Day: March 23, 2020
Malaysia reports 212 new COVID-19 cases in biggest daily jump, death toll spikes to 14
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia on Monday (Mar 23) reported 212 new coronavirus cases, bringing the national total to 1,518. The death toll has also increased to 14. Advertisement Advertisement Of the new cases, 123 are from the cluster linked to a tabligh (religious) gathering at the Sri Petaling Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, said the Malaysian health
Merkel’s initial coronavirus test came back negative: Spokesman
BERLIN: Angela Merkel’s initial test for COVID-19 came back negative, a government spokesman said on Monday (Mar 23), adding that the German chancellor would undergo further tests. She will continue to undergo further tests over the next few days, her spokesman said earlier on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement READ: Germany unleashes biggest post-war aid package against virus READ: Merkel calls coronavirus
Austria mobilises military reserves to fight coronavirus
VIENNA: Austria is mobilising its military reservists for the first time since World War Two, asking them to fight the coronavirus outbreak by helping with food supplies, medical support and police operations, the defence minister said. Austria, unlike Germany or France, still has compulsory military service. Men must serve six months in the army or
Singapore contributes S$500,000 to support WHO efforts against COVID-19
SINGAPORE: Singapore will contribute S$500,000 to the World Health Organization (WHO) in support of its efforts to limit transmission of the coronavirus. In response to appeals by the United Nations and WHO, the Singapore Government will be making the contribution to WHO’s Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) for COVID-19, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry
Singaporeans supportive of Budget 2020 measures, many call for greater support for middle-income families: Poll
SINGAPORE: The majority of Singaporeans supported the measures announced in Budget 2020, though many called for “greater support for middle-income families”, according to findings released by the Government’s feedback unit on Monday (Mar 23). Respondents to the survey felt that middle-income earners should be “entitled to more benefits and greater financial support”, said REACH. This is because they are often
DPM Heng Swee Keat to deliver ministerial statement on additional COVID-19 support measures
SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat will deliver a ministerial statement on Thursday (Mar 26) regarding the Government’s additional support measures for workers, businesses and households in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ministerial statement will be delivered on Thursday afternoon in Parliament, said the Ministry of Finance. Advertisement Advertisement The
COVID-19: SIA reaches agreement with unions for cost-cutting measures affecting 10,000 employees
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group said it has reached an agreement with its unions for a set of cost-cutting measures that will affect 10,000 members of staff, according to an internal memo seen by CNA. The measures were announced in an internal message on Monday (Mar 23), after the airline announced the decision to
MAS brings forward monetary policy statement, firming easing bets
SINGAPORE: Singapore’s central bank said on Monday (Mar 23) it will release its monetary policy statement earlier on Mar 30, a move that drove its currency lower as easing bets firmed. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) usually releases its semi-annual policy statements in April and October. Advertisement Advertisement First-quarter preliminary growth figures will also be released
Former IHH Healthcare managing director Tan See Leng emerges as possible PAP candidate; plans support network in Marine Parade
SINGAPORE: Former chief executive officer of IHH Healthcare Dr Tan See Leng, tipped as a candidate for the People’s Action Party (PAP) in the upcoming general election, will soon launch a new Caregiver Support Network in Marine Parade. Dr Tan started shadowing Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in the Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC) shortly
COVID-19: All travellers entering Singapore from Mar 27 must submit health declaration forms online
SINGAPORE: From 9am on Mar 27, all travellers arriving in Singapore will have to submit a health declaration online before proceeding with immigration clearance, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Monday (Mar 23). Travellers – residents and long-term pass holders included – will have to submit their declaration via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service.
Former IHH Healthcare managing director emerges as possible PAP candidate; plans support network in Marine Parade
SINGAPORE: Former chief executive officer of IHH Healthcare Dr Tan See Leng, tipped as a candidate for the People’s Action Party (PAP) in the upcoming general election, will soon launch a new Caregiver Support Network in Marine Parade. Dr Tan started shadowing Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong in the Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC) shortly
Less than 10% of students, staff on leave of absence or stay-home notice: MOE
SINGAPORE: Less than 10 per cent of students and staff across all schools have been placed on a leave of absence or given a stay-home notice, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Sunday (Mar 22). This includes students and staff across all schools, including special education (SPED) schools and MOE kindergartens, said MOE’s director
COVID-19: Singapore Airlines slashes 96% of capacity, grounds most planes
SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) will cut 96 per cent of its capacity that had been scheduled up to the end of April, said the airline on Monday (Mar 23). The decision was made after the further tightening of border controls around the world over the last week to stem the COVID-19 outbreak, SIA said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement

Commentary: COVID-19 self-isolation is punishing the poor in Indonesia
CANBERRA: The spread of COVID-19 continues to unfold across the globe. More than 320,000 people worldwide have been infected. The disease has recorded a fatality rate of more than 3 per cent as 14,500 people have died from the disease. The world’s third-largest democracy, Indonesia, has reported more than 500 cases with a higher fatality