Wariness grows over new Covid strains

Around the world, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has risen to more than 103 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: Rise in daily sessions, beneficiaries - a look at how states are faring in Covid vaccine drive
Times of India: India-made Covishield part of Pakistan jab drive under vaccine alliance
Deccan Herald: Covid-19: Total active cases in India drop to 168,000

Source: ourworldindata.org

Thailand

Read Thailand media reports:

The Thaiger: "Yes we want tourists back... but with quarantine" - Survey
The Nation: Bangkok allows many businesses, venues to reopen but bars to remain closed
Bangkok Post: Thailand's banned opposition politician Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit ordered to erase vaccine supply criticism

Indonesia

Read Indonesia media reports:

The Jakarta Post: Jakarta seeks to open more cemeteries amid Covid-19 grave crisis
The Jakarta Globe: Indonesia concludes deadliest month in coronavirus outbreak
The Jakarta Globe: Domestic demand keeps Indonesian palm oil industry afloat amid sluggish exports during Covid-19

Singapore

Read Singapore media reports:

Channel News Asia: Singapore suspends reciprocal green lane arrangements with Malaysia, Germany, and South Korea for three months
Today: Some 400 Changi Airport workers cleared of Covid-19 in special testing ops
Channel News Asia: Chinatown may see more Covid-19 safe management measures during festive season

After a testing exercise for some workers at Changi Airport, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported that none of them are infected with the coronavirus. Photo by Grahame Jenkins (https://unsplash.com/@grahamejenkins?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/s/photos/changi-airports?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText)

China

Read Chinese media reports:

Sixth Tone: China's holiday travel begins, without the usual crowd
Xinhua: China's manufacturing activity slows in January amid Covid-19 resurgence
Global Times: China records more than 2000 local Covid-19 cases in January, highest monthly record since March 2020

South Korea

Read South Korean media reports:

Yonhap News Agency: South Korea extends tougher virus curbs for two weeks ahead of holiday
The Korea Herald: Seoul's new daily cases hit two-week high

Japan

Read Japan media reports:

The Japan Times: Covid-19 news updates (updated continuously)
The Asahi Shimbun: No Plan B: Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics
Kyodo News: Tokyo January virus cases near 40,000, double from previous monthly high

Philippines

Read Philippines media reports:

Philippine Star: National Task Force announces vaccinations to start in February
Rappler: The Philippines to get 5.6 million vaccine doses from COVAX in first quarter of 2021
Philippine Star: Philippine Airlines sets new testing, quarantine protocols

The Philippines flag carrier, Philippines Airlines, has brought in new measures against Covid-19. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Philippines_Airlines_Airbus_A350-941_RP-C3506.jpg)