Risk Assessment Report – 18 May 2020
Risk Assessment Report – 18 May 2020
Rapid Risk Assessment
May 18, 2020
Risk Assessment Report – 18 May 2020
Time Period Covered May 18, 2020 - May 18, 2020
- World Health Organization (WHO) has published new guidance on “Cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the context of COVID-19”, intended for healthcare professionals, public health professionals and health authorities that are developing and implementing cleaning and disinfection policies and standard operating procedures.
- Presidents Carlos Alvarado Quesada of Costa Rica and Sebastián Piñera of Chile joined the WHO Director-General Dr Tedros on May 15 to announce progress on a technology platform that aims to lift access barriers to effective vaccines, medicines and other health products against COVID-19. The platform, which will officially launch on 29 May, will pool data, knowledge and intellectual property for existing or new COVID-19 health products to deliver ‘global public goods’ for all people and all countries (WHO Report No. 118)
- Cambodia's last patient who was being treated for COVID-19 has been discharged making the country the first ASEAN member states with zero COVID19 active case. Cambodia reported no new case/s for 36 consecutive days since April 12.
- The Prime Minister’s Office of Laos has issued the latest announcement on the easing of lockdown measures last May 15. Restrictions are gradually being eased after no new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in the country for 36 consecutive days since April 12. The country's National Task Force for COVID-19 Prevention and Control announced during the press conference that more offices and businesses will resume normal operations May 18. Some schools will reopen and certain sports activities will be permitted.
- In Philippines, Metro Manila, alongside Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, Angeles City and Laguna are under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) until end of May. In Metro Manila under MECQ, only private cars are allowed as long as only two people seat per row. Companies whose service is considered essential can hire shuttles for its workers. Motorcycles, bicycles, and e-scooters allowed with only one rider. The MECQ also partially reopened malls, as well as dozen other services and industries which have been closed for two months since the initial lockdown. The rest of the country is considered under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or the least strict form of quarantine.
- In line with the gradual easing of Singapore's Circuit Breaker measures, the government has released several updates. It includes guidelines on safe working and safe living, the gradual resumption of construction work, more support for firms in healthcare, education, and fintech. Employers allowed to resume their operations are required to implement these measures to protect their workers. In addition, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) has shared an advisory for muslims in Singapore who will be celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Sunday (May 24). MUIS encouraged Muslims to refrain from traditional Hari Raya visits and gatherings across households and use teleconferencing tools and mobile messaging applications to fulfil our religious obligations.
- Brunei reports no new COVID-19 case/s for 11 days since May 7.
- Japan has agreed to contribute over USD 2.7 million to help nine countries in the Americas strengthen their capacities to detect cases, monitor, and control
- outbreaks of COVID-19, as well as ensure that reliable public health information on the COVID-19 pandemic is available to people involved in the response and the general public.
Risk Assessment Report – 18 May 2020