Latest Disease Updates

Live coronavirus case update

• Significantly, the total number of coronavirus infections worldwide has surpassed one million, according to Johns Hopkins University.
   
• As of 10:15 SGT on Friday, April 3, 2020 (02:15 GMT / 10:15 ET, Thursday), 1,014,673 cases have been confirmed globally, with 52,973 deaths (5.2%).
   
• With the numbers climbing in the US, the country now accounts for nearly 25% of all cases, with 244,678 people infected. 

Global developments

• Trump to meet energy firms: President Trump will meet the heads of some of the largest US energy companies on Friday to discuss measures to help the energy industry which has emerged as one of the hardest hit sectors. Oil and gas demand has fallen with the shutdown of all but essential services, closed factories, and shuttered stores. Airlines are scaling back on flights and people are driving less. At the urging of the US, Russia and Saudi Arabia may soon announce a deal to cut production.
   
• Forecast on Malaysia’s economy: Malaysia’s economy could contract this year as the country struggles with a month-long coronavirus lockdown and a steep fall in commodity prices. Gross domestic product could shrink as much as 2% this year or grow as much as 0.5%, Malaysia’s central bank said on Friday. Like many countries, the global pandemic has hit the country’s tourism sector hard and is set to dampen private consumption and investment.
   
• Major Hong Kong airline cuts capacity again: The airline said it will cut capacity even further, flying just two times a week to four long-haul destinations -- London, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Sydney -- and hopes to maintain three weekly services to eight regional destinations, including Tokyo, New Delhi and Singapore. It comes as Hong Kong ordered pubs and bars to close for two weeks from 6pm on Friday as the financial hub steps up social distancing restrictions.
   
• Singapore launches online screening tool: People in Singapore who are worried they might have COVID-19 can now use an online screening tool to run a quick self-check and get basic advice. The tool aims to help people navigate the healthcare system and gain clarity about what to do if they feel unwell. It also will suggest options for care based on the person's age, recent travel history, people they may have been exposed to and their symptoms.
   

• China: Chinese authorities have demanded further tightening of control measures along land borders to prevent the importation of COVID-19 infections. (Xinhua) The Chinese government has refuted several US intelligence officials' accusations that they concealed the extent of the coronavirus epidemic and under-reported the number of the COVID-19 cases and deaths, noting that such remarks were "shameless and immoral." (Xinhua)
   
• Australia: Cafes, corner stores, gyms, and boutique accommodation providers will be among the small businesses in the state of New South Wales eligible for A$10,000 cash grants to cover overheads and bills during the coronavirus crisis. The state government will put $750 million (US$454.8 million) into its Small Business Support Fund as the centrepiece of a third round of stimulus measures designed to keep small businesses afloat. (Sydney Morning Herald)
   
• Malaysia: Malaysians working in Singapore have started returning home after Singapore stopped providing temporary housing support. Their return comes ahead of a Malaysian deadline for the compulsory isolation of returnees at designated quarantine centres. (The Star MY)
   
• North Korea: North Korea remains totally free of the coronavirus, a senior health official in Pyongyang has insisted, despite mounting scepticism overseas as known cases of infection top one million worldwide. (CNA)
   
• South Korea: Starting today, all Koreans and foreigners arriving from overseas who intend to stay in Seoul will be required to be tested for the coronavirus even if they have no symptoms. (Korea JoongAng Daily) The coronavirus pandemic has shut down production at the overseas factories of Korean auto and electronics makers. (Korea JoongAng Daily) A major Korean airline has issued a desperate plea for government support, as the aviation industry faces a loss of 160,000 jobs. (Korea JoongAng Daily)
   
• Thailand: Thailand has announced a nationwide curfew between 10pm and 4am starting Friday (Apr 3) to try to curb the spread of COVID-19. (CNA)
   
• Japan: The government will consider measures to support the production and installation of ECMO machines, which can provide potentially life-saving treatment for coronavirus patients. The measures would form part of a proposed emergency economic package. (Japan Times) Meanwhile, Japan's Denka Co. announced it will resume manufacturing of a key component for Avigan, an anti-influenza drug that may help in the treatment of COVID-19. (Nikkei Asian Review)
   
• Indonesia: Indonesia has released about 18,000 inmates in a desperate bid to stop coronavirus from rampaging through its overcrowded prison system, aiming to take pressure off prisons and jails beset by unsanitary conditions and infectious diseases. (CNA)
   
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong scientists are looking into disinfecting and reusing masks amid a Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated by a persistent shortage of protective gear. (South China Morning Post) Meanwhile, e-payment service provider Octopus has agreed to provide data to researchers from the University of Hong Kong in hopes of boosting measures to contain the coronavirus disease. (South China Morning Post)

• While industries such as the tourism and airline sectors are fighting for survival, companies across APAC are doing their part to help fight COVID-19. 
   
• In Taiwan, consumer electronic company HTC is working with the country's Centers for Disease Control to create a chatbot that will help monitor those who are under quarantine at home.  
   
• Mobile phone operators in Australia are offering customers additional mobile data. Optus is waiving charges for healthcare workers for the next three months, to say thank you for their fight against COVID-19.
   
• In the Philippines, mobile phone operators are waiving charges for accessing official health and disease information websites. 
   
• Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Foods plans to supply and deliver food to medical staff and those suspected of having COVID-19 across the country.  
   
• Jollibee Foods Corporation has allocated 1B pesos (US$40 million) to help its employees in the Philippines. Other food companies in the country are also making donations to help those affected by COVID-19.  
   
• Nestlé is donating A$2 million (US$1.21 million) worth of food products to Australian charity Foodbank to support and distribute food those in need.  
   
• Malaysia's national carmaker has delivered 50 vehicles to help the government with its logistical needs.  
   
• Trip.com is donating masks to various countries currently fighting COVID-19. It is also part of a booking cancellation guarantee to help airlines and hotels.
   
• Japan's electronic giant Sony is establishing a US$100 million fund to support those around the world affected by COVID-19.  
   

Methodology

Media analysis of international, regional and national media in Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam between March 3 – April 2, 2020.

• The content of this news bulletin is a summary of publicly available news articles on events and developments related to COVID-19
• The views and opinions reflected by these headlines do not necessarily represent those of Weber Shandwick.