World Briefs

USA Bernie Sanders (left) has endorsed Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, encouraging his progressive supporters to rally behind the presumptive Democratic nominee in an urgent bid to defeat President Donald Trump. “I am asking all Americans, I’m asking every Democrat, I’m asking every independent, I’m asking a lot of Republicans, to come together in this campaign to support your candidacy, which I endorse,” the Vermont senator said.

SOUTH KOREA reported 27 new cases as infections continued to wane in the worst-hit city of Daegu and nearby towns. South Korea’s totals are 10,564 infections and 222 virus-related deaths. China reported 89 new virus cases, 86 of them among travelers arriving from abroad, but no new deaths. It has confirmed 3,341 deaths out of 82,249 official cases of infections.

INDIA The world’s largest lockdown has been extended to May 3. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said restrictions may be eased after one week to help daily wage earners and those working in agriculture. Modi said yesterday the lockdown will be eased only in areas where the virus situation doesn’t deteriorate.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN leaders linked up by video to plot their moves against the virus that threatens their economies and binds millions of people to their homes under lockdowns. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in an opening speech that containment efforts were working but warned against complacency.

JAPAN’s health ministry reported 390 new cases of the virus for a domestic total of 7,645. The country was put under a state of emergency last week, but many people were still seen queuing up at grocery stores and crowding shopping arcades in parts of downtown Tokyo to stock up on necessities.

SINGAPORE has reported its biggest daily jump in new coronavirus infections, most of them linked to foreign workers living in crowded dormitories. Foreigners account for over a third of Singapore’s workforce, many of them people from poorer Asian countries working in construction, shipping and maintenance jobs. Over 200,000 Asian migrant workers live in 43 registered dormitories that house up to 20 men per room. The 386 newly confirmed cases raise Singapore’s tally to 2,918.

INDONESIA reported 60 more deaths, its largest number in one day, for a 459 total, the most in Asia after China. President Joko Widodo declared the outbreak in the world’s fourth most populous country a “non-natural national disaster.” The decree opens the door to international cooperation and assistance. Indonesia recorded 282 new cases, bringing its total to 4,839.

NEW ZEALAND The operators of New Zealand’s Burger King restaurants entered bankruptcy proceedings and one of the country’s largest media companies announced plans to shed 200 staff. New Zealand has been in a strict lockdown for nearly three weeks and all restaurants have been temporarily closed. NZME, which runs a number of radio stations and newspapers, said it is reducing its workforce by 15% through layoffs and by not filling vacant positions.