Covid-19 Asia Update: Vaccine delays, rivalries, and small new outbreaks
2 March 2021
Around the world, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has risen to more than 114 million. Nations across Asia are battling the virus in their own ways with varying degrees of success. At the Asia Media Centre, we've gathered media coverage from across the region as countries grapple with the pandemic.
Confirmed cases of Covid-19 around the world and in Asia:
Source: ourworldindata.org
India
Read India media reports:
The Print: 2nd phase of Covid vaccination begins with long queues, registration delays
Times of India: Coronavirus live updates
Deccan Herald: 97-year-old first to get Covid-19 vaccine in Bengaluru in general category
Source: ourworldindata.org
Thailand
Read Thailand media reports:
Bangkok Post: Thailand adds 80 Covid cases
The Thaiger: Samut Sakhon shrimp market, recent Covid-19 wave’s epicentre, is back open and bustling
The Nation: Thailand poised to adopt vaccine passports to kick-start tourism
Read Indonesia media reports:
Antara: Free COVID Corridor Program for reopening Bali for tourists: Minister
The Jakarta Globe: Teachers’ Vaccination Gives New Hope for Education
The Jakarta Globe: Bali Now Has Southeast Asia's First Covid Vaccination Drive-Thru
Singapore
Read Singapore media reports:
Today: Singapore played 'key role' in efforts to ensure equal access to Covid-19 vaccines to all countries
Channel News Asia: Commentary: COVID-19 vaccines - geopolitical rivalry and more could complicate roll-out
Technology transfer – say, from AstraZeneca to Thailand’s Siam Biosciences – involves legal and technical hurdles | Photo: Reuters
China
Read Chinese media reports:
Sixth Tone: China Approves Two New COVID-19 Vaccines
Caixin: Macau Casino Operators Rally as China Lifts Quarantine
South Korea
Read South Korean media reports:
Yonhap News Agency: New virus cases in 300s for 2nd day, cluster infections still worrisome
The Korea Herald: Market looks ahead to ‘post-coronavirus’ proxy season in March
Japan
Read Japan media reports:
The Japan Times: Covid-19 news updates (updated continuously)
The Asahi Shimbun: Japanese tweets more negative under 2nd state of emergency
Kyodo News: Japan asks China to stop rectal COVID-19 tests on Japanese citizens
Philippines
Read Philippines media reports:
Philippine Star: Manila to start COVID-19 vaccination today (March 2)
Rappler: San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora positive for COVID-19
Vietnam
Read Vietnam media reports:
SGGP Online: Covid-19 vaccine rollout slower than scheduled
Viet Nam News: Hải Dương starts to ease lockdown measures in places, enters ‘new normal’
Read Malaysia media reports:
Malaysiakini: Covid-19 in Malaysia
New Straits Times: Covid-19: 1,828 new cases
New Straits Times: Selangor supermarket, convenience store among new workplace clusters