Friday, August 27, 2021

Taiwan receives 265,000 doses of AZ, Myanmar shadow police force, Changi Airport T1 re-opens on 1 September 2021

 Research, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Translation of external news on disease control, Taiwan, CCP, Singapore and Israel

News (1)

Self-purchased 265,000 doses of AZ vaccine arrive today, valid until 7 December 
   

Image : The 265,000 doses of AZ vaccine ordered by Taiwan arrived at Taoyuan International Airport at 11.37 am. (Provided by the command centre)


The Central Epidemic Command Centre stated that the 265,000 doses of AstraZeneca AZ vaccine  ordered by Taiwan on its own have arrived at Taoyuan International Airport at 11.37 am today (27 August). After the customs clearance procedures are completed, it will be directly transported to the designated cold storage logistics center for subsequent inspection and sealing operations, and then the COVID-19 vaccination plan will be provided for the implementation of the target inoculation.

Commander Chen Shizhong pointed out that the centre signed a contract for the supply of 10 million doses of covi vaccine with Taiwan AstraZeneca on 30 October 2020. The delivery has been successively divided into 117,000 doses on 3 March, 626,000 doses on 7 July, 560,000 doses on 15 July , 582,000 doses on 27 July, 524,000 doses on 12 August, the sixth batch of vaccines are provided this time, and a total of about 2.674 million doses so far. In the case of the arrival of the AZ vaccine, including gifts from countries such as Japan, there are approximately 6 million doses.

Chen Shizhong said that if this batch of vaccines passes the sealing test, they will be put into the 7th round of vaccination, mainly to expand the coverage of the first dose, but some doses will be reserved for the elderly who are going to get the second dose.

In addition, when the school is about to start, Chen Shizhong also said that on the 26th, about 29,000 doses of vaccine have been delivered to the newly recruited teachers, substitute teachers, trainee teachers, special education assistants, and group kitchen staff on 1 August 2021.

The vaccine provided this time is packaged in a multi-dose form (10 servings per bottle) and needs to be stored at 2-8°C. According to clinical trials, each person needs to give 2 doses. This batch is valid until 7 December 2021. 

News (2)

The latest batch of AZ arrives in Taiwan! Tsai Ing-wen shouted that the ruling and opposition parties "put down political prejudices" 

Editor :Lu Xinzhi


The epidemic continues to be severe. The government has expanded vaccine delivery. Not only did domestic MVC covi vaccination start on 23 August, the latest batch of 265,000 doses of AZ vaccine purchased by Taiwan also arrived at Taoyuan Airport today. 

In response, President Tsai Ing-wen urged that the inspection and sealing work will be completed in the shortest time and will be provided to everyone as soon as possible. At the same time, she called on the ruling and opposition parties to put aside their political prejudices, "Excessive political calculations are really harmful to others. Put it before epidemic prevention". 

President Tsai Ing-wen posted on Facebook today (27) that the 265,000 doses of AZ vaccine purchased by my country arrived in Taiwan at noon. ". She pointed out that no matter what brand of vaccine, as long as it is safe, legal and effective, the central government will take a multi-pronged approach to obtain more vaccines. 

Tsai Ing-wen also called on the ruling and opposition parties to put aside their political prejudices in the article. On suspicion that the BNT vaccine that was about to arrive in Taiwan was printed with the Chinese characters "Fubitai", she said, "No matter what Vaccines from the brands they may have different responses to individual cases." To put it more bluntly, excessive political calculations are really detrimental to others. "Don't put politics before epidemic prevention. This is not what the public likes."

At the end of the article, she exclaimed that the epidemic has gradually been brought under control and Taiwan will continue to increase the vaccination rate. Tsai Ing-wen said that this week she and Vice President Lai Ching-teh have been vaccinated with MVC-COV1901. Friends who are eligible for vaccination are invited to "vaccinate as soon as they have the vaccine, and unite to prevent the epidemic and defend Taiwan." 


News (3)

800,000 young people are expected to give up MVC for BNT! Chen Shizhong revealed that this was the only way to get vaccinated

Reporter : Ye Weichen


Due to China's delay in obtaining Pfizer's BNT emergency use authorization, Taiwan has a chance to get 1.95 million doses from the end of August to early September, and Chen Shizhong, the commander of the Central Epidemic Command Center revealed on 26 August at a press conference that priority will be given to students aged 12 to 18, and the rest will be gradually opened up through publicly funded vaccine platforms. That is to say, young people may also have options other than MVC-COV1901 and AZ vaccine in the future. 

Commander Chen Shizhong said that the arrival date of the first batch of 1.95 million doses has not yet been determined, but if it arrives, students will be the first priority and tend to go to campus to help students. The order of the tenth category is distributed downwards. In addition, BNT will soon be added as an option for publicly funded vaccines. 

According to statistics from the Ministry of the Interior, there are about 1.2 million students aged 12 to 18 in Taiwan. After deducting them, there are about 800,000 doses of BNT vaccine. People that select MVC over the age of 20 are vaccinated, plus the first to tenth categories of vaccination as well as those over the age of 38. Most of them have been vaccinated against AZ and Moderna, which is equivalent to the remaining 800,000 doses of BNT. 

Due to the country name issue, Taiwan negotiated a purchase contract with the original German BNT factory. As a result, it could only purchase from Shanghai Fosun, an agent in Greater China. However, it was also through the help of Hon Hai and the Yongling Foundation, TSMC, Tzu Chi and other private organizations to assist in the purchase to 1500 million, which can provide 7.5 million inoculations. 

Since Taiwan CDC approved the BNT emergency use authorization on 3 August this year, the applicable vaccination age according to the vaccination list is over 12 years old, and it is also the only vaccine that can be given to students. This age is deducted at this level, about 6 million college students and social freshmen have the opportunity to hit BNT.


News (4)

Analysis of 4 major vaccine death data! Expert: It's not worth using life as a bet 

Editor : Lu Xinzhi

Recently, domestically produced MVC COVID-19 Vaccine was launched but counties and cities have successively notified death cases and uncomfortable reactions after vaccination, which has aroused suspicion from the outside world. 

In this regard, some experts analyzed the three vaccines currently provided to the public by Taiwan, and their respective serious adverse effects and death data, and said that any kind of vaccine will have its risks, and no one can guarantee that after it is administered there will be no side effects, "but how to minimize the probability of adverse reactions, this is the most critical thing." 


Image : Toxicologist Zhao Mingwei posted on Facebook. (Photo/Retrieved from Zhao Mingwei's Facebook) 

Toxicological expert Zhao Mingwei published a post on Facebook on 27 August, expressing that he would "solve scientific problems with a scientific attitude". He analyzed their respective inoculations with AZ and Moderna with MVC adverse effects and death data. Among them, 0.0743% are suspected of serious adverse effects after vaccination with AZ, with an average of 743 cases per 1 million people; 0.0084% of deaths, and an estimated 84 cases per million people. However, after vaccination with Moderna, there are 0.0294% of suspected serious adverse effects, with an average of 294 in one million people; 0.0034% of deaths, and an estimated 34 in one million people. After being vaccinated with MVC-COV1901, there are 0.0077% of suspected serious adverse effects, with an average of 77 for one million people; 0.0011% of deaths, and an estimated 11 for one million people. 

As for BNT, which many people hold high expectations, Zhao Mingwei explained that according to British statistics, the death rate is 0.00175%, and 1 million people may still have 17.5 deaths. 

Zhao Mingwei emphasized that any kind of vaccine will have its risks. No one can guarantee that there will be no side effects after the administration. "But how to minimize the probability of adverse reactions is the most important thing."

Zhao Mingwei also reminded that you must ensure a few things before administering. First, people who have a fever or are suffering from a serious acute illness are best to wait for the disease to stabilize before vaccination. Second, immunity-wise, for diseases, cardiovascular diseases, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or thrombocytopenia caused by heparin, you need to discuss and evaluate with your doctor before vaccination; third, for people who have been vaccinated abroad, the two doses of AZ vaccine must be separated by 8-12 days. The two doses of Modena vaccine must be separated by 28 days; fourth, for those who take prescription drugs for a long time, it is best to prepare a blood test report containing immune indicators, and check and discuss with the doctor who issued the prescription before the administration. 

Finally, Zhao Mingwei emphasized that it is recommended to stop before and after the vaccination any abnormal behavior, such as drinking alcohol and drug use. "Of course drug use is under any circumstances. Never touch it." He reminded that life is one's own, and only you know your physical condition best. Do not be aggressive, do not be arrogant and do not get too excited when administering a vaccine. "There is no vaccine worthy of your life as a bet." Lower any risk, accident will not come to you. 


News (5)

One week 5 people died after vaccinating MVC. 40-year-old man suffering from pancreatic cancer died 2 days after vaccination 

Reporter : Ye Weichen 

The high-end vaccine started on August 23. It was reported that 4 people died after vaccination. Today (27), the spokesperson of the Central Epidemic Command Center, Zhuang Renxiang, also confirmed at the press conference. A man in his 40s with pancreatic cancer was reported to have a fever on the night of vaccination and died in the evening of 26 August. However, there is currently no evidence that the cause of death is related to the vaccine.

Spokesperson Zhuang Renxiang explained that this 40-year-old male in New Taipei City was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was vaccinated with MVC-COV1901 on 24 August. He had no abnormalities after the shot. However, he developed fever and lack of food that night.  His body was hot and cold. His condition worsened on the 25th with a trance and unresponsiveness. In the morning of 26 August, he became weak and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment and died that night. He said that the case has not been included in the record of today’s adverse events because he is a case notified by the New Taipei City Health Bureau today. 

Later, the New Taipei City Health Bureau will be asked to take care of the case, provide information on vaccination to victims and relief, and may also need to be sent to justice. 

Image : Commander Chen Shizhong responded that high-end beating is not a human test. (Photo/Command Center) 




Since MVC-COV1901 did not start the Phase III clinical trial, Taipei Mayor Ke Wenzhe questioned that Taiwan’s large-scale attack was to help Medigen conduct large-scale human trials. Commander Chen Shizhong responded that this is not a human trial because the trial has certain specifications and requirements fulfilled basically the EUA's adoption of allowing citizens to choose freely. In fact, he said in an exclusive interview today, "Accurately speaking, this is the post-market monitoring after listing."


News (6)

Restrictions on indoor dining in Taipei will be relaxed again! Ke Wenzhe: You can take your own dishes at the buffet

Editor : Zhang Yanci

As Taiwan covid epidemic has slowing down, the Central Epidemic Command Centre announced that today (27 August) Taiwan has confirmed "+0" local cases, 1 death case, and 7 new inbound covid cases. 

Shuangbei also announced conditions to open residential long-term care facilities visits from 31 August 31. 

Taipei Mayor Ke Wenzhe said that although the international epidemic is still serious, Taiwan has slowed down, so it also proposed amendments to the catering industry's epidemic prevention guidelines. 

There are five amendments to the guidelines for epidemic prevention in the catering industry in Taipei. 

1. A single compartment has 80 people indoors and 300 people outdoors. If the total number of people in multiple compartments exceeds the upper limit, it must be reported three days in advance. 

2. Those who are at the same table must keep a distance of 1.5 m, otherwise they must use partitions. 

3. Except for those who live together with care needs, those who live with family members at the same table must still maintain a distance of 1.5 m or partitions. 

The Taipei City Food and Beverage Industry Epidemic Prevention Guidelines were revised. (Photo/Taipei City Government) 

4. Relaxation of hot pot and barbecue is not mandatory to be operated by special personnel: table dishes, hot pot, barbecue provide 1 person and 1 male chopsticks and spoons, or by the service, the personnel will serve the dishes after the dishes are divided. Total furnace.

5. Relaxation of the buffet. It is not mandatory for a special person to pick up the dishes. If the customer picks up the dishes by themselves, the picking folder should be used for a single use. 

After cleaning and disinfection, it can be used by the next customer. 

Ke Wenzhe also emphasized that the catering industry in Taipei will be relaxed once in a while depending on the epidemic.


News (7)

Downgrade the second level alert? Chen Shizhong: It will be possible if 2 regulations are complied with


When will the national alert be downgraded? The centre commander Chen Shizhong said that today's addition of zero local cases brings new hope for the downgrade, but the epidemic prevention performance must be maintained, and the vaccine coverage rate increase will enable possible downgrade of the level alert

Today the local cases have returned to zero again. Whether the epidemic prevention alert is downgraded has attracted much attention. Chen Shizhong said at the press conference on the epidemic in the afternoon that adding zero to local cases does bring new hope for epidemic prevention. Although it is not mandatory to add zero every day, it does help to make the epidemic response faster and administrative efficiency higher, as long as it is maintained.

The results of epidemic prevention, coupled with the increase in vaccine coverage, can be downgraded. Chen Shizhong said that as for places and activities that have not yet been opened, most of them are places where there is more human contact and epidemic prevention measures are difficult to maintain. Taiwan must wait for the epidemic to stabilize and vaccine coverage to reach a certain level before considering re-opening. 

As the epidemic has cooled down, the Executive Yuan plans to launch a five-fold coupon for revitalization following last year's triple coupon. The outside world is also curious about what Chen Shizhong is buying. Chen Shizhong said that he spent 1,000 yuan on the triple coupon last year to buy his favorite peanut popsicles, but he did  not know how to use it this year. He said with a smile that "NT$5,000 to buy popsicles is a little bit more," but he believes everyone has hope in their hearts, their uses and expectations. He hopes the coupon will help Taiwan's people's economy. (Central News Agency)


News (8)

Regardless of your council's approval of anti-MVC, the sixth round of vaccine reservation rate in Miao County exceeds 90%
  
Reporter : Peng Jiali

Image : Although the Miaoli County Council passed a resolution requiring the Miaoli County Government to only vaccinate Miaoli county residents with internationally certified covi vaccines, which are considered anti-MVC, people still actively register for the sixth round of MVC-COV1901 appointments. (Data photo)



The Miaoli County Council recently passed a bill requiring the Miaoli County Government to only vaccinate Miaoli County residents with the internationally certified covi vaccine, which is regarded as anti-MVC. Despite this, the 6th round of MVC vaccine reservation registration on the central 1922 vaccine reservation platform ended at 12 noon today. The number of reservations available in Miaoli County is 10,800, and 9,882 reservations have been completed. The reservation rate is 90.5%.

The Miaoli County Government Health Bureau stated that the county government has set up 71 vaccination sites on the booking platform, including 18 township health centres, 13 contract hospitals, and 40 contract clinics to increase the accessibility of vaccination to the villagers. The MVC covi vaccine provided this time is a single-dose vaccination and does not have any residual dose. Please make an appointment on the platform and prepare your identity documents and health insurance card to report on time.

News (9)
Fleeing the CCP without fear and danger, Chinese refugees settle in the Bahamas
Reporters : Yang Yang, Xu Xiuhui / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2021/08/27/a103200558.html
Recently, CCP China began to stop issuing passports for citizens. Even if they had visas, many people were prevented from going abroad. A few days ago, 16 Chinese citizens fled collectively because they did not want to be deprived of their human rights by the CCP. They were once trapped at sea waiting for rescue. Come listen to their stories.
Recently, 16 Chinese citizens, after escaping from China, were found by the Bahamas before they planed to head for the United States. After an exclusive phone call from our reporter, 16 people were trapped at sea waiting for rescue on the way.
Because they often spread the truth on social media, they are constantly harassed and threatened by the CCP. Therefore, the 16 people would rather take the risk and imitate the British fleeing to the American continent in the hope of gaining the most basic freedom.
Aaron, spokesman for the exile team, said, "Through the 8964 Tiananmen incident, to the various human rights tragedies and oppressions and persecutions that we saw later, we gradually became aware of the nature of the Communist Party-ruled China. In 2019, At that time, I supported Hong Kong on WeChat and Weibo, and in 20 years, I forwarded some real information about Wuhan pneumonia to Weibo and Moments. At that time, it was checked by the Public Security Bureau and they wanted to arrest me. Ask me to write a guarantee letter. Both my Weibo and WeChat are blocked."
Aaron also voiced to support Hong Kong on the tubing and sang the famous song "Wish the Glory Return to Hong Kong".
Aaron, the spokesperson of the exile team, "Join me in chanting democracy and freedom for the people of Hong Kong, and defeat the CCP, and we will fight for freedom together."
When they were in the Bahamas, they named the sailboat they purchased "Exodus", hoping to reach the promised land under the protection of God just like the Israelites left Egypt.
However, because they were not familiar with charts and navigation channels, they ran into reefs and ran aground after going out to sea. After reporting the rescue by the Marine Patrol, 5 people were detained by the Bahamas government, and 11 others, including women and children, have been released.
Progressive brother, organizer of the exile team, said, "Compared to our domestic fears, I think the immigration supervision in the United States is much better than at home. At least it is a free country, a democratic country."
With the help of American friends, all 16 people have applied for UN refugees and temporarily settled in the Bahamas.
Pro-democracy activist Zheng Cunzhu believes that this proves that the CCP’s policy of "closing the country" is unpopular. At the same time, the awakened Chinese have the determination to pursue personal freedom and are unwilling to be "leeks."
News (10) to (12) / Reporter : Luo Tingting  / Editor: Wen Hui / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2021/08/27/a103200570.html
News (10)
The number of confirmed cases at Shanghai Pudong Airport increases, and Yangzhou's release is forever
The outbreak in Shanghai continued to heat up. On the 27th, the official announced a new local confirmed case of infection with the CCP virus. It was an operator of an overseas cargo plane at Pudong Airport. At the same time, Yangzhou, Jiangsu also notified a new local confirmed case,  and the people complained.
News (11)
The number of confirmed cases at Pudong Airport continues to increase
On 27 August, the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission notified that: on the 26th, there was a new local confirmed case in Shanghai. He was an operator of an overseas cargo plane at Pudong Airport and a co-worker of the previous confirmed case. He had been a close contact on August 20. Centralized isolation. The patient has been transferred to the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center for isolation and treatment.
Because the CCP covered up the truth about the epidemic, the outside world has doubts about the official epidemic data.
Image : On 13 August 2021, the Shanghai Pudong Airport epidemic prevention personnel sent the passengers to the quarantine hotel for isolation. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)
Shangguan News reported that the southern district of Zhu'anyuan, Zhuqiao Town, Pudong, where the newly confirmed cases live, has been closed for management. People can only get in, and there are emergency vehicles.
According to official reports, the areas and places involved in the confirmed case include: Jinjiang Inn (Donghai Town Store), No.798 Yanchao Road, Pudong New Area, Zhuanyuan, Lane 301, Zhupan Road, Zhuqiao Town, and Super 8 Hotel, No.1312 Feng Road, South Sichuan.
In the past few days, the number of confirmed cases related to Pudong Airport has continued to increase, and the Shanghai epidemic has attracted public attention.
Netizens commented on Weibo, "The airport staff have been vaccinated, right?" "At least three communities have been closed. In Zhuanyuan alone, there are 4,000 households and nearly 10,000 people have been quarantined."
Some netizens revealed that there was an epidemic in Fengxian District, which is adjacent to Pudong New Area, and some neighborhoods were closed, but the government did not notify them?"
News (12)
Jiangsu engages in "one size fits all" blockade, people complain
In addition to Shanghai, Yangzhou, Jiangsu also notified a new local confirmed case on the 27th, coming from a closed and controlled community. More than 150 close contacts related to the patient have all been quarantined.
Image : On 23 August 2021, epidemic prevention personnel in Yangzhou are performing disinfection operations. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)
Because of the epidemic, Yangzhou and surrounding cities have been closed for more than a month. The epidemic has not been "cleared", and the release of the closure has been indefinitely. People's lives, work, and studies have been seriously affected, and complaints have been heard.
Some netizens said, "Can the low-risk areas be unblocked...precise? I am low-risk from beginning to end. Why have I been sealed for so long in vain...I'm going crazy..." "I can see the demands of the people. Don’t cut it all over again, okay?! The low-risk zone is quickly unblocked! You only care about the black hat, we just want to live!"
Some netizens also complained, "Jiangdu, Baoying, Gaoyou, and Yizheng are all low-risk areas, so they have to run with Yangzhou's main urban area? Do so many people who want to go to school and work stay at home? What else can they do besides the one-size-fits-all approach? Call the destination, and people say that you can go back with low risk. You just don’t let anyone go. You can just seal it up until next year. Don’t work or go to school. For the first time, I don’t look at the people’s opinions at all!"
Some netizens complained: "Partners in Yangzhou, do you know how long Taizhou has been sealed? Because of you, our Taizhou has not been sealed for almost a month. Educational institutions, medical institutions, and entertainment venues are not allowed to open, and physical stores are lost. It's so terrible, I blame the above for inaction, one size fits all!! The common people's cutting board fish meat, no one cares about life and death!"
News (13)

Ong Ye Kung: If Singapore adopts a strategy of "clearing zero" to combat covid, it will pay a high price

Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that if Singapore is to adopt a "zero-clearing" strategy in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, it must implement blocking measures and strictly control the border but the price to be paid is too high.

Ong Ye Kung said that as long as the circuit breaker measures are implemented for a few months and the departures of Singaporeans and arrivals of visitors are strictly prohibited after the opening, the goal of "zeroing" can be achieved.

However, he pointed out that the cost to achieve such an effect is too high. As a small country, Singapore relies on connections with the world. Adopting such a regularity will affect future livelihoods. Therefore, the government believes that it is still slowly opening up to coexist with the virus. It is a more correct choice for the long-term interests of Singapore.

"Big countries may have this option. China is a good example. It can depend on internal circulation. Singapore is so small and linked to the whole world. This will have a great impact on livelihoods and future jobs."

In addition, Ong Ye Kung also stated that among the patients who died in August, except for one death case that was diagnosed on 9 August, the others were infected with the virus before 5 August.

"The vaccination rate (vaccine) was relatively low in early August, and now the vaccination rate is as high as 80%. I hope that in the future, everyone will have a stronger resistance and the number of people with serious diseases will decrease."

As for when children under the age of 12 can be vaccinated, Wang Yikang said that he must wait patiently for scientists to complete the research but he is confident that the vaccine will eventually be approved for children under the age of 12 and will protect them.

He pointed out that there are currently more than 200 children infected with covid in Singapore. All of them have no serious illnesses, and many have no illnesses at all. Therefore, he believes that the virus will not harm children.

He said that it is too early to rate Singapore's anti-epidemic work. This is a long road. The ultimate success depends on the cooperation of the people in Singapore.


News (14)

How strong is the human immunity after recovery? New study: 13 times stronger than 2 doses of Comirnaty

Countries continue to vaccinate their citizens. The latest large-scale study of Israel has revealed the strength of the human body’s natural immunity. People who have been infected and recovered, and those who have received two full doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Comirnaty, the risk of infection is still ten times higher.

According to comprehensive foreign media reports, in a large-scale Israeli research report, scientists found that people who received two full doses of Pfizer vaccine were at risk of being infected with Covi72 13 times higher than those who had been diagnosed with Wuhan virus and recovered.

The research team used the data from the medical care service database to track the medical records of about 800,000 Israelis, and observed the health of these people from June 1 to August 14 to reach the above conclusions.

According to the report, this study was carried out after Covi72 caused widespread transmission in Israel. The results showed that even if two doses of the vaccine were fully vaccinated, the ability to protect themselves from infection was still inferior to those who were diagnosed and recovered, and coughing occurred. The proportion of symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath is also 7 times higher than the latter.

The experts in charge of this project believe that this study, which compares the natural immunity of the human body with the protection of vaccines, is by far the largest observational study in the related field.

Although the report highlights the strength of the human body’s natural immunity, experts have not forgotten to emphasize that vaccines are still the people’s first line of defense against the epidemic, warning that “intentionally contracting the disease to enhance immunity is a very dangerous move for those who have not been vaccinated.” 


External news on Brunei, Myanmar, Kazakhstan and Singapore

News (15)

Brunei minister confirms Delta variant presence

Source : Borneo Bulletin

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has confirmed the presence of the Delta variant (Covi72) in the Sultanate, after samples from local cases tested positive for the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus strain.

This was announced by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar at the daily press conference yesterday.

“Results from the genotyping or sequencing tests of samples from local cases that were sent overseas showed that all 20 samples are of Covi72,” he said.

The minister added that Covi72 is known to be two to three times more infectious than other variants, but urged the public not to panic.

“Covi72 is known to be two to three times more infectious that other variants. However, the preventive and control measures of any COVID-19 variant remains the same, such as getting a COVID-19 vaccine injection; wearing a face mask when outdoors especially in crowded areas; and frequent hand washing with soap and water or by using hand sanitiser.”

Later, in addressing public concerns about the recent covid-related deaths, he said, “It shows that the virus is easily transmissible and poses a high risk, especially to those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as renal failure, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension or a high body mass index (BMI).

“People with a high BMI have a strong risk factor, leading to severe health effects.”

On the issue of dishonesty in filling out the BruHealth report, the minister said, “If such people get a green code, when in reality they have a red or purple code, then they should not go out.”

He continued, “This can be reported to the police, for further action. If that were the case, then they will receive a BND5,000 fine or face legal action.”

Asked whether there have been any serious side effects from the vaccines, the minister replied, “There is a committee monitoring those with side effects. Those with serious side effects such as a stroke are usually subject to further investigation.

“There are also deaths reported, but whether these are related or otherwise is another matter, so it needs to be investigated further. Sometimes it is not related, as some of those vaccinated already had health risks. To verify this would require a post-mortem, to ascertain if it is related to vaccination or is case of sudden death.”

News (16)

On the front line against covid in Yangon

Yangon, Myanmar’s business hub, has been hit hard by the third wave of COVID-19. In July, 6,000 people died, making it the deadliest month since the covid outbreak was first reported in Myanmar in late March 2020. 

Amid the surge in cases, volunteers from charity services in the city have endured unprecedented conditions. They are being called round the clock by covid patients’ desperate family members seeking to get their sick relatives to hospitals, find emergency supplies of medical oxygen for them, or to transport their bodies to cemeteries for cremations or burial services. On some days, crematoriums are jammed with bodies, mostly of people who died of covid. Sometimes, the volunteers even keep night vigils for elderly patients who live alone.

“They called us for urgently needed oxygen. After we dispatched the tanks, the old couple begged us not to leave them as they had no one else in case of an emergency. So we had to sleep right in front of the house,” a volunteer recalled.

Given their constant physical proximity with covid patients, volunteers admit they have to disinfect their hazmats and reuse them due to a shortage of personal protective equipment. They no longer return to their homes, but stay in lodgings at their office lest they spread the virus to their family members.

As the infection and death rates have abated somewhat for the moment, volunteers in Yangon are less busy than during the peak period, but still have to respond to people reaching out to them. They offer a hand helping to refill oxygen tanks at plants and getting them delivered to homes on request. They also transport people to covid treatment centres and of course bodies to cemeteries but the number is relatively low now.

As of Wednesday (25 August 2021), Myanmar has reported a total of 309,032 covid cases and 14,737 deaths.

News (17)

Striking cops form shadow police force to oppose Myanmar Junta

Source : The Irrawaddy

Image : Police officers strike against the Myanmar Junta in Kayah State, Myanmar

Striking police officers in Kayah State have formed a police force which will work together with anti-regime groups to fight military rule. It is the first such shadow police force to be formed in Myanmar since the junta’s February 1 coup.

The Karenni State Police (KSP) was formed on August 15 under the leadership of the Karenni State Consultative Council (KSCC).

It consists of 320 police who defected from the junta-controlled Home Affairs Ministry after the coup. Most are from Kayah State and Pekon Township in southern Shan State, but a few are police from central Myanmar who have taken refuge in Kayah in southeastern Myanmar.

“We will contribute what we can during the revolution. We will provide security when we can occupy areas. We will provide help for displaced people. We will act in line with human rights if we catch prisoners of war. We are trying our best to serve the Karenni people,” said U Ne Ye Zin, the information officer for the KSP.

The KSCC was formed in April and comprises elected lawmakers and representatives of political parties, ethnic armed organizations and civil society groups, including the long-standing Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP).

The council is intended to act as a parallel administration to the military regime and to run the administrative, legislative and judicial mechanisms in Kayah. The KSCC is in the process of negotiating with the shadow National Unity Government for cooperation and collaboration in fighting the junta.

The KSP will act as a law enforcement organization under the KSCC to provide security for the people and protect public interests in seven townships across Kayah State, as well as Pekon, where there is a high ethnic Karenni population, said the KSCC announcement.

“We will not be able to serve the people to the full as we are still in a revolution period now. We are providing capacity-building and lecturing people about human rights and federal democracy. We aim to serve as a normal law enforcement organization in the future,” said U Ne Ye Zin.

He declined to comment on the structure and detailed responsibilities of the KSP, citing security concerns. Police majors are the highest rank to have deserted the Home Affairs Ministry to join the KSP.

While the KSP will not join the armed struggle against the regime, it will work together with ethnic armed groups including the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), a group of civilian fighters which also includes the existing ethnic armed groups in Kayah State.

“They will focus mainly on relief work and helping displaced persons. And they will enforce laws adopted by Karenni groups in communities. They will not fight on the front line. The KNDF is responsible for the fighting,” said a KNDF spokesman.

As well as providing security for refugees, the KSP will also be responsible for junta soldiers captured by the KNDF. Prisoners of war will be treated in line with international laws. The KSP will also disseminate the concept of federalism to the public, the KNDF said.

Junta forces have been clashing with Karenni armed groups in Loikaw, Demoso, Hpruso, and Bawlake townships in Kayah State, as well as in Pekon in Shan State. The regime has also been arresting Karenni activists and striking government employees. The KSP will start operations in the rural parts of Kayah controlled by the KNDP, KNPP and local People’s Defense Forces.
News (18)
Huge explosion in Kazakhstan, nine killed
Reporters : Sam Baker and Will Stewart, Daily Mail / Image : Video Screenshot
Nine people have died following explosions at an arms depot in southern Kazakhstan with four others feared dead, the Central Asian country's emergencies ministry has said.

The ministry's statement said emergency services workers and military staff were among victims of the blasts in the southern region of Jambyl yesterday - and it added that four people were missing.

Nearby villages were evacuated by authorities while emergency services attended to the wounded, and rail links to the city of Almaty were closed.

A video shared on the Telegram messaging app showed a column of smoke billowing from a fire before a powerful explosion sent flames shooting out. 

Another clip showed debris and army missiles ignited by inferno flying through the sky in long arcs as the fire raged.

The defence ministry said that a fire had broken out at the ammunitions depot and 'quickly spread to storage facilities where engineering ammunition is stored.'

Several explosions followed, the defence ministry said.

'The explosions stopped over time, but the fire continues,' the statement added.

Regular incidents at Kazakhstan's Soviet-era military depots have proved a headache for the government in recent years, with another depot near the southern town of Arys seeing three lethal explosions take place in the last decade.

The defence ministry noted that some of the munitions stored at the Soviet-era depot in Jambyl had been transferred from the facility in Arys, where there have been calls to resettle the town's entire population of 45,000.

The emergencies ministry said that the scattering radius of the fragments was up to 1.25 miles.

'According to preliminary data, more than 500 tonnes of trinitrotoluene (TNT) were stored in the warehouse,' the ministry said.

Kazakhstan is close to Kyrgyzstan, which shares frontiers with neighbouring states to Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

All the ex-Soviet republics in the region are deeply concerned at the possible spread of the Taliban and Islamic terrorism to their countries with the collapse of the Western-backed government in Afghanistan.

Ref: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9932553/Huge-explosion-Kazakh-military-base-kills-nine.html

News (19)

Changi Airport T1 and certain areas of T3 re-opened on 1 September 2021

Press Release / Images : Changi Airport Group



Singapore Changi Airport will reopen Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 3 (T3) to the public on 1 September 2021, with additional safeguards to protect travellers, airport workers and members of the public who visit the airport. These include restricting the use of the Arrival Halls to arriving passengers and professional meet-and-greet services to minimise interaction between arriving passengers and local residents. A new dedicated dining area has also been set up at T3 Basement 2 (T3B2) next to the Kopitiam food court just for airport staff, to minimise their interaction with the public. The air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems at the terminals have also been enhanced.

Over the past few months, Changi has stepped up safety measures and added layers to its existing COVID-19 defences, to keep passengers and visitors safe and to protect airport workers.

Restricted use of arrival halls

The new health safety measures on the landside complements the zonal segregation in the transit areas already in place at Changi since May 2021. Only professional meet-and-greet services (for example those from hotels, transport services and company agents) will be able to meet and greet arriving passengers from low-risk countries[1]in the Arrival Halls. These representatives are required to present the passenger’s flight itinerary to gain entry into the meeting area when the flight has landed. Only one representative is allowed to pick up each arriving passenger group. Other passengers from low-risk countries can pre-arrange their own transport or be picked up by family and friends at the terminal’s Arrival Pick-up kerbside. Taxi services will also be available for passengers.

Dedicated rest and dining area for airport staff

At the T3 Arrival Hall, parts of the area have been converted into a staff rest area. The F&B and retail outlets located at T3 Arrival Hall will be temporarily closed to the public with this zonal segregation.

To enhance segregation at the airport, a staff dining area adjacent to the Kopitiam food court at T3B2 has been set up to provide airport staff dining at the food court with a dedicated area to have their meals outside of their shift. This reserved staff area will give airport workers the convenience of not having to hunt for a table at the food court, especially during busy meal times.

Enhancing air quality and safety at Changi

The terminals’ air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems have also been enhanced given the threat from the more transmissible COVID-19 variants. These air quality enhancements include the use of hospital grade MERV-14 filters and installation of UV-C sanitisation in the air-conditioning systems, as well as portable air purifiers with HEPA filters in the main dining area at the Kopitiam food court.

Departure halls and T3B2 are re-opened on 1 September 2021

The multiple safety measures aim to give visitors peace of mind to freely visit the departure halls and T3B2 to shop and enjoy their meals. As Changi welcomes the public back to its terminals, more than 80% of the retail and F&B outlets at T1 and T3 will resume operations (refer to Annex for list of outlets open). Photo spots featuring destinations across the world, such as Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and South Korea have also been set up for visitors to enjoy after their meals.

Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), said, “We are satisfied with the safeguards put in place by Changi Airport Group (CAG) and the airport community for the reopening of Terminals 1 and 3. As Singapore takes cautious steps to further reopen our borders, we need to ensure that Changi Airport remains a safe airport for travellers coming into and transiting through Singapore, airport workers and the general public. CAAS will continue to actively review safety protocols at the airport based on an assessment of risks and the prevailing COVID-19 situation.”

Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of CAG said, “Ensuring the health and safety of passengers, visitors and airport staff remains the top priority for CAG. With the reopening of Changi Airport’s terminals to visitors, we continue to work with the authorities and our airport partners to put in place and maintain multiple layers of safety measures. We hope this assures all airport users and instills a high sense of confidence among them. For the airport community who have rallied with us over the past few months, we want to thank them for their perseverance and determination to keep Changi safe for all.”

[1] These low-risk countries include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, New Zealand and Taiwan. The list is subject to change.

News (20)

Singapore Airlines launches The Upcycling Project

On 26 August 2021, Singapore Airlines launches The Upcycling Project, through which the airline will provide parts and materials from retired commercial aircraft to various Singapore-based organisations and selected global retail brands. These parts can be upcycled and repurposed to create unique retail products and art pieces, and will also be used to support educational institutions, artists, and persons with disabilities.

Singapore Airlines will also work with SG Enable, an agency dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities, in their i’mable Collective initiative. Aircraft parts and materials will be provided to the i’mable Collective’s makers such as Singapore Fashion Runway and SPD. People with disabilities can fashion them into gifts and products for sale via the makers’ platforms, with the proceeds going directly to the makers.

Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience of Singapore Airlines, said, “The Upcycling Project is a unique opportunity to repurpose parts and materials from older retired aircraft, and find a new use for them. There was a lot of interest when we first broached the concept, and we are happy to be able to support a wide range of communities through this initiative. Our customers and fans will also have a rare opportunity to own exceptional art pieces, as well as the exclusive items that our retail partners will create.”





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