HONG KONG: Here are the latest developments in Asia related to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Although China is coming out out of the crisis most of the other countries in the continent including heavyweights Japan, South Korea and Singapore are still having trouble containing the virus despite drops in the cases.
Sumo wrestler tests positive
Japan's sumo wrestling calendar is in doubt after a competitor and his trainer tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of a major tournament scheduled for next month.
The Japan Sumo Association said wrestler Hakuyozan and his stable master Takadagawa had contracted the virus along with four sumo trainees.
It did not mention any change to future events but local media said the infections placed Tokyo's Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in jeopardy.
A low-ranking wrestler also tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month -- the first confirmed case in the sport.
The association has already been forced to move one tournament behind closed doors and postpone others.
Driveway vigils for Anzac Day
Australians and New Zealanders marked Anzac Day from the isolation of their driveways to honour their armed forces after the pandemic saw parades cancelled and ceremonies closed to the public.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was among those observing dawn vigils in front of their homes, while Australia's leader Scott Morrison attended an official Canberra ceremony forced behind closed doors.
Anzac Day marks the 1915 landing of troops at Gallipoli on the Turkish peninsula in an ill-fated World War I campaign against German-backed Ottoman forces that killed about 10,000 Australian and New Zealand servicemen.
Sri Lanka to lift curfew
Sri Lanka announced the lifting of a nationwide curfew after more than five weeks under lockdown despite the number of new coronavirus infections spiking in the past two days.
Police said the curfew will be lifted on Monday but travel restrictions would remain in place in four coastal regions, including the capital Colombo, which accounts for the bulk of the country's 420 Covid-19 cases.
An entire navy camp was placed under quarantine on Friday after 60 sailors tested positive for the virus, making the base the biggest cluster of infections on the South Asian island. - AFP
Sumo wrestler tests positive
Japan's sumo wrestling calendar is in doubt after a competitor and his trainer tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of a major tournament scheduled for next month.
The Japan Sumo Association said wrestler Hakuyozan and his stable master Takadagawa had contracted the virus along with four sumo trainees.
It did not mention any change to future events but local media said the infections placed Tokyo's Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in jeopardy.
A low-ranking wrestler also tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month -- the first confirmed case in the sport.
The association has already been forced to move one tournament behind closed doors and postpone others.
Driveway vigils for Anzac Day
Australians and New Zealanders marked Anzac Day from the isolation of their driveways to honour their armed forces after the pandemic saw parades cancelled and ceremonies closed to the public.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was among those observing dawn vigils in front of their homes, while Australia's leader Scott Morrison attended an official Canberra ceremony forced behind closed doors.
Anzac Day marks the 1915 landing of troops at Gallipoli on the Turkish peninsula in an ill-fated World War I campaign against German-backed Ottoman forces that killed about 10,000 Australian and New Zealand servicemen.
Sri Lanka to lift curfew
Sri Lanka announced the lifting of a nationwide curfew after more than five weeks under lockdown despite the number of new coronavirus infections spiking in the past two days.
Police said the curfew will be lifted on Monday but travel restrictions would remain in place in four coastal regions, including the capital Colombo, which accounts for the bulk of the country's 420 Covid-19 cases.
An entire navy camp was placed under quarantine on Friday after 60 sailors tested positive for the virus, making the base the biggest cluster of infections on the South Asian island. - AFP
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