Singapore&nbsp;has reported its 34th death due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, taking its toll from the pandemic beyond the 33 casualties recorded during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak.

The city-state was one of the worst-hit countries by SARS outside mainland China, based on numbers of infection and death, according to the World Health Organization's data.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-awaiting-approval-of-coronavirus-vaccine-for-teens-in-eu-canada-389997">Moderna awaiting approval of coronavirus vaccine for teens in EU, Canada</a>

SARS, a previously unknown infectious disease, is believed to have emerged from the wet markets of China's Guangdong province before spreading into major cities. Globally, as many as 774 people died in the epidemic that reached nearly 30 countries.

While the current pandemic death toll has exceeded&nbsp;Singapore's death toll from the SARS outbreak, the city-state still has one of the world's lowest COVID-19 fatality rates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fatigue-ptsd-depression-and-more-heres-how-to-fight-post-covid-problems-390332">Fatigue, PTSD, depression and more: Here's how to fight post-Covid problems</a>

Singapore&nbsp;authorities had said at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that the experience dealing with SARS meant they were more prepared for the COVID-19 outbreak.

So far,&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;has reported 62,219 COVID-19 infections since January last year, while it recorded 238 SARS cases between March and May 2003.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hiv-woman-had-covid-19-for-over-6-months-which-mutated-30-times-study-389719">HIV+ woman had COVID-19 for over 6 months which mutated 30 times: Study</a>

The 34th COVID-19 death in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;was an 86-year-old woman who had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and had a history of comorbidities including diabetes and hypertension,&nbsp;Singapore's health ministry said.

Singapore has reported its 34th death due to COVID-19, taking its toll from the pandemic beyond the 33 casualties recorded during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak.

Singapore has reported its 34th death due to COVID-19, taking its toll from the pandemic beyond the 33 casualties recorded during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. The city-state was one of the worst-hit countries by SARS outside mainland China, based on numbers of infection and death, according to the World Health Organization's data. Also read | Moderna awaiting approval of coronavirus vaccine for teens in EU, Canada SARS, a previously unknown infectious disease, is believed to have emerged from the wet markets of China's Guangdong province before spreading into major cities. Globally, as many as 774 people died in the epidemic that reached nearly 30 countries. While the current pandemic death toll has exceeded Singapore's death toll from the SARS outbreak, the city-state still has one of the world's lowest COVID-19 fatality rates. Also read | Fatigue, PTSD, depression and more: Here's how to fight post-Covid problems Singapore authorities had said at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that the experience dealing with SARS meant they were more prepared for the COVID-19 outbreak. So far, Singapore has reported 62,219 COVID-19 infections since January last year, while it recorded 238 SARS cases between March and May 2003. Also read | HIV+ woman had COVID-19 for over 6 months which mutated 30 times: Study The 34th COVID-19 death in Singapore was an 86-year-old woman who had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and had a history of comorbidities including diabetes and hypertension, Singapore's health ministry said.

Singapore's death toll from COVID-19 tops casualties in SARS outbreak

Singapore has found the Delta variant of the coronavirus to be the most prevalent among local cases of variants of concern (VOCs), according to health ministry data, highlighting its level of infectiousness.

There were 449 local cases with VOCs as of May 31, of which 428 were the Delta variant first detected in India and nine of the Beta variant first identified in South Africa, the health ministry said in an emailed statement on Wednesday.

Singapore authorities first reported the presence locally of the Delta variant in early May.

The Delta variant is stoking concern of a major spike in infections in other countries where it has been found, such as the United Kingdom, potentially delaying reopening plans after the rollout of vaccines in many regions.

Singapore performs viral genomic sequencing for all confirmed COVID-19 cases, unlike some countries that typically sequence a smaller proportion of their infections.

A recent rise in cases, including those linked to the Delta variant, prompted Singapore to tighten curbs on social gatherings last month. It reported 476 domestically transmitted cases during May.

Infections have been falling since, with only 2 cases on Wednesday, the lowest since early May, ahead of possible easing of measures after June 13. Singapore's mass vaccination programme is in full swing.

The city-state has reported more than 62,000 coronavirus cases overall, domestically transmitted and imported, with 34 deaths.

Singapore has found the Delta variant of the coronavirus to be the most prevalent among local cases of variants of concern (VOCs), according to health ministry data, highlighting its level of infectiousness.

Singapore has found the Delta variant of the coronavirus to be the most prevalent among local cases of variants of concern (VOCs), according to health ministry data, highlighting its level of infectiousness. There were 449 local cases with VOCs as of May 31, of which 428 were the Delta variant first detected in India and nine of the Beta variant first identified in South Africa, the health ministry said in an emailed statement on Wednesday. Singapore authorities first reported the presence locally of the Delta variant in early May. The Delta variant is stoking concern of a major spike in infections in other countries where it has been found, such as the United Kingdom, potentially delaying reopening plans after the rollout of vaccines in many regions. Singapore performs viral genomic sequencing for all confirmed COVID-19 cases, unlike some countries that typically sequence a smaller proportion of their infections. A recent rise in cases, including those linked to the Delta variant, prompted Singapore to tighten curbs on social gatherings last month. It reported 476 domestically transmitted cases during May. Infections have been falling since, with only 2 cases on Wednesday, the lowest since early May, ahead of possible easing of measures after June 13. Singapore's mass vaccination programme is in full swing. The city-state has reported more than 62,000 coronavirus cases overall, domestically transmitted and imported, with 34 deaths.

COVID-19: Singapore finds delta most prevalent among coronavirus variants locally

A 35-year old senior executive at a software company in Singapore, who made racially offensive tweets in April last year, including slurs to Indians and condemning Indian immigrants about COVID-19, was jailed for three weeks on Tuesday, a media report said.

Zainal Abidin Shaiful Bahari, a Malay, pleaded guilty to two charges each of committing acts he knew were prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different racial groups in Singapore. Another two similar charges were considered in sentencing, Channel News Asia reported.

A member of the public called the police in April 2020 after seeing a tweet by the user 'sharonliew86' condemning Indian immigrants about COVID-19.&nbsp;

Zainal, a senior director at a software company, used the pseudonym 'Sharon Liew' (Chinese name), had sole control of the account.

In March 2020, he also posted that 'smart Chinese' women have done social distancing inside the Mass Rapid Transit subway trains by not wanting to sit next to Indians.

Zainal's lawyers claimed that he was 'not a racist' and that he was taking over a 'parody account' and 'overstepped the mark' while 'trying to be funny'.

District Judge S Jennifer Marie said that race and religion are sensitive issues and would-be offenders must realise that careless remarks have the potential to cause social disorder.

"Further, when such remarks are published with the medium of the Internet, they have the ubiquitous reach and therefore amplify the potential and irreversible harm that could be caused to...Peace and racial harmony."

She added that racial tensions have been heightened by the continued pandemic and a strong deterrent signal must be sent.

Zainal was identified and police investigations revealed that he had set up the Twitter account in July 2018 with two other friends.

It was meant to be a parody account and had more than 5,000 followers, but the posts by Zainal's two friends stopped from early 2019.

Zainal took sole control of the account and posted the offensive tweets in March and April 2020.

The prosecutor called for four weeks' jail, saying there was a clear need for general deterrence, especially in the current climate where tensions in the community have been heightened and strained by exceptional pandemic circumstances.

Lawyer Sunil Sudheesan asked instead for three weeks' jail, saying that every action by his client must be viewed "in the proper context".

"He's not a racist, obviously," said Sudheesan. Zainal is married to a Chinese woman and has racially diverse friends.

Sudheesan said everyone, who followed the account knew it was a parody, and things could have become inflamed when people who did not know the intention of certain tweets forwarded them.

"Our client is very sorry for this. He should have anticipated this," the Channel quoted the lawyer as saying. 
The prosecutor responded that Zainal had well crossed the line.

"This was not parody, this was not satirical behaviour, this was simply the actions of an online troll who was provoking others...This is really not acceptable," he said. The judge told Zainal that the language used in his tweets were in bad taste.

"If you had really valued racial and cultural diversity, you should have appreciated all the more the need to preserve ... Sensitivities given the multi-cultural fabric of Singapore," she said.

For each charge of committing an act prejudicial to racial harmony, Zainal could have been jailed up to three years, fined, or both.&nbsp;

A 35-year old senior executive at a software company in Singapore, who made racially offensive tweets in April last year, including slurs to Indians and condemning Indian immigrants about COVID-19, was jailed for three weeks on Tuesday, a media report said.

A 35-year old senior executive at a software company in Singapore, who made racially offensive tweets in April last year, including slurs to Indians and condemning Indian immigrants about COVID-19, was jailed for three weeks on Tuesday, a media report said. Zainal Abidin Shaiful Bahari, a Malay, pleaded guilty to two charges each of committing acts he knew were prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different racial groups in Singapore. Another two similar charges were considered in sentencing, Channel News Asia reported. A member of the public called the police in April 2020 after seeing a tweet by the user 'sharonliew86' condemning Indian immigrants about COVID-19. Zainal, a senior director at a software company, used the pseudonym 'Sharon Liew' (Chinese name), had sole control of the account. In March 2020, he also posted that 'smart Chinese' women have done social distancing inside the Mass Rapid Transit subway trains by not wanting to sit next to Indians. Zainal's lawyers claimed that he was 'not a racist' and that he was taking over a 'parody account' and 'overstepped the mark' while 'trying to be funny'. District Judge S Jennifer Marie said that race and religion are sensitive issues and would-be offenders must realise that careless remarks have the potential to cause social disorder. "Further, when such remarks are published with the medium of the Internet, they have the ubiquitous reach and therefore amplify the potential and irreversible harm that could be caused to...Peace and racial harmony." She added that racial tensions have been heightened by the continued pandemic and a strong deterrent signal must be sent. Zainal was identified and police investigations revealed that he had set up the Twitter account in July 2018 with two other friends. It was meant to be a parody account and had more than 5,000 followers, but the posts by Zainal's two friends stopped from early 2019. Zainal took sole control of the account and posted the offensive tweets in March and April 2020. The prosecutor called for four weeks' jail, saying there was a clear need for general deterrence, especially in the current climate where tensions in the community have been heightened and strained by exceptional pandemic circumstances. Lawyer Sunil Sudheesan asked instead for three weeks' jail, saying that every action by his client must be viewed "in the proper context". "He's not a racist, obviously," said Sudheesan. Zainal is married to a Chinese woman and has racially diverse friends. Sudheesan said everyone, who followed the account knew it was a parody, and things could have become inflamed when people who did not know the intention of certain tweets forwarded them. "Our client is very sorry for this. He should have anticipated this," the Channel quoted the lawyer as saying. The prosecutor responded that Zainal had well crossed the line. "This was not parody, this was not satirical behaviour, this was simply the actions of an online troll who was provoking others...This is really not acceptable," he said. The judge told Zainal that the language used in his tweets were in bad taste. "If you had really valued racial and cultural diversity, you should have appreciated all the more the need to preserve ... Sensitivities given the multi-cultural fabric of Singapore," she said. For each charge of committing an act prejudicial to racial harmony, Zainal could have been jailed up to three years, fined, or both.

Singapore court jails man for racially offensive tweets, slurs against Indians 

Singapore's egg-freezing ban forces women to head abroad for fertility treatment. To know more watch this report.

Singapore egg-freezing ban forces women to head overseas

With a busy job that left little time to think about starting a family, Erica decided to sidestep&nbsp;Singapore's ban on egg freezing for a chance to have children later in life.

The advertising executive is among a growing number of women travelling overseas to get their eggs frozen, as people in the work-obsessed city-state increasingly delay having children.&nbsp;

Now calls are growing for authorities to loosen the rules in a bid to help boost one of the world's lowest birth rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-singapore-has-kept-the-coronavirus-off-campus-355825">How Singapore has kept the coronavirus off campus</a>

"It's quite unfair to women here," Erica, who used a pseudonym, said of the current policy on egg freezing.

"It doesn't give women in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;the chance to have an opportunity to give birth in their 40s, and therefore they feel like they would have to settle in their 30s because time is not on their side," the 40-year-old added.

Singapore's fertility rate reached a historic low of 1.1 babies per woman last year, compared to a global average of 2.4.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-baby-is-born-through-new-egg-freezing-technique-281549">First baby born through new egg-freezing technique in France</a>

This is despite decades of official encouragement to boost births, ranging from cash bonuses for having a baby to subsidised fertility treatments for married couples.

But while advocates say egg freezing could help lift birth rates, authorities still only allow it for certain medical conditions, such as if a woman is undergoing cancer treatment.

Many other countries permit the procedure, even without medical reasons.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-hospital-stops-single-woman-from-freezing-her-eggs-get-sued-270187">Chinese hospital stops single woman from freezing her eggs, gets sued</a>

But in socially conservative&nbsp;Singapore, the government and religious groups have expressed concern that egg freezing may encourage women to delay getting married and having children.

'Lifestyles are different'

The procedure involves collecting eggs from a woman's ovaries, freezing them unfertilised and storing them for later use.&nbsp;

When a woman wants to try to get pregnant, the egg is thawed and combined with sperm before being transferred to the uterus.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-strain-infecting-children-more-singapore-385636">New virus strain infecting children more: Singapore</a>

Women's fertility typically begins declining from the mid-30s but freezing eggs can give them a chance to have children later.&nbsp;

Erica, who is not originally from&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;but holds permanent resident status, decided to have the procedure at the age of 36 after breaking up with her boyfriend of six years.&nbsp;

She flew to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia about five times for consultations, to refill hormone jabs, then finally for the egg extraction at the KL Fertility Centre.

The clinic has seen a growing number of Singaporeans coming for the procedure and, before the coronavirus closed borders, was freezing eggs of three to six women a year from the city-state.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-activist-who-crowdfunded-pm-defamation-penalty-says-people-contributed-to-show-resistance-378213">Singapore activist who crowdfunded PM defamation penalty says people contributed to show resistance</a>

"There is actually a huge demand because of changing social dynamics," said Helena Lim, a doctor at the centre.&nbsp;

"Women have more opportunity to get higher education, lifestyles are different."&nbsp;

This isn't just an issue in&nbsp;Singapore. In many developed countries, women are delaying childbearing for several reasons, including financial considerations and career pressure.

There are no official figures on how many in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;have gone overseas to freeze their eggs, but anecdotal evidence suggests numbers have been rising.&nbsp;

Sunfert International, which has several fertility clinics across Malaysia, told AFP that enquiries and patients from&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;were increasing by about 15 per cent each year before the pandemic.&nbsp;

Singaporeans are also heading to countries like Thailand and Australia for the procedure.

'Profoundly selfish act'

Pressure has been growing on&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;to lift its ban for some time, but there is little sign an overhaul is imminent.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Social and Family Development said last year there were "ethical and social concerns" over such a move, which could cause more women "to delay marriage or parenthood".&nbsp;

The ministry declined requests for further comment.

The National Council of Churches of&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;has also spoken out against elective egg freezing, calling it a "profoundly selfish act" and saying that women should instead be encouraged to have children earlier in life.

Erica is now in a relationship and hopes to have children soon -- the couple will try to conceive naturally first and have the frozen eggs as a backup.

"Having this as an option just gives women more opportunity to really settle with the person that you want to be happy with," she said of freezing her eggs.

"I feel that it's a great decision."

With a busy job that left little time to think about starting a family, Erica decided to sidestep Singapore's ban on egg freezing for a chance to have children later in life.

With a busy job that left little time to think about starting a family, Erica decided to sidestep Singapore's ban on egg freezing for a chance to have children later in life. The advertising executive is among a growing number of women travelling overseas to get their eggs frozen, as people in the work-obsessed city-state increasingly delay having children. Now calls are growing for authorities to loosen the rules in a bid to help boost one of the world's lowest birth rates. Also Read | How Singapore has kept the coronavirus off campus "It's quite unfair to women here," Erica, who used a pseudonym, said of the current policy on egg freezing. "It doesn't give women in Singapore the chance to have an opportunity to give birth in their 40s, and therefore they feel like they would have to settle in their 30s because time is not on their side," the 40-year-old added. Singapore's fertility rate reached a historic low of 1.1 babies per woman last year, compared to a global average of 2.4. Also Read | First baby born through new egg-freezing technique in France This is despite decades of official encouragement to boost births, ranging from cash bonuses for having a baby to subsidised fertility treatments for married couples. But while advocates say egg freezing could help lift birth rates, authorities still only allow it for certain medical conditions, such as if a woman is undergoing cancer treatment. Many other countries permit the procedure, even without medical reasons. Also Read | Chinese hospital stops single woman from freezing her eggs, gets sued But in socially conservative Singapore, the government and religious groups have expressed concern that egg freezing may encourage women to delay getting married and having children. 'Lifestyles are different' The procedure involves collecting eggs from a woman's ovaries, freezing them unfertilised and storing them for later use. When a woman wants to try to get pregnant, the egg is thawed and combined with sperm before being transferred to the uterus. Also Read | New virus strain infecting children more: Singapore Women's fertility typically begins declining from the mid-30s but freezing eggs can give them a chance to have children later. Erica, who is not originally from Singapore but holds permanent resident status, decided to have the procedure at the age of 36 after breaking up with her boyfriend of six years. She flew to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia about five times for consultations, to refill hormone jabs, then finally for the egg extraction at the KL Fertility Centre. The clinic has seen a growing number of Singaporeans coming for the procedure and, before the coronavirus closed borders, was freezing eggs of three to six women a year from the city-state. Also Read | Singapore activist who crowdfunded PM defamation penalty says people contributed to show resistance "There is actually a huge demand because of changing social dynamics," said Helena Lim, a doctor at the centre. "Women have more opportunity to get higher education, lifestyles are different." This isn't just an issue in Singapore. In many developed countries, women are delaying childbearing for several reasons, including financial considerations and career pressure. There are no official figures on how many in Singapore have gone overseas to freeze their eggs, but anecdotal evidence suggests numbers have been rising. Sunfert International, which has several fertility clinics across Malaysia, told AFP that enquiries and patients from Singapore were increasing by about 15 per cent each year before the pandemic. Singaporeans are also heading to countries like Thailand and Australia for the procedure. 'Profoundly selfish act' Pressure has been growing on Singapore to lift its ban for some time, but there is little sign an overhaul is imminent. The Ministry of Social and Family Development said last year there were "ethical and social concerns" over such a move, which could cause more women "to delay marriage or parenthood". The ministry declined requests for further comment. The National Council of Churches of Singapore has also spoken out against elective egg freezing, calling it a "profoundly selfish act" and saying that women should instead be encouraged to have children earlier in life. Erica is now in a relationship and hopes to have children soon -- the couple will try to conceive naturally first and have the frozen eggs as a backup. "Having this as an option just gives women more opportunity to really settle with the person that you want to be happy with," she said of freezing her eggs. "I feel that it's a great decision."

Sri Lankan authorities said that they will sue the owners of a Singapore-registered cargo carrier that has burned for 11 straight days off the island’s west coast and caused some of its worst-ever marine pollutions.

Sri Lanka to sue Singapore ship owner over marine pollution

The Ministry of Trade and Industry said that Singapore's economy grew by 1.3% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to a year earlier. This is the highest growth rate in Singapore since the fourth quarter of 2019.

World Business Watch: Singapore economy expanded more than expected in it's Q1

Singapore government has invoked its anti-misinformation law, the POFMA or Protection from Online Falsehoods &amp; Manipulation Act, a day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted about the coronavirus variant from Singapore.&nbsp;

The country's health ministry has instructed the POFMA office to issue "General Correction Directions" to Facebook and Twitter. The notice is not directed at Delhi CM or Indian social media, but aims at safeguarding Singaporeans from false information.

Under this, the social media giants will be required to carry a "Correction Notice to all end-users in Singapore" who use the app that "there is no new ‘Singapore’ variant of COVID-19. Neither is their evidence of any COVID-19 variant that is extremely dangerous for kids."

Correction Notice reveals the "fact of the case" by pointing out that "there is a false statement circulating online" which "implies that a new, previously unknown variant of COVID-19 originated in Singapore and/or risks spreading to India from Singapore." &nbsp;

The notice clarifies that "the strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases detected in Singapore in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated from India."

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in his remarks on Twitter had called on India's government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the COVID-19 variant which he highlighted impacts children.

Wednesday saw a full-blown diplomatic row over the comments of Delhi CM, with the Singaporean foreign ministry raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran. The Singaporean foreign ministry in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM.

It was followed by an exchange on Twitter between India’s and Singapore's foreign minister. External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar termed the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible" which "can damage long-standing partnerships" while Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for the need to "focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another."

High commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong also held a press meet on the issue and said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing the Government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening".

Singapore government has invoked its anti-misinformation law, the POFMA or Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act, a day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted about the coronavirus variant from Singapore.

Singapore government has invoked its anti-misinformation law, the POFMA or Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act, a day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted about the coronavirus variant from Singapore. The country's health ministry has instructed the POFMA office to issue "General Correction Directions" to Facebook and Twitter. The notice is not directed at Delhi CM or Indian social media, but aims at safeguarding Singaporeans from false information. Under this, the social media giants will be required to carry a "Correction Notice to all end-users in Singapore" who use the app that "there is no new ‘Singapore’ variant of COVID-19. Neither is their evidence of any COVID-19 variant that is extremely dangerous for kids." Correction Notice reveals the "fact of the case" by pointing out that "there is a false statement circulating online" which "implies that a new, previously unknown variant of COVID-19 originated in Singapore and/or risks spreading to India from Singapore." The notice clarifies that "the strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases detected in Singapore in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated from India." Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in his remarks on Twitter had called on India's government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the COVID-19 variant which he highlighted impacts children. Wednesday saw a full-blown diplomatic row over the comments of Delhi CM, with the Singaporean foreign ministry raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran. The Singaporean foreign ministry in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM. It was followed by an exchange on Twitter between India’s and Singapore's foreign minister. External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar termed the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible" which "can damage long-standing partnerships" while Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for the need to "focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another." High commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong also held a press meet on the issue and said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing the Government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening".

Singapore invokes misinformation law after Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s tweet on ‘new COVID-19 variant’

In the aftermath of the controversy generated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweets on Covid, the High Commissioner of Singapore to India&nbsp;Simon Wong has said that those who hold political office have the responsibility not to spread&nbsp;falsehoods, pointing out that his country can invoke anti misinformation law POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) law over his remarks.

Simon Wong said, "Prominent political office holders must have a responsibility not to propagate falsehoods".&nbsp;Adding, "In Singapore, we have Protection from Online Falsehoods &amp; Manipulation Act (POFMA). It is meant to mitigate the spread of misinformation, so we reserve the right to invoke POFMA on some of the comments and assertions made by the honorable chief minister on this topic".

Delhi CM in the remarks he tweeted on Tuesday called on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant from the country which impacts children. The Singaporean High&nbsp;commissioner&nbsp;termed the remarks as&nbsp;"unfounded" and something that "caused a stir"

The matter was raised by Singapore's foreign ministry with the Indian High Commissioner to the country P Kumaran earlier today and both foreign ministers had tweeted about it. In the tweet, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called the comments of Delhi CM "irresponsible" while Singapore's Foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan hoped for "resolving the [Covid]&nbsp;situation in our respective countries"

Singapore's High Commissioner Simon Wong said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two&nbsp;countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening" and "we feel we should move on".

As the second wave of the cCvid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many supplies.&nbsp;"Delhi has been beneficiary of items which has come from Singapore" amid the Covid crisis" said Singapore's high commissioner Simon Wong, explaining, we "were taken aback by unfounded comments by Delhi CM".

Asked about mentioning of the variant first found in India, Wong said,&nbsp;"we refer [to a] virus by scientific terms" by following World Health Organisation recommendations.&nbsp;"It is not Chinese virus or Indian variant," he said, highlighting, "We focus on the scientific aspect" and "we don't have the bandwidth to focus" on other things.

In the aftermath of the controversy generated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweets on Covid, the High Commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong has said that those who hold political office have the responsibility not to spread falsehoods, pointing out that his country can invoke anti misinformation law POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) law over his remarks.

In the aftermath of the controversy generated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's tweets on Covid, the High Commissioner of Singapore to India Simon Wong has said that those who hold political office have the responsibility not to spread falsehoods, pointing out that his country can invoke anti misinformation law POFMA (Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act) law over his remarks. Simon Wong said, "Prominent political office holders must have a responsibility not to propagate falsehoods". Adding, "In Singapore, we have Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act (POFMA). It is meant to mitigate the spread of misinformation, so we reserve the right to invoke POFMA on some of the comments and assertions made by the honorable chief minister on this topic". Delhi CM in the remarks he tweeted on Tuesday called on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant from the country which impacts children. The Singaporean High commissioner termed the remarks as "unfounded" and something that "caused a stir" The matter was raised by Singapore's foreign ministry with the Indian High Commissioner to the country P Kumaran earlier today and both foreign ministers had tweeted about it. In the tweet, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called the comments of Delhi CM "irresponsible" while Singapore's Foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan hoped for "resolving the [Covid] situation in our respective countries" Singapore's High Commissioner Simon Wong said with exchanges between foreign ministers of the two countries "we wished to end to this episode" since authorities representing government of India have given a "crystal clear" clarification which is "heartening" and "we feel we should move on". As the second wave of the cCvid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many supplies. "Delhi has been beneficiary of items which has come from Singapore" amid the Covid crisis" said Singapore's high commissioner Simon Wong, explaining, we "were taken aback by unfounded comments by Delhi CM". Asked about mentioning of the variant first found in India, Wong said, "we refer [to a] virus by scientific terms" by following World Health Organisation recommendations. "It is not Chinese virus or Indian variant," he said, highlighting, "We focus on the scientific aspect" and "we don't have the bandwidth to focus" on other things.

'Political office holders have responsibility not to spread falsehoods', says Singapore's envoy over Delhi CM's tweets

Singapore government has categorically dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim that a 'very dangerous' strain of the coronavirus was prevalent in island city-state and that could affect children the most.&nbsp;

In a statement released by the Ministry of Health, Singapore rubbished reports, stating that the prevalent strain in recent cases was the B.1.617.2 variant that was first detected in India.

Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs has informed through a tweet&nbsp;that "Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy.
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1394884595745660930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar has condemned the statement and said that "irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships."

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However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. 
 
So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1394885678899482631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The new form of COVID-19 that has come to Singapore is being said to be extremely dangerous for children. In India it may come as a third wave," the Delhi Chief Minister had tweeted on Tuesday afternoon. Keeping the same in mind he urged the Central government to cancel air services with Singapore immediately.

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There is no truth in the assertion that there is a new COVID strain in Singapore. Phylogenetic testing has shown that the B.1.617.2 variant is the prevalent strain in many of the COVID cases, including in children, in recent weeks in Singapore.<a href="https://t.co/uz0mNPNxlE">https://t.co/uz0mNPNxlE</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vyj7gyyzvJ">https://t.co/Vyj7gyyzvJ</a>
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGinIndia/status/1394705073666543624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Singapore government has categorically dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim that a 'very dangerous' strain of the coronavirus was prevalent in island city-state and that could affect children the most.

Singapore government has categorically dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim that a 'very dangerous' strain of the coronavirus was prevalent in island city-state and that could affect children the most. In a statement released by the Ministry of Health, Singapore rubbished reports, stating that the prevalent strain in recent cases was the B.1.617.2 variant that was first detected in India. Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs has informed through a tweet that "Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy." Singapore Government called in our High Commissioner today to convey strong objection to Delhi CM's tweet on "Singapore variant". High Commissioner clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy. — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 19, 2021 × External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar has condemned the statement and said that "irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships." However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2021 × "The new form of COVID-19 that has come to Singapore is being said to be extremely dangerous for children. In India it may come as a third wave," the Delhi Chief Minister had tweeted on Tuesday afternoon. Keeping the same in mind he urged the Central government to cancel air services with Singapore immediately. There is no truth in the assertion that there is a new COVID strain in Singapore. Phylogenetic testing has shown that the B.1.617.2 variant is the prevalent strain in many of the COVID cases, including in children, in recent weeks in Singapore.https://t.co/uz0mNPNxlE https://t.co/Vyj7gyyzvJ — Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) May 18, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal ruffles diplomatic feathers with a tweet on COVID-19 'Singapore variant'

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, Singapore on Wednesday authorised the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for teenagers aged 12 to 15.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-foreign-minister-of-singapore-dismisses-delhi-cms-claims-386026/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The country has become only the world's third and the first in Asia to allow teenagers to be vaccinated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/singapore-regrets-delhi-cms-remarks-over-covid-variants-eam-says-he-doesnt-speak-for-india-385992">Singapore's</a> health minister Ong Ye Kung asserted that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine demonstrated "high safety and efficacy" for the age group of 12 to 15 years old.&nbsp;

The health sciences authority has extended the use of the vaccine after reviewing clinical data submitted by the manufacturer, reports said.

Singapore has reportedly inoculated at least 20 per cent of the population with two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna amid limited vaccine supply.

The country had earlier announced the closure of schools after the virus strain first found in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-ruffles-diplomatic-feathers-with-a-tweet-on-covid-19-singapore-variant-385961"> India </a>had led to a surge of COVID-19 cases as it moved to ban restaurant visits and limited public gatherings.

Schools were ordered to shift to online learning until the end of term on May 28 after coronavirus cases were detected last Sunday worrying health officials.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said B.1.6.17 strain appeared to affect children more as authorities said there was sharp increase in the number of community cases in the country.

Authorities had also postponed the travel bubble with Hong Kong due to start on May 26 as COVID-19 cases increased during the month. It was the second time it was called off after it was slated to first start in November last year.

"In light of the recent increase in unlinked community cases, Singapore is unable to meet the criteria to start the Singapore-Hong Kong ATB," Singapore's Ministry of Transport had said.&nbsp;

Singapore so far has recorded 61,600 coronavirus cases and 31 fatalities since last year when the pandemic took hold in the country which is one of the lowest in Asia.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, Singapore on Wednesday authorised the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for teenagers aged 12 to 15. Watch: The country has become only the world's third and the first in Asia to allow teenagers to be vaccinated.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, Singapore on Wednesday authorised the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for teenagers aged 12 to 15. Watch: The country has become only the world's third and the first in Asia to allow teenagers to be vaccinated. Singapore's health minister Ong Ye Kung asserted that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine demonstrated "high safety and efficacy" for the age group of 12 to 15 years old. The health sciences authority has extended the use of the vaccine after reviewing clinical data submitted by the manufacturer, reports said. Singapore has reportedly inoculated at least 20 per cent of the population with two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna amid limited vaccine supply. The country had earlier announced the closure of schools after the virus strain first found in India had led to a surge of COVID-19 cases as it moved to ban restaurant visits and limited public gatherings. Schools were ordered to shift to online learning until the end of term on May 28 after coronavirus cases were detected last Sunday worrying health officials. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said B.1.6.17 strain appeared to affect children more as authorities said there was sharp increase in the number of community cases in the country. Authorities had also postponed the travel bubble with Hong Kong due to start on May 26 as COVID-19 cases increased during the month. It was the second time it was called off after it was slated to first start in November last year. "In light of the recent increase in unlinked community cases, Singapore is unable to meet the criteria to start the Singapore-Hong Kong ATB," Singapore's Ministry of Transport had said. Singapore so far has recorded 61,600 coronavirus cases and 31 fatalities since last year when the pandemic took hold in the country which is one of the lowest in Asia.

First for Asia: Singapore approves Pfizer vaccine for teens amid surge in COVID-19 cases

Singapore has strongly reacted to comments by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on what he called the "Singapore variant" of COVID-19, raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran.&nbsp;

The Singaporean foreign minister in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM that a "variant of COVID-19 found in Singapore was particularly harmful to children and could cause the third wave of infections in India."

Expressing its "disappointment", the statement pointed out "that a prominent political figure had failed to ascertain the facts before making such claims."

Delhi CM had tweeted his remarks, calling on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant which he highlighted impacts children.

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सिंगापुर में आया कोरोना का नया रूप बच्चों के लिए बेहद ख़तरनाक बताया जा रहा है, भारत में ये तीसरी लहर के रूप में आ सकता है। 
 
केंद्र सरकार से मेरी अपील: 
1. सिंगापुर के साथ हवाई सेवाएं तत्काल प्रभाव से रद्द हों 
2. बच्चों के लिए भी वैक्सीन के विकल्पों पर प्राथमिकता के आधार पर काम हो
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1394576958973911047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The ministry of external affairs has said that the Indian high commissioner had "clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy."

The foreign ministers of both countries had also tweeted about the issue, with the External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar terming the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible," which "can damage long-standing partnerships". He pointed out, "Delhi CM does not speak for India."

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However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. 
 
So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1394885678899482631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Singapore's Foreign minister also quote tweeted Delhi CM said, "Politicians should stick to facts! There is no “Singapore variant”. He later thanked Jaishankar for reassuring comments on Twitter saying, "let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe."

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Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe. <a href="https://t.co/2ofAZbGw9k">https://t.co/2ofAZbGw9k</a>
— Vivian Balakrishnan (@VivianBala) <a href="https://twitter.com/VivianBala/status/1394890616111190016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Before the Singaporean foreign ministry, the health ministry had dismissed the comments of the Delhi CM. In a statement on Tuesday evening, it said, "There is no truth whatsoever in the assertions..", explaining, "strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated in India."

As the second wave of the Covid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many things.

So far, India has govt 8264 Oxygen concentrators, 51000 Oximeters, &nbsp;64 ISO Cryogenic tanks, 1861 Medical Oxygen cylinders of 10 L capacity, &nbsp;8994 Medical oxygen cylinders of 40 L, 63 BiPAP/ Ventilators, and 6 Dialysis Machines.

Singapore has strongly reacted to comments by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on what he called the "Singapore variant" of COVID-19, raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran.

Singapore has strongly reacted to comments by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on what he called the "Singapore variant" of COVID-19, raising the matter with the Indian high commissioner to the country P Kumaran. The Singaporean foreign minister in a statement "regretted" the "unfounded assertions" made by the Delhi CM that a "variant of COVID-19 found in Singapore was particularly harmful to children and could cause the third wave of infections in India." Expressing its "disappointment", the statement pointed out "that a prominent political figure had failed to ascertain the facts before making such claims." Delhi CM had tweeted his remarks, calling on the central government to suspend air services with Singapore immediately over the variant which he highlighted impacts children. सिंगापुर में आया कोरोना का नया रूप बच्चों के लिए बेहद ख़तरनाक बताया जा रहा है, भारत में ये तीसरी लहर के रूप में आ सकता है। केंद्र सरकार से मेरी अपील: 1. सिंगापुर के साथ हवाई सेवाएं तत्काल प्रभाव से रद्द हों 2. बच्चों के लिए भी वैक्सीन के विकल्पों पर प्राथमिकता के आधार पर काम हो — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 18, 2021 × The ministry of external affairs has said that the Indian high commissioner had "clarified that Delhi CM had no competence to pronounce on Covid variants or civil aviation policy." The foreign ministers of both countries had also tweeted about the issue, with the External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar terming the comments by Delhi CM "irresponsible," which "can damage long-standing partnerships". He pointed out, "Delhi CM does not speak for India." However, irresponsible comments from those who should know better can damage long-standing partnerships. So, let me clarify- Delhi CM does not speak for India. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 19, 2021 × Singapore's Foreign minister also quote tweeted Delhi CM said, "Politicians should stick to facts! There is no “Singapore variant”. He later thanked Jaishankar for reassuring comments on Twitter saying, "let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe." Thanks @DrSJaishankar let’s focus on resolving the situation in our respective countries and helping one another. Nobody is safe until everyone is safe. https://t.co/2ofAZbGw9k — Vivian Balakrishnan (@VivianBala) May 19, 2021 × Before the Singaporean foreign ministry, the health ministry had dismissed the comments of the Delhi CM. In a statement on Tuesday evening, it said, "There is no truth whatsoever in the assertions..", explaining, "strain that is prevalent in many of the COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is the B.1.617.2 variant, which originated in India." As the second wave of the Covid pandemic has hit India, Singapore was the first country from which India got assistance and procured many things. So far, India has govt 8264 Oxygen concentrators, 51000 Oximeters, 64 ISO Cryogenic tanks, 1861 Medical Oxygen cylinders of 10 L capacity, 8994 Medical oxygen cylinders of 40 L, 63 BiPAP/ Ventilators, and 6 Dialysis Machines.

Singapore 'regrets' Delhi CM's remarks over Covid variants; EAM says he doesn't speak for India

Singapore is one of the nations most successful at curbing coronavirus has dismissed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's claim of a new Singapore COVID strain that is affecting children.

India: Foreign Minister of Singapore dismisses Delhi CM's claims

The Wuhan Virus is now infecting children. Singapore says virus is 'attacking' children more. Brazil is reporting a rise in 'child deaths' & Taiwan has shut down all schools. Palki Sharma tells you why India can't ignore these global trends.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus is now infecting children

A travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore set to open on May 26 has a "high chance" of being postponed, a Hong Kong official said on Friday, which would be the second time the plan to allow visits between the cities has been called off.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-singapore-travel-bubble-to-start-may-26-380507">Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble to start May 26</a>

The bubble between two of Asia`s main financial hubs, which have both imposed strict border controls for the past year to keep out the coronavirus, had been slated to begin in November but was suspended after a spike in cases in Hong Kong.

This time it is Singapore that is seeing an increase in cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spike-in-cases-delays-singapore-hong-kong-travel-bubble-344658">Spike in cases delays Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble</a>

"The Singapore minister told me that there may be a high chance that the bubble arrangement may not be able to resume under the agreed mechanism," Hong Kong Commerce Secretary Edward Yau told reporters after talks with a Singapore government official.

"But we will review the situation in the next couple of days."

The arrangement would allow passengers to travel between the two cities without having to spend time in quarantine, provided they test negative for the virus before departure and upon arrival.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-quarantine-on-arrival-in-hong-kong-singapore-travel-bubble-335657">No quarantine on arrival in Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble</a>

Hong Kong`s Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines would be the carriers for the initial flights.

But under the agreement, the bubble would be suspended if the seven-day moving average of the daily number of COVID-19 cases in the community is more than five for either Singapore or Hong Kong.

Singapore`s health ministry on Thursday reported 24 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since mid-September, with 17 of them linked to a cluster at its Changi Airport.

Earlier on Friday, Hong Kong Health Secretary Sophia Chan said people arriving in the city from Taiwan would be required to quarantine at a designated hotel for 14 days upon arrival after a rise in domestic cases there.

A travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore set to open on May 26 has a "high chance" of being postponed, a Hong Kong official said on Friday, which would be the second time the plan to allow visits between the cities has been called off.

A travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore set to open on May 26 has a "high chance" of being postponed, a Hong Kong official said on Friday, which would be the second time the plan to allow visits between the cities has been called off. Also read | Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble to start May 26 The bubble between two of Asia`s main financial hubs, which have both imposed strict border controls for the past year to keep out the coronavirus, had been slated to begin in November but was suspended after a spike in cases in Hong Kong. This time it is Singapore that is seeing an increase in cases. Also read | Spike in cases delays Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble "The Singapore minister told me that there may be a high chance that the bubble arrangement may not be able to resume under the agreed mechanism," Hong Kong Commerce Secretary Edward Yau told reporters after talks with a Singapore government official. "But we will review the situation in the next couple of days." The arrangement would allow passengers to travel between the two cities without having to spend time in quarantine, provided they test negative for the virus before departure and upon arrival. Also read | No quarantine on arrival in Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble Hong Kong`s Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines would be the carriers for the initial flights. But under the agreement, the bubble would be suspended if the seven-day moving average of the daily number of COVID-19 cases in the community is more than five for either Singapore or Hong Kong. Singapore`s health ministry on Thursday reported 24 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since mid-September, with 17 of them linked to a cluster at its Changi Airport. Earlier on Friday, Hong Kong Health Secretary Sophia Chan said people arriving in the city from Taiwan would be required to quarantine at a designated hotel for 14 days upon arrival after a rise in domestic cases there.

Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble

A Chinese man allegedly assaulted an Indian-origin woman and subjected her to racial slurs for not wearing a mask while she was brisk walking in Singapore. Police have arrested the man for public nuisance, uttering words with intent to wound the racial feelings of others and voluntarily causing hurt.

Singapore: Indian-origin woman allegedly kicked and racially abused by Chinese man

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has condemned an alleged racist attack on a local woman of Indian descent after media reported she was kicked and abused for not wearing a mask, in a case that is being investigated by police. 
 
In a Facebook post on Monday night, Lee said while people may be anxious and stressed because of the COVID-19 pandemic "that does not justify racist attitudes and actions, much less physically abusing and assaulting someone because she belongs to a particular race, in this case Indian." 
 
Local media reported the 55-year-old Singaporean woman was walking briskly on Friday when a man shouted racial slurs at her for not wearing her mask above her nose and kicked her in the chest. 
 
Face masks are mandatory in public in Singapore, but can be removed when exercising, including brisk walking. 
 
In statement on Tuesday, Singapore police said a 30-year-old man had been arrested for public nuisance, uttering words with intent to wound the racial feelings of others and voluntarily causing hurt. 
 
A multicultural society, Singapore has strict laws regulating acts that could damage racial harmony. 
 
The alleged attack comes as Singapore tightens social distancing rules and with authorities detecting a rising number of locally acquired coronavirus variants, including a more contagious variant first detected in India. 
 
Other politicians in Singapore also condemned the alleged attack. 
 
"We felt indignant when Asians were attacked merely because of their race in other countries. Let us not allow such behaviour to take root here," said Grace Fu, minister for sustainability and the environment. 
 
Violent hate crimes against people of Asian ethnicity have risen especially in the United States, coinciding with the spread of the coronavirus first detected in China in late 2019. 
 
Chinese form about three-quarters of Singapore`s local population, followed by about 15% of Malays and 7.5% Indians. 
 
The finance and trade hub is also home to foreign workers from many countries, and has strict laws to keep harmony between different races and religions.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has condemned an alleged racist attack on a local woman of Indian descent after media reported she was kicked and abused for not wearing a mask, in a case that is being investigated by police.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has condemned an alleged racist attack on a local woman of Indian descent after media reported she was kicked and abused for not wearing a mask, in a case that is being investigated by police. In a Facebook post on Monday night, Lee said while people may be anxious and stressed because of the COVID-19 pandemic "that does not justify racist attitudes and actions, much less physically abusing and assaulting someone because she belongs to a particular race, in this case Indian." Local media reported the 55-year-old Singaporean woman was walking briskly on Friday when a man shouted racial slurs at her for not wearing her mask above her nose and kicked her in the chest. Face masks are mandatory in public in Singapore, but can be removed when exercising, including brisk walking. In statement on Tuesday, Singapore police said a 30-year-old man had been arrested for public nuisance, uttering words with intent to wound the racial feelings of others and voluntarily causing hurt. A multicultural society, Singapore has strict laws regulating acts that could damage racial harmony. The alleged attack comes as Singapore tightens social distancing rules and with authorities detecting a rising number of locally acquired coronavirus variants, including a more contagious variant first detected in India. Other politicians in Singapore also condemned the alleged attack. "We felt indignant when Asians were attacked merely because of their race in other countries. Let us not allow such behaviour to take root here," said Grace Fu, minister for sustainability and the environment. Violent hate crimes against people of Asian ethnicity have risen especially in the United States, coinciding with the spread of the coronavirus first detected in China in late 2019. Chinese form about three-quarters of Singapore`s local population, followed by about 15% of Malays and 7.5% Indians. The finance and trade hub is also home to foreign workers from many countries, and has strict laws to keep harmony between different races and religions.

Singapore PM condemns alleged attack on woman of Indian descent over mask

A Singapore-based education foundation has dispatched more than 500 oxygen concentrators to India to save the lives of coronavirus patients in the remotest corner of the country.&nbsp;

Global Schools Foundation (GSF) reached out to Sewa International, a huge network of social initiatives across India, to tap their deep local resources and get these oxygen concentrators to the small towns and villages deep inside the country. &nbsp;

These concentrators are in addition to the first shipment of 200 oxygen cylinders sent on an urgent basis as part of a larger consignment on board the Indian Navy warship Airavat. &nbsp;

"We are saving lives in India by sending life-saving equipment, such as Oxygen concentrators and cylinders. They can be used within hospitals or at venues of social organisations or community centres," said Atul Temurnikar, Chairman of GSF. &nbsp;

"It is our duty to ensure we reach this benefit to the remotest corner of India and GSF would do whatever it can to assist in Covid-relief measures," he said on Saturday.&nbsp;

India has been dealing with shortages of Oxygen tanks as the second wave of COVID-19 hit the country hard. &nbsp;

India on Sunday reported 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

GSF runs 23 international schools under its aegis. &nbsp;

A Singapore-based education foundation has dispatched more than 500 oxygen concentrators to India to save the lives of coronavirus patients in the remotest corner of the country.

A Singapore-based education foundation has dispatched more than 500 oxygen concentrators to India to save the lives of coronavirus patients in the remotest corner of the country. Global Schools Foundation (GSF) reached out to Sewa International, a huge network of social initiatives across India, to tap their deep local resources and get these oxygen concentrators to the small towns and villages deep inside the country. These concentrators are in addition to the first shipment of 200 oxygen cylinders sent on an urgent basis as part of a larger consignment on board the Indian Navy warship Airavat. "We are saving lives in India by sending life-saving equipment, such as Oxygen concentrators and cylinders. They can be used within hospitals or at venues of social organisations or community centres," said Atul Temurnikar, Chairman of GSF. "It is our duty to ensure we reach this benefit to the remotest corner of India and GSF would do whatever it can to assist in Covid-relief measures," he said on Saturday. India has been dealing with shortages of Oxygen tanks as the second wave of COVID-19 hit the country hard. India on Sunday reported 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data. The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths. GSF runs 23 international schools under its aegis.

Singapore-based education foundation sends over 500 oxygen concentrators to India  

In view of the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in several countries and emergence of new virus variants, the government is reducing entry approvals for work pass holders and their dependents entering Singapore in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

"In this period of heightened alert, we are making changes to the entry of work pass holders who have earlier obtained approvals to arrive from higher risk countries and regions from Tuesday onwards," said the Ministry of Manpower on Friday.&nbsp;

Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process (CMP) work pass holders, who have earlier obtained approval will be allowed entry as approved, except for a small group with planned arrivals in June who will be rescheduled to arrive in subsequent weeks, said the ministry.&nbsp;

Migrant domestic workers who have obtained earlier approval will be allowed entry as approved except for some with planned arrivals prior to June 7 who will be rescheduled to arrive in subsequent weeks.&nbsp;

Other work pass holders who obtained approval to enter prior to 5 July will not be allowed to enter, the ministry said.&nbsp;

"We will inform employers on when to re-apply for entry when the situation has stabilised and will prioritise them for entry approval then," said the ministry in a statement.&nbsp;

"In view of the need to reschedule the entry of work pass holders who had already obtained approval to enter, we regret that we will not be accepting new entry applications from higher risk countries and regions with immediate effect, except for workers needed for key strategic projects and infrastructural works who we will continue to allow entry," it said.&nbsp;

Starting today (Friday), the Ministry of Manpower will be reaching out to affected work pass holders and their employers of the changes to their entry.&nbsp;

The above changes will not affect work pass holders already given or are seeking entry approval to enter Singapore from lower-risk countries and regions, under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA), Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and other approved travel lanes.&nbsp;

"We seek the understanding and cooperation of work pass holders and their employers for these changes. They are necessary to enable workers to enter in a safe and calibrated manner, and mitigate the risk of COVID-19 importation," said the ministry.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the government had announced tightened border control measures in response to growing community infections in Singapore.&nbsp;

These include an extension of the stay-home notice (SHN) period for travellers from higher-risk countries or regions, from 14 days to 21, starting Saturday.&nbsp;

Only travellers arriving from Australia, Brunei, mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau are exempt, according to media reports.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In view of the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in several countries and emergence of new virus variants, the government is reducing entry approvals for work pass holders and their dependents entering Singapore in the coming weeks.

In view of the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in several countries and emergence of new virus variants, the government is reducing entry approvals for work pass holders and their dependents entering Singapore in the coming weeks. "In this period of heightened alert, we are making changes to the entry of work pass holders who have earlier obtained approvals to arrive from higher risk countries and regions from Tuesday onwards," said the Ministry of Manpower on Friday. Construction, Marine Shipyard and Process (CMP) work pass holders, who have earlier obtained approval will be allowed entry as approved, except for a small group with planned arrivals in June who will be rescheduled to arrive in subsequent weeks, said the ministry. Migrant domestic workers who have obtained earlier approval will be allowed entry as approved except for some with planned arrivals prior to June 7 who will be rescheduled to arrive in subsequent weeks. Other work pass holders who obtained approval to enter prior to 5 July will not be allowed to enter, the ministry said. "We will inform employers on when to re-apply for entry when the situation has stabilised and will prioritise them for entry approval then," said the ministry in a statement. "In view of the need to reschedule the entry of work pass holders who had already obtained approval to enter, we regret that we will not be accepting new entry applications from higher risk countries and regions with immediate effect, except for workers needed for key strategic projects and infrastructural works who we will continue to allow entry," it said. Starting today (Friday), the Ministry of Manpower will be reaching out to affected work pass holders and their employers of the changes to their entry. The above changes will not affect work pass holders already given or are seeking entry approval to enter Singapore from lower-risk countries and regions, under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA), Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and other approved travel lanes. "We seek the understanding and cooperation of work pass holders and their employers for these changes. They are necessary to enable workers to enter in a safe and calibrated manner, and mitigate the risk of COVID-19 importation," said the ministry. On Tuesday, the government had announced tightened border control measures in response to growing community infections in Singapore. These include an extension of the stay-home notice (SHN) period for travellers from higher-risk countries or regions, from 14 days to 21, starting Saturday. Only travellers arriving from Australia, Brunei, mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau are exempt, according to media reports. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore reduces entry approvals for foreigners holding work passes  

As India fights a massive second wave of Covid pandemic with medical oxygen in short supply, an alumni group from Singapore's prominent universities has launched a crowdfunding initiative to source oxygen concentrators for India from overseas suppliers.

Each oxygen concentrator costs about $800 and can save more than 40 lives. The group has already achieved 78 per cent of its $150,000 goal&nbsp;till now.

The group behind the Singapore Universities Mission Oxygen (SUMO) drive includes former students of the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU) as well as Anoj Viswanathan, the founder of Milaap, a crowdfunding <a href="www.milaap.org">website.</a>
<img alt="Members of the SUMO group" data-caption="Members of the SUMO group" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5b3b7f1f-d754-4f30-8992-7e0c38e1945d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Members%20of%20the%20SUMO%20group.jpg" />
The oxygen concentrators bought through the initiative will be given to two organisations , CEL and Mission Mercy, which are working on the ground to help COVID-19 patients struggling to get access to medical oxygen.

The concentrators will be set up in the community health centres to provide care to patients locally by Community Empowerment Lab (CEL), the winners of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Award 2014.&nbsp; CEL is&nbsp;led by NTU alumna Aarti Kumar and John Hopkins University-educated doctor Vishwajeet.&nbsp;

Besides oxygen concentrators, the Mercy&nbsp;Mission will also be providing ambulance teams of paramedical staff and trained volunteers to help the patients while they are being transported to hospitals.

Since its establishment, Mercy Mission has been receiving an average of more than 2,000 calls on their helpline.

Being a crowdfunded mission, the group is welcoming donations from citizens wanting to in these challenging times. Donations for this initiative can be made <a href="https://milaap.org/fundraisers/SUMO?utm_source=shorturl">here.</a>

&nbsp;

As India fights a massive second wave of Covid pandemic with medical oxygen in short supply, an alumni group from Singapore's prominent universities has launched a crowdfunding initiative to source oxygen concentrators for India from overseas suppliers.

As India fights a massive second wave of Covid pandemic with medical oxygen in short supply, an alumni group from Singapore's prominent universities has launched a crowdfunding initiative to source oxygen concentrators for India from overseas suppliers. Each oxygen concentrator costs about $800 and can save more than 40 lives. The group has already achieved 78 per cent of its $150,000 goal till now. The group behind the Singapore Universities Mission Oxygen (SUMO) drive includes former students of the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU) as well as Anoj Viswanathan, the founder of Milaap, a crowdfunding website. The oxygen concentrators bought through the initiative will be given to two organisations , CEL and Mission Mercy, which are working on the ground to help COVID-19 patients struggling to get access to medical oxygen. The concentrators will be set up in the community health centres to provide care to patients locally by Community Empowerment Lab (CEL), the winners of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Award 2014. CEL is led by NTU alumna Aarti Kumar and John Hopkins University-educated doctor Vishwajeet. Besides oxygen concentrators, the Mercy Mission will also be providing ambulance teams of paramedical staff and trained volunteers to help the patients while they are being transported to hospitals. Since its establishment, Mercy Mission has been receiving an average of more than 2,000 calls on their helpline. Being a crowdfunded mission, the group is welcoming donations from citizens wanting to in these challenging times. Donations for this initiative can be made here.

COVID-19: Alumni of Singapore universities launch crowdfunding drive for oxygen concentrators to India

An 88-year-old woman in Singapore died on Saturday due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/one-in-two-people-witnessed-dip-in-income-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-poll-382549">COVID-19 </a>as the country moved to lock down a hospital after detecting coronavirus cases.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/packed-crowds-attend-music-festival-in-chinas-almost-virus-free-wuhan-382588/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Singapore health authorities reported 16 infections last Thursday and another nine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-fires-nine-border-workers-who-refused-coronavirus-vaccines-382562">COVID-19</a> cases on Friday which was the highest daily coronavirus cases reported since July last year.

The woman who was admitted in Tan Tock Seng Hospital was confirmed with the virus on April 28 as health officials added that she had a history of hypertension, cancer and other diseases. A nurse was earlier detected with the virus in Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

There were other cases of the virus reported to an immigration official working at the airport as health minister Gan Kim added that the new cases were a "worrying trend".

At least 34 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country last week with the new cases linked to the TTSH cluster among the elderly aged 70 and above. At least two cases were reported in a dormitory with one of them being a Myanmar national who had arrived in Singapore in January 2020 and an Indian national, according to reports.

The Singapore health officials said 25 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-russia-facing-lags-turns-to-china-to-produce-sputnik-shots-382483">COVID-19</a> cases were imported and were placed on stay at home notice. The Singapore ministry said that there were 111 confirmed cases who are still in hospital, adding that they were stable.

On May 3, 17 COVID-19 cases detected. The country's authorities had moved to quickly lock four hospital wards in Tan Tock Seng Hospital as the coronavirus clusters increased as testing was carried out for the entire hospital staff.

On Friday, the country had announced that it will bar entry of visitors with recent travel history to Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka

The country has 61,235 confirmed coronavirus cases with 31 deaths in the city of 5.7 million population.

An 88-year-old woman in Singapore died on Saturday due to COVID-19 as the country moved to lock down a hospital after detecting coronavirus cases. Watch: Singapore health authorities reported 16 infections last Thursday and another nine COVID-19 cases on Friday which was the highest daily coronavirus cases reported since July last year.

An 88-year-old woman in Singapore died on Saturday due to COVID-19 as the country moved to lock down a hospital after detecting coronavirus cases. Watch: Singapore health authorities reported 16 infections last Thursday and another nine COVID-19 cases on Friday which was the highest daily coronavirus cases reported since July last year. The woman who was admitted in Tan Tock Seng Hospital was confirmed with the virus on April 28 as health officials added that she had a history of hypertension, cancer and other diseases. A nurse was earlier detected with the virus in Tan Tock Seng Hospital. There were other cases of the virus reported to an immigration official working at the airport as health minister Gan Kim added that the new cases were a "worrying trend". At least 34 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country last week with the new cases linked to the TTSH cluster among the elderly aged 70 and above. At least two cases were reported in a dormitory with one of them being a Myanmar national who had arrived in Singapore in January 2020 and an Indian national, according to reports. The Singapore health officials said 25 COVID-19 cases were imported and were placed on stay at home notice. The Singapore ministry said that there were 111 confirmed cases who are still in hospital, adding that they were stable. On May 3, 17 COVID-19 cases detected. The country's authorities had moved to quickly lock four hospital wards in Tan Tock Seng Hospital as the coronavirus clusters increased as testing was carried out for the entire hospital staff. On Friday, the country had announced that it will bar entry of visitors with recent travel history to Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka The country has 61,235 confirmed coronavirus cases with 31 deaths in the city of 5.7 million population.

Woman dies due to COVID-19 in Singapore as new cases emerge

Singapore has overtaken New Zealand to lead this month's Bloomberg Covid Resilience Ranking, which measures the best and worst places to be during the pandemic.

Singapore has topped the rankings by providing its citizens with a pre-pandemic quality of life. This small island-nation of 5.7 million people is the best place to be during this pandemic.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-this-is-the-safest-place-during-the-pandemic-380947/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Here's why Singapore has topped Bloomberg's Covid-19 resilience rankings:&nbsp;

According to Bloomberg, 20% of Singapore's population has been vaccinated and community transmission has become non-existent.

A total of 61,000 cases have been recorded to date and only 30 people have died due to the virus. All workplaces have reopened, all movie theatres are functional, even fitting rooms in stores remain open.

How did Singapore achieve this?

Singapore achieved this milestone by not showing complacency. In March 2020, the island nation swiftly sealed its borders and suspended international travel.

The govt imposed a strict two-month lockdown. After the transmissions decreased,&nbsp; Singapore's small and compliant population embraced vaccines without any hesitancy.

Next to Singapore is New Zealand, with just 2,609 cases and 26 deaths in a population of 5 million.

It's the second-best place to be during the pandemic. Today nearly 2% of New Zealand's population has been vaccinated and all restrictions have been loosened.

The Jacinda Ardern government opened up the economy faster than any other country and even won re-election in October 2020 as proof of its pandemic success.

Australia is on the third sport of Covid-19 resilience ranking, with just 29,700 cases and 910 deaths in a population of 26 million.

Nearly 15 million COVID-19 tests have been conducted and 3.7% of the country's population has been vaccinated.

Besides these, three&nbsp;countries featuring in the top ten list are:&nbsp;

Israel is on the fourth spot, Taiwan on the fifth spot, South Korea on sixth, Japan on seventh, UAE on eighth, Finland at nineth and Hong Kong on 10th.

India, which is currently grappling with a second wave, has been ranked 30th out of the 53 countries assessed while Brazil plummeted to the last position. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Singapore has overtaken New Zealand to lead this month's Bloomberg Covid Resilience Ranking, which measures the best and worst places to be during the pandemic. Singapore has topped the rankings by providing its citizens with a pre-pandemic quality of life.

Singapore has overtaken New Zealand to lead this month's Bloomberg Covid Resilience Ranking, which measures the best and worst places to be during the pandemic. Singapore has topped the rankings by providing its citizens with a pre-pandemic quality of life. This small island-nation of 5.7 million people is the best place to be during this pandemic. Here's why Singapore has topped Bloomberg's Covid-19 resilience rankings: According to Bloomberg, 20% of Singapore's population has been vaccinated and community transmission has become non-existent. A total of 61,000 cases have been recorded to date and only 30 people have died due to the virus. All workplaces have reopened, all movie theatres are functional, even fitting rooms in stores remain open. How did Singapore achieve this? Singapore achieved this milestone by not showing complacency. In March 2020, the island nation swiftly sealed its borders and suspended international travel. The govt imposed a strict two-month lockdown. After the transmissions decreased, Singapore's small and compliant population embraced vaccines without any hesitancy. Next to Singapore is New Zealand, with just 2,609 cases and 26 deaths in a population of 5 million. It's the second-best place to be during the pandemic. Today nearly 2% of New Zealand's population has been vaccinated and all restrictions have been loosened. The Jacinda Ardern government opened up the economy faster than any other country and even won re-election in October 2020 as proof of its pandemic success. Australia is on the third sport of Covid-19 resilience ranking, with just 29,700 cases and 910 deaths in a population of 26 million. Nearly 15 million COVID-19 tests have been conducted and 3.7% of the country's population has been vaccinated. Besides these, three countries featuring in the top ten list are: Israel is on the fourth spot, Taiwan on the fifth spot, South Korea on sixth, Japan on seventh, UAE on eighth, Finland at nineth and Hong Kong on 10th. India, which is currently grappling with a second wave, has been ranked 30th out of the 53 countries assessed while Brazil plummeted to the last position. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore: The best place to be during the pandemic

Singapore has been ranked as the best place to be during the pandemic. With just 61,000 cases, 30 deaths & 20% of the population vaccinated, it has topped Covid-19 resilience ranking.

Gravitas: This is the safest place during the pandemic

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Monday it will give India at least 450,000 vials of its antiviral drug remdesivir and help boost production, as the world`s second-most populous country reels from surging coronavirus cases.

Remdesivir is approved in India for restricted emergency use to treat severe COVID-19 cases, but hospitals are facing supply shortages due to indiscriminate use and the drug is being sold at over 10 times its listed price in the black market.

The shortage has raised concerns about hoarding as people queue up outside clinics and hospitals to buy the drug and millions take to social media to secure supplies.

Also&nbsp;Read |&nbsp;<a href="India's Covid crisis: Bhutanese express solidarity, country to supply oxygen">India's Covid crisis: Bhutanese express solidarity, country to supply oxygen</a>

Earlier this month, India banned the export of the drug and the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) used to make it.

Seven Indian companies have licensed the drug from Gilead, with an installed capacity of about 3.9 million units per month. Gilead said on Monday all of them were scaling up their batch sizes and adding new manufacturing facilities and local contract manufacturers.

There are doubts about the drug's effectiveness in treating COVID-19. The World Health Organization in November issued a conditional recommendation against the use of remdesivir in hospitalised patients, but India has continued to use it.

A senior Indian government health official said last week that remdesivir is only for those patients who need oxygen.

"I am appealing that the hype over this medicine should be decreased, and it should be used in a rational manner," Vinod Kumar Paul said.

On Monday, Russian pharmaceutical firm Pharmasyntez said it was ready to ship up to 1 million packs of remdesivir to India by the end-May once it received the Russian government's approval.

India has reported more than 300,000 new COVID-19 cases per day over the past six days. It has an official tally of 17.31 million infections and 195,123 deaths, health ministry data showed, although health experts say the figures likely run higher.

Nations including Britain, Germany and the United States have pledged support, while the World Health Organization termed the situation as "beyond heartbreaking".

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Monday it will give India at least 450,000 vials of its antiviral drug remdesivir and help boost production, as the world`s second-most populous country reels from surging coronavirus cases.

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Monday it will give India at least 450,000 vials of its antiviral drug remdesivir and help boost production, as the world`s second-most populous country reels from surging coronavirus cases. Remdesivir is approved in India for restricted emergency use to treat severe COVID-19 cases, but hospitals are facing supply shortages due to indiscriminate use and the drug is being sold at over 10 times its listed price in the black market. The shortage has raised concerns about hoarding as people queue up outside clinics and hospitals to buy the drug and millions take to social media to secure supplies. Also Read | India's Covid crisis: Bhutanese express solidarity, country to supply oxygen Earlier this month, India banned the export of the drug and the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) used to make it. Seven Indian companies have licensed the drug from Gilead, with an installed capacity of about 3.9 million units per month. Gilead said on Monday all of them were scaling up their batch sizes and adding new manufacturing facilities and local contract manufacturers. There are doubts about the drug's effectiveness in treating COVID-19. The World Health Organization in November issued a conditional recommendation against the use of remdesivir in hospitalised patients, but India has continued to use it. A senior Indian government health official said last week that remdesivir is only for those patients who need oxygen. "I am appealing that the hype over this medicine should be decreased, and it should be used in a rational manner," Vinod Kumar Paul said. On Monday, Russian pharmaceutical firm Pharmasyntez said it was ready to ship up to 1 million packs of remdesivir to India by the end-May once it received the Russian government's approval. India has reported more than 300,000 new COVID-19 cases per day over the past six days. It has an official tally of 17.31 million infections and 195,123 deaths, health ministry data showed, although health experts say the figures likely run higher. Nations including Britain, Germany and the United States have pledged support, while the World Health Organization termed the situation as "beyond heartbreaking".

Gilead to help speed up Remdesivir availability in India

Amid reports of shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> across the country, four cryogenic oxygen containers are being transported from Singapore to India via Air Force transport plane."We stand with India in its fight against Covid-19.

"Through a bilateral and multi-agency effort, an @IAF_MCC transport plane picked up 4 cryogenic oxygen containers at Changi Airport in Singapore this morning," the Singapore embassy in India tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis ">Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis</a>

On Friday, the Defence Ministry informed that 23 mobile oxygen generation plants are being airlifted from Germany. These will be deployed in Armed Forces Medical Sciences (AFMS) hospitals catering to COVID patients. These oxygen-generating plants are expected within a week, the ministry said.

Amid the record rise in COVID-19 cases, leaders from around the world have expressed their support to India. Earlier today, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed their solidarity with the people of India.

India on Saturday recorded 3,46,786 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 </a>cases, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic broke out last year. According to the official data issued by the government, the country recorded 2,624 new deaths due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.

So far, 1,66,10,481 COVID-19 cases have been reported in India while 1,89,544 people have succumbed to the viral infection. Currently, there are 25,52,940 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Amid reports of shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of COVID-19 across the country, four cryogenic oxygen containers are being transported from Singapore to India via Air Force transport plane.

Amid reports of shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of COVID-19 across the country, four cryogenic oxygen containers are being transported from Singapore to India via Air Force transport plane."We stand with India in its fight against Covid-19. "Through a bilateral and multi-agency effort, an @IAF_MCC transport plane picked up 4 cryogenic oxygen containers at Changi Airport in Singapore this morning," the Singapore embassy in India tweeted. Also read | Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis On Friday, the Defence Ministry informed that 23 mobile oxygen generation plants are being airlifted from Germany. These will be deployed in Armed Forces Medical Sciences (AFMS) hospitals catering to COVID patients. These oxygen-generating plants are expected within a week, the ministry said. Amid the record rise in COVID-19 cases, leaders from around the world have expressed their support to India. Earlier today, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed their solidarity with the people of India. India on Saturday recorded 3,46,786 new COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic broke out last year. According to the official data issued by the government, the country recorded 2,624 new deaths due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. So far, 1,66,10,481 COVID-19 cases have been reported in India while 1,89,544 people have succumbed to the viral infection. Currently, there are 25,52,940 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

COVID-19: Indian Air Force transports four cryogenic oxygen containers from Singapore

Singapore on Saturday became the first country from which India procured essentials four oxygen tanks. India has been witnessing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, leading to shortage of oxygen supply across various states.

Indian Air Force flies in 4 oxygen tanks from Singapore

India, in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, is trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible globally, the country's envoy said on Sunday, after the Indian government airlifted four containers from Singapore on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force on Saturday brought four cryogenic tanks, to be used for transporting oxygen, from Singapore as the country scrambles to meet the spike in demand for medical oxygen amid a surge in COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;

The containers were airlifted from Singapore by C17 heavy-lift aircraft of the IAF.&nbsp;

India's High Commissioner to Singapore P Kumaran said that there will be more consignments in the coming days.&nbsp;

"We are trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as we can from any part of the world," said Kumaran, adding that oxygen plants and concentrators are being contacted.&nbsp;

Acting swiftly to meet the high demand of oxygen requirements, India procured four containers of cryogenic O2 tanks from Singapore on Saturday.&nbsp;

The transfer of four containers of cryogenic oxygen tanks donated by Tata Group was moved from Singapore by the Indian Air Force, Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF), Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, LINDE GAS (Singapore) and the Changi Airport and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the Indian mission said in a Facebook post.&nbsp;

According to observers, Indian corporations with international network are supporting the Government of India's call in getting the cryogenic oxygen containers at the highest priority.&nbsp;

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.&nbsp;

Since Friday, the IAF has been airlifting empty oxygen tankers and containers to various filling stations across the country to speed up the distribution of the much-needed medical oxygen in treating COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

On Friday, the Union Home Ministry said it was in talks for the import of high-capacity oxygen-carrying tankers from Singapore and the UAE. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

India, in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, is trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible globally, the country's envoy said on Sunday, after the Indian government airlifted four containers from Singapore on Saturday.

India, in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, is trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible globally, the country's envoy said on Sunday, after the Indian government airlifted four containers from Singapore on Saturday. The Indian Air Force on Saturday brought four cryogenic tanks, to be used for transporting oxygen, from Singapore as the country scrambles to meet the spike in demand for medical oxygen amid a surge in COVID-19 infections. The containers were airlifted from Singapore by C17 heavy-lift aircraft of the IAF. India's High Commissioner to Singapore P Kumaran said that there will be more consignments in the coming days. "We are trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as we can from any part of the world," said Kumaran, adding that oxygen plants and concentrators are being contacted. Acting swiftly to meet the high demand of oxygen requirements, India procured four containers of cryogenic O2 tanks from Singapore on Saturday. The transfer of four containers of cryogenic oxygen tanks donated by Tata Group was moved from Singapore by the Indian Air Force, Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF), Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, LINDE GAS (Singapore) and the Changi Airport and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the Indian mission said in a Facebook post. According to observers, Indian corporations with international network are supporting the Government of India's call in getting the cryogenic oxygen containers at the highest priority. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. Since Friday, the IAF has been airlifting empty oxygen tankers and containers to various filling stations across the country to speed up the distribution of the much-needed medical oxygen in treating COVID-19 patients. On Friday, the Union Home Ministry said it was in talks for the import of high-capacity oxygen-carrying tankers from Singapore and the UAE. (With inputs from agencies)

India trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible, says envoy in Singapore  

Kuwait's directorate general of civil aviation said early on Saturday in a tweet that it had suspended all direct commercial flights coming from India, effective April 24 and until further notice.

The move was on the instructions of health authorities after an evaluation of the global coronavirus status. All passengers arriving from India either directly or via another country will be banned from entering unless they have spent at least 14 days out of India, the statement said.

Kuwaiti citizens, their first-degree relatives and their domestic workers will be allowed to enter. Cargo is unaffected.

Kuwait is not the first country to impose travel restrictions on India. This past week Singapore health ministry also said that it will not allow entry to long-term visa holders and short-term visitors with recent&nbsp;travel&nbsp;history to&nbsp;India, which is battling a second wave of COVID-19 infections.

The government said&nbsp;travel&nbsp;restrictions&nbsp;with&nbsp;India&nbsp;will help curb potential cases in the dormitories because many of the labourers arrive from the South Asian nation.

On April 22, Australia has also announced that it will reduce the number of its citizens able to return from&nbsp;India&nbsp;and other red zone countries to contain the risk of more virulent strains of COVID-19, the government. These changes will affect direct flights from&nbsp;India&nbsp;to Sydney and chartered flights that land in the Northern Territory.

Indonesia has also stated that it will stop issuing visas for foreigners who have been in&nbsp;India&nbsp;in the past 14 days to prevent the spread of different coronavirus strains. Indonesians arriving from&nbsp;India&nbsp;will be allowed to enter, however, but must follow stricter health protocols and quarantine.

Kuwait's directorate general of civil aviation said early on Saturday in a tweet that it had suspended all direct commercial flights coming from India, effective April 24 and until further notice.

Kuwait's directorate general of civil aviation said early on Saturday in a tweet that it had suspended all direct commercial flights coming from India, effective April 24 and until further notice. The move was on the instructions of health authorities after an evaluation of the global coronavirus status. All passengers arriving from India either directly or via another country will be banned from entering unless they have spent at least 14 days out of India, the statement said. Kuwaiti citizens, their first-degree relatives and their domestic workers will be allowed to enter. Cargo is unaffected. Kuwait is not the first country to impose travel restrictions on India. This past week Singapore health ministry also said that it will not allow entry to long-term visa holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to India, which is battling a second wave of COVID-19 infections. The government said travel restrictions with India will help curb potential cases in the dormitories because many of the labourers arrive from the South Asian nation. On April 22, Australia has also announced that it will reduce the number of its citizens able to return from India and other red zone countries to contain the risk of more virulent strains of COVID-19, the government. These changes will affect direct flights from India to Sydney and chartered flights that land in the Northern Territory. Indonesia has also stated that it will stop issuing visas for foreigners who have been in India in the past 14 days to prevent the spread of different coronavirus strains. Indonesians arriving from India will be allowed to enter, however, but must follow stricter health protocols and quarantine.

Following a rise in India's Covid numbers, Kuwait suspends commercial flights from India

SINGAPORE&nbsp;- Singapore health ministry said on Thursday it will not allow entry to long-term visa holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to India, which is battling a second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 infections</a>.&nbsp;

<a href="Pfizer identifies fake COVID-19 shots abroad as criminals exploit vaccine demand">Also read&nbsp;</a>

On Thursday, Singapore said it was investigating COVID-19 cases in a migrant workers` dormitory for the possibility of re-infection and is quarantining more than 1,100 of the facility`s residents. So far, 17 recovered workers were found to be positive for COVID-19 at the dormitory.

 
The government said travel restrictions with India will help curb potential cases in the dormitories because many of the labourers arrive from the South Asian nation.

SINGAPORE - Singapore health ministry said on Thursday it will not allow entry to long-term visa holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to India, which is battling a second wave of COVID-19 infections.

SINGAPORE - Singapore health ministry said on Thursday it will not allow entry to long-term visa holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to India, which is battling a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Also read On Thursday, Singapore said it was investigating COVID-19 cases in a migrant workers` dormitory for the possibility of re-infection and is quarantining more than 1,100 of the facility`s residents. So far, 17 recovered workers were found to be positive for COVID-19 at the dormitory. The government said travel restrictions with India will help curb potential cases in the dormitories because many of the labourers arrive from the South Asian nation.

Singapore to block arrivals from India due to coronavirus wave

Indonesia's navy is searching for a missing submarine with 53 people on board that went missing on Wednesday and is seeking help from neighbouring Australia and Singapore in the hunt, the Indonesian military chief said.&nbsp;

The German-made submarine, KRI Nanggala-402, was conducting a torpedo drill in waters north of the island of Bali but failed to relay the results as expected, a navy spokesman said.&nbsp;

"We are still searching in the waters of Bali, 60 miles (96 km) from Bali, (for) 53 people," military chief Hadi Tjahjanto said in a text message.&nbsp;

The military chief confirmed that assistance in the search for the submarine and missing crew members had been sought from Australia and Singapore. He said that contact with the vessel was lost at 4:30 am on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Representatives of the defence departments of Australia and Singapore did not immediately respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;

The 1,395-tonne KRI Nanggala-402 was built in Germany in 1978, according to the Indonesian cabinet secretariat's website, and underwent a two-year refit in South Korea that was completed in 2012.&nbsp;

Indonesia in the past operated a fleet of 12 submarines purchased from the Soviet Union to patrol the waters of its sprawling archipelago. &nbsp;

But now, it has a fleet of only five including two German-built Type 209 submarines and three newer South Korean vessels. &nbsp;

Indonesia has been seeking to upgrade its defence capabilities but some of its equipment still in service is old and there have been deadly accidents involving in particular ageing military transport planes in recent years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indonesia's navy is searching for a missing submarine with 53 people on board that went missing on Wednesday and is seeking help from neighbouring Australia and Singapore in the hunt, the Indonesian military chief said.

Indonesia's navy is searching for a missing submarine with 53 people on board that went missing on Wednesday and is seeking help from neighbouring Australia and Singapore in the hunt, the Indonesian military chief said. The German-made submarine, KRI Nanggala-402, was conducting a torpedo drill in waters north of the island of Bali but failed to relay the results as expected, a navy spokesman said. "We are still searching in the waters of Bali, 60 miles (96 km) from Bali, (for) 53 people," military chief Hadi Tjahjanto said in a text message. The military chief confirmed that assistance in the search for the submarine and missing crew members had been sought from Australia and Singapore. He said that contact with the vessel was lost at 4:30 am on Wednesday. Representatives of the defence departments of Australia and Singapore did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The 1,395-tonne KRI Nanggala-402 was built in Germany in 1978, according to the Indonesian cabinet secretariat's website, and underwent a two-year refit in South Korea that was completed in 2012. Indonesia in the past operated a fleet of 12 submarines purchased from the Soviet Union to patrol the waters of its sprawling archipelago. But now, it has a fleet of only five including two German-built Type 209 submarines and three newer South Korean vessels. Indonesia has been seeking to upgrade its defence capabilities but some of its equipment still in service is old and there have been deadly accidents involving in particular ageing military transport planes in recent years. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia searches for missing submarine with 53 on board, seeks help from Australia, Singapore  

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