Asia (except ME & Indian SC)

Malaysia chosen to test Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients

PUTRAJAYA, March 28 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Malaysia is among several countries selected by the World Health Organization (WHO) to carry out the clinical trial on the use of the novel antiviral medicine, Remdesivir, on COVID-19 patients.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said Malaysia was chosen for the trial because of the Health Ministry’s ability to conduct tests and its good medical system.

Singapore Says COVID-19 Forces Cancellation Of Shangri-La Dialogue

SINGAPORE, Mar 28 (NNN-CNA) – It would be “a significant challenge” to hold the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in early June, in view of the COVID-19 outbreak, Singapore Defence Minister, Ng Eng Hen said.

The SLD is held in Singapore in late May or early June, by London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The think tank announced that it would call off this year’s SLD, scheduled for June 5-7.

China sends medical help to Pakistan

(AP) --- The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

TOP OF THE HOUR:

— China sends medical personnel and supplies to aid Pakistan

— Germany won’t loosen restrictions on public life before April 20

— Sri Lanka police arrest thousands for violating coronavirus curfew

— U.N. says 86 staffers around world have reported cases of virus

___

New Isolation Centre Under Construction In Brunei

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Mar 28 (NNN-BBNEWS) – A new National Isolation Centre (NIC) is being constructed in the Tutong District, to accommodate patients positive for COVID-19. The Ministry of Development (MoD) is collaborating with the Ministry of Health (MoH) in coordinating the construction of the new NIC.

This was stated by Minister of Development, Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, during a press conference at the MoH yesterday.

Airport Blunder Allows 92 On Chicago Flight Into Japan Without Quarantine Request

TOKYO, Mar 28 (NNN-NHK) – More than 90 passengers and crew members on a flight to Japan’s Narita airport from Chicago, were given entry to the country without being requested to self-quarantine for 14 days, and not use public transport, the health ministry here said Friday.

The self-quarantine measures, to curb the spread of the virus came into effect for passengers departing from the United States after midnight on Wednesday in Japan.

Chinese Mainland Reports Zero Increase In Domestic COVID-19 Cases

BEIJING, Mar 28 (NNN-XINHUA) – Chinese health authority, today (Saturday), said that, no new domestically transmitted cases of the COVID-19 disease were reported, on the Chinese mainland on Friday.

The National Health Commission received reports of 67 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, on the Chinese mainland on Friday, all of which were imported.

U.S. increases support for Taiwan, China threatens to strike back

TAIPEI/BEIJING (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law an act that requires increased U.S. support for Taiwan internationally, prompting a denunciation by China, which said it would strike back if the law was implemented.

China claims democratic and separately ruled Taiwan as its own territory, and regularly describes Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in its ties with the United States.

Xi tells Trump China and US must ‘unite to fight virus’

BEIJING, March 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — China and the United States should “unite to fight” the deadly coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged the globe, said President Xi Jinping in a call with his US counterpart on Friday, according to state media.

The two countries have clashed in recent weeks over the virus, but Xi told President Donald Trump that China “wishes to continue sharing all information and experience with the US,” said state broadcaster CCTV.

China bars foreign visitors as imported corona cases rise

BEIJING, March 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — China has announced a temporary ban on all foreign visitors, even if they have visas or residence permits.

The country is also limiting Chinese and foreign airlines to one flight per week, and flights must not be more than 75% full.

Although China reported its first locally-transmitted coronavirus case for three days on Friday, almost all its new cases now come from abroad.

There were 55 new cases across China on Thursday – 54 of them from overseas.

Malaysian govt announces RM250 billion people-centric economic stimulus package

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Malaysian Prime Minister on Friday announced an economic package amounting to RM250 billion aimed at the welfare of the people, support of businesses and strengthening the economy against the effects of the COVID-19.

The amount includes a fiscal boost of RM22 billion, government guarantees amounting to RM55 billion and other initiatives amounting to more than RM153 billion.

Subscribe to Asia (except ME & Indian SC)