Latest news with #Songkran
The Star
20 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
Watchful of summer Covid-19 resurgence, Korea urges older adults to get vaccinated
Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, Lee Han-kyung, visits a clinic in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, and inspects hospital beds on Monday (May 26, 2025). - Photo: Yonhap SEOUL: The South Korean government is closely monitoring Covid-19 resurgences in regional neighbors including Hong Kong, China and Thailand, amid growing worries that a summer resurgence may hit the country again this year. At a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting Friday (May 30), Director Lee Han-kyung warned of worsening Covid-19 trends abroad. "In regions close to us — Hong Kong, China and Thailand — Covid-19 infections are rising, and this is a cause for concern," Lee said at the meeting. He urged senior citizens aged 65 and above, as well as residents in high-risk facilities, to get vaccinated, stressing that vaccination is key to preventing severe illness and death. According to government data, recent overseas Covid-19 cases are showing a noticeable uptick. In Hong Kong, confirmed cases for the week of May 11 to 17 totalled 977, exceeding the country's previous summer peak of 796. China's rate of positivity Covid-19 test results is steadily climbing toward last year's peak of 21.1 percent, while in Thailand, more than 65,000 new cases were reported in the three weeks following the Songkran holiday in April. Despite the global trend, the number of new Covid-19 cases in Korea remained at around 100 each week over the past month. Currently, South Korea estimates the number of confirmed cases in select hospitals on a weekly basis. Still, the government is taking a proactive stance in consideration that domestic cases last year surged sharply from late July to mid-August. Weekly confirmed cases jumped from 456 in the fourth week of July to over 1,400 by mid-August in 2023. To mitigate potential risks, health authorities have extended the vaccination period for high-risk groups until June 30, two months beyond the initial April 30 deadline. The Korean Medical Association also issued a public advisory, pointing to the seasonal temperature shifts, increased domestic and international travel and a noticeable drop in personal hygiene practices such as hand-washing. It recommended six precautionary measures: maintaining personal hygiene, wearing masks, prompt response to symptoms, testing for high-risk individuals and recent international travellers, getting vaccinated and improving indoor ventilation. Recalling difficulties caused by last summer's surge, the association emphasised that preventive habits such as hand-washing and mask-wearing remain crucial. - The Korea Herald/ANN
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- Korea Herald
Watchful of summer COVID-19 resurgence, Korea urges older adults to get vaccinated
The South Korean government is closely monitoring COVID-19 resurgences in regional neighbors including Hong Kong, China and Thailand, amid growing worries that a summer resurgence may hit the country again this year. At a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting Friday, Director Lee Han-kyung warned of worsening COVID-19 trends abroad. "In regions close to us — Hong Kong, China and Thailand — COVID-19 infections are rising, and this is a cause for concern," Lee said at the meeting. He urged senior citizens aged 65 and above, as well as residents in high-risk facilities, to get vaccinated, stressing that vaccination is key to preventing severe illness and death. According to government data, recent overseas COVID-19 cases are showing a noticeable uptick. In Hong Kong, confirmed cases for the week of May 11 to 17 totaled 977, exceeding the country's previous summer peak of 796. China's rate of positivity COVID-19 test results is steadily climbing toward last year's peak of 21.1 percent, while in Thailand, more than 65,000 new cases were reported in the three weeks following the Songkran holiday in April. Despite the global trend, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Korea remained at around 100 each week over the past month. Currently, South Korea estimates the number of confirmed cases in select hospitals on a weekly basis. Still, the government is taking a proactive stance in consideration that domestic cases last year surged sharply from late July to mid-August. Weekly confirmed cases jumped from 456 in the fourth week of July to over 1,400 by mid-August in 2023. To mitigate potential risks, health authorities have extended the vaccination period for high-risk groups until June 30, two months beyond the initial April 30 deadline. The Korean Medical Association also issued a public advisory, pointing to the seasonal temperature shifts, increased domestic and international travel and a noticeable drop in personal hygiene practices such as hand-washing. It recommended six precautionary measures: maintaining personal hygiene, wearing masks, prompt response to symptoms, testing for high-risk individuals and recent international travelers, getting vaccinated and improving indoor ventilation. Recalling difficulties caused by last summer's surge, the association emphasized that preventive habits such as hand-washing and mask-wearing remain crucial.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
REVEALED: Will ‘world's wettest party' be coming to Perth?
A music event that claims to be the world's wettest party has hit a dry patch in WA. Tang Events had sought support from the City of Perth to bring the S2O Songkran Music Festival to WA. It plans to hold the festival at Langley Park in February and expects 22,500 people to attend at $165 a ticket. Your local paper, whenever you want it. It sought $24,000 in cash and $46,000 in-kind from the city, but the council unanimously voted at Tuesday night's meeting that the city not come to the party. Tang Events' application said S2O Australia was an electronic dance music festival that blended 'high-energy performances with immersive water-play innovations to create visually striking and euphoric experiences'. It originated in Thailand and has held events in Bangkok, China, Tokyo, and, most recently, New York. Tang Events said the Perth event would be the 'flagship show' and reinforce its position on the international festival circuit. Steve Aoki has been touted as one of the performing DJs. Credit: steveaoki Instagram Features of the Perth show would include a line-up of 'globally renowned artists with water-play technology, high powered water cannons and synchronised water effects'. Glenn Watson, speaking on behalf of Tang Events, told the city's briefing session on May 20 the event would have exclusive Asia-Pacific performances by DJs such as Steve Aoki. 'The exclusivity was designed to increase both interstate and international visitation to Perth for the event, in the same way that you might remember Coldplay coming to Perth last year; it was an exclusive nationwide event,' he said. 'The key point of difference for S2O is that it's a contemporary interpretation of Songkran, the Thai New Year's festival, also known as the Water Festival. 'In addition to the world-class DJs and performances that you'd expect at a music festival, patrons that choose to go into the wet zone are basically bombarded with water from jets and cannons. Crowds at the festival would be 'bombarded' with water. Credit: 'This type of event has not been done in Perth or in a developed Western capital city that has a lot more regulations and rules than you'd see in a Thailand-style music festival.' However, the city's assessment panel — comprising three staff — gave the proposal a score of only 57.8 out of 100, saying the attendance estimate relied too heavily on interstate and international attendees, and the event would be held in an already busy period. Its use of water was also considered problematic. 'The excessive use of water during the summer months could be viewed unfavourably by the community and contribute to brand alignment concerns and reputation risk for the city,' the assessment said. 'The panel acknowledged whilst the applicant has engaged a local water management company to facilitate the development and implementation of a water management and sustainability plan for the event, a robust plan is yet to be developed.' Mr Watson said Tang Events was working with Perth-based water management organisation BD Water on management plans. 'We acknowledge the details about the water management and sustainability was not too granular. The purpose of that was to open up a conversation and a dialogue with the city to make sure that it could be done,' he said. The Perth S2O festival was expected to bring in 22,500 people. Credit: He said water would be brought in in tanks, and a flooring system that included drainage was being developed to capture water after it was used. 'Approximately 30 per cent of the water would be captured and be able to be re-used or recycled,' Mr Watson said. Eight other sponsorship applications were approved, including $54,000 for the Laneway Festival Perth 2026, $120,000 cash and $14,000 in-kind for the Channel 7 Christmas Pageant, and $85,000 for the Perth Chinese New Year Fair 2026. A council report said events helped make Perth a 'vibrant and iconic destination'. The city has $1 million set aside in its 2025-26 event sponsorship program.
News18
7 days ago
- Health
- News18
Can You Still Get Covid-19 After Vaccination? Answers To 15 Such Key Questions
Last Updated: Mild cases of the JN.1 Covid variant have been found in Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi. However, it isn't seen as dangerous, as vaccines prevent severe illness A sharp rise in COVID-19 cases is raising concerns globally, with countries like Singapore and Thailand reporting surges driven by new variants. While most infections remain mild, hospitals in these nations are experiencing increased admissions, placing notable pressure on healthcare systems. This wave of concern has reached India, raising alarms about a possible escalation of cases domestically. Attention is focused on the emergence of new variants and the increased vulnerability of children and the elderly, prompting renewed emphasis on protective measures such as mask-wearing. Yes, Singapore has recorded a 28% increase in Covid cases within a week, and Thailand has reported about 50,000 new cases in mid-May. The rising number of patients has led to a shortage of beds and long waits in emergency wards in both countries. How Is The Covid-19 Situation In Singapore And Thailand Different From India The XEC variant of Covid-19 (a sub-variant of Omicron) and sub-variants JN.1 LF.7 and NB.1.8 are spreading in Thailand and Singapore. Although these variants are highly contagious, the risk of severe illness is low due to the effectiveness of existing vaccines. In Thailand, cases spiked during the Songkran holiday (13-15 April), whereas in Singapore, weak immunity is a contributing factor. In India, mild cases of the JN.1 variant have been detected, primarily in Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi, but this variant is not considered highly dangerous as vaccines protect against severe symptoms. Currently, the situation in India is under control, but experts warn that the risk could increase if precautions are not taken. Therefore, state governments, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, have begun preparations. The Delhi government is also holding an emergency meeting with hospital operators. How Many New Covid Cases Are There In India While the current number of cases in India remains low relative to its population, authorities are closely monitoring the trends seen in Singapore and Thailand. Around 23 cases have been reported in Delhi and are under investigation. Additionally, symptomatic patients have been identified in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, prompting increased vigilance. Has A New Variant Entered India No new variant has been detected so far, but genome sequencing of every positive sample is being conducted. The government is closely monitoring the situation and the Health Ministry is conducting regular reviews. What Advisory Has The Government Issued Hospitals in Delhi have been directed to prepare by ensuring adequate beds, oxygen supplies, medicines, and vaccines. Similar alerts have been issued to healthcare facilities in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, Mumbai and other states to remain vigilant and ready. Will Schools And Offices Close Again No closures are planned at this time. The situation is currently stable, though caution is advised. Experts say the infections aren't severe enough to require shutting schools or offices, but continued vigilance is important. Is Covid-19 Vaccine Still Effective Yes, individuals who have received the booster dose are less likely to get infected and generally experience milder symptoms. Vaccinated people should remain confident and not panic. Can Foreign Travel Increase The Risk Yes, screening of passengers arriving from countries with rising COVID-19 cases is now essential. It's advisable to postpone non-essential travel to these regions and take precautions if travel is necessary. Is Wearing A Mask Necessary Though not mandatory, wearing a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces is recommended. Exercise caution in busy areas like markets and on public transport. When Is Covid-19 Testing Recommended Testing is advised for individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. An RT-PCR test can help distinguish between coronavirus infection and common cold, making testing essential. Are Children At Risk From The Current Covid-19 Variants While the present variants are not causing severe illness in children, health experts advise caution. Previous Covid-19 waves initially showed limited impact on children, but later trends indicated that they too could be affected. What Precautions Should The Elderly And Those With Pre-Existing Conditions Take Senior citizens and individuals with underlying health issues are advised to take booster doses, avoid crowded places, wear masks, and undergo regular health checkups. At the first sign of symptoms, they should get an RT-PCR test, seek medical advice, and begin treatment promptly. Could India Face A Surge Like Singapore And Thailand The risk in India remains low for now, with only older variants active and limited impact. However, experts stress that continued vigilance is essential to prevent any escalation. Who Is At Greater Risk From The Covid-19 Strain Currently Spreading In India The elderly, unvaccinated individuals, and those with underlying conditions like diabetes, heart or lung disease, or weakened immunity face higher risk. Children and healthy young adults have shown only mild symptoms so far. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : active COVID-19 cases covid vaccinations Covid Variant covid-19 testing masks Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 26, 2025, 15:51 IST News india Can You Still Get Covid-19 After Vaccination? Answers To 15 Such Key Questions
The Advertiser
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
This hotel chain is offering big discounts in Australia and overseas
COMING UP Featuring some of Australia's most eminent First Nations artists, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair will be packed with talks, tours, award ceremonies, live performances, art exhibitions as well as cultural demonstrations over four days. WHEN: July 10-13; LATER If you're planning a trip to Broome, consider visiting during the Shinju Matsuri festival. The 16-day event celebrates the town's unique multicultural and pearling history with a spectacular program of parties, parades, performances and feasts. WHEN: August 23 to September 7; NEXT YEAR Friendly water fights erupt on the streets of Thailand to mark the Thai New Year or Songkran in April. While April 13 is the country's official New Year's Day, celebrations continue for two more days, making it a festival worthy of anyone's bucket list. WHEN: April 13-15;
