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Harvey Weinstein tests positive for coronavirus: report
Harvey Weinstein tests positive for coronavirus: report
WORLD: Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, US media reported yesterday (Mar 22).
Fellaini is first coronavirus case in Chinese Super League
Fellaini is first coronavirus case in Chinese Super League
FOOTBALL: Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini has tested positive for the coronavirus, he said yesterday (Mar 22), becoming the first known case in the Chinese Super League (CSL).
Aussie Rules suspends season for at least two months over virus
Aussie Rules suspends season for at least two months over virus
AFL: Australia’s hugely popular Aussie Rules suspended its season yesterday (Mar 22) in what it called “the most serious threat to our game in 100 years” after the government imposed new travel restrictions to contain the coronavirus. The move after just one match of the season, played in empty stadiums this weekend, was unprecedented for a sport that first established a league in 1896. “To say this is the most serious threat to our game in 100 years is an understatement,” Australian Football League (AFL) chief Gillon McLachlan said, with lucrative broadcast commitments at stake. “It is unprecedented in its impact. It is unprecedented in the impact it is having on our game and the wider community. As a community and as a code, we all need to take the unprecedented and required actions to get through this together.” A dynamic game similar to Ireland’s Gaelic football, Australian Rules is the country’s biggest spectator sport with 100,014 fans cramming the Melbourne Cricket Ground for its Grand Final last year, won by Richmond. But there will be no more action until at least May 31 after Prime Minister Scott Morrison recommended against all “non-essential” domestic travel. Australia had already sealed off its borders to non-residents, with more than 1,300 cases and seven deaths from COVID-19. Further complicating matters, the states of New South Wales and Victoria plan a shutdown of non-key services over the next 48 hours. Other states, including South Australia, have, or plan to, close their borders, imposing a compulsory 14-day self-isolation period on anyone entering. The AFL has 18 teams based across five states, with the majority from Victoria. Two other key sports, rugby league and football, continue to play without spectators, although they too will be reviewing the situation. McLachlan said the AFL would revisit their decision at the end of April and decide whether to extend the lockout. All club training was put on hold. But he remained confident that all 144 games could be played in an extended season. “The competition will need to remain agile and flexible on when those games are scheduled and when play returns,” he said. “We are prepared to run as late as possible in 2020 to complete the season if it was required.” In announcing the new travel restrictions yesterday, Morrison suggested the National Rugby League (NRL) and AFL could play on. “I am sure we can work with both of them (NRL and AFL), with their respective state and medical chief officers at a federal level,” he said. “If there are new arrangements that need to be put in place to protect the health and safety of everyone, that may be possible.” The A-League, Australia’s domestic football (soccer) league, has carried on in front of empty stadiums despite two of the 11 teams undergoing mandatory quarantine.
Traders despair as lockdown transforms bustling market into ghost town
Traders despair as lockdown transforms bustling market into ghost town
THAILAND: The partial lockdown of Bangkok which started yesterday (Mar 22) sent business owners, especially in Lat Phrao, scrambling to restrict or close their services, but at the same time shouldering financial burdens amid the outbreak of COVID-19.
Global coronavirus toll soars despite lockdowns as doctors overwhelmed
Global coronavirus toll soars despite lockdowns as doctors overwhelmed
WORLD: Coronavirus deaths soared across Europe and the United States yesterday (Mar 22) despite heightened restrictions, as Germany banned gatherings of more than two people and Chancellor Angela Merkel went into quarantine.
COVID-19 claims first Thai abroad
COVID-19 claims first Thai abroad
WORLD: A Thai woman, who was the head chef of a Thai restaurant in the United States, has become the first reported Thai death in a foreign country from COVID-19.
Thousands flee city for provinces in buses
Thousands flee city for provinces in buses
BANGKOK: The partial lockdown of Bangkok and the order by the Interior Ministry to close 18 border points taking effect on Monday triggered a massive exodus of Thais and foreign workers from Bangkok for their hometowns on Sunday.
Phuket’s six new cases include Swiss, Canadian
Phuket’s six new cases include Swiss, Canadian
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.
Social security fund launches help for COVID-19 unemployed, hard-hit employers
Social security fund launches help for COVID-19 unemployed, hard-hit employers
BANGKOK: The Social Security Board (SSB) has decided to offer financial help to workers registered under its social security system who have either lost their jobs or have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
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.
Phuket DJ confirmed with COVID-19 calls for people to self-quarantine
Phuket DJ confirmed with COVID-19 calls for people to self-quarantine
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.
China’s virus strategy: a model for the world?
China’s virus strategy: a model for the world?
WORLD: The head of the World Health Organization believes China’s battle with the coronavirus offers a beacon of hope, but others question whether Beijing’s strategy can be followed by other countries - particularly Western democracies.
Thailand reports 188 new coronavirus cases, brings total to nearly 600
Thailand reports 188 new coronavirus cases, brings total to nearly 600
THAILAND: There were a reported 188 new coronavirus infections today (Mar 22) in Thailand, the largest daily increase, taking the total to 599 cases, a senior Public Health Ministry official said.
Green Thoughts: ‘The Tropic Gardener’
Green Thoughts: ‘The Tropic Gardener’
My book, The Tropic Gardener, has just come off the printer’s press. As readers of this column and of earlier pieces in the Phuket Gazette and elsewhere will be aware, I have been writing about tropical plants and their cultivation for some 13 years. This book derives in part from those reflections; it is the culmination both of my own attempts to create a garden in Southeast Asia, and in so doing to offer a written hands-on guide to available plants and their cultivation.
Former Real Madrid president Sanz dies after contracting coronavirus
Former Real Madrid president Sanz dies after contracting coronavirus
FOOTBALL: Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz, who was hospitalised with coronavirus, died yesterday (Mar 21) at the age of 76, his son announced.
Mounting Tokyo 2020 postponement calls put pressure on defiant Olympic chiefs
Mounting Tokyo 2020 postponement calls put pressure on defiant Olympic chiefs
OLYMPICS: Pressure mounted on Olympic organisers to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Games yesterday (Mar 21) after the powerful US track and field federation urged this summer’s showpiece be pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Italy’s daily virus deaths climb to nearly 800
Italy’s daily virus deaths climb to nearly 800
WORLD: Italy yesterday (Mar 21) reported 793 new coronavirus deaths, a one-day record that saw its toll shoot up to 4,825 - 38.3% of the world’s total.
Aswin orders ‘soft lockdown’ in capital
Aswin orders ‘soft lockdown’ in capital
THAILAND: Starting today (Mar 22), shopping malls and markets in Bangkok and adjacent provinces, except those selling food and essential consumer goods, have been ordered to close for three weeks in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Blazing Saddles: Bicycling breakfast
Blazing Saddles: Bicycling breakfast
Bicycling and breakfast go irrevocably together… they are made for each other in a mutually-enhancing way. My own perfect Phuket morning starts with firstly earning that health-giving breakfast with an invigorating bike ride. My criteria for a pre-breakfast ride includes deep breaths of pure clean air, huge gulps of reviving water and fabulous ocean and mountain views, all of which help produce a natural hunger for a nourishing, protein-laced breakfast to restore body and brain.
Biggest daily jump sees national cases hit 411
Biggest daily jump sees national cases hit 411
THAILAND: The number of daily COVID-19 infections in Thailand nearly touched three digits for the first time since the outbreak began as the Department of Disease Control confirmed 89 new cases yesterday (Mar 21), the majority arising from cluster infections at Muay Thai boxing stadiums.