The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. 
 
However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents. 
 
With Covid restrictions still in place in Jakarta, malls, playgrounds for kids and recreational areas have been allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity, to keep the economy moving amid a surge in Covid cases due to the new Omicron variant, Xinhua news agency reported. 
 
With a four-tier Covid restriction policy in place in the country, the government is currently imposing level-3 curbs in Greater Jakarta.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-to-buy-french-warplanes-as-paris-boosts-asia-alliances-452033">Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances</a> 
 
The peak of the third wave of Covid is starting to pass in Jakarta, with the number of daily cases, active cases and hospitalisations beginning to fall, according to Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. 
 
"If (a person) has been vaccinated twice, has been given a booster, has no comorbidities, just go out for a walk. There's nothing to worry about too much," the minister told an online media briefing on Monday, calling on the public to continue implementing health protocols. 
 
To date, the country has recorded over 4.9 million Covid cases with more than 145,000 deaths. 
 
On Monday, Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the number of hospitalised patients in the current wave was 30 to 40 per cent of the second wave which hit the country in July and August last year.

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More than half of those hospitalised were also either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. 
 
The minister also said that deaths from Covid have decreased in the country. 
 
Like many other countries in Asia, Indonesia is accelerating its vaccinations for the public. In the country, more than 188 million people have received their first dose, and over 136 million have taken their second dose.

Watch |&nbsp;Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesian-court-jails-islamic-school-teacher-for-raping-13-students-453608/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe> 
Indonesia started mass Covid vaccinations in January last year after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine. 
 
Aiming to fully vaccinate 208.2 million people in the country, the government has so far administered over 332 million doses, including the third booster jabs.</div>

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents.

The Indonesian government has allowed vaccinated children aged six to 12 to enter all shopping centres and recreational places in Jakarta. However, the children are required to show proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and they must be accompanied by parents. With Covid restrictions still in place in Jakarta, malls, playgrounds for kids and recreational areas have been allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity, to keep the economy moving amid a surge in Covid cases due to the new Omicron variant, Xinhua news agency reported. With a four-tier Covid restriction policy in place in the country, the government is currently imposing level-3 curbs in Greater Jakarta. Also read | Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances The peak of the third wave of Covid is starting to pass in Jakarta, with the number of daily cases, active cases and hospitalisations beginning to fall, according to Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. "If (a person) has been vaccinated twice, has been given a booster, has no comorbidities, just go out for a walk. There's nothing to worry about too much," the minister told an online media briefing on Monday, calling on the public to continue implementing health protocols. To date, the country has recorded over 4.9 million Covid cases with more than 145,000 deaths. On Monday, Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the number of hospitalised patients in the current wave was 30 to 40 per cent of the second wave which hit the country in July and August last year. Also read | In Indonesia, brave islanders free croc caught in a tyre for the last six years More than half of those hospitalised were also either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms. The minister also said that deaths from Covid have decreased in the country. Like many other countries in Asia, Indonesia is accelerating its vaccinations for the public. In the country, more than 188 million people have received their first dose, and over 136 million have taken their second dose. Watch | Indonesian court jails Islamic school teacher for raping 13 students Indonesia started mass Covid vaccinations in January last year after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine. Aiming to fully vaccinate 208.2 million people in the country, the government has so far administered over 332 million doses, including the third booster jabs.

Vaccinated kids allowed to enter shopping centres in Jakarta

Indonesia reported over 56,000 cases on Thursday becoming the epicentre of the virus in Asia as it fights the "worst-case scenario".

Government minister Luhut Pandjaitan while describing the situation said: "We're already in our worst-case scenario, if we're talking about 60,000 (daily cases) or slightly more than that, we're okay. We are hoping not for 100,000, but even if we get there, we are preparing for that."

Watch:

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The country had reported over 54,000 cases on Wednesday as people hunted for oxygen cylinders. The virus has spread despite the government orders to shut malls and restaurants in capital Jakarta as reports said the Delta variant has spread to remote areas.

Strict restrictions have also been put in place in Sumatra island as the country fights&nbsp;the virus.

Reports say hospitals have been running to full capacity with Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan being hit hard with the virus as Luhut added that vaccine efficacy was weaker against the Delta variant.

The country has vaccinated just 5.8 per cent of the population as the virus continues to spread in the country.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank said it was approving loan worth $500 million to Indonesia. The country approved the Pfizer-BioNTech jab for emergency use today as Japan and the United States sent vaccines to the country.

According to Indonesia's medical association, at least 1,000&nbsp;health workers have died due to the virus with most being inoculated with China's Sinovac vaccine.

Authorities said medical workers would be given a third booster jab made of the&nbsp;Moderna vaccine to provide extra protection.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization(WHO) warned today that more dangerous variants could come up as cases continue to rise&nbsp;worldwide.&nbsp;

"The pandemic is nowhere near finished," the WHO said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

Indonesia reported over 56,000 cases on Thursday becoming the epicentre of the virus in Asia as it fights the "worst-case scenario". Government minister Luhut Pandjaitan while describing the situation said: "We're already in our worst-case scenario, if we're talking about 60,000 (daily cases) or slightly more than that, we're okay.

Indonesia reported over 56,000 cases on Thursday becoming the epicentre of the virus in Asia as it fights the "worst-case scenario". Government minister Luhut Pandjaitan while describing the situation said: "We're already in our worst-case scenario, if we're talking about 60,000 (daily cases) or slightly more than that, we're okay. We are hoping not for 100,000, but even if we get there, we are preparing for that." Watch: The country had reported over 54,000 cases on Wednesday as people hunted for oxygen cylinders. The virus has spread despite the government orders to shut malls and restaurants in capital Jakarta as reports said the Delta variant has spread to remote areas. Strict restrictions have also been put in place in Sumatra island as the country fights the virus. Reports say hospitals have been running to full capacity with Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan being hit hard with the virus as Luhut added that vaccine efficacy was weaker against the Delta variant. The country has vaccinated just 5.8 per cent of the population as the virus continues to spread in the country. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank said it was approving loan worth $500 million to Indonesia. The country approved the Pfizer-BioNTech jab for emergency use today as Japan and the United States sent vaccines to the country. According to Indonesia's medical association, at least 1,000 health workers have died due to the virus with most being inoculated with China's Sinovac vaccine. Authorities said medical workers would be given a third booster jab made of the Moderna vaccine to provide extra protection. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization(WHO) warned today that more dangerous variants could come up as cases continue to rise worldwide. "The pandemic is nowhere near finished," the WHO said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Indonesia grapples with 'worst-case scenario' as COVID-19 cases surge

Indonesia reported over 47,000 coronavirus cases on Tuesday with 864 deaths as reports said the Japanese government has decided to send special flights to the country to pull out its citizens from the country.

The archipelago has become a virus hotspot&nbsp;due to&nbsp;surging coronavirus cases. Last Thursday, the country had reported over 38,000 new coronavirus cases.

Watch:

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Reports say hospitalisations are on the rise with occupancy at 80 per cent in capital Jakarta including in six other regions in the country with oxygen supply reportedly running low.

The authorities have increased restrictions in 15 new locations across the country.

According to the Indonesian Hospitals Association (IHA), 95 per cent of the health workers have been vaccinated, however, an independent data group Lapor COVID-19 had reported that 131 health workers had died last month after being vaccinated with China's Sinovac jabs.

Singapore had earlier sent oxygen cylinders, ventilators and masks to Jakarta to help the country combat the virus.

In capital Jakarta, malls and restaurants have ordered to be shut with non-essential employees asked to work from home.

Health officials have said the Delta variant is the dominant strain across the country accounting for 25 per cent of the cases even as vaccinations continue at a slow pace.

Indonesia has reportedly vaccinated just 5.2 per cent of its population in a country of 270 million. The low testing rates have also worried health officials. The authorities have imposed restrictions in cities on Sumatra island including in Java and in Bali.

Indonesia has reported over 2.6 million coronavirus cases so far with the death toll climbing to over 68,000.

The government had warned earlier that cases could rise to 50,000 a day with Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya refusing to take in new patients due to a shortage of hospital beds.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Indonesia reported over 47,000 coronavirus cases on Tuesday with 864 deaths as reports said the Japanese government has decided to send special flights to the country to pull out its citizens from the country.

Indonesia reported over 47,000 coronavirus cases on Tuesday with 864 deaths as reports said the Japanese government has decided to send special flights to the country to pull out its citizens from the country. The archipelago has become a virus hotspot due to surging coronavirus cases. Last Thursday, the country had reported over 38,000 new coronavirus cases. Watch: Reports say hospitalisations are on the rise with occupancy at 80 per cent in capital Jakarta including in six other regions in the country with oxygen supply reportedly running low. The authorities have increased restrictions in 15 new locations across the country. According to the Indonesian Hospitals Association (IHA), 95 per cent of the health workers have been vaccinated, however, an independent data group Lapor COVID-19 had reported that 131 health workers had died last month after being vaccinated with China's Sinovac jabs. Singapore had earlier sent oxygen cylinders, ventilators and masks to Jakarta to help the country combat the virus. In capital Jakarta, malls and restaurants have ordered to be shut with non-essential employees asked to work from home. Health officials have said the Delta variant is the dominant strain across the country accounting for 25 per cent of the cases even as vaccinations continue at a slow pace. Indonesia has reportedly vaccinated just 5.2 per cent of its population in a country of 270 million. The low testing rates have also worried health officials. The authorities have imposed restrictions in cities on Sumatra island including in Java and in Bali. Indonesia has reported over 2.6 million coronavirus cases so far with the death toll climbing to over 68,000. The government had warned earlier that cases could rise to 50,000 a day with Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya refusing to take in new patients due to a shortage of hospital beds. (With inputs from Agencies)

Indonesia battles virus surge; Japan to send special flights to evacuate citizens

As Indonesia is battling a Covid crisis and locals are struggling to find oxygen and hospital beds, Bali decided to impose strict <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> regulations on tourists.

Three tourists in Bali were deported from the country after they were found flouting Covid rules in the open while vacationing in the tourist-friendly place.

These visitors were from the US, Russia, and Ireland. When they were found without face masks in the public spaces, the three visitors were out on a flight back to their home country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indonesia-scientist-leading-sinovac-trial-dies-of-suspected-covid-19-397083">WATCH |</a>

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"They broke minimum virus rules requiring face masks during the emergency restriction period," said Jamaruli Manihuruk, head of&nbsp;Bali's legal and justice office, which oversees immigration enforcement.

Not just these three, another woman from Russia was deported back to her home country for refusing to self-quarantine following a positive Covid test. She was allowed to stay in Bali till she recovered from the virus and was immediately put on a flight back to Russia as soon as she was declared virus-free.

These restrictions are now an important part of the country’s road to being virus-free. Indonesia has been struggling with the wide spread of the Delta variant, which has caused a record increase in coronavirus cases.

The government, last week, rolled out a set of fresh guidelines for people, to ensure the country is able to break the chain of Covid infections.

On Monday, Indonesia reported a record 40,427 new infections and 891 deaths in the last 24 hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Indonesia is battling a Covid crisis and locals are struggling to find oxygen and hospital beds, Bali decided to impose strict coronavirus regulations on tourists.

As Indonesia is battling a Covid crisis and locals are struggling to find oxygen and hospital beds, Bali decided to impose strict coronavirus regulations on tourists. Three tourists in Bali were deported from the country after they were found flouting Covid rules in the open while vacationing in the tourist-friendly place. These visitors were from the US, Russia, and Ireland. When they were found without face masks in the public spaces, the three visitors were out on a flight back to their home country. WATCH | "They broke minimum virus rules requiring face masks during the emergency restriction period," said Jamaruli Manihuruk, head of Bali's legal and justice office, which oversees immigration enforcement. Not just these three, another woman from Russia was deported back to her home country for refusing to self-quarantine following a positive Covid test. She was allowed to stay in Bali till she recovered from the virus and was immediately put on a flight back to Russia as soon as she was declared virus-free. These restrictions are now an important part of the country’s road to being virus-free. Indonesia has been struggling with the wide spread of the Delta variant, which has caused a record increase in coronavirus cases. The government, last week, rolled out a set of fresh guidelines for people, to ensure the country is able to break the chain of Covid infections. On Monday, Indonesia reported a record 40,427 new infections and 891 deaths in the last 24 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia: Bali deports four tourists for flouting Covid regulations

Raising fear of another possible wave in the country, China reported 57 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases in the mainland on July 07.

The number of cases has increased from 23 a day before. This is the highest daily tally of COVID-19 infections since January 30.

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China's National health Commission said 15 new cases were local infections were located in the Yunnan province, in the city of Ruili, which is near the border of Myanmar.

The record increase in fresh Covid infections has taken the tally of coronavirus cases in mainland China to 91,949.

In addition to the standard protocols, China has halted all flights from and to Southern China after an alarming increase of Covid cases was observed in Guangdong&nbsp;province.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-set-to-relax-more-covid-19-restrictions-396484" hreflang="en">Singapore set to relax more COVID-19 restrictions</a>

Indonesia

Meanwhile, adding to an already tense situation in Indonesia, the country reported new daily records for both deaths and cases on July 07.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-amid-rising-infections-boris-johnson-wants-to-scrap-mask-mandate-396334">WATCH |</a>

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As per the official data, 34,379 new coronavirus infections and 1,040 new deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours in Indonesia.

Keeping in mind the record number of deaths, Indonesia government has decided to extend all Covid restrictions till July 20. The restrictions will now apply to dozens of cities and extend from Sumatra island in the west to easternmost Papua.

"Cases are also rising in other regions and we need to pay attention to the availability of hospitals," said senior minister Airlangga Hartarto.

The decision has been taken as the country is struggling to attend to all Covid patients and relatives of victims are desperately looking for oxygen cylinders.

Raising fear of another possible wave in the country, China reported 57 new coronavirus cases in the mainland on July 07. The number of cases has increased from 23 a day before.

Raising fear of another possible wave in the country, China reported 57 new coronavirus cases in the mainland on July 07. The number of cases has increased from 23 a day before. This is the highest daily tally of COVID-19 infections since January 30. Also read | Customers tired of hearing 'due to Covid' as an excuse: Study China's National health Commission said 15 new cases were local infections were located in the Yunnan province, in the city of Ruili, which is near the border of Myanmar. The record increase in fresh Covid infections has taken the tally of coronavirus cases in mainland China to 91,949. In addition to the standard protocols, China has halted all flights from and to Southern China after an alarming increase of Covid cases was observed in Guangdong province. Also read | Singapore set to relax more COVID-19 restrictions Indonesia Meanwhile, adding to an already tense situation in Indonesia, the country reported new daily records for both deaths and cases on July 07. WATCH | As per the official data, 34,379 new coronavirus infections and 1,040 new deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours in Indonesia. Keeping in mind the record number of deaths, Indonesia government has decided to extend all Covid restrictions till July 20. The restrictions will now apply to dozens of cities and extend from Sumatra island in the west to easternmost Papua. "Cases are also rising in other regions and we need to pay attention to the availability of hospitals," said senior minister Airlangga Hartarto. The decision has been taken as the country is struggling to attend to all Covid patients and relatives of victims are desperately looking for oxygen cylinders.

Coronavirus: China records highest daily Covid cases, Indonesia reports highest deaths

According to the Red Cross, Indonesia is facing a pandemic "catastrophe" with hospitals choked as it battles the Delta variant.

Several hospitals are running at overcapacity as the country reported more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases. On Sunday the country had reported over 20,000 cases with 2.1 million people infected with the virus since last year and 57,138 fatalities.

Watch:

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Reports said capital Jakarta has been hit the hardest with the virus including regions in west and central Java with the vaccination drive currently underway proceeding at a slow pace.

Indonesia has reportedly vaccinated just five per cent of the population in a country 181.5 million people.

Indonesians have been vying for oxygen cylinders amid a surge in cases in Jakarta with prices skyrocketing, reports say.

The country has been using China's Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccine including AstraZeneca&nbsp;but it has been slow in its vaccine campaign as the economy shrank for the fourth consecutive quarter due to the pandemic.

Indonesia has become one of the worst-hit nations in Asia with the virus taking a toll on the economy as it contracted 0.96 per cent. Indonesia had entered into a recession last year for the first time since the 1998 Asian financial crisis.

Officials had said earlier this month that the new wave is likely to peak in early July with citizens holidaying during Eid al-Fitr.

Health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin had warned that the Delta variant was now "dominant" in Jakarta and other parts of Java. In Kudus, central Java, 90 per cent of hospitals were full, according to the country's COVID-19 task force.&nbsp;

The infection rates have jumped this month from 10,000 new COVID-19 cases to over 20,000 cases with low rates of testing compounding the issue.

According to the Red Cross, Indonesia is facing a pandemic "catastrophe" with hospitals choked as it battles the Delta variant. Several hospitals are running at overcapacity as the country reported more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases.

According to the Red Cross, Indonesia is facing a pandemic "catastrophe" with hospitals choked as it battles the Delta variant. Several hospitals are running at overcapacity as the country reported more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases. On Sunday the country had reported over 20,000 cases with 2.1 million people infected with the virus since last year and 57,138 fatalities. Watch: Reports said capital Jakarta has been hit the hardest with the virus including regions in west and central Java with the vaccination drive currently underway proceeding at a slow pace. Indonesia has reportedly vaccinated just five per cent of the population in a country 181.5 million people. Indonesians have been vying for oxygen cylinders amid a surge in cases in Jakarta with prices skyrocketing, reports say. The country has been using China's Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccine including AstraZeneca but it has been slow in its vaccine campaign as the economy shrank for the fourth consecutive quarter due to the pandemic. Indonesia has become one of the worst-hit nations in Asia with the virus taking a toll on the economy as it contracted 0.96 per cent. Indonesia had entered into a recession last year for the first time since the 1998 Asian financial crisis. Officials had said earlier this month that the new wave is likely to peak in early July with citizens holidaying during Eid al-Fitr. Health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin had warned that the Delta variant was now "dominant" in Jakarta and other parts of Java. In Kudus, central Java, 90 per cent of hospitals were full, according to the country's COVID-19 task force. The infection rates have jumped this month from 10,000 new COVID-19 cases to over 20,000 cases with low rates of testing compounding the issue.

Indonesia grapples with coronavirus surge amid record hospitalisations

Indonesia's health minister said on Monday Delta variant was dominant in several areas in the country with some regions reporting hospitals filled to capacity due to the virus surge.

Coronavirus cases have reportedly shot up in Java and Sumatra as hospital capacity in Kudus in central Java hit 90 per cent with several thousand&nbsp;cases reported after a major religious festival.

Watch:

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Riau in Sumatra witnessed a positivity rate of&nbsp;35.8 per cent&nbsp;last week worrying health officials.

The vaccination drive in the country has been hampered with slow inoculations even though President Joko Widodo said he hoped the country's vaccination rollout will hit one million shots a day by July.

The number of coronavirus cases increased after the Eid al-Fitr festival in May as people travelled across the country to visit their loved ones.

The country had reported 1.87 million infections and 51,990 fatalities which is one of the worst rates of virus in Asia.&nbsp;

Last week authorities had opened vaccinations for those over 18 in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.

Health officials say capital Jakarta has recorded the highest number of cases with high rates of transmission.

Authorities say 11.57 million citizens have received two shots of the vaccines in a country of 181.5 million. Health officials have been using China's Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccine including AstraZeneca.

The country's economy shrank for the &nbsp;fourth consecutive quarter in the January-March period due to the coronavirus crisis with the tourism sector the worst-hit even though the government had announced a $48 billion in stimulus, however, millions lost jobs as businesses shut and laid-off workers as the economy struggled to gain momentum &nbsp;

Indonesia's health minister said on Monday Delta variant was dominant in several areas in the country with some regions reporting hospitals filled to capacity due to the virus surge.

Indonesia's health minister said on Monday Delta variant was dominant in several areas in the country with some regions reporting hospitals filled to capacity due to the virus surge. Coronavirus cases have reportedly shot up in Java and Sumatra as hospital capacity in Kudus in central Java hit 90 per cent with several thousand cases reported after a major religious festival. Watch: Riau in Sumatra witnessed a positivity rate of 35.8 per cent last week worrying health officials. The vaccination drive in the country has been hampered with slow inoculations even though President Joko Widodo said he hoped the country's vaccination rollout will hit one million shots a day by July. The number of coronavirus cases increased after the Eid al-Fitr festival in May as people travelled across the country to visit their loved ones. The country had reported 1.87 million infections and 51,990 fatalities which is one of the worst rates of virus in Asia. Last week authorities had opened vaccinations for those over 18 in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus. Health officials say capital Jakarta has recorded the highest number of cases with high rates of transmission. Authorities say 11.57 million citizens have received two shots of the vaccines in a country of 181.5 million. Health officials have been using China's Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccine including AstraZeneca. The country's economy shrank for the fourth consecutive quarter in the January-March period due to the coronavirus crisis with the tourism sector the worst-hit even though the government had announced a $48 billion in stimulus, however, millions lost jobs as businesses shut and laid-off workers as the economy struggled to gain momentum

Indonesia witnesses surge in COVID-19 cases; hospitalisations worry officials

AstraZeneca has countered an assertion doing the rounds in Indonesia, clarifying its COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any pork-derived ingredients.

Indonesia’s highest Muslim clerical council, the Indonesia Ulema Council, said on its website Friday that the vaccine is "haram" because the manufacturing process uses "trypsin from the pork pancreas."

Still, the council approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use given the pandemic emergency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-renews-backing-for-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-371857">Also read |&nbsp;WHO renews backing for AstraZeneca Covid vaccine</a>

To this end, AstraZeneca Indonesia spokesman Rizman Abudaeri said in a statement: "At all stages of the production process, this virus vector vaccine does not use nor come in contact with pork-derived products or other animal products."

Indonesia is grappling with one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Asia – with 1,455,788 cases and 39,447 deaths as of Saturday. Authorities in the country on Friday approved the use of the vaccine after reviewing reports that it had caused blood clots among some recipients in Europe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-countries-to-resume-astrazeneca-jabs-after-safe-verdict-371547">Also read |&nbsp;EU countries to resume AstraZeneca jabs after 'safe' verdict</a>

AstraZeneca has countered an assertion doing the rounds in Indonesia, clarifying its COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any pork-derived ingredients. Indonesia’s highest Muslim clerical council, the Indonesia Ulema Council, said on its website Friday that the vaccine is "haram" because the manufacturing process uses "trypsin from the pork pancreas.

AstraZeneca has countered an assertion doing the rounds in Indonesia, clarifying its COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any pork-derived ingredients. Indonesia’s highest Muslim clerical council, the Indonesia Ulema Council, said on its website Friday that the vaccine is "haram" because the manufacturing process uses "trypsin from the pork pancreas." Still, the council approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use given the pandemic emergency. Also read | WHO renews backing for AstraZeneca Covid vaccine To this end, AstraZeneca Indonesia spokesman Rizman Abudaeri said in a statement: "At all stages of the production process, this virus vector vaccine does not use nor come in contact with pork-derived products or other animal products." Indonesia is grappling with one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Asia – with 1,455,788 cases and 39,447 deaths as of Saturday. Authorities in the country on Friday approved the use of the vaccine after reviewing reports that it had caused blood clots among some recipients in Europe. Also read | EU countries to resume AstraZeneca jabs after 'safe' verdict

AstraZeneca clarifies its vaccine has no pork-derived ingredients

Scientists in Indonesia have developed a simple breath analyser test that can electronically 'smell' the novel coronavirus and detect infection in under two minutes.

The GeNose C-19 device uses artificial intelligence — in the form of an electronic nose — to analyse a breath sample and identify elements that are unique to COVID-19.

The government granted a distribution permit for GeNose only last week. It said the test would allow mass testing of coronavirus at hospitals, airports, seaports and other public places in the world's fourth most populous country.

The breathalyser was developed by scientists at Gadjah Mada University in Jogjakarta, in central Java, where three hospitals are already using it to screen patients for COVID-19.

So far 2,000 people have been tested with the device -- which has proven to be more than 90 per cent accurate.

Indonesia has so far registered more than 735,000 coronavirus infections, and 22,000 deaths -- the highest death toll in South-East Asia.

(with inputs)

Scientists in Indonesia have developed a simple breath analyser test that can electronically 'smell' the novel coronavirus and detect infection in under two minutes.

Scientists in Indonesia have developed a simple breath analyser test that can electronically 'smell' the novel coronavirus and detect infection in under two minutes. The GeNose C-19 device uses artificial intelligence — in the form of an electronic nose — to analyse a breath sample and identify elements that are unique to COVID-19. The government granted a distribution permit for GeNose only last week. It said the test would allow mass testing of coronavirus at hospitals, airports, seaports and other public places in the world's fourth most populous country. The breathalyser was developed by scientists at Gadjah Mada University in Jogjakarta, in central Java, where three hospitals are already using it to screen patients for COVID-19. So far 2,000 people have been tested with the device -- which has proven to be more than 90 per cent accurate. Indonesia has so far registered more than 735,000 coronavirus infections, and 22,000 deaths -- the highest death toll in South-East Asia. (with inputs)

Indonesian scientists have developed a breathalyser that can detect coronavirus

Dressed in a white robe, turban and a face mask, the Indonesian cleric and&nbsp;leader of the Islamic Defenders Front,&nbsp;Rizieq Shihab, turned himself in following accusations of flouting COVID-19 restrictions.

Shihab walked to the&nbsp;Jakarta police without any hesitations for questioning of accusations of bypassing all restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus by holding mega rallies with huge crowds. "With God’s permission, I can come to the Jakarta Police for an investigation according to the laws and regulations," he said.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-expects-halal-certificate-for-an-experimental-vaccine-348330">&nbsp;Indonesia expects halal certificate for an experimental vaccine</a>

The Jakarta Police has accused&nbsp;him of this crime after he hosted a gathering to celebrate&nbsp;Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and also celebrated his daughter's wedding — attracting huge crowds in both the events,&nbsp;Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus reported.

These two events are not the only ones in which health regulations were ignored. There have been several other events in Jakarta and West Java where large crowds of his supporters gathered to greet the leader who has recently returned from a three-year exile in Saudi Arabia. He was charged in&nbsp;pornography case and with insulting the official state ideology in 2017 when he had visited Saudi Arabia for a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-holds-nationwide-poll-despite-virus-warnings-348525">Indonesia holds nationwide poll despite virus warnings</a>

If proven guilty, Shihab can face a jail time of up to six years for consciously violating health regulations and&nbsp;obstructing law enforcement amid a pandemic.

Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan and West Java Gov. Ridwan Kamil are also being questioned in the matter for allowing Shihab to organise these events amid a pandemic.

As of now, Indonesia has reported a tally of more than 600,000 cases of the deadly virus — making it the first affected&nbsp;country in Southeast Asia and second in Asia, after India's tally of nearly 9.8 million cases.

Dressed in a white robe, turban and a face mask, the Indonesian cleric and leader of the Islamic Defenders Front, Rizieq Shihab, turned himself in following accusations of flouting COVID-19 restrictions.

Dressed in a white robe, turban and a face mask, the Indonesian cleric and leader of the Islamic Defenders Front, Rizieq Shihab, turned himself in following accusations of flouting COVID-19 restrictions. Shihab walked to the Jakarta police without any hesitations for questioning of accusations of bypassing all restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus by holding mega rallies with huge crowds. "With God’s permission, I can come to the Jakarta Police for an investigation according to the laws and regulations," he said. Also read| Indonesia expects halal certificate for an experimental vaccine The Jakarta Police has accused him of this crime after he hosted a gathering to celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and also celebrated his daughter's wedding — attracting huge crowds in both the events, Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus reported. These two events are not the only ones in which health regulations were ignored. There have been several other events in Jakarta and West Java where large crowds of his supporters gathered to greet the leader who has recently returned from a three-year exile in Saudi Arabia. He was charged in pornography case and with insulting the official state ideology in 2017 when he had visited Saudi Arabia for a pilgrimage to Mecca. Also read| Indonesia holds nationwide poll despite virus warnings If proven guilty, Shihab can face a jail time of up to six years for consciously violating health regulations and obstructing law enforcement amid a pandemic. Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan and West Java Gov. Ridwan Kamil are also being questioned in the matter for allowing Shihab to organise these events amid a pandemic. As of now, Indonesia has reported a tally of more than 600,000 cases of the deadly virus — making it the first affected country in Southeast Asia and second in Asia, after India's tally of nearly 9.8 million cases.

Indonesian leader, Rizieq Shihab, turns himself in for violating COVID-19 restrictions

Indonesia held nationwide regional elections Wednesday with more than 100 million voters eligible to cast a ballot, despite warnings the poll would worsen the nation's Covid-19 crisis.

The archipelago of nearly 270 million -- the world's third-biggest democracy and fourth most populous nation -- delayed the vote originally set for September as it struggled to contain soaring infection rates.

From the capital Jakarta to the holiday island of Bali, polling station staff in full protective gear enforced social distancing and took voters' temperatures before polls closed at 1:00 pm local time (0600 GMT).

Abdul Rahman Wahab, 24, admitted he was nervous about turning up to vote on Sulawesi island.

"Health is my priority for sure, but voting is also an important part of our life in a democratic country," he said. &nbsp;

Islamist parties are looking to score big gains in the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation as they ride a tide of rising religious conservatism.

In the second-biggest city Surabaya workers followed the tradition of donning superhero costumes, dressing as Spiderman to lure voters in.&nbsp;

Others were tasked with taking ballot boxes into hospitals so that Covid patients could vote from their sickbeds.&nbsp;

Polling stations were disinfected," said Suprianto, head of a polling station committee in Jakarta's Ciputat district, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

"We made spaces as wide as possible to allow for social distancing. Voters were also required to wear masks. If you don't, then you won't be allowed in the polling station."

Voter Nur Oktaviani said the precautions had put her at ease.

"I'm not worried," the 24-year-old told AFP.

"Here, they're complying with health protocols."&nbsp;

- 'High risk' -

Hundreds of hopefuls -- including President Joko Widodo's eldest son -- are vying for 270 positions, including regional governors, district heads and mayors.&nbsp;

Official results are not expected for several weeks.

At least four election candidates have died so far, according to independent research group Laporcovid, and more than 1,000 election agency staff were infected ahead of voting day.

Over 580,000 Indonesians have contracted the illness while the death toll stands at 18,000.&nbsp;

But the true scale of the crisis is widely believed to be much bigger, as testing rates are low.

Infections could skyrocket above one million after polling day, warned Hermawan Saputra at the Indonesian Public Health Experts' Association.&nbsp;

"The most worrying thing is that it won't be just young, healthy people casting their votes, but also the elderly, pregnant women and sick people -- they're all at high risk," he said.

"The public service announcements and health protocols aren't enough. Health is being trumped by political demands and that's very concerning. It's not worth it."

- Dynastic ambitions -

In the midst of the pandemic, voters had little chance to interact with candidates or understand their platforms, dealing a blow to a democracy that rose from the ashes of the Suharto dictatorship two decades ago.

"Holding regional elections during the pandemic is highly risky and costs a lot of money," said Titi Anggraini, an analyst at the Association for&nbsp;Elections&nbsp;and Democracy.

"It's such a waste."

Widodo's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 33, is running for mayor of Solo city in Central Java, where his father, a former furniture seller better known as Jokowi, started in politics.

Jokowi's son-in-law is also vying for office, stirring questions about whether Indonesia's leader is trying to create a political dynasty more than a year into his second and final term.&nbsp;

Vice-president Ma'ruf Amin's daughter and defense minister Prabowo Subianto's niece are also running for elected positions.&nbsp;

Indonesia held nationwide regional elections Wednesday with more than 100 million voters eligible to cast a ballot, despite warnings the poll would worsen the nation's Covid-19 crisis.

Indonesia held nationwide regional elections Wednesday with more than 100 million voters eligible to cast a ballot, despite warnings the poll would worsen the nation's Covid-19 crisis. The archipelago of nearly 270 million -- the world's third-biggest democracy and fourth most populous nation -- delayed the vote originally set for September as it struggled to contain soaring infection rates. From the capital Jakarta to the holiday island of Bali, polling station staff in full protective gear enforced social distancing and took voters' temperatures before polls closed at 1:00 pm local time (0600 GMT). Abdul Rahman Wahab, 24, admitted he was nervous about turning up to vote on Sulawesi island. "Health is my priority for sure, but voting is also an important part of our life in a democratic country," he said. Islamist parties are looking to score big gains in the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation as they ride a tide of rising religious conservatism. In the second-biggest city Surabaya workers followed the tradition of donning superhero costumes, dressing as Spiderman to lure voters in. Others were tasked with taking ballot boxes into hospitals so that Covid patients could vote from their sickbeds. Polling stations were disinfected," said Suprianto, head of a polling station committee in Jakarta's Ciputat district, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. "We made spaces as wide as possible to allow for social distancing. Voters were also required to wear masks. If you don't, then you won't be allowed in the polling station." Voter Nur Oktaviani said the precautions had put her at ease. "I'm not worried," the 24-year-old told AFP. "Here, they're complying with health protocols." - 'High risk' - Hundreds of hopefuls -- including President Joko Widodo's eldest son -- are vying for 270 positions, including regional governors, district heads and mayors. Official results are not expected for several weeks. At least four election candidates have died so far, according to independent research group Laporcovid, and more than 1,000 election agency staff were infected ahead of voting day. Over 580,000 Indonesians have contracted the illness while the death toll stands at 18,000. But the true scale of the crisis is widely believed to be much bigger, as testing rates are low. Infections could skyrocket above one million after polling day, warned Hermawan Saputra at the Indonesian Public Health Experts' Association. "The most worrying thing is that it won't be just young, healthy people casting their votes, but also the elderly, pregnant women and sick people -- they're all at high risk," he said. "The public service announcements and health protocols aren't enough. Health is being trumped by political demands and that's very concerning. It's not worth it." - Dynastic ambitions - In the midst of the pandemic, voters had little chance to interact with candidates or understand their platforms, dealing a blow to a democracy that rose from the ashes of the Suharto dictatorship two decades ago. "Holding regional elections during the pandemic is highly risky and costs a lot of money," said Titi Anggraini, an analyst at the Association for Elections and Democracy. "It's such a waste." Widodo's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 33, is running for mayor of Solo city in Central Java, where his father, a former furniture seller better known as Jokowi, started in politics. Jokowi's son-in-law is also vying for office, stirring questions about whether Indonesia's leader is trying to create a political dynasty more than a year into his second and final term. Vice-president Ma'ruf Amin's daughter and defense minister Prabowo Subianto's niece are also running for elected positions.

Indonesia holds nationwide poll despite virus warnings

Amid rising cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-could-arrive-before-christmas-german-chancellor-merkel-to-parliament-345552">coronavirus</a> cases in the country, drone footage of the Indonesian capital Jakarta has shown burial grounds have been rapidly expanding as fatalities increase due to the virus.

Watch:

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There have been &nbsp;16,000 deaths in Indonesia due to COVID-19 with 500,000 infections as the country grapples with the virus.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/90-efficacy-of-oxfords-coronavirus-vaccine-came-from-younger-group-345535">Also Read:&nbsp;90% efficacy of Oxford's coronavirus vaccine came from younger group</a>

The country has also been plunged into a recession due to the coronavirus crisis with the economy slumping 3.49 per cent on-year in July-September which is the worst since the Asian financial crisis over 20 years ago.

Indonesia is among the worst-hit south-east Asian countries with the virus with reportedly the world's lowest testing rates. The country reported a rapid rise in cases in November with daily rising to 5,534 as the country grapples with the virus.

Health experts have repeatedly focussed on shortfalls in testing and contact tracing as the country struggles to contain the virus which has been spreading since March.

According to reports, patient occupancy at referral hospitals is at an all-time high even as the country's COVID-19 task force called for more action to ensure hospital occupancy does not rise further.

As the number of cases continues to rise, Indonesia's foreign minister Retno Marsudi said developing countries must have "equal access" to future coronavirus vaccines as he met representatives of UK-based pharma company AstraZeneca to cement a vaccine deal for the country.

Indonesia had earlier allowed human trials of China's Sinovac Biotech with nearly 1,600 volunteers taking part in the six-month study.

In September, authorities had reimposed a partial lockdown as virus cases spiked as Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan imposed social restrictions for two weeks.

Jakarta had first introduced restrictions in early April but had begun relaxing it in June, however, just weeks later coronavirus cases began to rise as authorities deployed soldiers and police to enforce the restrictions.

Amid rising cases of coronavirus cases in the country, drone footage of the Indonesian capital Jakarta has shown burial grounds have been rapidly expanding as fatalities increase due to the virus.

Amid rising cases of coronavirus cases in the country, drone footage of the Indonesian capital Jakarta has shown burial grounds have been rapidly expanding as fatalities increase due to the virus. Watch: There have been 16,000 deaths in Indonesia due to COVID-19 with 500,000 infections as the country grapples with the virus. Also Read: 90% efficacy of Oxford's coronavirus vaccine came from younger group The country has also been plunged into a recession due to the coronavirus crisis with the economy slumping 3.49 per cent on-year in July-September which is the worst since the Asian financial crisis over 20 years ago. Indonesia is among the worst-hit south-east Asian countries with the virus with reportedly the world's lowest testing rates. The country reported a rapid rise in cases in November with daily rising to 5,534 as the country grapples with the virus. Health experts have repeatedly focussed on shortfalls in testing and contact tracing as the country struggles to contain the virus which has been spreading since March. According to reports, patient occupancy at referral hospitals is at an all-time high even as the country's COVID-19 task force called for more action to ensure hospital occupancy does not rise further. As the number of cases continues to rise, Indonesia's foreign minister Retno Marsudi said developing countries must have "equal access" to future coronavirus vaccines as he met representatives of UK-based pharma company AstraZeneca to cement a vaccine deal for the country. Indonesia had earlier allowed human trials of China's Sinovac Biotech with nearly 1,600 volunteers taking part in the six-month study. In September, authorities had reimposed a partial lockdown as virus cases spiked as Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan imposed social restrictions for two weeks. Jakarta had first introduced restrictions in early April but had begun relaxing it in June, however, just weeks later coronavirus cases began to rise as authorities deployed soldiers and police to enforce the restrictions.

Drone pictures show COVID-19 cemetery expanding in Indonesia's Jakarta

Bali hosts mass prayers for upcoming reopening of tourism industry

These are difficult times. And desperate times like these need desperate measures. A village in Indonesia, hence, is playing its part to implement such measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

If a person is caught without wearing a face mask in Cerme district of Gresik Regency, East Java, he or she is given a unique punishment.

The person is asked to dig graves for victims of COVID-19 by local authorities in the hopes that a little bit of manual labour and empathy will convince others to do their part to help stop the pandemic.

Though mask-wearing is mandatory in public throughout Indonesia, there has been a vocal segment of the population that has been reluctant to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Three middle-aged men and five minors, to this end, were given this punishment on September 9, authorities said.

Coronavirus, to date, has infected nearly 230,000 people in the country. More than 160,000 of those patients have recovered, while at least 9,100 have died, according to the Indonesian Health Ministry.

Indonesia's government passed a law in July requiring people to wear masks in public, but left it to local officials to determine punishments for noncompliance. In Cerme, the joint team of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Indonesian National Police and local law enforcement decided to give those caught not wearing a mask the option of accepting a fine of 150,000 rupiah ($10) or accepting what the government calls "social punishment."

None of those punished were, however present when the dead were buried.

Authorities in the capital of Jakarta adopted a similar idea earlier this month. A man there was required to sit in a coffin in public after being caught not wearing a mask.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Indonesia has drawn criticism from public health experts for its relative lack of testing, its patchwork social restrictions to contain the spread of the disease and a list of unscientific treatments praised by cabinet ministers. At least two ministers had also caught the virus.&nbsp;

These are difficult times. And desperate times like these need desperate measures. A village in Indonesia, hence, is playing its part to implement such measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

These are difficult times. And desperate times like these need desperate measures. A village in Indonesia, hence, is playing its part to implement such measures amid the coronavirus pandemic. If a person is caught without wearing a face mask in Cerme district of Gresik Regency, East Java, he or she is given a unique punishment. The person is asked to dig graves for victims of COVID-19 by local authorities in the hopes that a little bit of manual labour and empathy will convince others to do their part to help stop the pandemic. Though mask-wearing is mandatory in public throughout Indonesia, there has been a vocal segment of the population that has been reluctant to wear masks and practice social distancing. Three middle-aged men and five minors, to this end, were given this punishment on September 9, authorities said. Coronavirus, to date, has infected nearly 230,000 people in the country. More than 160,000 of those patients have recovered, while at least 9,100 have died, according to the Indonesian Health Ministry. Indonesia's government passed a law in July requiring people to wear masks in public, but left it to local officials to determine punishments for noncompliance. In Cerme, the joint team of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Indonesian National Police and local law enforcement decided to give those caught not wearing a mask the option of accepting a fine of 150,000 rupiah ($10) or accepting what the government calls "social punishment." None of those punished were, however present when the dead were buried. Authorities in the capital of Jakarta adopted a similar idea earlier this month. A man there was required to sit in a coffin in public after being caught not wearing a mask. Meanwhile, Indonesia has drawn criticism from public health experts for its relative lack of testing, its patchwork social restrictions to contain the spread of the disease and a list of unscientific treatments praised by cabinet ministers. At least two ministers had also caught the virus.

If you're caught here without a mask, you dig graves for COVID-19 victims

Around 1,300 people in a military academy in Indonesia have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to an official as the country continues to struggle against the pandemic.&nbsp;

The Indonesian Army Officer Candidate School is situated in the country's most populated province of West Java. According to the Indonesian army's chief of staff, General Andika Perkasa, the academy has been quarantined and 30 people were initially hospitalised.&nbsp;

Of the 1,280 confirmed infections, 991 were cadets and the rest were staff and their family members, he said. Most of these showed no symptoms.

Until Saturday, 17 of them are still in the hospital.&nbsp;

The outbreak began when two cadets were admitted in the medical facility after fever and back pain. They were later tested positive for coronavirus, which led to mass testing of 2,000 staff and cadets in the academy.&nbsp;

The reason for the two Cadets being infected is unknown.&nbsp;

West Java's governor apologised for the outbreak and urged the citizens to restrict their movements in the neighbourhood where the academy is located.&nbsp;

Indonesia is the hardest-hit country in Southeast Asia with more than 74,000 known cases of COVID-19 and over 3,500 deaths.&nbsp;

The real toll is widely believed to be much higher, however, with experts saying limited testing was understating the true scale of the crisis.

The World Health Organization recently urged Indonesia to do more testing.&nbsp;

(Inputs from AFP)

Around 1,300 people in a military academy in Indonesia have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to an official as the country continues to struggle against the pandemic.

Around 1,300 people in a military academy in Indonesia have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to an official as the country continues to struggle against the pandemic. The Indonesian Army Officer Candidate School is situated in the country's most populated province of West Java. According to the Indonesian army's chief of staff, General Andika Perkasa, the academy has been quarantined and 30 people were initially hospitalised. Of the 1,280 confirmed infections, 991 were cadets and the rest were staff and their family members, he said. Most of these showed no symptoms. Until Saturday, 17 of them are still in the hospital. The outbreak began when two cadets were admitted in the medical facility after fever and back pain. They were later tested positive for coronavirus, which led to mass testing of 2,000 staff and cadets in the academy. The reason for the two Cadets being infected is unknown. West Java's governor apologised for the outbreak and urged the citizens to restrict their movements in the neighbourhood where the academy is located. Indonesia is the hardest-hit country in Southeast Asia with more than 74,000 known cases of COVID-19 and over 3,500 deaths. The real toll is widely believed to be much higher, however, with experts saying limited testing was understating the true scale of the crisis. The World Health Organization recently urged Indonesia to do more testing. (Inputs from AFP)

Indonesia's military academy in West Java province hit by COVID-19 outbreak; over 1,300 infected

Leylah Fernandez may have come up short in the U.S. Open final on Saturday, but the Canadian teen won over the New York crowd after the match when she paid homage to the city`s resilience on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. 
 
The 19-year-old Fernandez, speaking on court moments after her improbable run came to an end, appeared to be done with her post-match interview until she asked for the microphone back so she could address the crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens. 
 
"I know on this day it was especially hard for New York and everyone around the United States," said Fernandez, who fell 6-4 6-3 to British teenager Emma Raducanu. 
 
"I just want to say that I hope I can be as strong and as resilient as New York has been the past 20 years." 
 
Fernandez, who was not even born when the attacks on the World Trade Center towers took place, said she had learned about 9/11 from watching movies and asking her parents what happened. 
 
She said when she woke up on Saturday, she looked at the date and remembered. 
 
"Obviously I don`t know much about what really happened," said Fernandez. "But with the few information that I do have, I know that New York has suffered a lot the past years when it did happen. 
 
"I just wanted to let them know that they`re so strong, 
 
they`re so resilient. 
 
"They`re just incredible. 
 
"Just having them here happy, lively, just going back to the 
 
way they were, having my back during these tough moments, has made me stronger." 
 
The touching speech from an emotional Fernandez drew loud applause from the crowd and plenty of praise across social media, including from former world No. 1 Andy Roddick. 
 
"Leylah asking for the mic back to acknowledge 9/11 was one of the classiest, most empathetic, and mature things I’ve ever seen in a post game moment ... and she’s only 19. I’m blown away," Roddick wrote on Twitter. 
 
Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president now running to be mayor of New York City, said he was also blown away by the young Canadian`s grace. 
 
"For someone who was not even born on 9/11, from another country, to have the grace to honor our great city in such a moment is inspiring," tweeted Adams. "New York honors you tonight @leylahfernandez."

Leylah Fernandez may have come up short in the U.S. Open final on Saturday, but the Canadian teen won over the New York crowd after the match when she paid homage to the city`s resilience on the 20th anniversary of the Sept.

Leylah Fernandez may have come up short in the U.S. Open final on Saturday, but the Canadian teen won over the New York crowd after the match when she paid homage to the city`s resilience on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The 19-year-old Fernandez, speaking on court moments after her improbable run came to an end, appeared to be done with her post-match interview until she asked for the microphone back so she could address the crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens. "I know on this day it was especially hard for New York and everyone around the United States," said Fernandez, who fell 6-4 6-3 to British teenager Emma Raducanu. "I just want to say that I hope I can be as strong and as resilient as New York has been the past 20 years." Fernandez, who was not even born when the attacks on the World Trade Center towers took place, said she had learned about 9/11 from watching movies and asking her parents what happened. She said when she woke up on Saturday, she looked at the date and remembered. "Obviously I don`t know much about what really happened," said Fernandez. "But with the few information that I do have, I know that New York has suffered a lot the past years when it did happen. "I just wanted to let them know that they`re so strong, they`re so resilient. "They`re just incredible. "Just having them here happy, lively, just going back to the way they were, having my back during these tough moments, has made me stronger." The touching speech from an emotional Fernandez drew loud applause from the crowd and plenty of praise across social media, including from former world No. 1 Andy Roddick. "Leylah asking for the mic back to acknowledge 9/11 was one of the classiest, most empathetic, and mature things I’ve ever seen in a post game moment ... and she’s only 19. I’m blown away," Roddick wrote on Twitter. Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president now running to be mayor of New York City, said he was also blown away by the young Canadian`s grace. "For someone who was not even born on 9/11, from another country, to have the grace to honor our great city in such a moment is inspiring," tweeted Adams. "New York honors you tonight @leylahfernandez."

Coronavirus: Indonesia reports 847 new cases taking the toll to 32,033

Indonesia recorded 686 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday has taken the total tally to 23,851, as per health ministry officials said. The Southeast Asian reported 55 new deaths taking the death-toll 1,473.

6,057 people have recovered in the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that as many as 6,194,533 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus globally as India's tally surpassed 2 lakh cases. As many as 113,198 numbers of cases were reported in the last 24 hours, according to the report.&nbsp;

Further 4,242 virus-related deaths were reported during the same period, according to the WHO tally.

The United States has the most number of cases with 2.9 million people contracting the infection and more than 1,63,000 people have succumbed to the disease so far.

Europe has the world's highest death toll of more than 182,000, with 2.1 million cases confirmed.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, African countries have seen a surge in cases lately with 108,121 cases and 2,700 virus-related deaths.

The global health body declared the outbreak a pandemic on March 11.

Indonesia recorded 686 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday has taken the total tally to 23,851, as per health ministry officials said. The Southeast Asian reported 55 new deaths taking the death-toll 1,473.

Indonesia recorded 686 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday has taken the total tally to 23,851, as per health ministry officials said. The Southeast Asian reported 55 new deaths taking the death-toll 1,473. 6,057 people have recovered in the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that as many as 6,194,533 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus globally as India's tally surpassed 2 lakh cases. As many as 113,198 numbers of cases were reported in the last 24 hours, according to the report. Further 4,242 virus-related deaths were reported during the same period, according to the WHO tally. The United States has the most number of cases with 2.9 million people contracting the infection and more than 1,63,000 people have succumbed to the disease so far. Europe has the world's highest death toll of more than 182,000, with 2.1 million cases confirmed. Meanwhile, African countries have seen a surge in cases lately with 108,121 cases and 2,700 virus-related deaths. The global health body declared the outbreak a pandemic on March 11.

Indonesia witness spike in coronavirus, records 686 cases and 55 deaths in one day

Jakarta has a total of&nbsp;4,317 positive coronavirus cases, with a death toll of 375. However, it is being speculated that the number of coronavirus cases, especially the death toll, might be higher than what is being reported.

The burials in Jakarta were close to record high in the last month. According to a report filed by Reuters, there have been 4,377 burials in the last one month, and 4,422 burials in March. Thus, indicating that&nbsp;2,500 more people have died in the city in the past two months than the average for the period. However, the burials data on the website of the city's parks and cemeteries department does not identify a reason for these deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-hes-seen-evidence-coronavirus-originated-in-chinese-lab-295950">Also read:&nbsp;Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab</a>

Overall, Indonesia has had 800 deaths from the disease, Health Ministry official Achmad Yurianto said on Friday. He also told&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;that the death toll only reveals the number of people who died after being tested for coronavirus.&nbsp;Some people who died with COVID-19 symptoms were not tested at all, while others had their samples collected "incorrectly", Yurianto said. He did not elaborate on what the incorrect samples meant.

"I'm struggling to find another reason than unreported COVID-19 deaths," City Governor Anies Baswedan was quoted by Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keen-to-work-with-international-partners-at-chinas-invitation-to-investigate-animal-origins-of-virus-who-296083">Also read:&nbsp;Keen to work with partners at China's invitation to investigate COVID-19: WHO</a>

While a slight decline was observed in the burials i. the month of April, the reason behind that can also be that some people left for their hometown before the borders were sealed on April 24. However, the government has not commented on it.

"We don't have daily data to get a precise trend. However, deducting for out-migration, it's not slowing down yet," an anonymous source told&nbsp;Reuters.

A Reuters review of data from 16 of Indonesia`s 34 provinces showed this week that more than 2,200 people have died with acute symptoms of COVID-19 but were not recorded as victims of the disease.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Jakarta has a total of 4,317 positive coronavirus cases, with a death toll of 375. However, it is being speculated that the number of coronavirus cases, especially the death toll, might be higher than what is being reported.

Jakarta has a total of 4,317 positive coronavirus cases, with a death toll of 375. However, it is being speculated that the number of coronavirus cases, especially the death toll, might be higher than what is being reported. The burials in Jakarta were close to record high in the last month. According to a report filed by Reuters, there have been 4,377 burials in the last one month, and 4,422 burials in March. Thus, indicating that 2,500 more people have died in the city in the past two months than the average for the period. However, the burials data on the website of the city's parks and cemeteries department does not identify a reason for these deaths. Also read: Trump claims he's seen evidence coronavirus originated in Chinese lab Overall, Indonesia has had 800 deaths from the disease, Health Ministry official Achmad Yurianto said on Friday. He also told Reuters that the death toll only reveals the number of people who died after being tested for coronavirus. Some people who died with COVID-19 symptoms were not tested at all, while others had their samples collected "incorrectly", Yurianto said. He did not elaborate on what the incorrect samples meant. "I'm struggling to find another reason than unreported COVID-19 deaths," City Governor Anies Baswedan was quoted by Reuters. Also read: Keen to work with partners at China's invitation to investigate COVID-19: WHO While a slight decline was observed in the burials i. the month of April, the reason behind that can also be that some people left for their hometown before the borders were sealed on April 24. However, the government has not commented on it. "We don't have daily data to get a precise trend. However, deducting for out-migration, it's not slowing down yet," an anonymous source told Reuters. A Reuters review of data from 16 of Indonesia`s 34 provinces showed this week that more than 2,200 people have died with acute symptoms of COVID-19 but were not recorded as victims of the disease. (With inputs from Reuters)

Increased number of burials hint towards a higher death toll in Jakarta

Indonesian police seized over half a million face masks from a Jakarta-area warehouse after the country's first confirmed cases of coronavirus sparked panic buying and sent prices for prevention products skyrocketing.

Authorities were questioning two people after the Tuesday evening raid at a warehouse in satellite city Tangerang, where nearly 600,000 surgical masks were found.

The owners did not have permission to distribute the masks, police said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/battling-shortage-china-urgently-needs-masks-and-medical-equipment-to-tackle-coronavirus-278365">Battling shortage, China 'urgently needs' masks and medical equipment to tackle Coronavirus</a>

"Mask prices have skyrocketed everywhere and there are shortages, most likely because hoarders are trying to make money at the public's expense," Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus told AFP Wednesday.

Those convicted of hoarding masks could face up to five years in jail and hefty fines, police said.

The warehouse raid came after hundreds of boxes of surgical masks were also seized Tuesday at a Jakarta apartment.

And police said they busted a factory at the weekend allegedly making and distributing counterfeit masks that did not meet health standards

"Those masks are useless," Yunus said.

"They won't protect people who use them."

The crackdown was ordered by Indonesian president Joko Widodo who has called on citizens to avoid panic buying even as store shelves are cleared and prices soar for masks and hand sanitisers.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongers-set-up-face-mask-factory-amid-coronavirus-panic-buying-282539">Hong Kongers set up face mask factory amid coronavirus panic buying</a>

Major cities including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney have also seen panic buying sparked by the virus.

Indonesians, meanwhile, are scooping up a traditional herbal tonic known as jamu and in one city sellers dressed as Batman and local superhero Gundala were handing out the drink to motorists.

"My sales have more than doubled since Monday," said Nur Hidayati, 29, a jamu seller in Bogor near Jakarta.

"People tell me they want jamu to stay healthy and immune from the virus."

On Monday, Indonesia confirmed its first coronavirus cases, saying a 64-year-old woman and her daughter, 31, tested positive.

Globally, coronavirus has infected more than 90,000 people and killed at least 3,100 people.

But Indonesia a Southeast Asian archipelago of more than 260 million had yet to report a confirmed case until this week. 
&nbsp;

Indonesian police seized over half a million face masks from a Jakarta-area warehouse after the country's first confirmed cases of coronavirus sparked panic buying and sent prices for prevention products skyrocketing.

Indonesian police seized over half a million face masks from a Jakarta-area warehouse after the country's first confirmed cases of coronavirus sparked panic buying and sent prices for prevention products skyrocketing. Authorities were questioning two people after the Tuesday evening raid at a warehouse in satellite city Tangerang, where nearly 600,000 surgical masks were found. The owners did not have permission to distribute the masks, police said. Also Read: Battling shortage, China 'urgently needs' masks and medical equipment to tackle Coronavirus "Mask prices have skyrocketed everywhere and there are shortages, most likely because hoarders are trying to make money at the public's expense," Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus told AFP Wednesday. Those convicted of hoarding masks could face up to five years in jail and hefty fines, police said. The warehouse raid came after hundreds of boxes of surgical masks were also seized Tuesday at a Jakarta apartment. And police said they busted a factory at the weekend allegedly making and distributing counterfeit masks that did not meet health standards "Those masks are useless," Yunus said. "They won't protect people who use them." The crackdown was ordered by Indonesian president Joko Widodo who has called on citizens to avoid panic buying even as store shelves are cleared and prices soar for masks and hand sanitisers. Also Read: Hong Kongers set up face mask factory amid coronavirus panic buying Major cities including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney have also seen panic buying sparked by the virus. Indonesians, meanwhile, are scooping up a traditional herbal tonic known as jamu and in one city sellers dressed as Batman and local superhero Gundala were handing out the drink to motorists. "My sales have more than doubled since Monday," said Nur Hidayati, 29, a jamu seller in Bogor near Jakarta. "People tell me they want jamu to stay healthy and immune from the virus." On Monday, Indonesia confirmed its first coronavirus cases, saying a 64-year-old woman and her daughter, 31, tested positive. Globally, coronavirus has infected more than 90,000 people and killed at least 3,100 people. But Indonesia a Southeast Asian archipelago of more than 260 million had yet to report a confirmed case until this week.

Indonesia seizes half a million virus masks amid panic buying