BANGKOK (AP) — China’s ambassador reportedly is warning the Australian government its pursuit of a coronavirus inquiry could set off a boycott by Chinese consumers, who may no longer travel and study in Australia or buy major exports including beef and wine. Ambassador Cheng Jingye told The Australian Financial Review in an interview published on […]
Author Archives: Island Times Staff
Posted inOpinion
‘No time to blame the messenger’ warns UN rights chief, amidst media clampdowns surrounding COVID-19
GENEVA, 27 APRIL 2020 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —The coronavirus pandemic has spawned new threats to press freedom in some countries, according to the UN human rights chief, who declared on Friday that “credible, accurate reporting is a lifeline for all of us”. Against the backdrop of restrictive measures against independent media imposed by several States, […]
Posted inPacific News
‘No evidence’ that recovered COVID-19 patients cannot be reinfected, says WHO
GENEVA, 27 APRIL 2020 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that there is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection. In a scientific brief issued on Friday, the UN health agency said there was no proof that one-time […]
Posted inPacific News
COVID-19 and its likely impact on the tuna industry in the Pacific Islands
HONIARA, 27 APRIL 2020 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) —The importance of tuna in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) cannot be underestimated. Approximately 60 percent of the raw material for the global tuna canning market comes from the WCPO. There are two reasons why COVID-19’s impact on the tuna industry should be monitored. First, shelf-stable foods, such […]
Posted inPacific News
High Covid-19 rates for Pacific islanders in the U.S
MAJURO, 27 APRIL 2020 (RNZ PACIFIC)—Pacific islanders living in the United States have an infection rate two to three times the average in at least four American states, according to data released Sunday by the Pacific Islander Center of Primary Care Excellence, a California-based group. The organisation cited the “alarming disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on […]
Posted inPacific News
Guam Government receives US$129M in federal money for pandemic, 141 covid-19 cases confirmed
HAGATNA, 27 APRIL 2020 (THE GUAM DAILY POST)—At least US$117 million in federal funds is now in government of Guam accounts – funds intended to aid the local response to the coronavirus pandemic. Adelup also received word that Guam received a US$12 million allotment from the U.S. Department of the Interior. GovGuam officials will need […]