Note: A hyperlink is attached in each headlines for further reading of the original news.
Table of Contents:
1. United Kingdom News
2. Malaysia News
1. United Kingdom News
Date: 28th June 2020
Source: Al Jazeera
Monthly Visitors: 8,795,850
Summary:
A drone is delivering medical supplies to a hospital on the Isle of Wight (off the south coast of England).
This is a government project to develop a transport system that allows manned and unmanned aircraft to operate safely in the same airspace.
Date: 28th June 2020
Source: Edinburgh News
Monthly Visitors: 1,337,790
Summary:
The COVIDENCE-UK study is led by Queen Mary University (London) partnering with University of Edinburgh and Kings College London, and funded by the Barts Charity.
This study has a particular resonance to Scotland where vitamin D deficiency is prevalent due to poor weather.
So far, 8000 people out were recruited of the minimal 12,000 people needed for the study - participants can be aged over 16 and come from across the UK.
The study aims to also recruit those who have already had proven or suspected COVID-19 and those who have not.
The study seeks to include a mixture of people with and without underlying conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.
This study will help researchers understand why particular groups are more susceptible to COVID-19.
Huge UK Health charities are supporting this study such as: Diabetes UK, the British Lung Foundation, Asthma UK, the British Heart Foundation and National Kidney Federation.
Recruits are asked to sign up at: www.qmul.ac.uk/covidenceand
Date: 27th June 2020
Source: Work Permit
Monthly Visitors: 279,300
Summary:
Migrant in the UK under a long term visa (such as Tier 2 Visa) will be subject to an immigration health surcharge.
The Immigration Health Surcharge in most cases are at £400 per annum in advance for the duration of the visa.
UK Prime Minister pledged to refund migrant NHS workers forced to pay the controversial UK immigration health surcharge.
Date: 26th June 2020
Source: Express And Star
Monthly Visitors: 249,810
Summary:
The British Medical Association (BMA) released a guideline in England explaining which group of people can go on domestic holidays beginning 4th July.
For the tourism industry, the guidelines also explain who is allowed to visit hotels, bed and breakfast facilities and campsites beginning 4th July.
The BMA advised against travelling if any person is ill or has COVID-19 symptoms.
People are encouraged to wear a face covering when mixing with people outside their "bubble" indoors.
2. Malaysia News
Date: 27th June 2020
Source: New Straits Times
Monthly Visitors: 1,520,490
Summary:
Malaysian Public Health Medicine Specialist Association foresees no problem for the country to implement "travel bubbles" between "green countries" especially in ASEAN region.
This move will only be limited to a few nations from the region, and then slowly expand to more Asean partners in stages.
The first line of countries are: Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam and Laos.
The second line of countries are: Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia & Myanmar.
And at a later stage, Malaysia will welcome the following countries: Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada.
And then lastly: Europe, USA, and the Middle East.
Headline: Expats in M'sia can only leave country for emergencies, medical reasons, says Ismail Sabri
Date: 27th June 2020
Source: The Star
Monthly Visitors: 3,465,270
Summary:
Malaysian expatriates can only leave Malaysia in cases of emergency or for medical reasons.
Foreigners without any travel documents must first obtain them from their respective embassies.
There is no prohibition against foreigners working as crew onboard Malaysian fishing vessels that provide fish supply for the nation.
However, such foreigners must apply for a temporary working visit permit and undergo COVID-19 screening, including a 14-day mandatory quarantine. Their employers must also provide them with living quarters.
Malaysia's police has also carried out 68 roadblocks and inspected 46,023 vehicles during the nationwide Ops Benteng to prevent illegals from entering the country via "rat lanes" (louring ticks).
Date: 26th June 2020 Source: New Straits Times Monthly Visitors: 1,520,490
Summary:
There is a widespread belief that COVID-19 is a new zoonotic disease caused by a coronavirus.
Coronavirus is a large group of viruses including: hedgehogs, bats, leopards, cats, civet cats, ferrets, and pangolins.
However, not all coronaviruses jump directly from the host animal to humans.
People should use gloves or Personal Protective Equipment to cover any cut or abrasions to prevent transmissions of infections through broken skin.
Date: 26th June 2020
Source: The Malaysian Reserve
Monthly Visitors: 179,700
Summary:
Foreigners are allowed into the country for medical purposes.
This will be implemented in two phases: Phase (1A) & Phase (1B).
Phase (1A): involves the relaxation of medical evacuations. This includes patients requiring treatment at ICUs and high dependency units.
Phase (1B): allows patients with critical health problems such as cancer, heart and other diseases to enter the country.
Foreign nationals seeking medical treatment must first register with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC).
Medical traveller under Phase (1A) are only allowed to enter via air travel with only one caretaker present.
Patients below 12 years old can be accompanied by two caretakers.
Such patients would have to undergo COVID-19 tests (3 days) before entering the country, and must download the MySejahtera app before arriving.
Hospital transport must be managed by the Hospital or MHTC.
Date: 26th June 2020
Source: New Straits Times
Monthly Visitors: 1,520,490
Summary:
Health experts are positive that Malaysia can achieve its target of zero COVID-19 cases by mid of next month, or early August.
Malaysians are reminded to be careful of the virus' behaviour which transmits quickly from one host to another.
Heath Experts explain that even if a vaccine can be produced, it can only treat the current genetic tool of viruses, as COVID-19 mutates very rapidly.
To achieve the target of maintaining COVID-19 at zero level, Malaysia must address the issue of illegal immigrants.
There is a massive illegal immigrant population in Malaysia.
This group must be traced, tested and quarantined, as they are a potential source for the second wave.
Malaysian borders must also be monitored stringently to prevent illegal migrants from crossing the borders freely.
In a study, 82% of Malaysian respondents wanted the country's borders to be closed entirely from refugees during the COVID-19 outbreak.