Asia

Uzbekistan extends duration of coronavirus curbs, but eases some

Jim Stein May 30, 2020

TASHKENT (Asia) – Uzbekistan has extended measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus until June 15, but relaxed some restrictions, allowing the resumption of domestic tourism and soccer games, the authorities said on Saturday. The former Soviet republic had locked down all its

Asia

Four new coronavirus cases reported in China for May 29

Nia N May 30, 2020

(China) – Four new confirmed coronavirus cases were reported in China as of the end of May 29. This number is up from none from a day ago. All of the new coronavirus cases reported in China were imported. In addition to this, four new asymptomatic cases have also been confirmed, as compared to five […]

Asia

1 new coronavirus case, no new deaths reported in Thailand

Nia N May 30, 2020

BANGKOK (Asia) – On Saturday, one new coronavirus case and no new deaths was reported in Thailand. This takes the total number of coronavirus infections to 3,077. The local transmission of the new virus seems to wane. The new coronavirus case arrived via a land border with Malaysia into Thailand earlier this week and has […]

Asia

North Korea supports China’s measures on Hong Kong

Nia N May 30, 2020

SEOUL (Asia) – On Saturday, North Korea showed its support for the decision to impose new national security laws by China in Hong Kong labelling it a “legitimate step” to safeguard its security. “Since Hong Kong issue is an issue pertaining thoroughly to the internal affairs of China, any country or force has no rights […]

Asia

Indian doctors switch to online consultations to treat patients

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

GURUGRAM, India (Technology) – As India’s health system grapples with the coronavirus, doctors are increasingly going online to consult with patients suffering less critical or chronic diseases, while the south Asian economy prepares to emerge from a nationwide lockdown. To head off a rush at clinics and an accompanying risk of infection, many doctors are […]

Asia

UK, U.S., Australia, Canada reprimand China on Hong Kong law

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

LONDON (Asia) – The United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Canada criticised China on Thursday for imposing a new security law on Hong Kong that they said would breach the 1984 Sino-British agreement on the former colony and threaten its freedoms. “Hong Kong has flourished as a bastion of freedom,” the four countries said […]

Asia

China opposes U.S. THAAD defence system in South Korea

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

BEIJING (Asia) – China’s foreign ministry said on Friday it firmly opposes the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system in South Korea and urged the U.S. not to harm bilateral relations between Beijing and Seoul. American and South Korean troops brought replacement THAAD missiles to a base in South Korea overnight, […]

Asia

Air force pilots in Japan fly over Tokyo in tribute to medical workers

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

TOKYO (Asia) – The Japanese air force’s aerobatic demonstration squadron, Blue Impulse, flew over central Tokyo on Friday in a salute to medical workers on the frontline against the coronavirus pandemic. As a team of six T-4 training jets streaked across a clear blue sky shortly after noon, doctors and nurses on hospital rooftops waved […]

Asia

Nepali Sherpas switch to growing potatoes as Himalayas are closed due to coronavirus

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

KATHMANDU (Asia) – Had it not been for the coronavirus, Nepali climbing guide Tashi Lakpa Sherpa would have been on Mount Everest now, guiding clients and trying to add another feather in his cap – a ninth ascent. But the 34-year-old is sitting in a Kathmandu apartment, worried about his future as a guide if […]

Asia

Consumer mood in Japan higher in May; still ‘extremely severe’

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

TOKYO (Business) – Consumer confidence index in Japan tipped slightly higher in May, still remaining at a record low owing to the heavy economic toll that the coronavirus pandemic placed. The survey’s sentiment index for general households includes views on incomes and jobs and had risen to 24.0 in May from April’s 21.6, a record […]