Cinmpring kici

Rabu, 26 Agustus 2020

60 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 3 in the community - CNA

SINGAPORE: Singapore reported 60 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Wednesday (Aug 26), bringing the national total to 56,495.

Three new cases were in the community, comprising one Singaporean and two work pass holders, said the Ministry of Health (MOH).

There were also 10 imported cases, all of whom had been placed on stay-home notice upon their arrival in Singapore.

COMMUNITY CASES

One of the three community cases reported on Wednesday is unlinked. The patient, a 66-year old Singaporean man, presented with onset of symptoms on Aug 16 and tested positive on Aug 25.

MOH said the man was detected under its enhanced community testing to test all individuals aged 13 and above who are diagnosed with acute respiratory infection at first presentation to a doctor.

The two other community cases are linked to previous COVID-19 cases and had been placed on quarantine earlier. The men, aged 24 and 39 and both Indian nationals, were asymptomatic when tested during quarantine.

Overall, the number of new cases in the community has remained stable at an average of two cases a day in the past two weeks, said MOH.

The number of unlinked cases in the community has also remained stable at an average of one case a day in the past two weeks, it added.

IMPORTED CASES

Of Wednesday's 10 imported cases, five are Singaporeans or permanent residents who returned to Singapore from India on Aug 14. The three women and two men are aged between 42 and 76.

One case is a 15-year-old girl who is a dependant's pass holder. She arrived from the US on Aug 14.

Another two cases, aged 32 and 38, are work pass holders employed in Singapore, who arrived from India and the Philippines on Aug 14.

The remaining two cases are a 33-year-old woman and a 36-year-old woman who arrived from India on Aug 12. They are a long-term pass holder and a dependant's pass holder respectively.

47 of Wednesday's new cases resided in migrant worker dormitories. Of these, 29 had been identified earlier as contacts of previous cases and were tested while under quarantine.

The remaining 18 cases residing in dormitories were detected through surveillance testing, such as bi-weekly rostered routine testing of workers living in dormitories and testing of those with acute respiratory infection symptoms, said MOH.

COVID-19 CASES VISITED HAWKER CENTRE 10 TIMES IN 10 DAYS

Block 4A Jalan Batu Hawker Centre in Mountbatten was on Wednesday added to MOH's list of public places visited by COVID-19 cases during their infectious period.

The hawker centre was patronised 10 times on 10 consecutive days between Aug 14 and Aug 23.

It was visited for an hour each day, between 12pm and 1pm.

Those who have been identified as close contacts of confirmed cases would already have been notified by MOH, the ministry said.

As a precautionary measure, however, individuals who were at the hawker centre during the specified timings should monitor their health closely for 14 days from their date of visit.

"They should see a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms of acute respiratory infection (such as cough, sore throat and runny nose), as well as fever and loss of taste or smell, and inform the doctor of their exposure history," said the ministry.

There is no need to avoid places where confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been, MOH said. The National Environment Agency will engage the management of affected premises to provide guidance on cleaning and disinfection.

155 more COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospitals or community isolation facilities.

In all, 54,971 have fully recovered from the infection and have been discharged from hospitals or community care facilities.

There are currently 65 confirmed cases who are still in hospital. Of these, most are stable or improving, and none is in the intensive care unit.

1,432 are isolated and cared for at community facilities.

Singapore's death toll remains at 27.

MAP: All the places that COVID-19 community cases visited while they were infectious

READ: Travellers to Singapore with recent travel history to South Korea to serve stay-home notice at dedicated facilities

"GOOD JOBS" AMID COVID-19

Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said on Wednesday the Government will implement new programmes to bring in business investments, support local entrepreneurship and create “good jobs" for Singaporeans, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Chan was outlining how his ministry will support key priorities laid out by President Halimah Yacob at the opening of Singapore’s 14th Parliament on Monday.

Mr Chan noted that many global companies are rethinking and reorganising their production and supply chains, with some reviewing the need for regional hubs in favour of a single global headquarters, while other manufacturers may decentralise their operations to strengthen resilience.

“All these present challenges and opportunities for Singapore’s position as a hub for regional headquarters, high-technology manufacturing activities, and modern services,” said Mr Chan.

READ: More tech jobs to come as MCI steps up job creation for fresh graduates, mid-career professionals

READ: More than 6,300 opportunities available in manufacturing sector through SGUnited programme: MOM

On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat also said that Singapore’s research and innovation efforts have been critical in the fight against the novel coronavirus, and will help create new opportunities for economic growth in a post-COVID-19 world.

The minister, who is also the chairman of the National Research Foundation, was outlining how the foundation would support priorities laid out by President Halimah in her address at the opening of Parliament.

Singapore was the third country in the world outside of China to successfully culture the new coronavirus, he said.

Today, the research, innovation and enterprise community is working on more than 200 research projects that support Singapore’s fight against COVID-19 and strengthen its preparedness for future pandemics, he added.

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments

Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMicWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNoYW5uZWxuZXdzYXNpYS5jb20vbmV3cy9zaW5nYXBvcmUvY292aWQtMTktbmV3LWNhc2VzLWF1Zy0yNi1pbXBvcnRlZC1jb21tdW5pdHktd29ya2VyLWRvcm1zLTEzMDUzNzQy0gEA?oc=5

2020-08-26 16:30:00Z
52781018645351

China warns of 'shadow' over ties with Australia, tells it to stop 'whining' - CNA

SYDNEY: A top Chinese diplomat in Australia warned against a "shadow" over the two nations' ties on Wednesday (Aug 26), saying that Beijing was disappointed by a Chinese firm's failure to win Australian regulatory approval for a takeover deal.

Australia also betrayed China with calls for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, said Wang Xining, the Chinese embassy's deputy head of mission, likening the moves to Brutus plotting against Julius Caesar.

Wang made the remarks in a rare public address as he spoke of the "indignation, anger and frustration" felt by China at Australia's push for a global inquiry.

"It is approximately identical to Julius Caesar in his final days when he saw Brutus approaching him," Wang said.

Tension between Australia and its main export market of China has risen in recent months, particularly after Canberra called for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.

Wang dismissed concerns about China's attempts to influence Australian politics, saying its views were candidly presented and did not affect people's choice of a political system.

"I don't see any reason for whining about your constitutional fragility and intellectual vulnerability," Wang told the National Press Club in the Australian capital.

He added: "We should not let a cold heart and a dark mind cast a shadow over our partnership."

This week, China Mengniu Dairy withdrew its bid for Australian firm Lion Dairy and Drinks, a unit of Japan's Kirin Holding after domestic media said the Australian government would reject it.

In the first comments by a Chinese official since, Wang said he hoped Australia would provide a fair environment for Chinese investors, adding that it was no easy task to keep the partnership with Australia in good shape.

"A married couple know that ... a rift between husband and wife hurts one family, a rift between two countries hurts millions."

READ: Australia says China's South China Sea claims are unlawful

READ: Australian PM suspends extradition treaty, extends visas for Hong Kong citizens

Wang denied accusations of "economic coercion" regarding China's measures targeting some Australian exports, and said Beijing believed that Australia's push for an inquiry on the origins of the virus was "targeted against China alone".

He added: "The proposal helped Washington put more pressure on China."

Wang said Australia had "singled out" China in its call for an inquiry and had not given any notice of its plans.

"All of a sudden, they (the world) heard this shocking news of a proposal coming from Australia, which is supposed to be a good friend of China," he said, adding that Australia had "hurt the feelings" of China's 1.4 billion people with its actions.

Australian ministers did not consider any virus source other than Wuhan, Wang said, referring to the central city where it surfaced last year.

While the virus was first identified in China, he added that it was up to scientists to pinpoint its origin.

READ: Australia requests China trade talks, won't drop COVID-19 inquiry push

READ: Australia says all WHO members should participate in COVID-19 inquiry

Nevertheless, Wang said that China's subsequent trade action against Australia's lucrative beef, wine and barley industries was not a retaliation, but rather due to "technical issues".

Last week, Beijing announced an anti-dumping investigation of Australian wine imports that Canberra says is unfounded.

READ: 'Virtual kidnappings' warning for Chinese students in Australia

China has also placed tariffs on Australian barley, suspended some beef imports, and told its students and tourists to avoid travelling to Australia, citing racial discrimination.

The trade relationship with China was mutually beneficial, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday, adding "Australia will always stand up for its own interests."

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiY2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNoYW5uZWxuZXdzYXNpYS5jb20vbmV3cy9hc2lhL2NoaW5hLWF1c3RyYWxpYS13YXJuaW5nLWJpbGF0ZXJhbC10aWVzLXJlbGF0aW9ucy0xMzA1NDY4NNIBAA?oc=5

2020-08-26 11:24:17Z
52781014474155

Travellers to Singapore with recent travel history to South Korea to serve stay-home notice at dedicated facilities - CNA

SINGAPORE: Travellers entering Singapore who have recent travel history to South Korea will have to serve the 14-day stay-home notice period at dedicated facilities instead of their own place of residence.

The regulation applies to those entering Singapore from midnight this Saturday (Aug 29) and those who have travelled to South Korea within the last 14 days, including transit, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Wednesday.

These travellers will also have to undergo a COVID-19 test before the end of their stay-home notice, as per the current requirement.

READ: COVID-19: Singapore must be prepared for second wave of infections, ‘preventable’ if everyone plays their part, says Gan Kim Yong

Previously, travellers entering from South Korea and areas where the outbreak is deemed to be under control, such as mainland China, Taiwan and Australia – except from the state of Victoria – are allowed to serve the notice at their place of residence.

MOH said the multi-ministry task force has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in South Korea.

“There have been reported clusters in gatherings at places of worship that have spread to workplaces. Authorities in the Republic of Korea have warned of a possible nationwide outbreak. Across the Republic of Korea, stricter social distancing measures have been imposed,” it said.

READ: COVID-19: Travellers who serve stay-home notice outside of facilities after entering Singapore must wear electronic device

The ministry added it will adjust border measures as the global situation evolves to manage the risk of importation and transmission of COVID-19 in Singapore.

“Travellers planning to enter Singapore must be prepared to be subjected to the prevailing border measures upon entry, including payment for their stay at dedicated stay-home notice facilities and tests, where applicable,” it said.

MOH said earlier that a COVID-19 test for a person under stay-home notice costs up to S$200, while a 14-day stay at a dedicated facility costs S$2,000.

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments

Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Selasa, 25 Agustus 2020

Travellers to Singapore with recent travel history to South Korea to serve stay-home notice at dedicated facilities - CNA

The new regulation applies to those entering Singapore from midnight this Saturday (Aug 29) and those who have travelled to South Korea within the last 14 days, including transit, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Wednesday.

These travellers will also have to undergo a COVID-19 test before the end of their stay-home notice, as per the current requirement.

READ: COVID-19: Singapore must be prepared for second wave of infections, ‘preventable’ if everyone plays their part, says Gan Kim Yong

Previously, travellers entering from South Korea and areas where the coronavirus is deemed to be under control, such as mainland China, Taiwan and Australia – except from the state of Victoria – are allowed to serve the notice at their place of residence.

MOH said the multi-ministry task force has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in South Korea.

The ministry added it will adjust border measures as the global situation evolves to manage the risk of importation and transmission of COVID-19 in Singapore.

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments

Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMidWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNoYW5uZWxuZXdzYXNpYS5jb20vbmV3cy9zaW5nYXBvcmUvY292aWQtMTktc291dGgta29yZWEtdHJhdmVsbGVycy10by1zaW5nYXBvcmUtc3RheS1ob21lLW5vdGljZS0xMzA1Mzk4MtIBAA?oc=5

2020-08-26 03:27:35Z
CBMidWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNoYW5uZWxuZXdzYXNpYS5jb20vbmV3cy9zaW5nYXBvcmUvY292aWQtMTktc291dGgta29yZWEtdHJhdmVsbGVycy10by1zaW5nYXBvcmUtc3RheS1ob21lLW5vdGljZS0xMzA1Mzk4MtIBAA

Scores of China-bound Scoot passengers turn up at Jurong centre for compulsory Covid-19 testing - The Straits Times

SINGAPORE - Scores of passengers with a booking on Scoot Flight TR100 bound for Guangzhou on Sunday morning (Aug 30) showed up at the former Shuqun Secondary School on Wednesday morning to be tested for Covid-19.

The last-minute tests come after the Chinese Embassy here announced on its website last Friday that from Aug 28, all travellers from Singapore to China will have to take a Covid-19 test within five days before their flight to the country to ensure they are free of the coronavirus.

An urgent e-mail sent by Scoot on Tuesday afternoon to passengers who are due to be on the flight alerted them to the requirements, adding that "testing arrangements have been made by the relevant authorities and must be strictly adhered to".

Passengers were instructed to go for the test at the regional screening centre located at the former Shuqun Secondary School in Jurong East between 9am and 10.30am on Wednesday.

They must pay $186 before the test results can be released to them.

Scoot also said that as the test results will require a turnaround time of 48 hours, passengers must adhere to the time slot for the test to be able to receive the results in time for the flight on Sunday.

The Chinese Embassy said on its website last Friday that it will take at least one working day for test results to be verified after passengers submit these to the embassy via e-mail.

Passengers who test negative for the virus and have filled in a health declaration form will be issued a certified health declaration form with an official embassy seal.

The certified form is required for passengers who board flights to China.

China cosies up to EU as US tensions high - CNA

ROME: China's foreign minister on Tuesday (Aug 25) kicked off a tour of a Europe still reeling from coronavirus, as he seeks to shore up economic and diplomatic relations in light of tensions with the US.

Donald Trump's administration has stepped up anti-China rhetoric in the run-up to the US presidential election on Nov 3, despite ongoing trade talks.

On his first European stop in Rome, Wang Yi shied away from naming Washington explicitly, but lamented "provocation and damage from external forces" hitting the EU - a second favourite punching-bag of Trump's.

"A united, stable and prosperous Europe is important for the whole of the world," Wang added.

Italy was the first G7 country to sign on to China's ambitious "Belt and Road" trade and infrastructure investment plan, and Wang on Tuesday inked two new trade deals with Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio.

READ: Italy says China a key strategic partner, despite US concerns

Rome was criticised for last year breaking ranks with other European countries over the investment scheme.

Allies have worried that China's "Silk Road" will destabilise smaller countries by overloading them with debt, boost China's power, and allow key technologies and trade secrets to slip into Beijing's hands.

But Italian leaders now hope boosted export opportunities for the country's main industries - from agricultural products to machinery - can help haul it out of a devastating economic crisis brought about by an over two-month lockdown.

China's President Xi Jinping (R) signed billions of euros of trade deals with Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in 2019. (Photo: AFP/Parker Song)

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Rome in March 2019, signing billions of euros in trade deals.

Di Maio said the latest agreements covered natural gas from Snam, Europe's biggest pipelines operator, and the export of "Made in Italy" food products to China, as well as "important partnerships in the energy and transport sector".

HUMAN RIGHTS AND HONG KONG

But there are clear pitfalls for Wang's stated aim to "consolidate relations" between China and Europe as the top diplomat travels on to the Netherlands, France, Germany and Norway.

Just as the trade deals were being signed, visiting Hong Kong activist Nathan Law urged Italy to condemn China for human rights abuses.

Law met with an Italian foreign affairs delegation and told reporters Di Maio should "address Hong Kong's problems and the human rights violations by China".

Activist Nathan Law (C) demanded Italy challenge China over the new Hong Kong security law. (Photo: AFP/Tiziana Fabi)

Italy should "severely condemn" Beijing's human rights record, added Law, who recently fled Hong Kong to London after Beijing imposed a controversial security law on the territory in June.

Law called for a "strong alliance" against Beijing, including "sanctioning" Chinese officials responsible for human rights violations against China's Uighur population in the northwestern Xinjiang province, and in Hong Kong.

Wang said China had passed its law "to fill the gaps that had existed in Hong Kong for years."

"It is a law to combat the violent acts found everywhere and to hinder certain actions of pro-independence Hong Kong people," Wang said.

Di Maio said he had told his Chinese counterpart that Hong Kong's "stability and prosperity are essential."

"It is essential to preserve the high autonomy of the city and the protection of the fundamental rights of its inhabitants," he added.

US TRADE TALKS

Even as Wang looked to bolster ties with Europe, China is in the midst of trade talks with an increasingly prickly US.

The trans-Pacific atmosphere is far frostier since an initial trade agreement was signed in January.

Tensions have mounted over Trump's charge Chinese leaders allowed the coronavirus to run out of control after it emerged in Wuhan, and the president again dubbed it the "China virus" in a video played during the Republican convention Monday.

The two superpowers are also at odds over technology and China's human rights record.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiXWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNoYW5uZWxuZXdzYXNpYS5jb20vbmV3cy93b3JsZC9jaGluYS1jb3NpZXMtdXAtdG8tZXUtYXMtdXMtdGVuc2lvbnMtaGlnaC0xMzA1MjcxONIBAA?oc=5

2020-08-25 17:50:45Z
52781014474155

Axington calls for trading halt after ex-US ambassador to Singapore quits board; company linked to group in Newcastle bid - The Straits Times

SINGAPORE - Singapore-listed Axington, a company linked to the Bellagraph Nova (BN) Group, requested for a trading halt pending an announcement before the stock market opened on Wednesday morning (Aug 26).

Overnight, former US ambassador to Singapore Kirk Wagar said he had resigned from his independent director position in the professional advisory services firm after the BN Group, which grabbed global headlines last week by announcing its bid for English Premier League football club Newcastle United, admitted to doctoring photographs of former United States President Barack Obama.

Axington is also due to respond to the call by Singapore Exchange's regulatory arm that investigations should be undertaken, where necessary, on the suitability of its professional advisory services firm's board of directors. Its non-independent, non-executive chairman is Ms Evangeline Shen, who is a co-founder of BN Group, Ms Shen, alongside cousins Nelson Loh and Terence Loh.

The Lohs are the new controlling shareholders of Axington after they bought over the company in July.

BN Group was formed in July this year following a merger between the Lohs' Dorr Group and Ms Shen's Bellagraph Group. Ms Shen, who is also known as Shen Che, is a Chinese jewellery merchant.

On Tuesday, Axington shares sank again to close down three cents or 13.6 per cent to 19 cents.

SGX on Monday said its regulatory arm SGX RegCo had engaged Axington's sponsor, Novus Corporate Finance, on its obligations under Catalist rules, and expects a response soon.

The firm on July 29 had proposed to change its name to NETX, as well as to change its core business to providing medical and consumer wellness services, and investments in medical technology, robotics and artificial intelligence technology. But on Tuesday night, a page that lists the partners of NETX was removed.

On Tuesday, the BN Group claimed that 'errant individuals, possibly with malicious intent' were behind the controversial marketing material including doctored photos of Mr Obama to make it look as if he had attended a meeting with its executives in Paris. In reality, the photos were taken at a charity gala event in Singapore last December sponsored by Novena Global Lifecare, which was founded by the Loh cousins.

This came after the BN Group earlier on Tuesday withdrew press statements distributed by PR Newswire in the past two months, including.

One of them, issued on July 10, was titled Welcome To NETX - Global Conglomerate Bellagraph Nova Group Launches Latest Technolgy (sic) Platform Focusing On AI + Robotics + Healthcare. BN Group said then that NETX "was born" as a result of a "historic" closed-door meeting that its co-founders had with former United States president Barack Obama last December.

The Lohs meanwhile on Tuesday took down the website of a foundation linked to them, saying that it had been "released prematurely". The website had claimed as its board members SGX RegCo chief executive officer Tan Boon Gin as well as Senior Counsel Sreenivasan Narayanan, among others. The Straits Times understands from sources that Mr Tan is not a board member of the foundation, though Mr Sreenivasan is a board member.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMifWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0cmFpdHN0aW1lcy5jb20vYnVzaW5lc3MvY29tcGFuaWVzLW1hcmtldHMvYXhpbmd0b24tY2FsbHMtZm9yLXRyYWRpbmctaGFsdC1hZnRlci1leC11cy1hbWJhc3NhZG9yLXF1aXRzLWJvYXJkLW9m0gEA?oc=5

2020-08-26 01:10:09Z
52781020721889

Rabu, 26 Agustus 2020

Selasa, 25 Agustus 2020

Related Stories: