Topic
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which include the common cold and Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome). They cause respiratory infections in humans and animals, with four or five strains currently affecting humans. They are a species in the genera of virus belonging to the subfamily Coronavirinae in the family Coronaviridae.
TOPIC
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which include the common cold and Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome). They cause respiratory infections in humans and animals, with four or five strains currently affecting humans. They are a species in the genera of virus belonging to the subfamily Coronavirinae in the family Coronaviridae.
The global spread of monkeypox outside Africa is causing alarm, but experts say it is not likely to infect people like the coronavirus epidemic has. First identified in monkeys, monkeypox typically spreads through close contact and largely occurs in west and central Africa. Monkeypox is usually a mild viral illness, with symptoms including fever and a distinctive bumpy rash. While the disease is usually found in Africa, several cases of monkeypox have been reported recently in Britain, Portugal, Spain, Australia, Germany and the United States.
Unvaccinated North Korea is battling drug shortages amid a surge in Covid-19 cases. As of May 17, 2022, North Korea has reported 1.72 million cases of “fever” and 62 deaths. The country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, slammed officials for their “non-positive attitude, slackness and non-activity” in handling the Covid-19 outbreak, according to state media outlet KCNA. He has reportedly ordered the immediate deployment of troops to stabilise the distribution of medicines in the capital Pyongyang. The World Health Organization said North Korea is one of only two countries not using Covid-19 vaccines.
Unvaccinated North Korea is battling drug shortages amid a surge in Covid-19 cases. As of May 17, 2022, North Korea has reported 1.72 million cases of “fever” and 62 deaths. The country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, slammed officials for their “non-positive attitude, slackness and non-activity” in handling the Covid-19 outbreak, according to state media outlet KCNA. He has reportedly ordered the immediate deployment of troops to stabilise the distribution of medicines in the capital Pyongyang. The World Health Organization said North Korea is one of only two countries not using Covid-19 vaccines.
As daily Covid-19 infection numbers continue to drop, Shanghai health authorities plan to start lifting the months-long lockdown, beginning June 1, 2022. The prolonged city wide lockdown since April 1 emptied the city’s streets and wreaked havoc on the global supply chain. Shanghai’s airports resumed limited domestic flights on May 16 and its metro has begun preparations for a resumption of service.
As daily Covid-19 infection numbers continue to drop, Shanghai health authorities plan to start lifting the months-long lockdown, beginning June 1, 2022. The prolonged city wide lockdown since April 1 emptied the city’s streets and wreaked havoc on the global supply chain. Shanghai’s airports resumed limited domestic flights on May 16 and its metro has begun preparations for a resumption of service.
North Korea officially confirmed what it said was its first outbreak of Covid-19 on May 12, 2022, following the discovery of a sub-variant of the highly transmissible Omicron virus in Pyongyang. State media KCNA reported it as “the biggest emergency incident in the country”. North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, ordered all cities to be locked down. Since early 2020, the country has closed its borders to almost all trade and tourists to protect itself from the pandemic. Until May 12, North Korea had never officially confirmed Covid-19 infections and there are no official records of any North Koreans being vaccinated, according to the World Health Organization.
North Korea officially confirmed what it said was its first outbreak of Covid-19 on May 12, 2022, following the discovery of a sub-variant of the highly transmissible Omicron virus in Pyongyang. State media KCNA reported it as “the biggest emergency incident in the country”. North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, ordered all cities to be locked down. Since early 2020, the country has closed its borders to almost all trade and tourists to protect itself from the pandemic. Until May 12, North Korea had never officially confirmed Covid-19 infections and there are no official records of any North Koreans being vaccinated, according to the World Health Organization.
As Shanghai’s Covid-19 cases continue to drop, the city has tightened its quarantine measures by not only sending the infected into central quarantine facilities, but also everyone who lives on the same floor of their apartment building. Authorities previously classified some residential areas as “preventive zones” and allowed residents to shop for essentials outside. But many of these areas have been locked down again as Shanghai seeks to reach “societal zero-Covid”.
As Shanghai’s Covid-19 cases continue to drop, the city has tightened its quarantine measures by not only sending the infected into central quarantine facilities, but also everyone who lives on the same floor of their apartment building. Authorities previously classified some residential areas as “preventive zones” and allowed residents to shop for essentials outside. But many of these areas have been locked down again as Shanghai seeks to reach “societal zero-Covid”.
As the US surpasses 1 million deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic, its citizens are increasingly turning to cremation to handle funerals for the victims. Roughly 55 per cent of those dead were cremated, a process that has long been a more cost-effective way for managing death than burial. The average cost for cremation comes to just under US$7,000, or about US$1,000 less than a burial, according to the US National Funeral Directors Association.
As the US surpasses 1 million deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic, its citizens are increasingly turning to cremation to handle funerals for the victims. Roughly 55 per cent of those dead were cremated, a process that has long been a more cost-effective way for managing death than burial. The average cost for cremation comes to just under US$7,000, or about US$1,000 less than a burial, according to the US National Funeral Directors Association.
A sudden rise in coronavirus cases in South Africa has scientists warning that two new subvariants can reinfect those who have recovered from a previous Omicron strain. The new variants, labelled BA.4 and BA.5, appear to be more transmissible than the already highly infectious parent strain of Omicron. But so far, these new variants do not appear to cause higher rates of serious illness.
A sudden rise in coronavirus cases in South Africa has scientists warning that two new subvariants can reinfect those who have recovered from a previous Omicron strain. The new variants, labelled BA.4 and BA.5, appear to be more transmissible than the already highly infectious parent strain of Omicron. But so far, these new variants do not appear to cause higher rates of serious illness.
Shanghai has been under lockdown for more than a month as authorities try to contain the spread of Covid-19. But many people complain the food and supplies provided by the government have not been enough. Some residents have staged balcony protests to demand officials provide more essentials since they are unable leave their homes
Shanghai has been under lockdown for more than a month as authorities try to contain the spread of Covid-19. But many people complain the food and supplies provided by the government have not been enough. Some residents have staged balcony protests to demand officials provide more essentials since they are unable leave their homes
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced the further relaxation of social distancing rules on May 3, 2022, citing an improved Covid-19 situation in the city. Starting from May 5, residents will be allowed to take off their masks at outdoor sports venues, and water sports facilities will reopen. The number of diners allowed per table in restaurants will be raised to eight, from the current four. Lam also said the originally planned second stage of relaxation is on track for May 19. By then, all closed venues will be allowed to resume operations.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced the further relaxation of social distancing rules on May 3, 2022, citing an improved Covid-19 situation in the city. Starting from May 5, residents will be allowed to take off their masks at outdoor sports venues, and water sports facilities will reopen. The number of diners allowed per table in restaurants will be raised to eight, from the current four. Lam also said the originally planned second stage of relaxation is on track for May 19. By then, all closed venues will be allowed to resume operations.
Ji Gucheng has lived in a Shanghai metro station for a month. He works at the Century Avenue Station, a stop along one of the only 2 train lines still operating in the city. All other lines are closed due to the citywide Covid-19 lockdown, which began on April 1, 2022. Ji and other staff have had to increase their work hours to keep essential trains operating to and from hospitals.
Ji Gucheng has lived in a Shanghai metro station for a month. He works at the Century Avenue Station, a stop along one of the only 2 train lines still operating in the city. All other lines are closed due to the citywide Covid-19 lockdown, which began on April 1, 2022. Ji and other staff have had to increase their work hours to keep essential trains operating to and from hospitals.
A video shared widely on Chinese social media shows an elderly person outside the Shanghai Xinchangzheng welfare hospital in Putuo district, Shanghai, mistaken for dead. While being transported to a morgue on May 1, 2022, the man was discovered alive. He has since been taken back to the hospital and is in stable condition. The elderly care centre has reportedly apologised.
A video shared widely on Chinese social media shows an elderly person outside the Shanghai Xinchangzheng welfare hospital in Putuo district, Shanghai, mistaken for dead. While being transported to a morgue on May 1, 2022, the man was discovered alive. He has since been taken back to the hospital and is in stable condition. The elderly care centre has reportedly apologised.
A video shared widely on Chinese social media shows an elderly person outside the Shanghai Xinchangzheng welfare hospital in Putuo district, Shanghai, was mistaken for dead. While being transported to a morgue on May 1, 2022, the man was discovered alive. He has since been taken back to the hospital and is in stable condition. The elderly care centre has reportedly apologised.
A video shared widely on Chinese social media shows an elderly person outside the Shanghai Xinchangzheng welfare hospital in Putuo district, Shanghai, was mistaken for dead. While being transported to a morgue on May 1, 2022, the man was discovered alive. He has since been taken back to the hospital and is in stable condition. The elderly care centre has reportedly apologised.
South Korean professor Kang Dong-wan used to learn about North Korean culture by meeting with tourists in Chinese cities. Restricted travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic has made his job more difficult, but not impossible. Since September 2020, Dong-wan has collected some 2,000 pieces of rubbish washed ashore on South Korean border-island beaches, including snack bags, juice pouches, sweet wrappers and drink bottles. From those products, he’s learned North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has stepped up domestic manufacturing to meet the demands of his people.
South Korean professor Kang Dong-wan used to learn about North Korean culture by meeting with tourists in Chinese cities. Restricted travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic has made his job more difficult, but not impossible. Since September 2020, Dong-wan has collected some 2,000 pieces of rubbish washed ashore on South Korean border-island beaches, including snack bags, juice pouches, sweet wrappers and drink bottles. From those products, he’s learned North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has stepped up domestic manufacturing to meet the demands of his people.
As Shanghai enters its fourth week of lockdown, some districts in the city have been ramping up their responses by imposing “hard lockdowns” that include barricading streets and individual buildings with fences and metal barriers.
As Shanghai enters its fourth week of lockdown, some districts in the city have been ramping up their responses by imposing “hard lockdowns” that include barricading streets and individual buildings with fences and metal barriers.
Shanghai resident Kumi Wu was already recovering from a sore throat when she received the order to quarantine at a makeshift Covid-19 hospital in Shanghai’s Pudong district. The 26-year-old began recording her experience entering a system stretched thin by the city’s ongoing lockdowns amid its worst coronavirus outbreak. It took three days of being confined to chaotic and unsanitary transit centres before she finally was able to reach the quarantine hospital, where she still remains as of April 24, 2022.
Shanghai resident Kumi Wu was already recovering from a sore throat when she received the order to quarantine at a makeshift Covid-19 hospital in Shanghai’s Pudong district. The 26-year-old began recording her experience entering a system stretched thin by the city’s ongoing lockdowns amid its worst coronavirus outbreak. It took three days of being confined to chaotic and unsanitary transit centres before she finally was able to reach the quarantine hospital, where she still remains as of April 24, 2022.
A thunderstorm that lashed Shanghai piled on new challenges to the city’s Covid-19 fight. Wind gusts and heavy rain ripped through numerous makeshift structures set up for Covid-19 testing and quarantine.
A thunderstorm that lashed Shanghai piled on new challenges to the city’s Covid-19 fight. Wind gusts and heavy rain ripped through numerous makeshift structures set up for Covid-19 testing and quarantine.
A supermarket manager in Shanghai and her over 40 staff have been hunkering down inside the Carrefour store they work at for nearly three weeks, delivering more than 3,000 orders of groceries and essentials to locked-down residents every day. “Basically, there’s no time to rest,” said Carrefour branch manager Zhang Wei, who sleeps on her office floor and wakes up at 5am to start her day. Nearly all of the city’s 25 million residents have been locked in their homes since the start of April and officials say there’s still no end in sight and restrictions will remain in place. On April 20, 2022, 441 cases were reported outside quarantined areas, up from 390 a day earlier.
A supermarket manager in Shanghai and her over 40 staff have been hunkering down inside the Carrefour store they work at for nearly three weeks, delivering more than 3,000 orders of groceries and essentials to locked-down residents every day. “Basically, there’s no time to rest,” said Carrefour branch manager Zhang Wei, who sleeps on her office floor and wakes up at 5am to start her day. Nearly all of the city’s 25 million residents have been locked in their homes since the start of April and officials say there’s still no end in sight and restrictions will remain in place. On April 20, 2022, 441 cases were reported outside quarantined areas, up from 390 a day earlier.
Many businesses and facilities in Hong Kong have resumed operations after more than three months of forced closure, as the city began lifting strict Covid-19 social distancing rules on April 21, 2022. Gyms, beauty parlours and cinemas were among businesses allowed to welcome back customers. Restaurants are also now allowed to resume dine-in service until 10pm.
Many businesses and facilities in Hong Kong have resumed operations after more than three months of forced closure, as the city began lifting strict Covid-19 social distancing rules on April 21, 2022. Gyms, beauty parlours and cinemas were among businesses allowed to welcome back customers. Restaurants are also now allowed to resume dine-in service until 10pm.
As Shanghai enters its third week of Covid-19 lockdown, other Chinese provinces have begun sending aid packages and even delivery workers to help the megacity cope as the city of 26 million struggles to contain its largest outbreak of Covid-19. But with case numbers still high and the Chinese government determined to stick to its zero-Covid strategy, the city shows little signs of returning to normality. Post Shanghai video correspondent Thomas Yau, who’s among the millions of residents caught up, has been resorting to bartering for supplies to cope with the extended lockdown.
As Shanghai enters its third week of Covid-19 lockdown, other Chinese provinces have begun sending aid packages and even delivery workers to help the megacity cope as the city of 26 million struggles to contain its largest outbreak of Covid-19. But with case numbers still high and the Chinese government determined to stick to its zero-Covid strategy, the city shows little signs of returning to normality. Post Shanghai video correspondent Thomas Yau, who’s among the millions of residents caught up, has been resorting to bartering for supplies to cope with the extended lockdown.
Shanghai reported its first fatalities from the current Covid-19 wave on April 18, 2022. All three patients who died were over the age of 85 and unvaccinated. The first batch of deaths reported from the latest wave came as the city’s residents continue to cope with stringent measures imposed by the city. Among them is Yu Beibei, who tested positive for Covid-19 on April 2. Although her symptoms cleared up after a few days, she was separated from her family and sent to a makeshift hospital, one of over a 100 created in Shanghai to combat the biggest wave of Covid-19 to hit the city. Yu says most people have complained about the dirty bathrooms, the lack of hot showers, and the constant indoor lighting, making it difficult to sleep at night.
Shanghai reported its first fatalities from the current Covid-19 wave on April 18, 2022. All three patients who died were over the age of 85 and unvaccinated. The first batch of deaths reported from the latest wave came as the city’s residents continue to cope with stringent measures imposed by the city. Among them is Yu Beibei, who tested positive for Covid-19 on April 2. Although her symptoms cleared up after a few days, she was separated from her family and sent to a makeshift hospital, one of over a 100 created in Shanghai to combat the biggest wave of Covid-19 to hit the city. Yu says most people have complained about the dirty bathrooms, the lack of hot showers, and the constant indoor lighting, making it difficult to sleep at night.
Restaurant owners across Asia, from South Korea to Pakistan, are feeling the pinch, as prices of staple ingredients soar because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war. Supply chains have been disrupted, transportation costs have risen sharply and consumers have cut back spending. To avoid closing their doors, many restaurant owners are making the difficult decision to raise their menu prices, but by doing so, some have said they’ve lost up to half of their customers.
Restaurant owners across Asia, from South Korea to Pakistan, are feeling the pinch, as prices of staple ingredients soar because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war. Supply chains have been disrupted, transportation costs have risen sharply and consumers have cut back spending. To avoid closing their doors, many restaurant owners are making the difficult decision to raise their menu prices, but by doing so, some have said they’ve lost up to half of their customers.
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have identified gut bacteria patterns that may be used to predict, diagnose and help treat long Covid. Professor Siew Chien Ng, associate director of the university’s Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, says a simple stool test can tell recovered Covid-19 patients their risks of suffering the effects of long Covid with 90 per cent accuracy. The initial study involved stool samples from more than 100 patients, with researchers set to increase the sample size to between 3,000-5,000 to improve the accuracy of results, Professor Ng tells the Post’s Alkira Reinfrank. The team is also set to conduct a clinical trial of a “microbiome immunity formula” to reduce the risk of Covid patients developing long Covid in the future.
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have identified gut bacteria patterns that may be used to predict, diagnose and help treat long Covid. Professor Siew Chien Ng, associate director of the university’s Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, says a simple stool test can tell recovered Covid-19 patients their risks of suffering the effects of long Covid with 90 per cent accuracy. The initial study involved stool samples from more than 100 patients, with researchers set to increase the sample size to between 3,000-5,000 to improve the accuracy of results, Professor Ng tells the Post’s Alkira Reinfrank. The team is also set to conduct a clinical trial of a “microbiome immunity formula” to reduce the risk of Covid patients developing long Covid in the future.
The Hong Kong government will start the first phase of easing social distancing rules from April 21, 2022. The city's leader, Carrie Lam, announced that dine-in services at restaurants will be extended until 10pm, while beauty parlours, gyms and sports venues will be allowed to reopen, but with conditions. This, as the city continues to fight the fifth wave of Covid-19 infections.
The Hong Kong government will start the first phase of easing social distancing rules from April 21, 2022. The city's leader, Carrie Lam, announced that dine-in services at restaurants will be extended until 10pm, while beauty parlours, gyms and sports venues will be allowed to reopen, but with conditions. This, as the city continues to fight the fifth wave of Covid-19 infections.
A week into lockdown, people living in one of the largest residential areas of Shanghai have screamed in unison from their balconies. One resident said screaming helps ease the boredom of being locked indoors. Shanghai went into lockdown on March 28, 2022, to respond to the latest Covid-19 outbreak. The government has begun relaxing restrictions in some areas of the city, but millions of its residents remain uncertain as to when they’ll be free to roam.
A week into lockdown, people living in one of the largest residential areas of Shanghai have screamed in unison from their balconies. One resident said screaming helps ease the boredom of being locked indoors. Shanghai went into lockdown on March 28, 2022, to respond to the latest Covid-19 outbreak. The government has begun relaxing restrictions in some areas of the city, but millions of its residents remain uncertain as to when they’ll be free to roam.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said there has been an 80-90 per cent drop in the city’s Covid-19 caseload. Lam said the assessment was based on results of three days of citywide voluntary mass testing conducted April 8-10, 2022. Lam said 3,142 positive cases were found during the exercise, and over 60 per cent of the people infected were asymptomatic.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said there has been an 80-90 per cent drop in the city’s Covid-19 caseload. Lam said the assessment was based on results of three days of citywide voluntary mass testing conducted April 8-10, 2022. Lam said 3,142 positive cases were found during the exercise, and over 60 per cent of the people infected were asymptomatic.
On April 6, 2022, some residents of Shanghai hosted a balcony concert amid a citywide lockdown. They could be heard singing and shouting from inside their apartments to support the city during the latest and worst wave of Covid-19, caused by the highly-transmissible Omicron variant. More than 110,000 cases have been reported since the start of March. Shanghai’s 25 million residents remain under lockdown during a new round of mass testing.
On April 6, 2022, some residents of Shanghai hosted a balcony concert amid a citywide lockdown. They could be heard singing and shouting from inside their apartments to support the city during the latest and worst wave of Covid-19, caused by the highly-transmissible Omicron variant. More than 110,000 cases have been reported since the start of March. Shanghai’s 25 million residents remain under lockdown during a new round of mass testing.
Shanghai eased restrictions on April 6, 2022, allowing Covid-positive children to stay with their parents. The easing came just one day after Shanghai announced that all Covid-19 patients – from babies to the elderly – had to be isolated in accordance with mainland China's anti-virus laws and regulations. But now, family members who meet strict requirements will be allowed to stay at hospitals such as The Shanghai New International Expo Centre, the city’s largest temporary hospital.
Shanghai eased restrictions on April 6, 2022, allowing Covid-positive children to stay with their parents. The easing came just one day after Shanghai announced that all Covid-19 patients – from babies to the elderly – had to be isolated in accordance with mainland China's anti-virus laws and regulations. But now, family members who meet strict requirements will be allowed to stay at hospitals such as The Shanghai New International Expo Centre, the city’s largest temporary hospital.
Food deliveries in China’s financial and commercial hub, Shanghai, normally can be easily ordered with just a few swipes on a mobile phone. But as the country’s most populous city tackles its most serious wave of Covid-19 infections, lockdown measures have confined most of the city’s 25 million residents to their homes. As a result, food logistics have been severely hit and daily necessities are increasingly hard to come by.
Food deliveries in China’s financial and commercial hub, Shanghai, normally can be easily ordered with just a few swipes on a mobile phone. But as the country’s most populous city tackles its most serious wave of Covid-19 infections, lockdown measures have confined most of the city’s 25 million residents to their homes. As a result, food logistics have been severely hit and daily necessities are increasingly hard to come by.