Asia
Patients over 60 years old contribute to surge in critical COVID-19 cases in S. Korea
As South Korea is battling the second wave of COVID-19 infection, the outbreak is centred in Seoul where it is home to 25 million people.
The Korea Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) announced on Tuesday (1 September) that a total of 267 new cases had been reported. New cases of COVID-19 had been on the rise, and overall, South Korea reported a total of 20,449 cases as well as 326 deaths.
As reported by Reuters, the Vice Health Minister Kim Kang-lip revealed that the number of severely or critically-ill patients was at 124 earlier today (2 September). It was a jump as compared to the nine critical cases back on 18 August.
“The number in critical condition is steadily increasing,” said Mr Kim.
In the new wave of infection in South Korea, more than 40 per cent of the surge was found in people over the age of 60. This then contributed to the spike in the critically-ill COVID-19 patients, according to the nation’s health officials.
It was also reported that over the past three weeks, the surge in the coronavirus cases had depleted medical facilities, with just nine hospital beds – which was less than 3 per cent – available for critical cases in greater Seoul. Whereas 10 days ago, there was 22 per cent of hospital beds available.
The South Korean government reveals that they are working to secure more beds as they expected the number of severe cases to continue to rise as many of the patients are over 60 years old.
Mr Kim added that “only social distancing” can bring the number of new infections down, thus urging residents to cancel any trips and stay at home as much as possible.
Asia
Up to 200 athletes tested for doping so far at Asian Games
Between 150 and 200 Asian Games athletes tested for doping, yielding no positive results. Anti-doping efforts emphasized for a clean event, focusing on record-breakers.
HANGZHOU, CHINA — Between 150 and 200 Asian Games athletes have already been tested for doping, the Olympic Council of Asia said on Monday, with no positive results so far.
Speaking at an anti-doping press conference on the second full day of the Games in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, the OCA said dope-testing was “gaining momentum” at the event.
Mani Jegathesan, an adviser to the OCA anti-doping committee, warned that drug cheats would be rooted out.
Up to 200 athletes have been tested so far, he said, but any positive results will take several days to come through.
“Every athlete participating in these Games must understand that they could be picked at any time,” Jegathesan warned.
“That is the best step to ensuring we have a clean event.”
There are about 12,000 athletes at the 19th Asian Games, more competitors than the Olympics, and Jegathesan admitted it would be impossible to test them all.
Instead, they will prioritise, including picking out those who break world or Asian records.
— AFP
Asia
Foodpanda’s restructuring amid sale speculations
Food delivery giant Foodpanda, a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, announces staff layoffs in the Asia-Pacific region, aiming for increased efficiency. This move coincides with ongoing talks about potentially selling parts of its 11-year-old business.
Foodpanda, a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, is initiating undisclosed staff reductions in the Asia-Pacific region, as discussions continue regarding the potential sale of a portion of its 11-year-old food delivery business.
In a memorandum circulated to employees on 21 September, Foodpanda CEO Jakob Angele conveyed the company’s intent to become more streamlined, efficient, and agile.
Although the exact number of affected employees was not disclosed, the emphasis was on enhancing operational efficiency for the future.
No mention was made in the memo regarding the reports of Foodpanda’s potential sale in Singapore and six other Southeast Asian markets, possibly to Grab or other interested buyers.
Foodpanda had previously conducted staff layoffs in February and September 2022. These actions come as the company faces mounting pressure to achieve profitability, particularly in challenging economic conditions.
The regulatory filings of Foodpanda’s Singapore entity for the fiscal year 2022, ending on 31 Dec, indicated a loss of S$42.7 million despite generating revenue of S$256.7 million.
Angele further explained that Foodpanda intends to review its organizational structure, including both regional and country teams, with some reporting lines being reassigned to different leaders. Additionally, certain functions will be consolidated into regional teams.
Expressing regret over the challenging decisions, Angele assured affected employees of a severance package, paid gardening leave, and extended medical insurance coverage where feasible.
Foodpanda will also forego the usual waiting period for long-term incentive plan grants, and vesting will continue until the last employment date. Employees will retain all vested shares as of their last day of employment.
Foodpanda, established in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, became a part of Delivery Hero in 2016. The company operates in 11 markets across the Asia-Pacific region, excluding its exit from the Japanese market last year.
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