News

Covid cases sweep Asia

4 May 2021

Around the world, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has risen to more than 153 million and across Asia, nations are battling with the virus and looking to roll out vaccines. At the Asia Media Centre, we're helping you keep track of what's happening with a roundup of media coverage from across the region.

Vaccination rollout around the world and in Asia: 

Source: ourworldindata.org

India

Hindustan Times: Government says Covid-19 cases plateauing in some states; experts disagree
Times of India: Third Covid wave may strike Karnataka in October, hit young: Panel
The Hindu: COVID-19 vaccine, oxygen imports exempted from GST, with caveats

Thailand

Bangkok Post: Record 31 Covid deaths with 2,041 new infections
The Nation: Moderna will sell vaccine to government only

Indonesia

Antara: Health minister confirms three coronavirus strains in Indonesia
The Jakarta Post: Swab scandal, quarantine breaches call Indonesia's tourism reopening into question

The Indonesian health minister has confirmed there are at least three strains of Covid in the country.

Singapore

Channel News Asia: Hospitals to defer non-urgent surgeries, admissions to conserve resources as COVID-19 cases rise
Today: Covid-19: Long queues, waits of up to 5 hours as public testing starts for possible exposures to community cluster

China

Sixth Tone: Shanghai offers locals cash, groceries to get Covid-19 vaccine
Caixin: China's post-Covid travel frenzy may break Labor Day records

South Korea

Yonhap News Agency: Covid-19 herd immunity looks increasingly unlikely: experts
The Korea Herald: South Korea eyes production hub for Covid-19 vaccines 

President Moon Jae-in President Moon Jae-in has stressed South Korea’s possible role as a production hub for Covid-19 vaccines. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Moon_Jae-in_(2017-10-01).jpg)

Japan

The Japan Times: Record number of seriously ill Covid patients as variants rage across Japan
The Asahi Shimbun: Editorial: It's time to make a tough call on whether to stage Tokyo Olympics

Philippines

Philippine Star: Senator Manny Pacquiao asks Biden: Expedite delivery of Moderna to Philippines
Rappler: Covid-19 pandemic: Latest situation in the Philippines – May 2021

Vietnam

SGGP Online: Provinces tighten border controls
Viet Nam News: More domestic cases in Hà Nam and Hà Nội

Malaysia

New Straits Times: National Security Council banned passenger flights to and from India
The Star: ICU capacity nears breaking point

- Asia Media Centre