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Coronavirus live news: Dutch daily cases hit new high; Paris due to unveil tighter restrictions Coronavirus live news: Belgium to ease restrictions despite sharp cases rise; Dutch daily infections hit new high
(32 minutes later)
Netherlands hits record daily high with 2,357 confirmed new cases; Paris move would follow curbs in other French cities; world reports just under two million Covid-19 cases in one week Face masks no longer required outside in Belgium and self-isolation period reduced; Netherlands records 2,357 confirmed new cases; Paris to unveil tighter restrictions
Uzbeks who walk 10,000 steps a day for a year will be granted free use of state-owned gyms and a 50% discount on services provided by the government, according to a draft document published on Wednesday.
The draft presidential decree aims to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles and also includes provisions such as holding a car-free day and building street workout facilities across Uzbekistan, which has a population of 34 million people.
The government also hopes the health drive will help protect the population from illnesses like Covid-19, although Uzbekistan has reported fewer cases than many other countries, with 53,000 confirmed infections and 444 deaths. It introduced two lockdowns in order to contain its spread.
The decree outlines a programme called “Let’s overcome the pandemic through sports!” and highlights the promotion of sports such as walking, running, cycling, mini football, badminton, volleyball and street ball.
Belgium is ending a requirement to wear face masks outdoors and reducing the time people have to self-isolate, in a slight easing of coronavirus restrictions announced on Wednesday despite sharply rising numbers of Covid-19 infections.Belgium is ending a requirement to wear face masks outdoors and reducing the time people have to self-isolate, in a slight easing of coronavirus restrictions announced on Wednesday despite sharply rising numbers of Covid-19 infections.
The prime minister Sophie Wilmes told a news conference that, from 1 October, people who have had contact with an infected person would only have to quarantine for seven days.The prime minister Sophie Wilmes told a news conference that, from 1 October, people who have had contact with an infected person would only have to quarantine for seven days.
Masks would no longer be mandatory everywhere outside, as is currently the case in the capital Brussels and some other cities, she said. They will still have to worn in shops, cinemas, on public transport and in crowded streets. Masks would no longer be mandatory everywhere outside, as is currently the case in the capital, Brussels, and some other cities, she said. They will still have to worn in shops, cinemas, on public transport and in crowded streets.
Wilmes told reporters in Brussels:Wilmes told reporters in Brussels:
The country of 11 million people recorded on average 1,374 new cases per day over the past week. In early July, there were about 80 a day. That equates to 136 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last 14 days.The country of 11 million people recorded on average 1,374 new cases per day over the past week. In early July, there were about 80 a day. That equates to 136 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last 14 days.
Wilmes added:Wilmes added:
However, there was no clear tightening of measures, unlike other countries such as the UK, which announced curbs likely to last six months on Tuesday.However, there was no clear tightening of measures, unlike other countries such as the UK, which announced curbs likely to last six months on Tuesday.
Public events can still be attended by 200 people indoors and 400 outside and Belgians will still able to see up to five people without social distancing, although that could be cut to one depending on the health situation.Public events can still be attended by 200 people indoors and 400 outside and Belgians will still able to see up to five people without social distancing, although that could be cut to one depending on the health situation.
Belgium imposed a lockdown on 18 March due to Covid-19, which has claimed 9,955 lives in the country, one of the world’s highest fatality figures per capita.Belgium imposed a lockdown on 18 March due to Covid-19, which has claimed 9,955 lives in the country, one of the world’s highest fatality figures per capita.
The German foreign minister Heiko Maas went into quarantine on Wednesday after one of his bodyguards tested positive for Covid-19, forcing him to call off a planned trip to Jordan, according to the ministry and media reports. The German foreign minister, Heiko Maas, went into quarantine on Wednesday after one of his bodyguards tested positive for Covid-19, forcing him to call off a planned trip to Jordan, according to the ministry and media reports.
An initial test of the minister had found he was not infected, the ministry said.The announcement, a day after a meeting of European Union leaders was postponed because the European Council president Charles Michel entered quarantine, highlights the difficulty of maintaining normal diplomatic business as Europe prepares for a second, autumn wave of coronavirus infections. An initial test of the minister had found he was not infected, the ministry said.
“Foreign Minister Maas put himself into quarantine after a member of his personal protection team was infected with Covid-19,” the ministry said. The announcement, a day after a meeting of European Union leaders was postponed because the European council president, Charles Michel, entered quarantine, highlights the difficulty of maintaining normal diplomatic business as Europe prepares for a second, autumn wave of coronavirus infections.
“Foreign minister Maas put himself into quarantine after a member of his personal protection team was infected with Covid-19,” the ministry said.
Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper said Maas had had to cancel a planned visit to Jordan as a result of his quarantine.Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper said Maas had had to cancel a planned visit to Jordan as a result of his quarantine.
On Tuesday, Michel postponed to next week a summit of EU leaders after coming into contact with someone who had the virus. The summit had been planned for this Thursday.On Tuesday, Michel postponed to next week a summit of EU leaders after coming into contact with someone who had the virus. The summit had been planned for this Thursday.
Confirmed daily coronavirus cases in the Netherlands hit a record high on Wednesday, with 2,357 confirmed over the previous 24 hours, according to data published by health authorities.Confirmed daily coronavirus cases in the Netherlands hit a record high on Wednesday, with 2,357 confirmed over the previous 24 hours, according to data published by health authorities.
The country has had 100,597 confirmed cases since it began registering them in late February, according to data made available by the national institute for health (RIVM).The country has had 100,597 confirmed cases since it began registering them in late February, according to data made available by the national institute for health (RIVM).
Cases have risen rapidly since late August amid a broader European second wave, leaving the country short of tests, and prompting the prime minister, Mark Rutte, to urge citizens to recover a sense of “urgency” about social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.Cases have risen rapidly since late August amid a broader European second wave, leaving the country short of tests, and prompting the prime minister, Mark Rutte, to urge citizens to recover a sense of “urgency” about social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.
Organisers of the delayed Tokyo Olympics will require Covid-19 tests for non-Japanese athletes and other participants upon arrival in Japan, according to a draft of measures proposed by organisers and released on Wednesday.Organisers of the delayed Tokyo Olympics will require Covid-19 tests for non-Japanese athletes and other participants upon arrival in Japan, according to a draft of measures proposed by organisers and released on Wednesday.
Reuters reports that Japanese Olympic athletes and other participants living in Japan will be subject to the same measures, according to the draft measures still under discussion. Tokyo 2020 organisers were forced to delay the Games due to the pandemic.Reuters reports that Japanese Olympic athletes and other participants living in Japan will be subject to the same measures, according to the draft measures still under discussion. Tokyo 2020 organisers were forced to delay the Games due to the pandemic.
Germany’s health minister has urged users of a smartphone app to help trace coronavirus infections to upload positive test results into the system, so that others at risk get a timely warning.Germany’s health minister has urged users of a smartphone app to help trace coronavirus infections to upload positive test results into the system, so that others at risk get a timely warning.
The Corona-Warn-App, launched 100 days ago, has been downloaded more than 18m times – more than all other similar apps across Europe combined that use Bluetooth technology to assess an individual’s risk of catching Covid-19.The Corona-Warn-App, launched 100 days ago, has been downloaded more than 18m times – more than all other similar apps across Europe combined that use Bluetooth technology to assess an individual’s risk of catching Covid-19.
Yet only 5,000 app users who have tested positive – or half the total – have actually taken the steps needed to trigger exposure notifications to their contacts, the health minister, Jens Spahn, told a news conference.Yet only 5,000 app users who have tested positive – or half the total – have actually taken the steps needed to trigger exposure notifications to their contacts, the health minister, Jens Spahn, told a news conference.
Most are calling a hotline, while few are directly uploading their results via their phone – reflecting lingering fears that people’s identity will be revealed despite the app’s privacy protections.Most are calling a hotline, while few are directly uploading their results via their phone – reflecting lingering fears that people’s identity will be revealed despite the app’s privacy protections.
Spahn told reporters:Spahn told reporters:
Despite the relatively high public support for the app, designed by Deutsche Telekom and SAP, there is little evidence so far that it has contributed meaningfully to curbing the pandemic.Despite the relatively high public support for the app, designed by Deutsche Telekom and SAP, there is little evidence so far that it has contributed meaningfully to curbing the pandemic.
Still, the government is backing the Corona-Warn-App as a supplement to manual contact-tracing to contain infection numbers that are rising in Germany, albeit more slowly than in other European countries.Still, the government is backing the Corona-Warn-App as a supplement to manual contact-tracing to contain infection numbers that are rising in Germany, albeit more slowly than in other European countries.
Work is continuing to digitally automate the task of uploading of lab test results, with the consent of users. A symptom tracker to help users figure out whether they may have Covid-19 will be added in October, said Juergen Mueller, the chief technology officer at SAP.Work is continuing to digitally automate the task of uploading of lab test results, with the consent of users. A symptom tracker to help users figure out whether they may have Covid-19 will be added in October, said Juergen Mueller, the chief technology officer at SAP.
Walt Disney Co will lose its option to buy a plot of land next to its Hong Kong theme park that was to allow for future expansion after the city’s government said on Wednesday it would not extend the option due to current economic conditions.Walt Disney Co will lose its option to buy a plot of land next to its Hong Kong theme park that was to allow for future expansion after the city’s government said on Wednesday it would not extend the option due to current economic conditions.
The announcement comes as the Chinese-ruled hub tries to bolster its flagging economy and badly hit tourism sector, which was impacted heavily by anti-government protests last year and more recently, the coronavirus pandemic.The announcement comes as the Chinese-ruled hub tries to bolster its flagging economy and badly hit tourism sector, which was impacted heavily by anti-government protests last year and more recently, the coronavirus pandemic.
Hong Kong’s Disneyland resort is owned by a joint-venture, Hong Kong International Theme Parks Ltd (HKITP), of which the local government owns 53% and Walt Disney Co holds the rest.Hong Kong’s Disneyland resort is owned by a joint-venture, Hong Kong International Theme Parks Ltd (HKITP), of which the local government owns 53% and Walt Disney Co holds the rest.
The government said it was prudent to focus on the development and expansion of the existing resort in the coming few years rather than a geographic expansion, according to a statement on its website.The government said it was prudent to focus on the development and expansion of the existing resort in the coming few years rather than a geographic expansion, according to a statement on its website.
The option to buy the land, which is nearby the city’s international airport, was agreed 20 years ago and expires on Thursday.The option to buy the land, which is nearby the city’s international airport, was agreed 20 years ago and expires on Thursday.
A Walt Disney Company representative said the company would continue investing but was “extremely disappointed with the Hong Kong government’s decision not to extend the phase 2 land expansion option.”A Walt Disney Company representative said the company would continue investing but was “extremely disappointed with the Hong Kong government’s decision not to extend the phase 2 land expansion option.”
The land earmarked for Disney has been unused for years and activists had advocated that public housing be built on it. As the city experienced a renewed rise in coronavirus infections, authorities set up a temporary quarantine centre.The land earmarked for Disney has been unused for years and activists had advocated that public housing be built on it. As the city experienced a renewed rise in coronavirus infections, authorities set up a temporary quarantine centre.
Disney said on Tuesday it would reopen its Hong Kong park on 25 September to a reduced number of visitors and limited days, with enhanced health measures. It had closed again in mid-July for a second time.Disney said on Tuesday it would reopen its Hong Kong park on 25 September to a reduced number of visitors and limited days, with enhanced health measures. It had closed again in mid-July for a second time.
The Asian financial hub has relaxed its coronavirus restrictions, including reopening theme parks, after the testing of nearly two million people in a programme organised by the Chinese government found 42 cases.The Asian financial hub has relaxed its coronavirus restrictions, including reopening theme parks, after the testing of nearly two million people in a programme organised by the Chinese government found 42 cases.
Gatherings remain capped at four people and all guests inside the park must wear face masks.Gatherings remain capped at four people and all guests inside the park must wear face masks.
Israel’s cabinet is meeting to discuss tightening lockdown restrictions, with reports the government might shutter synagogues and ban crowds from gathering for demonstrations.Israel’s cabinet is meeting to discuss tightening lockdown restrictions, with reports the government might shutter synagogues and ban crowds from gathering for demonstrations.
Having imposed a three-week lockdown on Friday, Israel has reported a surge in the number of infections. On Wednesday morning, the health ministry reported close to 7,000 new virus cases, more than double the number of daily cases compared with the beginning of the month.Having imposed a three-week lockdown on Friday, Israel has reported a surge in the number of infections. On Wednesday morning, the health ministry reported close to 7,000 new virus cases, more than double the number of daily cases compared with the beginning of the month.
The defence minister, Benny Gantz, said he supported an increase in restrictions.The defence minister, Benny Gantz, said he supported an increase in restrictions.
Israel has recorded a relatively low death toll for its infection rate, at around 1,300, but officials warn that number could jump.Israel has recorded a relatively low death toll for its infection rate, at around 1,300, but officials warn that number could jump.
Singapore will pilot a new travel pass for senior executives in the city-state who need to travel regularly for business, authorities said Wednesday, as they further eased some coronavirus-related restrictions.Singapore will pilot a new travel pass for senior executives in the city-state who need to travel regularly for business, authorities said Wednesday, as they further eased some coronavirus-related restrictions.
The number of passes will be limited initially, and travellers must stick to their declared itinerary, the government said. Upon return, pass holders must self-isolate while awaiting results of a swab test, instead of undergoing the mandatory 14-day quarantine at home or at a hotel.The number of passes will be limited initially, and travellers must stick to their declared itinerary, the government said. Upon return, pass holders must self-isolate while awaiting results of a swab test, instead of undergoing the mandatory 14-day quarantine at home or at a hotel.
The country has recorded over 57,000 coronavirus cases overall, mostly among workers living in dormitories. The vast majority of those infected have since recovered.The country has recorded over 57,000 coronavirus cases overall, mostly among workers living in dormitories. The vast majority of those infected have since recovered.
The regional travel hub is home to the Asian headquarters of many global companies whose executives have long relied on the city-state’s connectivity. It has reciprocal business travel arrangements with a handful of countries, including China, Japan and neighbouring Malaysia.The regional travel hub is home to the Asian headquarters of many global companies whose executives have long relied on the city-state’s connectivity. It has reciprocal business travel arrangements with a handful of countries, including China, Japan and neighbouring Malaysia.
Lawrence Wong, the co-head of Singapore’s virus taskforce, told a media briefing.Lawrence Wong, the co-head of Singapore’s virus taskforce, told a media briefing.
Authorities also said that while working from home remained the default for Singapore, more employees will be allowed to return to workplaces with some precautions.Authorities also said that while working from home remained the default for Singapore, more employees will be allowed to return to workplaces with some precautions.
Among other easing measures, Singapore will from next month increase the limits on attendance numbers at weddings and in cinemas.Among other easing measures, Singapore will from next month increase the limits on attendance numbers at weddings and in cinemas.
Over the next few weeks, the government will look at how to further ease restrictions, including permitting travel with countries it deems safe and allowing more people to meet socially, Wong said.Over the next few weeks, the government will look at how to further ease restrictions, including permitting travel with countries it deems safe and allowing more people to meet socially, Wong said.
Travel restrictions around Europe aimed at curbing coronavirus contagion ravaged Spain’s tourism industry during the crucial month of August, depriving it of millions of tourists, Reuters reports.Travel restrictions around Europe aimed at curbing coronavirus contagion ravaged Spain’s tourism industry during the crucial month of August, depriving it of millions of tourists, Reuters reports.
The number of nights booked in Spanish hotels fell 64% last month from a year ago, data from the National Statistics Institute showed on Wednesday. In the first eight months of the year, hotel bookings slumped 70% from the same period in 2019.The number of nights booked in Spanish hotels fell 64% last month from a year ago, data from the National Statistics Institute showed on Wednesday. In the first eight months of the year, hotel bookings slumped 70% from the same period in 2019.
Travel restrictions imposed by European countries during the summer, amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections in Spain, have hit Spanish hotels hard after they emerged from a strict lockdown that had kept them shut between mid-March and late June.Travel restrictions imposed by European countries during the summer, amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections in Spain, have hit Spanish hotels hard after they emerged from a strict lockdown that had kept them shut between mid-March and late June.
Hotel bookings by British tourists plummeted over 91% in August, meaning the country lost about 1.1 million British visitors alone, while bookings from Germany were down 80%, the data showed. The Balearic islands lost 86% of their foreign tourists compared to a year earlier.Hotel bookings by British tourists plummeted over 91% in August, meaning the country lost about 1.1 million British visitors alone, while bookings from Germany were down 80%, the data showed. The Balearic islands lost 86% of their foreign tourists compared to a year earlier.
The tourism sector accounts for about 12% of the Spanish economy, providing more than one job in eight. Spain, one of the world’s most visited countries, received more than 80 million foreign visitors each year, mainly from European countries.The tourism sector accounts for about 12% of the Spanish economy, providing more than one job in eight. Spain, one of the world’s most visited countries, received more than 80 million foreign visitors each year, mainly from European countries.
The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, has announced the cancellation of this year’s Vienna Opera Ball, a glamorous society event that usually marks the peak of the Austrian ball season.The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, has announced the cancellation of this year’s Vienna Opera Ball, a glamorous society event that usually marks the peak of the Austrian ball season.
The government cited rising Covid-19 infection rates in the Alpine country as the reason for calling off the event, which was planned for 11 February 2021. While the Vienna State Opera put a lot of effort into security concepts, the wellbeing of participants could not have been guaranteed, the government said.The government cited rising Covid-19 infection rates in the Alpine country as the reason for calling off the event, which was planned for 11 February 2021. While the Vienna State Opera put a lot of effort into security concepts, the wellbeing of participants could not have been guaranteed, the government said.
It is only the second cancellation of the annual event since the end of the second world war. In 1991, the Vienna Opera Ball was cancelled due to the Gulf war.It is only the second cancellation of the annual event since the end of the second world war. In 1991, the Vienna Opera Ball was cancelled due to the Gulf war.
Malaysia recorded 147 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking the total to 10,505 infections. The health ministry also reported three new deaths, raising that tally to 133.Malaysia recorded 147 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, taking the total to 10,505 infections. The health ministry also reported three new deaths, raising that tally to 133.
Good morning from London! I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. As always, please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share.Good morning from London! I’m Lucy Campbell, I’ll be bringing you all the latest global developments on the coronavirus pandemic for the next eight hours. As always, please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share.
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
China’s foreign ministry has announced that foreigners with valid residence permits can enter the country without needing to re-apply for visas from 28 September.China’s foreign ministry has announced that foreigners with valid residence permits can enter the country without needing to re-apply for visas from 28 September.
Foreigners whose residence permits expired after March 28 can apply for visas at Chinese embassies and consulates for entry, the ministry said in a statement on its website.Foreigners whose residence permits expired after March 28 can apply for visas at Chinese embassies and consulates for entry, the ministry said in a statement on its website.
China in March temporarily suspended the entry of foreigners with valid Chinese visas and residence permits as an interim measure in response to the coronavirus epidemic.China in March temporarily suspended the entry of foreigners with valid Chinese visas and residence permits as an interim measure in response to the coronavirus epidemic.
Travel restrictions around Europe aimed at curbing coronavirus contagion ravaged Spain’s tourism industry during the crucial month of August, depriving it of millions of tourists.Travel restrictions around Europe aimed at curbing coronavirus contagion ravaged Spain’s tourism industry during the crucial month of August, depriving it of millions of tourists.
The occupancy rate in Spanish hotels fell 64% last month from a year ago, data from the National Statistics Institute showed on Wednesday.The occupancy rate in Spanish hotels fell 64% last month from a year ago, data from the National Statistics Institute showed on Wednesday.
In the first eight months of the year, hotel bookings slumped 70% from the same period in 2019.In the first eight months of the year, hotel bookings slumped 70% from the same period in 2019.
Travel restrictions imposed by European countries during the summer, amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections in Spain, have hit Spanish hotels hard after they emerged from a strict lockdown that had kept them shut between mid-March and late June.Travel restrictions imposed by European countries during the summer, amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections in Spain, have hit Spanish hotels hard after they emerged from a strict lockdown that had kept them shut between mid-March and late June.
Hotel bookings by British tourists plummeted over 91% in August, meaning the country lost about 1.1 million British visitors alone, while bookings from Germany were down 80%, the data showed. The Balearic islands lost 86% of their foreign tourists compared with a year earlier.Hotel bookings by British tourists plummeted over 91% in August, meaning the country lost about 1.1 million British visitors alone, while bookings from Germany were down 80%, the data showed. The Balearic islands lost 86% of their foreign tourists compared with a year earlier.
The tourism sector accounts for about 12% of the Spanish economy, providing more than one job in eight. Spain, one of the world’s most visited countries, received more than 80 million foreign visitors each year, mainly from European countries.The tourism sector accounts for about 12% of the Spanish economy, providing more than one job in eight. Spain, one of the world’s most visited countries, received more than 80 million foreign visitors each year, mainly from European countries.
Getting a front-row seat to Milan’s fashion week is harder than ever this year, with uninvited influencers and buyers nursing bruised egos as the shows start on Wednesday under coronavirus restrictions.Getting a front-row seat to Milan’s fashion week is harder than ever this year, with uninvited influencers and buyers nursing bruised egos as the shows start on Wednesday under coronavirus restrictions.
The virus, which is resurgent in Europe, forced many luxury houses to put off confirming their presence until the last minute – and in the end only a third have committed to appearing.The virus, which is resurgent in Europe, forced many luxury houses to put off confirming their presence until the last minute – and in the end only a third have committed to appearing.
Nevertheless, the Italian fashion chamber’s head, Carlo Capasa, said: “In this year marked by the Covid-19 epidemic, fashion has demonstrated, despite the difficulties that lie ahead, a great strength and sense of unity.”Nevertheless, the Italian fashion chamber’s head, Carlo Capasa, said: “In this year marked by the Covid-19 epidemic, fashion has demonstrated, despite the difficulties that lie ahead, a great strength and sense of unity.”
Missoni, the Italian label known for its explosions of colour, will start, presenting its new collection virtually, just like 41 other labels among the 64 spring/summer 2021 catwalks on the calendar.Missoni, the Italian label known for its explosions of colour, will start, presenting its new collection virtually, just like 41 other labels among the 64 spring/summer 2021 catwalks on the calendar.
In these social-distancing times, brands from Moschino to Versace and Prada have opted to simply stream their shows on social media.In these social-distancing times, brands from Moschino to Versace and Prada have opted to simply stream their shows on social media.
Not so for Giorgio Armani, who will be showing his collection on Italian prime time television on Saturday.Not so for Giorgio Armani, who will be showing his collection on Italian prime time television on Saturday.
Twenty-two houses are braving a live audience, from Fendi and Dolce&Gabbana to Etro, Ferragamo and Max Mara.Twenty-two houses are braving a live audience, from Fendi and Dolce&Gabbana to Etro, Ferragamo and Max Mara.
“Organising a fashion show with public present is a real headache at the moment,” confesses an organiser at a major fashion house, who preferred to remain anonymous.“Organising a fashion show with public present is a real headache at the moment,” confesses an organiser at a major fashion house, who preferred to remain anonymous.
“The number of seats has been drastically reduced and the seating plan, a diplomatic and political Tetris at the best of times, is driving us wild. We don’t want to offend anyone, but we don’t have enough room for everyone,” he said.“The number of seats has been drastically reduced and the seating plan, a diplomatic and political Tetris at the best of times, is driving us wild. We don’t want to offend anyone, but we don’t have enough room for everyone,” he said.
Indonesia reported 4,465 new coronavirus cases today, the country’s biggest daily rise, taking the total number of infections to 257,388, data from the country’s health ministry showed.Indonesia reported 4,465 new coronavirus cases today, the country’s biggest daily rise, taking the total number of infections to 257,388, data from the country’s health ministry showed.
The data added 140 new deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 9,977, the biggest death toll in south-east Asia.The data added 140 new deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 9,977, the biggest death toll in south-east Asia.