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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006923

The Lao government has extended measures to counter the Covid-19 outbreak for another 15 days until October 15 as infections have continued to rise.

The pandemic has spread to almost all  provinces of the country, with northern Huaphan the only Coronavirus-free province.

The Vice Chairman of the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Mrs Thipphakone Chanthavongsa, told a news conference on Thursday that the government will enhance the enforcement of 14 measures to counter the pandemic.

The measures include:
– Closing all factories and enterprises where internal outbreaks have occurred and in outbreak areas. Exemption will be given to businesses permitted to function by the taskforce.
– Banning travel on roads from 9 pm to 5 am in Vientiane and provinces where community outbreaks have occurred.
– Continuing the closure of all border checkpoints for ordinary people.
–  Accelerating vaccination.
– Continuing with the suspension in issuing visas for foreign visitors. Diplomats, staff of international organisations, experts and investors intending to visit Laos can apply for permission from the taskforce. In this regard, foreign ambassadors and heads of international organisations are permitted to undergo quarantine at their residence, while the rest are required to quarantine at designated hotels.
– Continuing with the closure of entertainment venues, cinemas, spa services, karaoke venues, drinking shops, internet cafés, snooker clubs, casinos and gaming shops across the country.
– Massage services, beauty salons, barber shops, night markets, food gardens and tourism sites will be closed in areas where community outbreaks have been reported.

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– Travel to and from red zones will not be allowed, except for those permitted by the relevant taskforce.
– All indoor and outdoor sports activities – including competitions and activity in parks – is prohibited where community outbreaks have occurred.
– Any kind of party or gathering at any location is prohibited.
– Traders cannot unreasonably increase the price of goods or store food items for personal gain.
– School classes at all levels will be closed and entrance exams to tertiary education institutions suspended in areas with community outbreaks.
– Meetings and other activities, including traditional and ritual events involving more than 20 people, are prohibited. In essential cases, permission must be given by a Covid-19 taskforce before such events are organised.
– State and private workplaces in areas with community outbreaks shall allow their staff to work from home or assign some to come to offices by rotation.

However, the government will allow some businesses to remain open as long as they strictly observe Covid-19 prevention and control measures. These businesses include wholesale and retail shops, supermarkets, minimarts and fresh markets. These businesses must be closed by 8 pm every day.

Barber shops and beauty salons outside of red zones may open if the service providers are fully vaccinated.

Restaurants and coffee shops in areas without community outbreaks may continue to open.
Factories and enterprises located in areas without community outbreaks may continue to operate if their employees are fully vaccinated and do not live in a red zone.

Meetings can be convened outside red zones. School classes can be held in areas without community outbreaks if permission is granted by the taskforce of provinces.

Published : October 02, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006922

HCM CITY — Many streets in HCM City, the countrys COVID-19 hotspot, were busy on Friday after the city relaxed social distancing measures, planning to enter “a new normal” period.

Anumber of socio-economic activities across the city were allowed to reopen on October 1.

All inner-city pandemic checkpoints have been removed and no travel permits are needed for people to travel within the city.

The checkpoints at roundabouts and streets in the centre were removed on Friday.

Many city streets were increasingly busy with people and vehicles, and supermarkets and food stores were crowded on Friday.

Nguyễn Anh Thanh, an owner of a motorbike repair shop in District 12, told reporters from Vietnam News Agency’s HCM-based Vnews he was busy with many customers dropping off their motorbikes for repairs.

Lê Thị Bình, a food shop owner in District 12, was cleaning up her shop and preparing necessary items to reopen soon. Her shop serves take-away only and delivery according to city regulations.

Trần Lê Minh Hải, a resident in District 3, said she was able to get back to work after more than one month of being confined at home.

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“The pandemic situation remains unpredictable, so limits on travel are still needed,” she said.

Danh Thanh Dũng, a resident in District 8, said he had two shots of COVID-19 vaccine which was required for him to return to work.

“I feel refreshed and eager to return to work after staying at home for more than 100 days,” he said.

However, some public places in the city were deserted or had no crowds.

Most residents are still strictly complying with the city’s pandemic prevention regulations when going out, including filling out online health declarations on the VNEID application.

The number of COVID-related deaths in the city has been dropping, and the number of discharged patients has exceeded the number of hospitalised patients.

The step-by-step reopening is part of the city’s efforts to ease difficulties for local residents and businesses, as well as support socio-economic recovery.

However, the pandemic situation in the city is still complicated, and the number of new daily cases and the death rate are still high.

The city authorities will continue to keep a close eye on the pandemic situation, tightening or relaxing social distancing measures appropriately.

Awareness of and compliance with pandemic prevention and control regulations are important to maintain the positive results in the fight against COVID-19 and reopen socio-economic activities, experts have recommended. — VNS

Published : October 02, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006921

North Korea test-fired a new anti-aircraft missile Thursday, its official Korean Central News Agency said amid an impasse over nuclear negotiations with the US and frayed ties with South Korea.

The launch is the latest weapons test Pyongyang has conducted since test-firing a hypersonic missile Tuesday and ballistic missiles and a cruise missile earlier in September. It is considered a follow-up on Pyongyang’s plan to bolster its defense capabilities made public at its January congress.

“The Academy of Defense Science test-fired the missile to see its combat performance, along with the functionality of its radar, launcher and battle command vehicle,” the KCNA said on Friday, referring to the North’s weapons developer.

The missile demonstrated remarkable combat performance with its twin rudder control and double impulse flight engine, according to the KCNA.

South Korea’s military said it is “looking into” the missile to verify North Korea’s claims. Experts said the missile was one of the weapons the regime revealed at a military parade in January and last October.

“The twin rudder boosts the missile’s maneuverability and the double impulse flight engine makes the missile fly faster and farther,” said Shin Jong-woo, a senior analyst at the Korea Defense and Security Forum.

Ryu Seong-yeop, an intelligence analyst at the Korea Research Institute for Military Affairs, said the missile is similar to Russia’s S-400 or 500, a surface-to-air missile system. Moscow deployed the latest 500 series in September.

Shin said North Korea was modernizing its weapons system and that South Korea should be prepared to respond to a growing sign of aggression.

On Wednesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said he would reopen the inter-Korean hotlines in early October. The North reached out to the South to reconnect them in July, but since August, Pyongyang has not responded to Seoul’s routine calls because of military drills the South and the US held that month.

Kim said he would also be open to talks if South Korea and the US abandon what he called “double standards,” essentially demanding the two stop condemning his weapons tests, which Pyongyang describes as aimed at bolstering self-defense and not a provocation.

Seoul and Washington, Kim added, should also scrap their “hostile policy,” an accusation he uses to earn relief from sanctions the US and UN have placed over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.

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Cheong Wa Dae has said it will look at the proposal closely. The Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said it will be ready to have the hotlines up and running and expects to see the calls back on track.

Some experts said Kim’s proposal was a ploy to play Seoul against Washington.

The Moon administration is eager to use any momentum to mend ties and ensure the president’s legacy in inter-Korean affairs, but the US Biden administration is not willing to either condone Kim’s missile tests or use sanctions relief to restart a dialogue.

Moon and Kim met three times in 2018 and shook hands on denuclearization, but their meetings have neither brought progress on the agreement nor paved the way for a detente.

By Choi Si-young/The Korea Herald

Published : October 02, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006920

In the backdrop of the vaccine certificate row with the United Kingdom, the government today decided to take reciprocal steps against UK nationals arriving in India from the European country.

”All UK nationals will have to take mandatory quarantine at home or destination address for 10 days after arrival in India. New rules come into effect from 4 October,” sources said.

The strong step by New Delhi came as the issue relating to the UK not recognising Indian vaccine certificates could not be resolved amicably by the two countries.

Under the norms, all UK nationals arriving in India, irrespective of their vaccination status, will also have to undertake the pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test within 72 hours before travel, sources said.

They will also have to undertake COVID-19 RT-PCR test on arrival. The UK nationals, irrespective of their vaccination status, will again have to undertake the RT-PCR test on Day 8 of their arrival in India.

India has been insisting that the UK recognise at least Covishield which is a product of a UK-based company being manufactured in India.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had taken up the issue with newly appointed British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss in New York last week and sought an “early resolution” of the issue in mutual interest of the two countries.

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Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Global Covid Summit, stated that international travel should be made easier through mutual recognition of vaccine certificates.

However, the UK refused to budge. Though Covishield was added to the list of approved Coronavirus vaccines by the UK in its latest travel advisory, Indians travelling to the country were still asked to quarantine for 10 days.

Published : October 02, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006881

With HCM City set to ease the social distancing and permit many kinds of businesses to reopen, food and beverage giants are ready to resume, starting off with online ordering.

Since last week it has been easy to find shops selling coffee and bubble tea on delivery apps like Grab and ShopeeFood. No one was selling last month.

Most major players like Starbuks, Gongcha, Alley, Phuc Long, and Highland are now accepting orders through apps.

US coffee chain Starbucks told Viet Nam News it wants to open as many stores as possible while also complying with the safety measures required by local authorities.

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“While we would like to resume business as soon as we can, there is a lot of information we need to get from local authorities so that we can prepare to open,” Patricia Marques, general manager of Starbucks Vietnam, said.

She takes an example from Ha Noi market, saying that “As you can see, when the Ha Noi City allowed the business to be resumed, we opened the first four stores earlier and the rest of our stores were opened and ready to serve two days once the city lifted up the lockdown.”

In HCM City four stores has opened by Thursday.

“The stores in HCM City are doing great. Of course there are difficulties and challenges … but most importantly we are now able to serve our customers their regular cup of coffee after such a long period of closure.

“I learnt that customers in HCM City are also very happy to be able to enjoy a cup of Starbucks every day now.

“We did have some difficulties, but it was not just us. It was because of the limited availability of drivers at food delivery services.”

Starbucks has, like all others, been tremendously impacted by this wave of COVID-19, she said.

“I do not know anyone who was not affected, even in essential areas such as medicines. None of us expected such a long period of social distancing. It is very difficult to plan when you do not even know what will happen within 12 hours.

“But I am confident the Government has learned – as we all have – how to be ready. We have observed, lived and learned.”

Speaking to Viet Nam News, a Gongcha Vietnam spokesperson said as of Wednesday the company has opened eight of its 22 outlets in HCM City.

All its staff are vaccinated and have tested negative for COVID-19, he said.

Though it had zero income during social distancing it still had to repay bank loans and rent, which were enormous, he said.

The company is not sure how long it can “go on” on its own but would do its best to maintain the brand and business, he said.

Chuk Chuk, a new food and beverage brand belonging to KIDO Group, recently became one of the first in the industry to resume operations.

It has been receiving orders for drinks and foods on its facebook fanpage, online channel and a number of delivery apps.

Taking advantage of social distancing, it has created products with a difference to stand out in the competitive food and beverages market, it said.

“We always have to have flexible plans based on the market situation,” Tran Le Nguyen, general director of KIDO Group, said.

“Faced with the pandemic, we set up our own COVID response team and created internal regulations to control the epidemic within the company.

“This is to help KIDO Group and its member companies continue to move ahead safely in the long term.”

He said his company expects there would be three phases in adapting to the new normal.

The first would last until the end of October when social distancing is fully eased, the second would be from November to the middle of January next year, and the third period would be after January 15 when all business and services are allowed to open without restrictions, he said.

Chuk Chuk’s plans would dovetail with these phases, he said.

In the first, it would focus on online channels, and delivery would be done through apps like ShopeeFood, Grab and LoShip, he said.

It would also sell on its own website and hotline and deliver using shippers, he said.

The company has set up two centres to deliver food to customers.

In the second phase, it would expand its number of outlets, kiosks and pushcarts in the central areas of the city, and then customers would have the chance to buy its products in person, he said.

In the final phase KIDO and Chuk Chuk would seek partners and new destinations to take the brand to other markets like Ha Noi and tourist destinations, he added. — VNS

Published : October 01, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006880

South Korea has decided to maintain the current social distancing rules for two weeks from Monday.

“Considering risk factors for quarantine, such as the stronger spread of coronavirus after the Chuseok holiday, and the two holidays starting this weekend, the government has decided to maintain the current distancing stage for the next two weeks,” Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on Friday.

“The limit on the number of people at private gatherings will be the same as now.”

Accordingly, the Level 4 social distancing rules in greater Seoul area and the Level 3 in other regions will remain the same.

Kim said that the limit on the number of people allowed at a private meeting (up to six) will not be changed during this period.

However, some of the standards will be adjusted for weddings, first birthday parties and outdoor sports facilities, which many people are complaining of, he said.

Further information will be released in detail through the Central Disaster Management Headquarters on the day.

As of Thursday midnight, the number of new confirmed cases had increased by 2,486 in the previous 24 hours, resulting in a cumulative 313,773 people. Among them, 2,451 cases were locally transmitted.

By Shin Ji-hye/The Korea Herald

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Published : October 01, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006879

PETALING JAYA: All civil servants are required to complete their vaccinations before Nov 1 and those who are still unvaccinated on that date without being exempted will be subject to disciplinary action.

The Public Services Department (PSD) said those who could not be vaccinated due to health complications must submit their medical reports, verified by a government medical officer, to their department heads.

PSD said those yet to be vaccinated would have to do so at walk-in vaccination centres.

Those who still remain unvaccinated from Nov 1 onwards without being exempted for health issues will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, it said in a statement yesterday.

The instruction is in line with the government’s efforts to increase the public’s confidence in returning to normalcy, as well as restore public services to maximum capacity based on the National Recovery Plan phases.

To date, 98% of the civil servants have been vaccinated with about 16,900 still not registered for the purpose.

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On Sept 26, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government would discuss action against civil servants who refused to get Covid-19 vaccination with the exception of those with health concerns.

Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin also announced the possibility of transferring the remaining 2,000 teachers who refuse to be vaccinated elsewhere as their actions might affect the teaching and learning process.

The Star/ANN

Published : October 01, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006878

WASHINGTON – Singapore and the United States are “deeply concerned and anxious” about the plight of the people of Myanmar, Singapores Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said on Wednesday (Sept 29).

The people of Myanmar were already facing tough economic challenges and the coronavirus pandemic has further affected the country, Dr Balakrishnan told The Straits Times during his visit to Washington.

The issue of Myanmar had come up in Dr Balakrishnan’s meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday, he said.

The foreign minister cited rising poverty, political instability following a Feb 1 military coup and the violence it had generated, as concerns that the US and Singapore shared over Myanmar.

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The US and Singapore believe, however, that the solution ultimately lies within Myanmar itself, he said.

“The people, the leaders – and the leaders across the entire political spectrum – need to sit down, negotiate, discuss in good faith for the sake of the future,” said Dr Balakrishnan.

“We can’t force this, but we can try to encourage, we can try to cajole, we can try in our own ways, to nudge them in that direction.”

Dr Balakrishnan said he has yet to see any sign of this, however.

“I hope I am wrong and I hope they are actually having discussions,” he said.

“Asean is obviously trying to help, we are waiting for our Special Envoy, Dr Erywan, to be given access to all parties and for him to be able to help facilitate these discussions.”

Dr Balakrishnan was referring to Brunei’s Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Erywan Yusof, who was nominated as Asean’s Special Envoy to Myanmar in August.

“I’m afraid there are no quick and easy solutions, but to the maximum extent possible, where we can help, we will help,” the foreign minister said.

“So far in response to the humanitarian crisis, Singapore has sent medical supplies. We are working through the Myanmar Red Cross, and we will also see whether there are other channels, other avenues through which we can deliver assistance effectively.”

Myanmar’s currency has lost more than 60 per cent of its value in less than five weeks in a collapse that is driving up food and fuel prices.

In its last assessment in late August, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Unocha) said that at least 125,000 people had been affected by monsoon floods across various regions and states in the country.

Thousands have been displaced following armed clashes between the “People’s Defence Forces” and the Myanmar army in Sagaing Region, according to local partners, Unocha reported.

Clashes in Chin State had, as at Aug 17, displaced nearly 16,700 people there. Meanwhile in the south-east, “an estimated 141,200 people remain displaced, mostly in Kayah and Kayin states, due to clashes and insecurity since Feb 1”, the assessment said.

“Food insecurity is becoming an evolving concern, with reports of food shortage in displacement sites and communities in northern Shan and Rakhine states,” the UN warned.

“As at Aug 27, 45 per cent of the US$276.5 million (S$376 million) requested under the Humanitarian Response Plan, and over 10 per cent of the US$109 million requested under the Interim Emergency Response Plan have been funded,” Unocha said.

By Nirmal Ghosh/The Straits Times

Published : October 01, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006877

The UN, foreign diplomats and rights bodies have offered deep condolences over the murder of Rohingya leader Mohibullah and demanded immediate investigation to bring the killers to book.

Meanwhile, the UN Refugee Agency has enhanced its staff presence in Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar to ensure that Rohingyas have direct access to support services and can report their concerns.

Unknown assailants on Wednesday evening shot dead Mohibullah, chairperson of Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights in Kutupalong camp.

In a statement yesterday, UNHCR Bangladesh said, “We urge the Bangladesh authorities to undertake an immediate investigation, and hold those responsible to account.”

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UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo said the killing is a painful reminder of increasing risks of violence faced by activists promoting peaceful solutions to violent conflicts.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Earl R Miller, said he is saddened and disturbed by the murder of Mohibullah, a courageous champion of human rights of the Rohingya community.

UK High Commissioner Robert C Dickson said Mohibullah’s death is a tragic loss to his family, friends and the Rohingya community.

The European Union in Bangladesh said it extends condolences to his family.  “We hope that the authorities succeed in

bringing to justice those who committed his killing,” it tweeted.

UK-based rights body ARTICLE 19 said the international community must do more to protect human rights defenders forced into exile.

Matthew Smith, chief executive officer at US-based rights body Fortify Rights, said Mohibullah was committed to truth, justice, and human rights. He had been facing serious and sustained threats in Bangladesh and needed protection.

Shujan — Citizens for Good Governance — has called for forming a probe committee to investigate the killing.

The Daily Star/ANN

Published : October 01, 2021

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https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40006873

The number of Covid-19 cases crossed 12.1 million across Southeast Asia, with 57,162 new cases reported on Thursday (September 30), higher than Wednesday’s tally at 51,740. New deaths are at 836, decreasing from Wednesday’s number of 906. Total Covid-19 deaths in Asean are now at 262,603.

AirAsia airline in Indonesia will resume flights from October onward thanks to decreasing new cases of Covid-19 in the country. The airline will fly from Jakarta to Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur twice a week and from Jakarta to Bali four times a week. Indonesia reported 1,690 new cases and 113 deaths on Thursday, brining cumulative cases in the country to 4,215,104 patients and total 141,939 deaths.

Meanwhile, Malaysia will make Covid-19 vaccination compulsory for all federal government workers. Currently vaccination is voluntary in the nation, but the Public Service Department said on Thursday that all federal staff must be vaccinated to ensure smooth delivery of public services. All staff must complete their vaccination by the end of October, unless they are exempt due to medical reasons.

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Nearly 62% of Malaysia’s 33 million people are fully vaccinated. New daily infections have dipped by nearly half from its peak of more than 24,000 last month. Malaysia has registered 2.23 million confirmed infections and more than 26,000 confirmed deaths.

Published : October 01, 2021