather in Indonesia
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims from across Asia gathered in Indonesia on Wednesday, despite fears that their meeting could fuel the spread of a coronavirus, just two weeks [...] » More
Health secretary placed on self-quarantine
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III is on self-quarantine for possible novel coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission, Health Undersecretary Rosette Vergeire confirmed on [...] » More