Other News

Coronavirus highlights role of foreign staff in British hospitals

  by David HARDING Agence France Presse LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Joan Pons Laplana is a senior digital charge nurse working on the frontline in an intensive care unit treating coronavirus patients at Sheffield Teaching Hospital in the north of England. Like many of his colleagues in the state-run National Health Service (NHS), the 45-year-old medic is not British. The Spanish national works alongside people from Germany, Italy, Portugal, Philippines and India, as well […]

China to give WHO $30 million more after US freezes funds

BEIJING, China (AFP) — China announced Thursday it will donate another $30 million to the World Health Organization to help in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic, days after Washington said it would freeze funding. “China has decided to donate another $30 million in cash to the WHO, in addition to the previous donation of $20 million, to support the global fight against COVID-19 and strengthen developing countries’ health systems,” foreign ministry spokesman Geng […]

UAE considers reopening malls after virus shutdown

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — The United Arab Emirates said Thursday it is looking into reopening its massive shopping malls, a month after they were closed as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. The restrictions have hit businesses hard, particularly retailers who had expected to cater to a rush of Ramadan shoppers. Health ministry and crisis authorities have requested a study into “the possibility of reopening commercial centers with their private […]

COVID-19 cases in PHL near 7000 mark; 722 recoveries, 462 deaths recorded all in all

(Eagle News)–The number of coronavirus disease 2019 cases in the country neared the 7000 mark on Thursday, April 23, after 271 new cases were reported. According to the Department of Health, of the 6981 overall COVID-19 cases, 722 were recoveries and 462 were deaths. The 722 includes the 29 new recoveries and 16 new deaths. The DOH has said it was still early to say the Philippines was flattening the COVID-19 curve, but that there […]

94 Filipinos with COVID-19 in Malaysia, 61 of them already discharged from hospitals

PHL Ambassador Jose assures Filipinos in Malaysia that PHL embassy doing its best to address their needs, concerns   (Eagle News) – Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Charles Jose said that Filipinos who contracted COVID-19 there have reached 94, with 61 of them already recovering from the disease and discharged from hospitals in Malaysia. In an interview with EBC-NET25’s “ASEAN in Focus” program, Ambassador Jose said that the Philippine embassy there is also helping Filipinos […]

DOH: Still early to say PHL is flattening COVID-19 curve but there are “indications”

(Eagle News)–While it is still early to say  the Philippines is already flattening the COVID-19 curve, there are “indications” to support this, the Department of Health said on Thursday, April 23. According to Dr. Beverly Ho, OIC-Director IV for Health Promotion and Communication Service,   to say the Philippines was flattening  the curve at this point despite the “limitations” in the data “would be irresponsible from our end.” “..But if you’re talking about indications that it […]

World Bank approves $100-million loan for PHL COVID-19 emergency response project

(Eagle News)–The World Bank has approved a $100-million loan for the Philippines’ COVID-19 Emergency Response Project. “The government has taken quick and decisive action in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the World Bank is proud to support its efforts. Right now, no other investment offers greater return,” Achim Fock, World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, said in a  statement on Thursday, April 23. The COVID-19 Emergency Response project, which […]

EBC Update: New Jersey senator says religion an essential service, should resume immediately

  (Eagle News) – EBC Correspondent in New Jersey May Ann Manzano-Guerzon reports on the statement of State Senator Mike Doherty, who has launched a petition calling on Governor Phil Murphy to allow churches and houses of worship in New Jersey to resume in this time of coronavirus. The petition states that outdoor services should be allowed with reasonable precautions, and mentions the constitutional right to practice religion that should not be impeded through overly […]

‘Fourteen dead’ in Yemen’s flood-hit Aden

ADEN, Yemen (AFP) — Fourteen people, including at least five children, have been killed and dozens injured in flash floods in Yemen’s second city Aden, authorities said Wednesday, amid submerged streets and destroyed homes. The deaths take the national toll to at least 21 after the United Nations said that seven other people were killed by flooding in the north, where the country’s long conflict between the government and the Iran-backed Huthi rebels continues. Deputy […]

14 more crew have virus on cruise ship docked in Japan

TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — At least 48 crew aboard a cruise ship docked in the Japanese city of Nagasaki has tested positive for coronavirus, local authorities said Thursday after confirming 14 additional cases. The Costa Atlantica first arrived in Nagasaki in January to undergo repairs, with around 600 crew on board. Officials said they hoped to test all crew members by the end of the week with “some 200 to 300” tests likely to be […]

PNP investigating shooting of Marawi siege soldier with PTSD who allegedly violated ECQ protocol

(Eagle News) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating the shooting of a retired soldier who allegedly violated quarantine protocols, but turned out to have a mental health issues. PNP chief General Archie Gamboa said that a PNP probe is “already underway” to investigate the shooting incident involving Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo Jr., and Winston Ragos who is suffering allegedly from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after his tour of duty in Marawi in […]

Thunderstorm advisory hoisted over parts of Apayao

(Eagle News)–A thunderstorm advisory has been hoisted over parts of Apayao. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said moderate to heavy rainshowers are being experienced over Luna, Pudtol, Flora and Sta. Marcela. PAGASA said the conditions are due to thunderstorms. These may persist for one to two hours and may affect nearby areas, the weather bureau said. “All are advised to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards,” PAGASA said. […]