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Japan

WHILE the Olympic flame makes its way around Japan and with fewer than 100 days to go before the Games open on

July 23, Japanese officials have warned that hosting them will be “really difficult”.

Nonetheless, Tokyo 2020 President Hashimoto Seiko said in a statement on the Olympics’ official website that the Games would be a celebration of resilience and solidarity

“For the last year, athletes have kept the faith and continued to train despite massive challengers,” she said.

“Soon we will all be able to celebrate what they have accomplished,” Hashimoto said. | African News Agency (ANA)

Malaysia

MALAYSIAN foreign Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will meet Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien on May 4 to discuss reopening the Malaysian-singaporean border.

The Malay Mail said foreigners from various countries had received emails from Malaysian embassies advising them they had until April 21 to leave the country or face fines or detention.

Last year, 291 compliance actions targeting entertainment venues and massage centres were undertaken, with 1 281 foreigners arrested.

There have been more than 360 000 Covid-19 cases recorded in Malaysia, with more than 1 300 fatalities. | ANA

Floyd trial

FORMER Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin waived his right to testify to the jury this week about his part in the death in custody of George Floyd in May as both sides rested their cases in his murder trial, the most high-profile police misconduct case in decades.

“I will invoke my Fifth Amendment privilege today,” Chauvin, 45, said in a hearing before the jury was brought in on Thursday morning after briefly removing his mask, referring to the constitutional right against self-incrimination.

They were his most extensive remarks since his trial began with jury selection on March 8. | Reuters

Pandemic

THE World Health Organization (WHO) raised its concern over the Covid-19 pandemic infection rate during the fasting month of Ramadaan. The WHO warned that there may be a spike in infections, with North Africa and the Middle East likely to be the most vulnerable region.

Cairo-based chief of the WHO for the Eastern Mediterranean, Ahmed almandhari, said at a news conference:

“We are especially worried that the current situation may worsen during Ramadaan if people don’t follow and adhere to the proven social measures that work.” | IOL

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