Rising Covid cases accelerate vaccinations across Asia

Around the world, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has risen to more than 147 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: Biden speaks to Modi, says 'India was there for us, we'll be there for them'
Times of India: Active cases may peak at 38-48 lakh in mid-May
The Hindu: Ministry of Home Affairs asks States to impose 14-day lockdowns

Thailand

Bangkok Post: Phuket reopening still in the works
The Nation: Over 80 percent of Thai businesses struggling due to pandemic
The Thaiger: Entertainment venues linked to majority of Covid cases in Bangkok

Indonesia

Antara: Indonesia receives 3.8 million AstraZenaca shots under COVAX scheme
The Jakarta Post: Indonesia bans foreign arrivals from India
The Jakarta Globe: President slams noisy debate on homegrown vaccine

Indonesian media have reported President Jokowi is unhappy with the number of politicians voicing support for a homegrown Covid-19 vaccine.

Singapore

Channel News Asia: Singapore, Hong Kong to relaunch travel bubble on May 26
Today: Air travel bubble proposal submitted to Taiwan
Straits Times: Singapore to bar long-term pass holders, visitors travelling from India

China

Sixth Tone: With Covid-19 alarms off, China eyes huge labour day travel rush
Caixin: China expected to approve BioNTech vaccine in June
Xinhua: Southeast Asian countries benefit from China's post-pandemic rebound: media

South Korea

Yonhap News Agency: South Korea to accelerate Covid-19 vaccinations amid spiking cases
The Korea Herald: South Korea looks to Russia's Sputnik V amid vaccine shortage
The Chosun Ilbo: Little hope of more vaccines from the US

South Korea may consider purchasing Russia's Sputnik V vaccine in the wake of Covid-19 vaccine shortages. Image: Wikimedia (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%92%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A1%D0%BF%D1%83%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA_V.jpg)