Death Rates Soar in Southeast Asia as Virus Wave Spreads
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Indonesia has converted nearly its entire oxygen production to medical use just to meet the demand from COVID-19 patients struggling to breathe. Overflowing hospitals in Malaysia had to resort to treating patients on the floor. And in Myanmar’s largest city, graveyard workers have been laboring day and night to keep up with the grim demand for new cremations and burials.
Thailand to Join COVAX, Acknowledging Low Vaccine Supply
BANGKOK (AP) — The head of Thailand’s National Vaccine Institute apologized Wednesday for the country's slow and inadequate rollout of coronavirus vaccines, promising it will join the U.N.-backed COVAX program to receive supplies from its pool of donated vaccines next year.
Jeff Bezos Blasts Into Space on Own Rocket: ‘Best Day Ever!’
VAN HORN, Texas (AP) — Jeff Bezos blasted into space Tuesday on his rocket company’s first flight with people on board, becoming the second billionaire in just over a week to ride his own spacecraft.
As COVID-19 Patients Dying at Home, Gov’t Says No One Must Die at Home
BANGKOK — The head of a COVID-19 volunteer aid group said Wednesday that the government should quickly provide more beds, or risk seeing even more people dying at home or on the streets.
Imprisoned Myanmar Politician Dies From COVID-19
BANGKOK (AP) — The spokesperson for ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's political party died Tuesday after being infected with the coronavirus in prison, his lawyer said.
WHO Leader Says Virus Risk Inevitable at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics should not be judged by the tally of COVID-19 cases that arise because eliminating risk is impossible, the head of the World Health Organization told sports officials Wednesday as events began in Japan.
Indonesian Muslims Mark Grim Eid Amid Devastating Virus Wave
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Muslims across Indonesia marked a grim Eid al-Adha festival for a second year Tuesday as the country struggles to cope with a devastating new wave of coronavirus cases and the government has banned large gatherings and toughened travel restrictions.
Survivors Recall Escape, Ponder Future After Europe’s Floods
PEPINSTER, Belgium (AP) — Paul and Madeline Brasseur were at home with their two sons in the Belgian town of Pepinster when the water “came all of a sudden” late in the evening.
Bangkok Tightens Restrictions to Fight COVID-19
BANGKOK (AP) — Officials in Thailand further tightened coronavirus restrictions on Monday in response to an alarming rise in cases and deaths that is stressing the country’s health care system.
Foodpanda Faces Boycott After Calling Anti-Gov’t Protester ‘Terrorist’
BANGKOK — A major food delivery service is facing a boycott after it said on Twitter that an anti-government demonstrator dressed as a food delivery man was captured on video trying to set fire on a large image of the King as committing an act of “terrorism.”
