Delays in vaccine production hits parts of Asia

Around the world, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has risen to more than 128 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.

Vaccination rollout around the world and in Asia:

Source: ourworldindata.org

India

Hindustan Times: India likely to delay Covax vaccine supplies for March, April, says Unicef
Times of India: Over 60 million vaccine doses administered in India
The Hindu: Will the 'double mutant' Covid strain found in India lead to a further rise in infections?

Thailand

Bangkok Post: Two million foreign tourists expected to travel to Phuket this year
The Nation: Phuket aims to vaccinate 100,000 people in April in preparation for July 1 reopening
The Thaiger: 11 countries must still do full 14-day quarantine when travelling to Thailand

Indonesia

Antara: Ministry to obtain Covid-19 vaccine supply for April following embargo
The Jakarta Post: Indonesia slows down vaccine rollout amid delayed supplies
The Jakarta Globe: Same old health protocols key to fighting new Covid-19 virus strain: Health Minister

Vaccine production delays from India's SII is causing complications for other countries, particularly for those in the COVAX programme. Image: AstraZeneca (https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/covid-19-media.html#!)

Singapore

Channel News Asia: Singapore studying proposal from Hong Kong to reopen borders safely
Today: Nanyang Technological University scientists develop rapid test 10 times more accurate than antigen rapid test
Straits Times: 'Minimal wastage' of Covid-19 vaccine doses in Singapore: Ministry of Health

China

Sixth Tone: In Beijing, Covid-19 shots come with free grocery vouchers
Caixin: China needs 80 percent vaccination rate for herd immunity, expert says
Xinhua: More than 100 million Covid-19 vaccine doses administered across China

South Korea

Yonhap News Agency: South Korea still facing upward curve as Covid-19 cases top 100,000
The Korea Herald: Korea struggles to respond to pandemic labour shortage
The Chosun Ilbo: Government starts to hand out more Covid relief money

Japan

The Japan Times: Covid-19 news updates (updated continuously)
The Asahi Shimbun: Osaka to seek stricter measures to contain virus after cases surge
The Mainichi: Vaccine delays lay bare Japan's failure to support domestic drug makers

Covid cases in Osaka have surged and officials in the prefecture are looking to put stricter measures in place. Image: Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial_view_of_Osaka_Castle_and_surrounding_areas.jpg)