North Korea to skip 2021 Tokyo Olympics over coronavirus concerns
By: DW
A North Korean website reported on Tuesday that the country will not join in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a website run by the Sports Ministry, officials decided not to participate in the 32nd Olympic Games in order to protect players from the world public health crisis caused by COVID-19.
The decision was made during a meeting on March 25 between Sports Minister Kim Il Guk and the national Olympic Committee.
North Korean state media had previously mentioned the committee meeting, but had not reported on its outcome.
By: Times News Service
Representative image
Muscat: Only Omani citizens and residency permit holders will be able to enter the Sultanate from April 8, the Supreme Committee to deal with Covid-19 said on Monday. The decision will come into effect from Noon this Thursday.
The Supreme Committee also urged citizens and residents to avoid travel outside Oman during the coming days unless absolutely necessary, in the context of several countries tightening border controls to stop the spread of the pandemic. It also recommended limiting travel outside Oman for those on official assignments. A review of these decisions would be undertaken along with other measures, keeping in mind the latest developments to the spread of Covid-19 during the holy month of Ramadan.
Death toll in Indonesia s massive flood rises over 150
By: DW
Scores of people have been killed in Indonesia and neighboring East Timor after Cyclone Seroja battered the region over the weekend, officials said on Tuesday.
At least 150 people are confirmed dead so far, with 128 deaths recorded in Indonesia and another 27 in East Timor.
Dozens still missing
Torrential rains triggered massive floods and landslides on Sunday that devastated communities in a remote cluster of islands in eastern Indonesia as well as the half-island nation of East Timor.
The death toll could rise further, with the Indonesian disaster management agency reporting that more than 70 people are still missing.