EUROPE: CEE PULSE
Most countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are beginning to ease the Covid-19-related restrictions on economic and public activities cautiously. However, Russia is still focusing on containment and economic support measures amid the continuing surge of new cases. Meanwhil… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or E-mail Password Remember Me […]
THAILAND: A gradual easing of restrictions may start in the next two weeks
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is expected to renew the state of emergency that lapses on 30 April. However, encouraged by the overall decline in new cases and fatalities, the government is planning to ease movement and business restrictions in stages across provinces. Currentl… Become a member to read the rest of this article
GHANA: Partial lockdown lifted, other measures kept in place
On 19 April, President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the lifting of the partial lockdown that had been in place in the capital Accra and the commercial hub Kumasi since 30 March. However, other social distancing measures and travel restrictions will remain in place. Akufo-Addo hinted… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: Amid pressure, government to ease restrictions but keeps fingers crossed
Following an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 April that India will continue its national lockdown until 3 May, but will be reviewed and some restrictions could be lifted on 20 April, large corporations to small businesses are all are scrambling to ensure they a… Become a member to read the rest […]
SOUTH KOREA: Democrats win historic victory in National Assembly elections
President Moon Jae-in’s Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) won a resounding victory in National Assembly elections on Wednesday, 15 April, with returns suggesting that the ruling party won 178 seats, the largest-ever majority won in the 300-seat legislature since democratization and… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SOUTH AFRICA: Piecemeal economic response
● Over the next day or two, decisions from today’s cabinet meeting may emerge regarding social grants and the phased restart of some sectors. ● The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) continues to lead the economic policy response to the pandemic and the extended lockdown. ● … Become a member to read the rest […]
SOUTHEAST ASIA: Summit focuses on healthcare cooperation, but it will take time
Leaders of the ten countries of the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) nations met virtually on Tuesday, 14 April, and then with their counterparts from China, South Korea and Japan (the so-called “+3” countries) on the same day. Although these types of meetings are often do… Become a member to read the rest of […]
SOUTH AFRICA: Longer lockdown
● Late on 9 April, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the current 21-day lockdown would be extended by two weeks, until 30 April. ● While the government’s public health response has been well communicated and resolute, questions around the pandemic’s disastrous economic … Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: Extended lockdown on the horizon as livelihood crisis looms
As India struggles to decide whether to extend the nationwide lockdown to control the spread of Covid-19, state after state is petitioning the federal government to disregard the economic costs as their healthcare capacity is stretched to the seams, unable to withstand a further … Become a member to read the rest of this […]
SOUTH KOREA: Moon administration outlines “new normal” in a Covid-19 world
● South Korea has contained its outbreak and is implementing extensive social distancing policies to prevent the emergence of new clusters. ● Moon Jae-in’s government has also rolled out new restrictions on international travel to prevent the import of new cases from overseas…. Become a member to read the rest of this article