Davao de Oro Online Markets

With most of the local shops closed, the provincial government of Davao de Oro established a Facebook-based marketplace dubbed as ‘Online Palengke’, where business enterprises can continue their services, and where the residents can buy their daily needs.

During the project launching at the Serbisyo Oro Mismo Teleradyo, Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy stressed that this innovation can stir up the local economy even if the province is under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Kini is to spur economic activity jud and to provide platform para sa atoang mga micro, small and medium enterprises na maka-negosyo gihapon despite sa atong situation ron na gina-experience tungod sa COVID-19,” Governor Uy said. (This is really to spur economic activity and to provide platform for our micro, small and medium enterprises to continue doing business despite the current situation we are experiencing due to COVID-19).

Governor Uy encouraged the residents to join the Online Palengke group in their municipality via Facebook group.

“Dili lang ta mabored sa atong mga balay. At least maka income-income ta, labi natong adunay mga backyard farm na makabaligya sa atong Online Palengke.” (We should not be bored at our own houses. We can at least make income (through this platform), especially those who have backyard farms that can sell (their produce) at the Online Palengke.)

The governor disclosed that all the municipalities in the province have their own Online Palengke, managed by the respective local government units.

“Nag-meeting man ta atong niaging adlaw kauban atong mga mayor, ug niuyon sila na maghimo aning Online Palengke,” he said. (We meet (online) with our mayors the other day, and they agreed to establish the ‘Online Palengke.)

Governor Uy also emphasized that the Online Palengke will promote innovations, better products, and reasonable prices because of healthy business competition.

“Ang akoa ani, aside sa matabangan nato ang atong mga micro, small and medium enterprises, makakita pud ta ug mga maayong mga produkto gikan sa atong probinsiya” (For me, aside from helping our micro, small and medium enterprises, we can also look at better products manufactured in the province.)

He also reminded the administrators of the group and the public to be guided by the suggested retail prices set by the Local Price Coordinating Council in this time of the pandemic.
According to Republic Act 7581, all prices of basic necessities are frozen under state of calamity or emergency.

Agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Energy (DOE), have already posted the suggested retail prices of the commodities under the respective offices’ jurisdiction.

The chief executive also bared that the DTI has advised that the Online Palengke will not require business permits as of this time of crisis.

“Ang sulti sa DTI sa akoa na karon nga anaa pa ta sa State of Public Health Emergency, gihatagan pa ug lee-way kung wala pay business permit ang mamaligya. Apan paghuman niini, kinahanglan na jud ta magrehistro sa atong negosyo.” (The DTI told me that in this time of the State of Public Health Emergency, we will give lee-way to entrepreneurs who do not have business permits to do business. But after this, we will require them to register their businesses.)

The governor also added that he is thinking of establishing a province-wide Online Palengke soon.
Aside from the Online Palengke, the provincial government of Davao de Oro will be launching soon a mobile marketplace named as the Palengke Bound to Barangays (PBB).

“Ang tumong nato ani, aron maabot sa atong mga lagyo na barangay, especially sa mga IP area nato, ang mga basic na palaliton para sa ilang pang adlaw-adlaw nga panginabuhi sama sa preskong isda, karne, mantika ug uban pa,” he said. (Our purpose is for the farflung barangays, especially those in the IP area, to have access to buy basic necessities for their daily living like fish, meat, cooking oil and others.)

Governor Uy bared that the PBB is being piloted in Maco, in partnetship with Barangay Poblacion and the Poblacion Market Vendors Association.

He said that the members of the association have their own schedule and will visit as a group three to four barangays a day.

“Lisod naman gud ang mode of transportation nato sa panahon sa ECQ, so gipaduol na nato atong mga serbisyo pareho aning Online ug Mobile Palengke sa atong mga katawhan.” (Mode of transportation is difficult nowadays in this time of the ECQ, so we bring our services like the Online ug Mobile Palengke closer to the people.)

(PIA, DAVAO DE ORO)

DOH asks public to stop smoking to prevent spread of COVID-19

By Janine Peralta, CNN Philippines

Smokers made up more than 25 percent of COVID-19 patients in China who were in the intensive care unit and in need of ventilators, DOH warned.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Department of Health on Wednesday urged the public to stop smoking as smokers and vapers are at greater risk of contracting the deadly COVID-19.

The DOH stressed that smokers are vulnerable to the complications brought by the novel coronavirus.

“Dahil po rito pinapakiusapan namin ang mga smokers na huminto na sa paninigarilyo para sa inyong kapakanan at kalusugan” said Dr. Beverly Ho, special assistant to Health Secretary Francisco Duque in an online briefing.

[Translation: Because of this, we are asking smokers to stop smoking for your protection and health.]

The department cited data from China stating that more than 25 percent of COVID-19 patients in the East Asian country who either died, needed more ventilators or were housed in intensive care units, were smokers. DOH also urged the public to avoid inhaling secondhand smoke.


Smoking weakens the body, the agency said, making it sensitive to respiratory ailments such as colds, which are also linked to COVID-19. Flu-like symptoms such as high fever, coughs and sneezing are considered red flags for the viral infection.

According to the World Health Organization, cigarettes also increase the risk of hand-to-mouth transmission of the virus.

Health officials around the world have repeatedly emphasized the importance of keeping your hands off one's face and washing them with soap. This is because viruses that affect the respiratory system often enter the body through nose and lips. On the other hand, washing hands with soap kills off the bacteria.

Exhaling smoke also aids in spreading the virus in the air, DOH said. COVID-19 is spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth when people infected with the virus cough or sneeze.

Another way to protect oneself from contracting the disease is by wearing masks or face covers. The government has already mandated this practice in Luzon.

However, the WHO has stood firm against putting on masks unless the person is sick. WHO said that due to a looming shortage, the medical frontliners must be given priority to access protective gear.

Davao de Oro gives 8-in-1 vegetable seeds and bio-fertilizers

Davao de Oro Province--- With the serious threat brought by COVID 19, boosting our immune system while the communities are at home quarantine remains a challenge. Due to the strict implementation of the Regional Lockdown and Enhanced Community Quarantine brought by the dangers imposed by Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), access to fresh and healthy goods may now be limited and may compromise opportunities of getting a well-balanced diet.

Through the initiative of the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAGRO) of Davao de Oro in partnership with the Department of Agriculture XI- High Value Crops Development Program, an 8 in 1 Vegetable (Pinakbet) seeds and Bio Fertilizers were given to homes who are willing to cultivate vegetables in their backyards. For more access to everyone, PAGRO coordinates with every Municipal Agriculturist as well as officials in the barangay level following guidelines of the Community Quarantine for a much safer and equitable distribution of the seeds.

A total of 954 clients coming from Pantukan, Maragusan, Montevista, Laak, Maco, Mabini, Nabunturan, Women’s Sector, walk-in and social media clients were already accommodated. The catered figure since the first distribution up to the present are expected to grow in the coming days. The limited access to fresh goods especially vegetables directly equates to the consumption of highly processed foods, which tend to be high in fats, sugar and salt and are not essentially good for the body.

“Pinaagi sa akong gulayan, dili lang nako masiguro nga healthy ang ginakaon sa akong pamilya apan nahimo napod nako ni nga stress reliever. Malipay pod ko makahatag ug gulay sa akong mga silingan sabay pag-awhag kanila sa pag pananom niini.” said Anna Rose Gauiran Lomigo, the Federation President of Davao de Oro Women Farmer’s Association.

Davao de Oro ensures the welfare of its constituents in a bird’s eye perspective encouraging them to cultivate vegetables and hit two birds; relieving stress and providing a healthy meal to upgrade the body’s defense system. (JasteenAbella, ID DAVAO DE ORO)

Photocaption Pagro--- 8 in 1 for everyone! Through the initiative of the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAGRO) of Davao de Oro in partnership with the Department of Agriculture XI- High Value Crops Development Program, an 8 in 1 Vegetable (Pinakbet) seeds and Bio Fertilizers were given to homes who are willing to cultivate vegetables in their backyards. PAGRO coordinates with every Municipal Agriculturist as well as officials in the barangay level following guidelines of the Community Quarantine for a much safer and equitable distribution of the seeds. (photo by PAGRO)

German Embassy Manila/Deutsche Botschaft Manila

German Embassy Manila

**WICHTIGE VERFAHRENSHINWEISE FÜR AUSREISEWILLIGE DEUTSCHE URLAUBER**

Das neue Portal der Bundesregierung unter www.rueckholprogramm.de ist seit dem 19. März in Betrieb. Bitte nutzen Sie dieses unbedingt und beachten Sie dabei:

- ERNEUERN SIE IHRE REGISTRIERUNG FÜR JEDE BETROFFENE PERSON dort TÄGLICH - ohne tägliche Neuregistrierung verfällt Ihr Eintrag.

- Melden Sie JEDE BETROFFENE PERSON MIT EINER EIGENEN ANMELDUNG im Portal an und erneuern Sie die Anmeldung täglich. Eine Erwähnung weiterer zusammengehöriger Betroffener im Feld “Mitreisende” genügt NICHT.

- Eine Eintragung in der “ELEFAND”-Deutschenliste führt NICHT automatisch zur Erfassung im Portal des Rückholprogrammes.



++SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGHTS TO GERMANY++

THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT IS ORGANISING SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGHTS FROM MANILA AND CEBU: PHILIPPINE AUTHORITIES ARE KINDLY REQUESTED TO GRANT GERMANS ACCESS TO RESPECTIVE INLAND TRANSPORT FOR TRAVEL TO CEBU OR MANILA AIRPORTS:



A) UPCOMING SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGHTS:

- LH FROM MANILA/NAIA TO FRANKFURT/GERMANY: DELAYED, WILL NOT START ON 24 MARCH BUT LATER THIS WEEK

- CHARTER ZT568P FROM CEBU/MACTAN TO COLOGNE/BONN ON 25 MARCH 21.00 h.



B) SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGTHS UNDER PREPARATION:

- CHARTER FROM CEBU/MACTAN TO COLOGNE/BONN ON 28 MARCH

- CHARTER FROM CEBU/MACTAN TO COLOGNE/BONN ON 30 MARCH



Please note:

1.) Currently there are international commercial flights operating out of Manila with a lot of vacant seats.



2.) The German government is working to get further special repatriation flights for stranded German visitors scheduled. Tickets for such flights will have to be paid by the passenger (after repatriation). In order to be eligible and receive confirmation for seats on such flights you MUST register daily under www.rueckholprogramm.de.



3.) Exact dates for further repatriation flights cannot at this stage be predicted, delays of announced flights remain possible. Concerned German tourists are strongly recommended to avail of any available international flight by commercial airlines to repatriate soon. If you intend to leave, do not wait for special repatriation flights as a seemingly “more convenient” option.



4) Special repatriation flights are set up for stranded tourists. Other Germans residing on a long-term or permanent basis in the Philippines can only be transported on such flights if no more tourists are present at check-in and seats are still vacant.



5.) The Embassy is aware that especially visitors stranded on islands in the mid- and southern Philippines experience particularly severe difficulties in boarding transport to Cebu or Manila. The Embassy in close cooperation with its EU partners is pursuing solutions with the Philippine government. Realistically though, not all situations might be solvable within the next few days.



6.) The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) currently operates “point to point” buses from Clark Airport to Manila NAIA Airport. The DoT furthermore assists in finding accomodation in Manila and Clark for tourists on the way to outgoing international flights. Please contact

- for Metro Manila: Wooddrow Maquiling via +63 998 9978687

- for Clark: Carol Uy via +63 906 2488 338

Alternatively, accomodation in Manila or Clark can be found via AirB&B.



7.) Unverbindlicher Hinweis: Ein deutschsprachiges Reisebüro in Manila informiert, weiterhin Buchungen für kurzfristig aus Manila oder Clark in das Ausland startende Flüge vornehmen zu können. Bei Interesse kontaktieren Sie bitte per WA +41 765 867070 oder rufen Sie +63 2 8812 3196 an. Dieses Reisebüro ist NICHT beteiligt an den Sonderflügen der Bundesregierung zur Rückholung. Das Büro nimmt KEINE Vormerkungen dafür entgegen.



8.) possible “sweeper flights” from different islands to Cebu or Clark:

The Philippine government is setting up “sweeper flights” from different islands to the international airports in Cebu or Clark  to enable the visitors to leave the couuntry with international flights. To board sweeper flights (as well as point-to-point busses from Clark to Manila NAIA Airport) authorities require tourists to present an ticket for an outward international flight leaving the Philippines within the following 24 h.



Sweeper flight Information is provided at short notice and can change likewise. For latest information please contact the DoT regional, local or port/airport Offices. Additional information:



SIARGAO: sweeper flights to Clark on 23 March at 10.00 h and 14.00 h.



EL NIDO: for sweeper flights contact AirSwift, Mr. Arvid Acosta via +63 917 841 7771, via Facebook-message to http://facbook.com/talindak oder via the AirSwift Airport Office.



PALAWAN: contact the DoT Office in Palawan via +63 917 1270977 or via dot4b.ppc@gmail.com and provide full name, date of birth, email address and WA telephone number.



ILOILO: contact the DoT Office Iloilo via

iloilocitytourism@gmail.com or via +639981780226; focal person is Junel Divinagracia.



DUMAGUETE: contact the city tourism office in Dumaguete for transport to Cebu



CATICLAN to Manila sweeper flights planned for Thursday, 26 March by the Philippine government.



DAVAO: Civil Defence regional Office opposite the International Airport: +63 82 297 7915; the office provides further telephone hotline numbers on their Facebook site.

DoT Davao staff: Director Tanya Rabat-Tan +63 920 900 5518; Zubeirah +63 977 8510 903; Joanilee +63 917 1783 762; Katherine +63 917 1696 215; Kervin +63 908 7542 654; Clarence +63 906 0171 717



++WEITERES++

Die deutsche Botschaft ist bis auf weiteres für den Publikumsverkehr geschlossen. Deutsche im Land werden gebeten, sich in die Krisenvorsorgeliste “Elefand” einzutragen.



Die Botschaft ist für Fragen zum Rückholprogramm tagsüber bis 19.00 h telefonisch unter +63 (0)2 8702 3030 erreichbar.



In dringenden Notlagen können Sie die Botschaft danach unter +63 917 867 3000 erreichen.



Verfolgen Sie auch die Botschaftsseiten bei Facebook und Instagram (#Germanyinphl).

Department of Tourism Region XI Davao CIty

**WICHTIGE VERFAHRENSHINWEISE FÜR AUSREISEWILLIGE DEUTSCHE URLAUBER**

German Embassy Manila

**WICHTIGE VERFAHRENSHINWEISE FÜR AUSREISEWILLIGE DEUTSCHE URLAUBER**

Das neue Portal der Bundesregierung unter www.rueckholprogramm.de ist seit dem 19. März in Betrieb. Bitte nutzen Sie dieses unbedingt und ERNEUERN SIE IHRE REGISTRIERUNG dort TÄGLICH - ohne tägliche Neuregistrierung verfällt Ihr Eintrag. Bitte beachten Sie ferner, dass eine Eintragung in “ELEFAND” die Registrierung im Portal des Rückholprogramms nichts ersetzt. Die Adresse deboma02@gmail.com der Botschaft wird nicht mehr bedient.



++SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGHTS TO GERMANY++

THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT IS ORGANISING SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGHTS FROM MANILA AND CEBU: PHILIPPINE AUTHORITIES ARE KINDLY REQUESTED TO GRANT GERMANS ACCESS TO RESPECTIVE INLAND TRANSPORT FOR TRAVEL TO CEBU OR MANILA AIRPORTS:



A) UPCOMING SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGHTS:

- LH FROM MANILA/NAIA TO FRANKFURT/GERMANY: DELAYED, WILL NOT START ON 24 MARCH, NEW DATE TBD

- CHARTER ZT568P FROM CEBU/MACTAN TO COLOGNE/BONN ON 25 MARCH 21.00 h.



Please note:

1.) Currently there are international commercial flights operating out of Manila with a lot of vacant seats.



2.) The German government is working to get further special repatriation flights for stranded German visitors scheduled. Tickets for such flights will have to be paid by the passenger (after repatriation).



3.) Exact dates for further repatriation flights cannot at this stage be predicted. Concerned visitors are strongly recommended to consider any available international flight by commercial airlines to repatriate soon.



4.) The Embassy is aware that especially visitors stranded on islands in the mid- and southern Philippines experience particularly severe difficulties in boarding transport to Cebu or Manila. The Embassy in close cooperation with its EU partners is pursuing solutions with the Philippine government. Realistically though, not all situations might be solvable within the next few days.



5.) The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) assists in finding accomodation in Manila an Clark for tourists on the way to repatriation or other outgoing flights. Please contact

- for Metro Manila: Wooddrow Maquiling via +63 998 9978687

- for Clark: Carol Uy via +63 906 2488 338

Alternatively, accomodation in Manila or Clark can be found via AirB&B.



6.) Unverbindlicher Hinweis: Ein deutschsprachiges Reisebüro in Manila informiert, weiterhin Buchungen für kurzfristig aus Manila oder Clark in das Ausland startende Flüge internationaler Gesellschaften vornehmen zu können. Bei Interesse kontaktieren Sie bitte ruckflugeph@gmail.com oder per WA +41 765 867070. Dieses Reisebüro ist NICHT beteiligt an den Sonderflügen der Bundesregierung zur Rückholung. Das Büro nimmt KEINE Vormerkungen dafür entgegen.



For possible “Sweeper Flights” from Cebu to Manila please contact Ms Judilyn Quiachon or  Ms. Riza, +63 32 4121980, or the DoT Office in Mactan/Cebu, +63 917 7112509.



Sweeper flights from SIARGAO to Clark are offered for holders of an international onward ticket for a flight within the next 24 hours at times indicated below. Please contact the DOT Office at the Airport.



→ 22.March
1. 12:25 Uhr
2. 13:25 Uhr



→ 23. March
1. 10:00 Uhr
2. 14:00 Uhr



EL NIDO: please contact  Mr. Arvid Acosta via +63 917 841 7771, via Facebook-message to http://facbook.com/talindak oder via the AirSwift Airport Office, for any immediate concerns following new movement restrictions.



Stranded tourists on PALAWAN are asked to contact the DoT Office in Palawan via +63 917 1270977 or via  dot4b.ppc@gmail.com and provide full name, date of birth, email address and WA telephone number.



Stranded tourits in ILOILO are asked to contact the DoT Office Iloilo via

iloilocitytourism@gmail.com or via +639981780226; focal person is Junel Divinagracia.



All foreign nationals in DUMAGUETE should go to the city tourism office in Dumaguete for transport to Cebu, open for tourists with an onward ticket within the following 24 hours.



Sweeper Flights from CATICLAN to Manila for tourists upon presentation of a ticket for international onward travel within the following 24 hours::


22 March → 13:00 h
23 March → 10:00 and 14:00 h

Please contact the DOToffice at the Airport.





++WEITERES++

Die deutsche Botschaft ist bis auf weiteres für den Publikumsverkehr geschlossen. Deutsche im Land werden gebeten, sich in die Krisenvorsorgeliste “Elefand” einzutragen.



Die Botschaft ist für Fragen zum Rückholprogramm tagsüber bis 17.00 h telefonisch unter +63 (0)2 8702 3030 erreichbar.



In dringenden Notlagen können Sie die Botschaft danach unter +63 917 867 3000 erreichen.



Verfolgen Sie auch die Botschaftsseiten bei Facebook und Instagram (#Germanyinphl).

Rückholprogramm des Auswärtigen Amtes

DDO Gov. Uy issued Executive Order No. 25-2020

BOUNDARY LOCKDOWN

Davao de Oro---Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy issued an Executive Order (E.O.) No. 25 series of 2020 an Order Declaring the Province of Davao de Oro under mandatory community quarantine in all its entry and exit points effective March 19, 2020 and adopting the unified guidelines of the Regional Task Force COVID-19 of Davao Region.

As President Duterte issued Presidential Proclamation No. 922 that places the entire country in the State of Public Health Emergency after the Outbreak of COVID-19 which threatens national security.

On March 19 at 12:01 AM the province of DDO strictly implemented a locked down in its borders with other regions along with all the other LGUs of Davao Region to implement a Regional Lockdown, adopting the unified guidelines of the Regional Task Force COVID-19 of the Davao Region.

On the other hand, The Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF EID) COVID-19 of the Province of DDO has release and Emergency Hotlines or Help lines for the Province and the 11 municipalities as well.

As of March 18, 2020, there were 202 Confirmed Case nationwide with 17 deaths and 7 have recovered while for the province of Davao de Oro, 8 Persons Under Investigation (PUI), 542 Persons Under Monitoring (PUM) while six (6) has been discharged and 1 confirmed cased of COVID-19.

The 21-year-old female who was the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the province was residing in Pantukan and currently confined at DRMC in Tagum City. As per report by the health officials she is now recovering and in a stable condition.

In a radio program “Serbisyo Oro Mismo”, Governor Uy encourages everyone to follow the mandates of the Government to support the policy set by the local chief executives and to follow the "Stay at Home" policy, observe proper hand washing and social distancing.

“Ako muhangyo sa mga taga Davawenyo na karong panahuna magtinabangay ta atuang lantawon dili lang atuang sarili kundili para sa atuang mga silingan ug pamilya ug para sa atuang kinatibuk-ang kumunidad, karon ang panahon nga dapat mag-usa kita, mag cooperate kita sa gobyerno tungod kay dili dali na disease one of the trying times dili lang sa atuang nasud but sa tibuok kalibutan,” the governor said.

 “Ang inyung supurta sa atong mga plano sa gobyerno ang gikinahanglan namu, ug unta musunod tang tanan sa mga policiya nga gi set sa atong mga local chief executives’ para mapugngan ug malabanan king maong problema,” said governor Uy.

The modified EO was released and approved by the governor on March 18, 2020. (Rey Antibo, ID DDO)

The PNP personnel of the Davao de Oro Provincial Police Office and the 3rd Provincial Mobile Force Platoon strictly impliments the lockdown of the Region-XI boundaries during the first day implementation of the regional-wide lockdown for the whole Region 11.

Only Cargos loaded with perishable products and one driver are allowed to travel within the region.

This was taken at the provincial boundary of the province of Davao de Oro in Pasian, Monkayo and the Province of Agusan del Sur.(Photo by Rey Antibo, ID DDO)

Neues Registrierungsportal / Krisenvorsorgeliste

Liebe Landsleute,

wir hatten Sie bereits in diesen Tagen um Aktualisierung Ihrer Daten in unserer Krisenvorsorgeliste ELEFAND gebeten. Viele sind dieser Bitte gefolgt, mussten aber erhebliche Geduld aufbringen, andere konnten sich nicht einloggen. Das System ist leider überfordert, mit derart vielen Zugriffen konnte keiner rechnen.

Wir haben daher unter Mithilfe von SAP eine besondere App entwickelt, die Ihnen unter https://www.rueckholprogramm.de zur Verfügung steht. Wir möchten Sie erneut bitten, sich dort einmalig zu registrieren und Ihren Wunsch der Teilnahme einzutragen. Wir bitten, den zusätzlichen Aufwand zu entschuldigen, möchten aber vermeiden, dass letztlich technische Gründe zu einem Datenverlust führen, und Landsleute nur deshalb unberücksichtigt bleiben. Die Anwendung ist einfach und modern und lässt sich auch von mobilen Geräten nutzen.

Mit dieser App können wir den Bedarf bezogen auf den jeweiligen Abflughafen ermitteln und anschließend bei Maßnahmen in Ihrem Aufenthaltsland mit Ihnen Kontakt aufnehmen. So müssen Sie nicht telefonisch mit der deutschen Auslandsvertretung oder dem Auswärtigen Amt Verbindung aufnehmen.

Bei Teilnahme am Programm müssen Sie einen Antrag nach § 6 Konsulargesetz unterschreiben. Ein entsprechendes Formular finden Sie beigefügt. Bringen Sie dieses bitte ggf. ausgefüllt und unterschrieben zum Abflug mit. Sie müssen zwar keinen Flugpreis im Voraus bezahlen, aber später Flugkosten in Höhe eines Economy-Tickets auf Rechnung erstatten.

Sollten Sie mit deutschen Staatsangehörigen in Kontakt sein, die sich noch nicht in unserer Krisenvorsorgeliste registriert haben, werben Sie bitte dennoch weiter für die Registrierung in ELEFAND unter https://www.elefand.diplo.de .

Bitte beachten Sie auch weiterhin die stets aktualisierten Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise unter www.diplo.de, die Sie per Newsletter abonnieren oder in der Gratis-App „Sicher Reisen“ verfolgen können.

Vielen Dank für Ihre Mitwirkung und bleiben Sie gesund!

Ihre deutsche Botschaft Manila

Coronavirus: Asian nations face second wave of imported cases

By BBC

• 19 March 2020

• Share

Related Topics

• Coronavirus pandemic

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Image captionIt comes as these countries had been successful in controlling its domestic cases

South Korea, China and Singapore are among the Asian countries facing a second coronavirus wave, spurred by people importing it from outside.

China, where the virus first emerged, reported no new domestic cases on Thursday for the first time since the outbreak began, a major milestone.

But it reported 34 new cases among people recently returned to China.

Singapore also reported 47 new cases, of which 33 were imported - 30 of them returned Singapore residents.

South Korea saw a jump in new cases on Thursday with 152, though it is not clear how many were imported.

A new cluster there is centred on a nursing home in Daegu, where 74 patients have tested positive.

• LIVE COVERAGE: Latest from the BBC
• A SIMPLE GUIDE: What are the symptoms?
• AVOIDING CONTACT: Should I self-isolate?
• STRESS: How to protect your mental health
• MAPS AND CHARTS: Visual guide to the outbreak

Japan reported three new cases on Wednesday. But Hokkaido, the worst-affected Japanese region with 154 cases, is lifting its state of emergency in place since late February, after officials said the spread of the virus appeared to be ending.

Officials have urged people to remain cautious and stay at home, but said there had been "no surge of infected patients that led to the collapse of the medical environment".

"We've carried out powerful measures on refraining from going out, but from now on, we will move into a stage of reducing risks of the spread of infection while maintaining social and economic activities," governor Naomichi Suzuki said on Wednesday.

China's National Health Commission (NHC) reported no domestically transmitted cases in China for the first time since the virus emerged in late December.

It also said there were no cases at all in Wuhan, the outbreak centre which was essentially locked down earlier this year, but 34 cases arriving from abroad.

China's death toll stands at 3,245, however there have been ongoing questions over the reliability of China's data.

All four countries had all been showing success in controlling domestic cases, but there is concern that increases elsewhere could unravel their progress.

South Korea has been praised for its response to the epidemic, which has involved tracing the infection, testing large amounts of people and isolating patients quickly.

The pace of daily new infections has slowed since the outbreak peaked earlier this month. Before Wednesday's increase, the number of people contracting the virus had been in double digits for the last four days.

Health officials have warned there is no room for complacency and are once again urging the public to stay away from large gatherings including in churches, nursing homes, internet cafes and karaoke rooms.

Three people from the national fencing team have tested positive for coronavirus after returning from a competition in Hungary. All 26 athletes and coaches are now being tested.

Read more from Laura: Is S Korea's rapid testing the key to coronavirus?

'Stay home, please'

Much of the focus has now shifted to Europe and the US, but the new numbers signal that the outbreak is far from over in Asia.

Malaysia's senior health office on Wednesday begged people to "stay at home and protect yourself and your family. Please".

Image captionMalaysia has brought in a ban on public gatherings and closed schools

Malaysia, which is under a partial lockdown, has tallied 710 people with the virus, the worst in South East Asia. Many of the cases are linked to one religious event in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, in February.

"We have a slim chance to break the chain of COVID-19 infections," Noor Hisham Abdullah, director general of Health Malaysia, said on Facebook.

"Failure is not an option here. If not, we may face a third wave of this virus, which would be greater than a tsunami, if we maintain a 'so what' attitude."

According to a tally by Johns Hopkins University in the US, there are 215,955 cases and 8,749 deaths globally.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the vast majority - 80% - have occurred in Europe and the Western Pacific region, which includes much of Asia.