Jonathan Fairfield

Australia takes stimulus to 10% of GDP and orders closures to combat coronavirus

By Lidia Kelly and Jonathan Barrett

 

The mostly deserted steps of the Sydney Opera House, where scheduled public performances have been cancelled due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), are seen on a quiet morning in Sydney, Australia, March 18, 2020. REUTERS/Loren Elliott

 

MELBOURNE/SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia ordered pubs, cinemas, churches and casinos to close and two more states said on Sunday they would shut their borders, while the government pledged an extra A$66.4 billion ($38.50 billion) to combat the impact of the coronavirus.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155188-australia-orders-pubs-cinemas-churches-and-casinos-to-close/

 

Australia takes stimulus to 10% of GDP and orders closures to combat coronavirus

By Lidia Kelly and Jonathan Barrett

 

The mostly deserted steps of the Sydney Opera House, where scheduled public performances have been cancelled due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), are seen on a quiet morning in Sydney, Australia, March 18, 2020. REUTERS/Loren Elliott

 

MELBOURNE/SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia ordered pubs, cinemas, churches and casinos to close and two more states said on Sunday they would shut their borders, while the government pledged an extra A$66.4 billion ($38.50 billion) to combat the impact of the coronavirus.

 

Along with neighbouring New Zealand, Australia has brought in widespread measures to limit the spread of the virus, but they have been less stringent than the lockdowns in parts of Europe and North America where infection rates are higher.

 

Australia's new fiscal stimulus, the second in a week, will go to individuals in need and small and medium-sized businesses which account for about a third of output and employ more than 40% of the workforce, according to government statistics.

 

"We will be focusing on those in the front line, those who will be feeling the first blows of the economic impact of the coronavirus," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in Canberra early on Sunday. "There will be more packages and more support." The package dwarfs the A$17.6 billion ($10.20 billion) in initial measures announced last week.

Morrison said later on Sunday that the country would close most public gathering venues from midday on Monday to enforce social distancing rules.

 

Many Australians appeared to disregard health warnings and flocked to pubs and beaches at the weekend amid a warm autumn spell.

 

The number of coronavirus infections has risen quickly in recent days, climbing to 1,098 confirmed cases as of Sunday morning with seven recorded deaths linked to COVID-19.

 

Almost all sectors will be affected by the forced closures, although restaurants, cafes and catering businesses will still be able to offer delivery and take-away services.

 

"That is a very, very regretful decision. But a necessary one," Morrison said at a conference late on Sunday.

 

Schools in Australia are set to remain open, Morrison said, although Victoria, the country's second most populous state, will end its first term on Tuesday, a few days early.

 

South Australia and Western Australia on Sunday said they would close their borders as of Tuesday to restrict the movement of people, following similar actions in the Northern Territory and Tasmania announced last week.

 

The other three states and one territory, home to much larger populations, remained open.

 

The Australian Football League (AFL), which has been reluctant to suspend its games, said on Sunday the 2020 top flight Australian rules season would pause until the end of May.

 

ECONOMIC HIT

 

Together with emergency banking measures and the initial stimulus package, Australia has now announced financial measures equalling about 10% of the country's annual gross domestic product, the government said.

 

Morrison said the government would help underwrite loans to small and medium-sized businesses and boost unemployment benefits as companies are forced to lay off staff.

 

Jobseekers will get extra money and people in financial stress will also be able access some of their pension funds, while some not-for-profits and small businesses will have access to cash grants to keep staff employed.

 

One of Australia's largest employers, Qantas Airways <QAN.AX>, said last week it would put 20,000 employees on leave as the virus has devastated the airline industry with scores of countries closing their borders.

 

"Some industries have effectively suffered instant downturns, with some already in recession," economists at the National Australia Bank said in a note.

 

While mineral-rich Australia has enjoyed a near 30-year stellar economic run and passed through the global financial crisis without falling into recession, economists are now forecasting a sharp pull-back in consumer spending.

 

"It is impossible to stop a recession because people are staying at home and are not spending, but this minimises the collateral damage where lots of companies go bust and the recession ends up being a lot deeper," AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver told Reuters.

 

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly and Jonathan Barrett; Additional reporting by Colin Packham, Swati Pandey and Paulina Duran; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Philippa Fletcher)

 

Malaysia deploys army as coronavirus curbs spread across Southeast Asia

By Joseph Sipalan

 

Soldiers wearing protective masks stand guard at a roadblock, to enforce movement control order due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 22, 2020. REUTERS/Lim Huey Teng

 

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia deployed the army on Sunday to enforce a two-week curb on travel on a country that has Southeast Asia's highest number of coronavirus cases, most of them linked to a mass religious gathering held late last month.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155186-malaysia-deploys-army-as-coronavirus-curbs-spread-across-southeast-asia/

 

Phuket’s six new cases include Swiss, Canadian

 

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana at the meeting today (Mar 22). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

 

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana has announced that among six new cases of people confirmed as infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus since yesterday were a 26-year-old Swiss woman and a 46-year-old Canadian man.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155184-phuket’s-six-new-cases-include-swiss-canadian/

 

Phuket’s six new cases include Swiss, Canadian

 

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana at the meeting today (Mar 22). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

 

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana has announced that among six new cases of people confirmed as infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus since yesterday were a 26-year-old Swiss woman and a 46-year-old Canadian man.

 

Governor Phakaphong delivered the news at the “Phuket Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Incident Command Center” at 3pm today (Mar 22).

 

Of the six new cases, three are Thai nationals, including a 35-year-old businessmen. Officials are monitoring 15 people who came into close contact with the man, Gov Phakaphong said.

 

Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-six-new-cases-include-swiss-canadian-75388.php

 

Australian consulate in Phuket still open, as mass cruise passenger transfer conducted at sea

 

The two cruise ships Columbus and Vasco da Gama conducted the mass transfer of passengers 12 nautical miles off the coast of Phuket on Wednesday (Mar 18). Photo: Cruise & Maritime Voyages Australia

 

PHUKET: The office of the Australian Consulate-General in Phuket has confirmed that its staff are still receiving and processing enquiries and notarial services. The confirmation follows many enquiries after the office posted a notice that it has closed to the public temporarily.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155181-australian-consulate-in-phuket-still-open-as-mass-cruise-passenger-transfer-conducted-at-sea/

 

Australian consulate in Phuket still open, as mass cruise passenger transfer conducted at sea

 

The two cruise ships Columbus and Vasco da Gama conducted the mass transfer of passengers 12 nautical miles off the coast of Phuket on Wednesday (Mar 18). Photo: Cruise & Maritime Voyages Australia

 

PHUKET: The office of the Australian Consulate-General in Phuket has confirmed that its staff are still receiving and processing enquiries and notarial services. The confirmation follows many enquiries after the office posted a notice that it has closed to the public temporarily.

 

“The office of the Australian Consulate-General in Phuket is closed to the public temporarily. Consulate-General staff are still providing consular assistance remotely at this time. We apologise for the inconvenience,” the consulate has posted on its website. (See here.)

 

People in Phuket and the surrounding provinces with urgent enquiries are urged to contact the Puhket consulate staff by email [email protected]

 

Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/australian-consulate-in-phuket-still-open-as-mass-cruise-passenger-transfer-conducted-at-sea-75386.php

 

 

 

Neighbouring provinces follow Bangkok in closing many public outlets

 

 

Five provinces bordering Bangkok will follow the capital's lead by ordering the temporary closure of many Covid-19 high-risk venues.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155180-neighbouring-provinces-follow-bangkok-in-closing-many-public-outlets/

 

Neighbouring provinces follow Bangkok in closing many public outlets

 

 

Five provinces bordering Bangkok will follow the capital's lead by ordering the temporary closure of many Covid-19 high-risk venues.

 

Interior Ministry permanent secretary Chatchai Promlert said on Saturday that the communicable diseases committees of each of the five provinces had made the same resolution as the one by Bangkok earlier in the day.

 

The affected venues are department stores and some mass gathering venues, except supermarkets and convenience stores.

 

The five provinces following Bangkok are: Samut Prakarn, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi and Pathumthani.

 

Nonthaburi, Samut Prakarn and Samut Sakhon provinces have ordered the closure of many high-risk venues from March 22 to April 12, while Pathumthani has undertaken similar measures from March 22 to April 2 and Nakhon Pathom from March 22 to March 31.

 

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration earlier ordered the temporary closure of 26 types of venues it deems to be high risk for Covid-19 infection in the capital from March 22 to April 12.

 

Meanwhile, some border provinces have temporarily closed some permanent crossings in a move to slow the escalation of the Covid-19 situation. They have also closed some areas where only temporary access is permitted for movement of goods.

 

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384587

 

 

 

Sharp increase in Covid-19 cases in provinces 'cause for concern'

 

 

Medical officials are greatly concerned abou the new coronavirus (Covid-19) spreading to other provinces.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155173-sharp-increase-in-covid-19-cases-in-provinces-cause-for-concern/

 

After Saturday shopping frenzy, rush ebbs at Iconsiam

 

 

Iconsiam saw a steep fall in the number of visitors to its supermarket after people went on a shopping spree on Saturday to stock up on necessities.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155171-after-saturday-shopping-frenzy-rush-ebbs-at-iconsiam/

 

After Saturday shopping frenzy, rush ebbs at Iconsiam

 

 

Iconsiam saw a steep fall in the number of visitors to its supermarket after people went on a shopping spree on Saturday to stock up on necessities.

 

The rush on Saturday was triggered by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ordering the closure of shopping malls in Bangkok until April 12.

 

However, supermarkets, drugstores and some restaurants for takeaway food will remain open during this temporary shutdown period.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384611

 

Five Covid-19 cases confirmed in Songkhla

 

 

There are five confirmed Covid-19 cases in Songkhla while test results are awaited in 13 other cases, provincial GovernorJaruwat Kliangklao said on Sunday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155164-five-covid-19-cases-confirmed-in-songkhla/

 

Five Covid-19 cases confirmed in Songkhla

 

 

There are five confirmed Covid-19 cases in Songkhla while test results are awaited in 13 other cases, provincial GovernorJaruwat Kliangklao said on Sunday.

 

None of the patients are in serious condition, he added.

 

Police have tightened screening on the Thai-Malaysia border checkpoint and are patrolling other areas to prevent smuggling of illegal migrants.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384610

 

Phuket DJ confirmed with COVID-19 calls for people to self-quarantine

 

DJ Romain ‘DJ Tracks’ Tantillo as pictured in his video shared onlien from Bangkok Hospital Phuket. Screenshot: djtracks / Instagram

 

PHUKET: Popular local French DJ Romain “DJ Tracks” Tantillo, who has been confirmed as infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus, is calling people to take sensible precautions and self-quarantine if need be to help prevent the spread of the disease.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155162-phuket-dj-confirmed-with-covid-19-calls-for-people-to-self-quarantine/

 

Phuket DJ confirmed with COVID-19 calls for people to self-quarantine

 

DJ Romain ‘DJ Tracks’ Tantillo as pictured in his video shared onlien from Bangkok Hospital Phuket. Screenshot: djtracks / Instagram

 

PHUKET: Popular local French DJ Romain “DJ Tracks” Tantillo, who has been confirmed as infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus, is calling people to take sensible precautions and self-quarantine if need be to help prevent the spread of the disease.

 

Mr Tantillo broke the news with a video shared online yesterday (Mar 21) from Bangkok Hospital Phuket, where is receiving treatment.

 

“Please guys take it seriously. I WANT EVERYONE TO SHARE THIS VIDEO .

 

If you don’t do it for you, do it for the others . ♥️♥️♥️♥️,” he wrote.

 

Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-dj-confirmed-with-covid-19-calls-for-people-to-self-quarantine-75385.php

 

 

 

Thai woman and son identified as the two new Phuket coronavirus cases

 

The now-daily meeting of the Provincial Communicable Diseases Committee at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Mar 21). Photo: PR Dept

 

PHUKET: It has been confirmed that the two new cases of COVID-19 infection in Phuket reported yesterday (Mar 21) have been identified as a Thai woman and her son.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155154-thai-woman-and-son-identified-as-the-two-new-phuket-coronavirus-cases/

 

Thai woman and son identified as the two new Phuket coronavirus cases

 

The now-daily meeting of the Provincial Communicable Diseases Committee at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Mar 21). Photo: PR Dept

 

PHUKET: It has been confirmed that the two new cases of COVID-19 infection in Phuket reported yesterday (Mar 21) have been identified as a Thai woman and her son.

 

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Taviphatana presided over the now-daily meeting of the Provincial Communicable Diseases Committee at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, joined by Mr Raywat Areerob, assistant to the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Bancha Khakhong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, relevant officers, and business owners in Phuket.

 

Governor Phakaphong revealed the two new cases are a Thai woman and her 7-year-old son who is half Italian.

 

Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/thai-woman-and-son-identified-as-the-two-new-phuket-coronavirus-cases-75377.php

 

 

This was at Mo Chit bus station on Sunday.

 

Images: ThaiPBS

 

Covid-19 claims Thai woman's life in US

 

 

A Thai woman who worked as head chef at a Thai restaurant in the United States died after contracting the new coronavirus (Covid-19) at MedStar Georgetown Hospital in Washington DC on March 21, Cherdkiat Atthakorn, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155143-covid-19-claims-thai-womans-life-in-us/

 

Covid-19 claims Thai woman's life in US

 

 

A Thai woman who worked as head chef at a Thai restaurant in the United States died after contracting the new coronavirus (Covid-19) at MedStar Georgetown Hospital in Washington DC on March 21, Cherdkiat Atthakorn, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.
 

The spokesman said that he had received the report of the 66-year-old's death from the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington.

 

She is the second Thai fatality from Covid-19 and the first to die outside Thailand.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384606

 

Central to shutter department stores in Bangkok until April 12

 

 

CentralPlaza on Sunday announced the temporary closure of its 15 branches in Bangkok and its vicinity, heeding the order on Saturday of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1155142-central-to-shutter-department-stores-in-bangkok-until-april-12/

 

Central to shutter department stores in Bangkok until April 12

 

 

CentralPlaza on Sunday announced the temporary closure of its 15 branches in Bangkok and its vicinity, heeding the order on Saturday of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

 

The branches that will remain closed from March 22 to April 12 include CentralWorld, Lat Phrao, Pin-klao, Ram-Indra, Bang Na, Rama 2, Rama 3, Grand Rama 9, Central Festival East Ville, Chaeng Watthana, Westgate, Rattanathibet, Mahachai and Central Village while the Salaya branch will be closed until March 31.

 

However, Central Food Hall, Tops, Boots, Watson are still open for takeaway service.

 

Meanwhile, Tesco Lotus will continue its service for groceries responding to the huge demand from consumers.

But the food court inside every mall under Tesco Lotus’ management will be available for takeaway service only until April 12

 

Tesco Lotus said it plans to support employees who lose their incomes during the outbreak by hiring them on a daily wage basis.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30384607

 

Service from a distance

 

 

"Art of Coffee" shop on the first floor of Kasetsart University’s Ngam Wong Wan parking lot is using ropes to deliver drinks to customers, in response to the need for social distance to lower the risk of Covid-19 infection.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1154795-thai-cafe-serves-coffee-on-wheels-to-maintain-social-distance/page/2/?tab=comments#comment-15193429