Two people in Hong Kong tested positive for coronavirus, officials said, ending a 24-day run of no new local cases that saw the city begin to ease social distancing regulations.
The financial hub was on course for 28 days of no local transmissions — a yardstick often used by epidemiologists to judge if an outbreak has been defeated.
Here are the latest developments in Asia related to the novel coronavirus pandemic:
Australia church fined for selling bleach as virus cure
A church in Australia has been fined for unlawfully advertising a purported “miracle” coronavirus cure that contains a bleach product, the Therapeutic Goods Administration said.
The medical regulator said MMS Australia had received 12 fines totalling Aus$151,200 (US$98,000) for promoting its “Miracle Mineral Solution” (MMS), which the TGA said contained a high concentration of sodium chlorite — a chemical used as a textile bleaching agent and disinfectant.
Chinese city in partial lockdown over ‘major risk’ of virus spread
A northeastern Chinese city has partially shut its borders and cut off transport links after the emergence of a local coronavirus cluster that has fuelled growing fears of a second wave of infections in China.
Jilin, with a population of more than four million, suspended bus services and said it will only allow residents to leave the city if they have tested negative for Covid-19 in the past 48 hours and complete an unspecified period of “strict self-isolation”.
Seoul sees virus tests surge after promising anonymity
Coronavirus screening has surged in South Korea since authorities introduced anonymous testing, officials said, as they scrambled to tackle a nightclub cluster amid concerns anti-gay prejudice could impede the response.
The country has been held up as a global model in how to curb the virus, but a spike of new cases, driven by the cluster in venues in Seoul’s Itaewon district — including several gay clubs — forced authorities to delay this week’s planned re-opening of schools.
Young sumo wrestler dies of virus in Japan
A 28-year-old sumo wrestler died in Japan after contracting coronavirus and suffering multiple organ failure, becoming the ancient sport’s first Covid-19 fatality, the national association said.
Shobushi, a lower-ranking wrestler belonging to the Takadagawa stable in Tokyo, died after battling the disease for more than a month.
Equities slip with second wave fears in focus –
Asian markets fell again after Donald Trump’s top virus adviser warned that easing lockdown measures too early could spark another dangerous wave of infections and batter the economic recovery.
Australia’s treasurer tests negative after public coughing –
Australia’s treasurer Josh Frydenberg tested negative for coronavirus, after suffering a coughing fit during a speech in parliament that left him breathless and straining for water.
“Yesterday I was tested for Covid-19 out of an abundance of caution,” he tweeted. “This morning I received the result of the test which was negative.”
Nepal sees biggest jump in cases –
Nepal saw the highest single-day jump in its coronavirus tally, reporting 83 cases.
But the country’s total number of confirmed infections remains relatively low at 217, with a majority of the cases recorded in the country’s southern districts adjoining India.
Three of women’s top 10 to star as golf returns to S. Korea
Leading professional golfers will return to competitive action for the first time in months after the coronavirus shutdown when three of the world’s top 10 women tee off in South Korea on Thursday.
The domestic showpiece KLPGA Championship will follow the country’s football and baseball leagues in starting behind closed doors at the Lakewood Country Club in Yangju, northeast of Seoul.
@ Bangkok Post