VIF Neighborhood News Digest: April 6, 2020

PAKISTAN

UAE sends another batch of virus medical aid: Dawn
April 6, 2020

Another batch of medical aid by the United Arab Emirates government to help Pakistan curb the transmission of Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, arrived at the Islamabad International Airport on Sunday, according to a press release. The second batch of medical aid containing 11 tonnes of medical supplies and preventive aid was sent by the UAE leadership in their quest to provide support and assistance to the people of Pakistan, which has been an established approach of UAE’s foreign policy since the era of Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued and developed in the era of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE president, stated the press release issued by the UAE embassy in Islamabad. Click here to read.... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Coronavirus Cases in Afghanistan: 367: TOLO
April 6, 2020

The Ministry of Public Health early on Monday said that 30 new cases have been confirmed, bringing the total cases in Afghanistan to 367. Positive coronavirus cases recorded in Afghanistan over the past 24 hours: in Herat (16), Kabul (6), Nimruz (3), Kunduz (2), Faryab (2) and Daikundi (1) provinces, the Health Ministry said on Monday. Seven people are reported dead from coronavirus in Afghanistan, and 17 others have recovered. Click here to read.... [3]

BANGLADESH

Coronavirus: Garbage collectors vulnerable to infection, their earnings decline: Dhaka Tribune
April 6, 2020

Workers involved with waste management are at high risk of contracting the virus themselves and transmitting it to other people. Like any other day, Zakaria, a teenage boy, came to collect garbage from houses early in the morning, brushing aside any fear of exposure to the deadly coronavirus. Wearing shorts and a t-shirt, he was holding a plastic bucket in his hands while chewing something. But he had no masks or hand gloves. Click here to read.... [4]

MYANMAR

Myanmar State Counsellor faces Facebook ‘teething troubles’: Myanmar Times
April 6, 2020

State Counsellor Daw Aung Suu Kyi on April 5 admitted to facing some difficulties in using the Facebook but expressed satisfaction that she was able to reach out to the people. “It took me sometime to type as I was just starting to use Facebook but I am glad that I can communicate with the public,” she said in her most recent post. “I think I will get used to it.” It was the third post of the Myanmar de facto leader since she reactivated her dormant account last week in a bid to reach out to the citizens during the COVID-19 crisis. Click here to read.... [5]

NEPAL

Despite fiascos and rising Covid-19 cases, the prime minister maintains a stony silence: The Kathmandu Post
April 6, 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic might have forced entire cities under lockdown and drastically changed peoples’ lives but the government has yet to do things differently, embroiled as it is in a series of controversies. Even while his ministers are getting widely criticized in the press and in public for their alleged involvement in corruption even at a time of crisis, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has maintained a stony silence. Click here to read.... [6]

Bhutan

Banks prepared to defer EMIs: Kuenselonline
April 6, 2020

Financial institutions (FIs) together with the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) are finalizing options like deferring equated monthly installments (EMIs), providing moratorium and increasing grace period on loans for businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In the face of the new coronavirus affecting the economy, those hit hard by the pandemic are requesting the government to look into their interests. Click here to read.... [7]

Sri Lanka

Expedite COVID-19 testing as over 40,000 associated with confirmed cases: GMOA: Daily Mirror
April 6, 2020

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) today urged the health authorities to speed up the COVID-19 testing of some 42,000 personnel who have been in contact with over 160 patients tested positive for the virus in the country. GMOA member Dr. Naveen De Soyza said it was revealed at a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday that about 42,000 people have been in contact with those tested positive. He said the current pace of testing was not adequate to efficiently counter the spread of the virus. Click here to read.... [8]

CHINA

Commentary: China's COVID-19 aid is humanitarian, not geopolitical: People’s Daily
April 6, 2020

As the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic is taking a heavy toll globally, China has provided much-needed medical supplies and treatment experience to help many countries defeat the fatal virus. However, certain critics and media have tried to politicize China's sincere and substantial assistance, alleging "politics of generosity," "mask diplomacy" and "propaganda." Click here to read.... [9]

World at risk of second Great Depression due to coronavirus, says Chinese central bank: South China Morning Post
April 6, 2020

China’s central bank has warned the international community to be alert to the risk of a “Great Depression” in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, although it said the chances of this occurring was low. Click here to read.... [10]

Chinese banks face double threat of more bad debt, lower margins amid worsening coronavirus pandemic: South China Morning Post
April 6, 2020

After posting better-than-expected results for 2019, Chinese banks face the prospect of worsening asset quality and pressure on profits this year, as the coronavirus pandemic takes a toll on the global economy, bankers and analysts said. Click here to read.... [11]