Two pro-democracy lawmakers removed from Hong Kong Legislative Council
Two pro-democracy lawmakers were removed from Hong Kong’s Legislative Council on Thursday where lawmakers were debating a bill that would make disrespect of China’s national anthem a criminal offence.
Philippines task force backs easing one of world’s toughest lockdowns
The Philippines saw its biggest spike in coronavirus cases on Thursday with 539 new infections recorded, just after a panel recommended the president ease one of the toughest and longest lockdowns in the world for residents in the capital Manila.
Cautious Japan unlikely to introduce September school year start any time soon: media
Japan is unlikely to change its academic year to start in September rather than April in either 2020 or 2021, domestic media said on Thursday, despite calls for reform that advocates say would help internationalise the country’s education system.
U.S. unit to arrive in Colombia to help fight drug trafficking
A U.S. army unit will arrive in Colombia in the coming days to help the Andean country’s armed forces fight against drug trafficking for a four-month period, the U.S. embassy in Bogota said on Wednesday.
As Japan reopens, coronavirus testing slowed by bureaucracy and staff shortages
At the beginning of April, a young Japanese sumo wrestler known as Shobushi came down with a fever. His coaches tried calling a local public health centre to get him a coronavirus test, but the phone lines were busy.
South Korea reports 79 new coronavirus cases, most since April 5
South Korea reported 79 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, the largest one day increase since April 5.
Australia’s rugby league football to kick off as COVID-19 cases slow
Australia’s National Rugby League football competition, a bruising body contact sport, will on Thursday resume after a two-month hiatus as the number of coronavirus cases in the country slows and social restrictions are eased.
U.S. and China fight at United Nations over Hong Kong
The United States and China clashed over Hong Kong at the United Nations on Wednesday after Beijing opposed a request by Washington for the Security Council to meet over China’s plan to impose new national security legislation on the territory.
Colombia to begin easing restrictions from the start of June
Colombia will begin easing restrictions put in place to control the spread of the coronavirus starting from June, President Ivan Duque said Wednesday, though he asked the public to continue isolating at home and keep using measures to contain the disea…
Philippines’ task force recommends easing of lockdown in capital
The Philippines’ coronavirus task force has recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte easing lockdown measures in Manila from June 1, despite the country still reporting some of its highest daily numbers of COVID-19 cases and missing testing targets.
