These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
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10,000 migrant workers living in dormitories to get Covid-19 vaccine jab
Migrant workers who have not been infected with Covid-19 will be getting their vaccine jabs, starting Friday (March 12) with 10,000 workers from five of the biggest dormitories. This comes as the authorities ease restrictions on recreation time for workers, permitting them more and longer visits to recreation centres, and with plans to allow visits to the community, once a month, in the future. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said: "When a large majority of dorm residents are recovered workers or vaccinated and the risk of transmission in dormitories is greatly reduced, we can ease further." MOM said the workers getting the vaccines first are at Sungei Tengah Lodge, Tuas View Dormitory, CDPL Tuas Dormitory, PPT Lodge 1B, and Kranji Lodge 1. They should all be fully vaccinated by the end of April. Only those who consent and are screened to be suitable will receive the vaccination. Vaccinated workers will be tested every 28 days instead of the current 14. The vaccination will progressively be made available to other workers. About 320,000 migrant workers live in dormitories, and infections there have accounted for the vast majority of 60,000 Covid-19 cases recorded in Singapore so far. Second Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng said in a Facebook post on Monday that workers and employers will get an information booklet and videos on the safety and benefits of vaccination. "Vaccination for our migrant workers is one of the many ways we assure and care for our migrant workers just like we care for Singaporeans during this pandemic," Dr Tan added. "This will go a long way towards protecting every worker and strengthening the resilience of our dormitories and community against Covid-19." Mr Calvin Lim, general manager of CDPL (Tuas) Dormitory, told The Straits Times that workers who have not been infected with Covid-19 before have been identified by previous rounds of testing conducted by the authorities. He said the policy to vaccinate workers is "in the right direction". "It opens up further opportunities for the residents to return to some degree of communal activities beyond what they currently are able to experience solely in the dormitory," he noted. "This serves to improve their physical and mental well-being in the long run." Mr Simon Lee, chief operating officer of TG25, which runs Sungei Tengah Lodge, said there are about 3,100 workers in the dorm who have not contracted Covid-19. – The Straits Times
PM arrives in Riyadh, greeted by Crown Prince
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife, Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, were greeted upon arrival here tonight by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Prince Mohammed is also Saudi Arabia's deputy prime minister and defence minister. Muhyiddin's plane landed at King Khalid International Airport here at 8.25pm Monday, local time (1.25pm today in Malaysia). Muhyiddin and wife had earlier performed the umrah in Makkah and visited Madinah after arriving in Jeddah on March 6. The visit is part of his four-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. Also at the airport tonight (March 8) to welcome Muhyiddin and wife were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and wife Datin Seri Tengku Marsilla Tengku Abdullah. In Makkah, Muhyiddin was granted access inside the Kaabah, an honour given to state leaders, heads of government and eminent Muslim figures. Muhyiddin is accompanied by a small delegation comprising Hishammuddin and senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office and the Foreign Ministry. Hishammuddin who arrived in Riyadh earlier yesterday, said this was the first time that Prince Mohammed had personally welcomed the head of government on arrival. "It was not in the original itinerary. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has made the decision himself. "The whole airport will be closed as the Crown Prince wanted to welcome the Prime Minister there," he said. The prime minister's visit to Saudi Arabia (March 6-9) is at the invitation of King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, extended in April last year. Muhyiddin is the first foreign head of government to be invited by King Salman to undertake an official visit to Saudi Arabia following the historic Al Ula Conference on Jan 5. Muhyiddin's official programme will take place at Al-Yamamah Palace, Riyadh today. This will include an official welcoming ceremony by having a virtual audience with King Salman, a meeting with the Crown Prince a signing ceremony of Memoranda of Understanding, as well an official luncheon. Muhyiddin is scheduled to depart for the United Arab Emirates after the official event at Al-Yamamah Palace. In the UAE, the official programme will take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on March 10. This will include meetings with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. – New Straits Times
Pushed to the brink of civil war?
Former protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, who was recently sentenced to jail for five years for his role in street rallies to oust the elected government led by Yingluck Shinawatra, voiced his concerns about the ongoing political crisis, saying there are masterminds behind the scenes who are pulling the strings to instigate a civil war. In a special interview with the Bangkok Post, Mr Suthep, co-founder of the Action Coalition for Thailand (ACT) Party, said on Monday the current situation is worrying as the political power struggle is taking place both in conventional and unconventional forms. On the parliamentary front, some political parties and MPs are pushing for charter amendments to pave the way for a new constitution to be drawn up, which would lead to division among Thais, Mr Suthep said. Supports of an amendment have argued that the current constitution is undemocratic as it was the result of the 2014 coup, but Mr Suthep disagreed, saying their calls to abrogate the constitution is based on personal biases. "They failed to look at the constitution's merits which actually benefit democracy," he said. "Amendments should be made to sections which are seen as undemocratic – there's no need to write a new constitution." Meanwhile, he continued, those who disagree with the push for a new charter are concerned that amendments may affect the status of the monarchy. He said although the parliament recently agreed that chapters 1 and 2 of the constitution won't be amended, there are about 30 other sections which deal with royal powers which aren't likely to be spared from further scrutiny. Chapter 1 of the constitution contains sections which define Thailand as a single, indivisible kingdom and a democratic regime with the King as the head of state. Chapter 2 contains sections which deal with royal prerogatives. On another front, efforts are being made to bring politics onto the streets, with growing calls to reform the monarchy and for Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law, to be scrapped, Mr Suthep said, adding those inside and outside parliament seem to be working hand in glove. "Thais can have different opinions, but we must put the interest of the nation above everything else. We have to work together to avoid any severe conflict that deepens social division, which would lead to a civil war as some countries or some groups wish to see,'' Mr Suthep said. – Bangkok Post
Manila starts AstraZeneca vaccination on March 9
Healthcare workers who are senior citizens will receive their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine on Tuesday since they were not allowed to take the Sinovac vaccine, the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO) said. The vaccination rollout of AstraZeneca’s COVISHIELD will be held at the Ospital ng Maynila. Manila has received the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccine with 1,000 doses on Monday and another 3,000 doses of Sinovac’s CoronaVac aside from the first 3,000 vaccines that was turned over to Sta. Ana Hospital on March 2. Meanwhile, another 550 healthcare workers received CoronaVac, totalling 2,396 since the first day of the Sinovac vaccine rollout on March 2. MPIO said that Mayor Isko Moreno have urged the public to get their vaccines as it will boost their protection against COVID-19. “Patuloy din ang paghikayat ni Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso sa publiko na magpabakuna dahil limitado ang suplay ng COVID-19 vaccines na darating sa bansa. Dagdag pa niya, malaki rin ang proteksyong maibibigay nito laban sa nakamamatay na sakit,” MPIO said in a Facebook post. (Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso continues to urge the public to get vaccinated as it will be their protection against the deadly disease.) The Manila Health Department (MHD) also provided free swab testing for the vendors and stallholder in Obrero Market. MHD will also conduct free swab testing in different markets in Manila. On March 2, Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, her husband, City Health Officer Dr. Arnold Pangan, and Sta. Ana Hospital Director Dr. Grace Padilla were administered with CoronaVac. As of March 8, Manila has 908 COVID-19 active cases, a total of 29,288 confirmed cases 27,565 recoveries and 815 deaths. – INQUIRER.net
Việt Nam begins COVID-19 vaccination with 250 medical workers in HCM City, Hà Nội, Hải Dương
Some 250 medical workers at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in HCM City and National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hà Nội and in Hải Dương Province on Monday became the first in Việt Nam to be vaccinated against COVID-19. They are among frontline workers in 13 provinces and cities who will get the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine starting today, as the country launches the largest vaccination drive in its history to inoculate 70 per cent of the country's 100 million population to achieve herd immunity. The Ministry of Health chose the two hospitals since they are tasked with treating COVID patients, especially severe cases while Hải Dương is the epicentre of the country’s third wave of infections with over 700 recorded so far. The director of the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh Châu, said: “The hospital has 900 doctors and nurses working in its departments of infectious diseases D, emergency aid and intensive care, who will get the vaccine this week. “[Today] 100 out of 900 doctors and nurses got the vaccine.” Since it was International Women’s Day on March 8, women doctors and nurses got priority, he said. The first person to get the vaccine at the hospital, Dr Dư Lê Thanh Xuân, told Việt Nam News: “I was happy to be chosen the first person for the vaccination. Thirty minutes after getting the shot, I did not have any side effects such as headache. I feel healthy.” Usual side effects include headache, fever, fatigue, chill and others. “I hope everybody in the country gets the vaccine.” Dr Nguyễn Thanh Phong, head of the hospital’s department for infectious diseases D and among the 100 to be vaccinated, said he and his colleagues now have “safe biological armour.” The hospital got the vaccines from the Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company and stores them in its GSP-standard refrigerator, Châu said. Workers are trained to deal with potential complications following vaccination, he said. “We cannot affirm COVID vaccines are 100 per cent safe. They also have side effects like other vaccines. We prepared the vaccination implementation process very carefully. The hospital has one own vaccination area for its health officials. Safety related to vaccination is primary. “Preventing COVID-19 transmission to health workers is imperative to take care of patients and, most importantly, not harm other patients.” Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director at AstraZeneca Việt Nam, said: “For two weeks, since the vaccine arrived in HCM City, it has gone through a stringent yet fast-track quality assurance process to ensure patient safety and adherence to local standards. "We are grateful to the Vietnamese Government and Ministry of Health for their guidance and support throughout this process so that priority groups can be protected as soon as possible. We will continue to work closely with the Government and our partners on this holistic journey to both put an end to the pandemic and accelerate Việt Nam’s economic recovery." – Viet Nam News
Gatherings suspended: PM orders immediate ban on gatherings due to C-19 rise
Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered the immediate suspension of all gatherings in view of the severe spread of COVID-19 cases. The order was made via a special and urgent voicemail message last night. In this voicemail, Mr Hun Sen said: “As of 9pm this evening, close to 50 more COVID-19 positive cases have been found. The new cases are in Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal and Prey Veng. This result is not final yet because samples are still being checked by the machine. “Among the infected are police officers, civil servants and artists,” he said. The Prime Minister appealed for the suspension of all unnecessary gatherings. “I would like to thank all those who have postponed a wedding ceremony or held a wedding but reduced the number of people, to reduce the risk. The current situation requires more caution than before, and what is not necessary can be suspended, and should be postponed, wait for later, it is not too late. This is an urgent situation and care must be taken not to spread the disease,” he added. In this message, he also issued an order and called on the ministries, state institutions and the legislature to temporarily suspend on-site work at the institutions, leaving only a small number of workers and to work from home where possible. Among the measures instructed by the Prime Minister are for public institutions to stop activities or reduce (90 percent) the number of workers for seven days and private institutions, suggesting, to reduce the number of workers and work from home while the public is urged to stay home and wear a mask when going out. Meanwhile, health officials transferred almost 200 COVID-19 patients from the infamous Prek Pnov quarantine centre to the COVID-19 designated Great Duke Hotel in Phnom Penh yesterday. It took 10 ambulances about 12 hours to ferry the patients from the 500- bed Phnom Penh quarantine centre that was “converted” into a hospital without authorisation to the Great Duke Hotel, also in the capital city. The patients have been transferred to the hotel which has been converted into a designated COVID-19 hospital that reportedly has six intensive care units complete with ventilators and up to 35 doctors at any one time for better managed treatment of the coronavirus victims. The hotel can accommodate between 500 to 700 patients in 500 rooms. It is learned that the health authorities together with all other stakeholders will be working round the clock to get all the patients transferred to the hotel. – Khmer Times
At least three killed as anti-coup protesters wave women’s clothing in defiance of military misogyny
The Myanmar military continued to terrorize peaceful anti-coup demonstrators with lethal force across the country on Monday, killing at least three protesters and severely injuring many others. The attacks came after soldiers and police came out in force in Yangon on Sunday night in anticipation of another day of mass protests. Security forces stationed themselves inside hospitals, pagoda compounds and universities in Yangon and other major cities. Gunfire and stun grenade explosions were heard at night in numerous Yangon townships in what appeared to be a bid to terrorize the city’s population. But anti-military demonstrators still took to the streets on Monday morning, rallying around yet another call for a general strike, this time to coincide with International Women’s Day. At a women-led anti-coup demonstration in Sanchaung township, protesters used htameins as flags. Many superstitious soldiers believe that walking beneath the sarong-like garment - or anything else worn by a woman below the waist - diminishes a man’s power. Protesters have been hanging htameins above roads to delay the advance of security forces, a strategy that uses the military’s own misogyny against them. At many protest sites in Yangon, security forces broke up demonstrations using teargas and stun grenades. Protesters once again avoided confrontations with a cat and mouse strategy, retreating when security forces approached but gathering again whenever they had the chance. Elsewhere in Myanmar, things were more violent. Two were shot dead by security forces in the Kachin capital of Myitkyina, residents and a protest organizer said. The two victims have been identified as 63-year-old Ko Ko Lay, also known as Cho Tha, and 23-year-old Zin Min Htet. They were both shot in the head. Security forces also used stun grenades and tear gas while attacking protesters in front of the Saint Francis Xavier Catholic church. “They died on the scene in front of the church. Both of their heads were crushed by bullets,” the protest organizer told Myanmar Now. The funeral for Ko Ko Lay will be held on Sunday afternoon in accordance with Islamic tradition, while Zin Min Htet’s body was brought to his house, said Lamai Gum Ja from the Peace-talk Creation Group, a local volunteer organization. At least 10 people were arrested and five severely injured in the attack, he added. Myitkyina residents sought to avoid being attacked by organizing different protest columns around the town as security forces cracked down on the demonstration at the church. “When tensions rose between the security forces and the protesters in front of the church, we organized another protest column at another area. But they focused on cracking down on the group in front of the church,” another organizer said. – Myanmar NOW
WHO lauds Indonesian leadership for promoting equal access to vaccine
The World Health Organization (WHO) has lauded Indonesia’s leadership in promoting global solidarity and equal access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries. At a press conference at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Monday, WHO Country Representative in Indonesia, N Paranietharan, said Indonesia has shown exemplary leadership in global solidarity and initiatives. “When it comes to COVAX, we have to appreciate Indonesia’s global leadership. Foreign Minister Retno (Marsudi) herself is a co-chair of the AMC group of countries to foresee this vaccine allocation and distribution to the countries,” he stated. He also highlighted Indonesia’s efforts to promote equity in access to vaccines for all countries across the globe. COVAX, the global initiative co-led by vaccine alliance GAVI, the WHO, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), has set an ambitious goal to deliver up to 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines before the end of the year to all countries in the world, Paranietharan said. “It is a hugely ambitious goal that started off last year. Now, we see the result of it and more shipments (are expected) to come to Indonesia as well,” he added. A number of other countries, he continued, have received shots via the COVAX initiative as well. Indonesia on Monday received 1,113,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine as part of the first shipment of the first batch of vaccines. Indonesia will receive a total of 11,704,800 shots in the first batch. The first batch of shipments will continue to arrive until May, 2021. Paraniethatan said he hoped the arrival of vaccines from COVAX will add to and further strengthen the national vaccination program in one of the very few developing countries that have started vaccinations. He said he considers the vaccination program as a display of exemplary leadership at the national level. “It is time for health equity for everyone, and it is important that we take these vaccines to the people who need them the most and make sure no one is left behind,” Paranietharan remarked. He also expressed the WHO’s readiness to cooperate with the government and people of Indonesia to ensure that the pandemic comes to an end soon. – AntaraNews.Com