Wariness grows over Omicron variant
1 December 2021
Around the world, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases exceeds 261 million. Across Asia, nations are battling with the virus and rolling 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
The Hindu: Centre tightens rules for flyers from abroad over Omicron risk
The Deccan Herald: Intensive containment, increase vaccination: Centre to states on Omicron
Thailand
Bangkok Post: Antigen testing for visitors in doubt as Omicron variant spreads
The Nation: Thailand's Covid-19 vaccines making good progress, government allocates another THB4.8 billion
Indonesia
The Jakarta Globe: Indonesia among five countries with largest Covid-19 decline
Antara: Indonesia imposes entry ban to avoid Omicron variant: health ministry
Indonesia is one of several countries which has placed restrictions on flights following news of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant. Photo by Maria Tyutina (https://www.pexels.com/@mtyutina?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels) from Pexels (https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-gray-airplane-249581/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels)
Singapore
Channel News Asia: Singapore, Malaysia want 'more open borders' even if Omicron variant disrupts vaccinated travel lane expansion: PM Lee
Today: Vaccinated travel lanes to three countries deferred as precaution against Omicron Covid-19 variant
China
Sixth Tone: New Covid cases in Shanghai prolong China's virus surge
Xinhua: Fighting against Covid-19 in a Chinese border province [VIDEO]
South Korea
The Korea Herald: Home care becomes Covid-19 default
The Chosun Ilbo: Boosters cause fewer side effects
South Korean president Moon Jae-in announced a range of new Covid control measures, including an emphasis on home care, to keep hospital beds free. Image: Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:President_Moon_Jae-in_-_March_2021_(51051383112)_(cropped).jpg)
Japan
The Japan Times: Japan raises Omicron variant alert to highest level
The Mainichi: Japan to bar new foreign arrivals for one month over fears of omicron virus variant
Philippines
Philippine Star: Vaccine makers apply for booster authorisation in Philippines
Rappler: New Covid-19 cases in Philippines hit 11-month low
Vietnam
Viet Nam News: World Health Organisation backs Vietnam's proposal to become regional hub for vaccine manufacturing
SGGP Online: It's a must to produce Covid-19 vaccines, treatment drugs at home: Prime Minister
Malaysia
New Straits Times: We haven't reached out to Asean over Covid research
The Sun Daily: Foreigners with travel history to seven African countries not allowed to enter Sarawak state
