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South Korean regions still mandate coronavirus testing for foreign workers

REUTERS

SEOUL — Several South Korea provinces and cities are continuing to mandate coronavirus testing for foreign workers, despite a request from the national government that prompted Seoul to end its mandate amid international outcry.

Last week the headquarters of the nation’s pandemic control effort asked local governments to end mandatory testing for foreigners, and improve testing policies to eliminate discrimination or rights violations. But only Seoul scrapped its controversial order.

The same day, Daegu, the fourth-largest city, with a population of 2.5 million, doubled down with a second order expanding the number of foreign workers that needed to be tested. No foreign workers among 2,553 in the first round tested positive, Daegu said in a statement.

The city, once the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in South Korea, also mandated that any new foreign hires be tested between Mar. 19 to 28.

South Jeolla province kept its order to test about 14,000 foreigners in March, but said it had revised its policies to include more Koreans, a provincial official told Reuters.

So far 24,700 foreign workers have been tested, with one testing positive, the official said.

Gyeonggi, the most populous province in South Korea, wrapped up two weeks of mandatory tests for hundreds of thousands of foreign workers on Monday.

North Gyeongsang and Gangwon provinces, and Incheon city, have also had mandatory testing policies. Representatives there did not respond to requests for comment.

North Gyeongsang said in a statement last week it had found 11 positive patients among 13,034 foreigners tested.

Health officials have said the measures were needed to blunt a spike in infections among foreign residents. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), foreigners accounted for more than 11% of all new cases across the country over the past week.

South Korea had at least 1.6 million registered foreign workers and 391,306 undocumented foreigners as of December, the justice ministry told Reuters.

South Korea’s human rights commission said on Monday that the remaining measures should be “immediately suspended” and called for Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun — who oversees anti-pandemic efforts — to work with local governments to implement policies that are not discriminatory.

Visiting one of Seoul’s testing centers on Monday, Mr. Chung said testing should cover foreigners and Koreans, and focus more on high-risk facilities.

The British Embassy, which was one of the most vocal critics of the policies, is discussing the issue with senior officials, spokesman Stephen Burns said.

“Any policy requiring the mandatory testing of foreigners, and only foreigners, is discriminatory in nature,” he said. — Reuters

Gunman kills 10, including cop, at Colorado grocery

BOULDER, Colo.  — A gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, on Monday, killing 10 people, including a police officer, before being arrested, marking the second deadly US mass shooting in less than a week.

Police gave few immediate details of the shooting and no known motive for the violence, which unfolded at about 3 p.m. at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, a north-central Colorado city at the eastern foot of the Rockies, about 28 miles (45 km) northwest of Denver.

Frantic shoppers and employees fled for cover through the supermarket as law enforcement officers swarmed the scene, located about 2 miles from the University of Colorado’s flagship campus.

Sarah Moonshadow, 42, a customer and Boulder resident who was in the store with her son, Nicholas, recounted scenes of pandemonium as gunfire rang out from inside the store.

“We were at the checkout, and shots just started going off,” Ms. Moonshadow told Reuters. “And I said, ‘Nicholas get down.’ And Nicholas ducked. And we just started listening and there, just repetitive shots … and I just said, ‘Nicholas, run.’”

Ms. Moonshadow said she tried to go to the aid of a victim she saw lying on the pavement just outside the store, but her son pulled her away, telling her, ‘We have to go.’” The woman broke down in sobs, adding, “I couldn’t help anybody.”

The bloodshed came less than a week after gun violence last Tuesday that left eight people dead, including six Asian women, at three day spas in and around Atlanta. A 21-year-old man has been charged with those killings.

Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold said 10 people perished in the attack at King Soopers grocery. Among them was 51-year-old policeman Eric Talley, an 11-year veteran of the Boulder police force, who she said was the first officer at the scene.

Police said the suspected gunman was believed to be the only individual with serious injuries who survived the bloodshed. He was not publicly identified.

Video footage from the scene broadcast earlier by television stations showed a shirtless, bearded man in boxer shorts being led away from the store in handcuffs, before he was placed on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance. The man in custody appeared to have a bloody leg and was limping as he walked.

One man who said he was shopping inside the store with his wife told KCNC-TV that he heard three loud bangs he took for gunshots, and ran through the store with other customers to escape through a loading bay at the rear of the building.

He said the apparent shots sounded like they came from the checkout area at the front of the store.

Authorities gave few details about how the shooting unfolded. Commander Kerry Yamaguchi of the Boulder Police Department told reporters several hours after the fact that investigators were just starting to process the crime scene.

“Boulder has suffered a terrible and horrific mass shooting today,” Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said at a news conference later in the evening.

Video footage taken by an onlooker and posted to social media shows two bodies lying in the grocery store parking lot, before the person with the camera walks inside and films a third body lying there, as three shots are heard in the background.

The Table Mesa area of Boulder where the shooting occurred is home to a residential neighborhood and the hilltop laboratory of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Police declined to say what kind of weapon was used, but the Denver Post reported that initial 911-emergency calls described the suspect’s firearms as a “patrol rifle.” — Reuters

Tennis ace Eala falls short in Miami Open qualifiers

FILIPINO TENNIS ACE ALEX EALA fell to Slovak Viktória Kužmová (6-4, 4-6, 2-6) in the first round of the Miami Open qualifiers this early Tuesday morning (Manila time). — GLOBE TELECOM

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

FILIPINO tennis ace Alex Eala failed to move past the first round of the Miami Open qualifiers, bowing to Slovakian Viktória Kužmová (6-4, 4-6, 2-6) in Florida, this early Tuesday morning (Manila time).

Ms. Eala, 15, who earned a wild card entry to the prestigious ATP 1000 event, started the match strong against her older opponent, but could not sustain it throughout the contest en route to the defeat.

The Rafa Nadal Academy scholar Eala, who is also a Globe ambassador, found herself in a 0-2 hole early in the opening set but charged back to first level the score at 4-4 then bagged the next two games to go a set up.

Ms. Kužmová, 22, regrouped in the second set, racing to a 4-1 lead and never looked back from there.

In the deciding set, the Slovak, ranked 104 in the World Tennis Association (WTA), built on the momentum she got in the previous set to push 737th-ranked Eala on the brink, 5-2.

Ms. Eala still tried to claw her way back, but Ms. Kužmová would have none of it and went for the closeout to advance to the next round of the qualifiers where she will face Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa.

Despite the loss, Ms. Eala remained positive, seeing the setback as part of the “journey” of making the transition from a junior player to a professional.

In a post by the WTA, the teen tennis sensation shared that she recognizes that as she progresses in the sport it will be littered with “ups and downs,” something she expressed readiness for.

She went on to thank her family and supporters for backing her up just as she is counting on them to be by her side moving forward.

The stint in the Miami Open qualifiers was the latest achievement for Ms. Eala this year.

Ms. Eala opened 2021 by winning her very first professional championship in the W15 Manacor back in January. She then followed it up with three straight quarterfinal finishes in the succeeding legs of the tournament.

NCAA determined to push through with new season despite pandemic challenges

THE National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is determined to push through with its new season despite the challenges presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking at the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, NCAA Management Committee Chairman Fr. Vic Calvo of Season 96 host Letran moved to assure that the league is in the process of setting the stage for its new season in close collaboration with its partners.

“The season will definitely push through,” said Mr. Calvo, adding they are targeting a season kickoff sometime in May.

He, however, said some modifications are to be expected as they try to adapt to the present conditions with the pandemic.

“The NCAA is looking to at least hold two to four online and hybrid competitions,” the long-time league official said.

Mr. Calvo said online events for chess and taekwondo are being readied just as they are working on the possibility of holding basketball and volleyball competitions this year.

“We have reached out to pertinent authorities to discuss ways to make things work. We’re still waiting for their response,” he said, referring to, among others, the Commission on Higher Education and Department of Education.

He shared that at this point of rising coronavirus cases things got trickier for them, but they are not losing hope and vowed to be creative in going about holding the season.

“We’re not going to give up. The NCAA embodies the Filipinos’ resilience and perseverance particularly in sports. The coronavirus is a serious matter, but if we can find ways to still function in a safe manner, we should go for it. We have to learn to adapt with the new normal,” Mr. Calvo said.

The NCAA, Mr. Calvo said, has been coordinating closely with new television partner GMA-7 for their upcoming season.

“GMA has been supportive of the league since we partnered with them. Almost every day we have been meeting with them on how we are going to present the season. And we’re satisfied with the developments,” he said.

The NCAA formalized its partnership with GMA late last year after the league’s former TV home, ABS-CBN, was forced to shut down in May 2020.

Both the league and GMA expressed excitement over the linkup as they look to build on each other’s brands to help further grow the NCAA and collegiate sports in general.

The country’s oldest collegiate sports league saw its Season 95 come to an abrupt end last year as the coronavirus pandemic started to make its presence felt in the country. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

MPBL stands by decision not to allow Basilan Steel to play in Subic ‘bubble’

THE Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is standing by its decision not to allow Basilan-Jumbo Plastic Steel in the recent playoffs of the league done in a “bubble” setting inside the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in Zambales.

On Tuesday, MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes spoke on the issue, saying that they acted in the best interest of the league in relation to the ongoing situation with the pandemic and was done in good faith in accordance with the health and safety guidelines given to them by the authorities.

The MPBL official also addressed efforts by Basilan on social media to discredit the league, saying they are “uncalled for.”

“I thank God that nobody tested positive inside the bubble… We were very strict in implementing the DoH (Department of Health) guideline. Based on it, in the event one person tested positive inside the bubble, they will cancel the event. Ensuring the safety and health of everyone was important for us and to make sure the bubble was held successfully,” said Mr. Duremdes, whose group had to wait for a year to resume its Lakan Season after the pandemic brought it to a halt last year.

Basilan was supposed to play eventual league champions Davao Occidental-Cocolife Tigers in a do-or-die match for the South division crown last March 10. But two members of its delegation tested positive for the coronavirus upon their arrival in Subic.

According to Mr. Duremdes right then and there, the Basilan team was supposed to be sent back to Manila as the Steel delegation travelled to Subic in one vehicle.

“According to our medical experts, since the team traveled together, all of them are considered as close contacts and as per the guideline they are automatically out. But they (Steel) appealed for re-swabbing and after consulting with our medical team headed by Dr. Aris Cabigao, we agreed, Re-swabbing was for seven days,” shared Mr. Duremdes.

As all parties were waiting for the re-swabbing, it was agreed upon that if no one tested positive from the Basilan team in the re-swabbing, it would be allowed to enter the bubble. But in the event, there was a positive case the team had to forfeit its game.

Mr. Duremdes said the decision was clear with the Basilan team officials, who, in turn, agreed to it.

Basilan had its retest on March 15. A day later, it yielded four positive cases, resulting in Basilan’s win-or-go-home game against Davao Occidental being called a no-contest.

The Steel criticized the league for its action after, saying they were treated unfairly and demanded the decision to be overturned.

They, too, asked that they be given the full refund of their expenses for the past season and called for the resignation of MPBL officials.

Mr. Duremdes hit out at the efforts to discredit the league, saying how unfair they are.

He said that the same process would have been done if Davao Occidental, San Juan-Go for Gold Knights and Makati Super Crunch, the other teams that saw action in the bubble, were on the same boat as Basilan.

Despite the issue, the MPBL commissioner is thankful that the Lakan Season was given the conclusion it needed, with Davao Occidental emerging as champion, beating San Juan in a tightly fought best-of-five finals series, 3-1. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Bike and plant for Sarangani Bay protected seascape 

More than 500 bikers from Soccsksargen Region took part in the recent bike and plant activity marking the 25th anniversary of the proclamation of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS). The bikers, representing various government agencies and private cycling groups, rode the 60-kilometer route from General Santos City and planted various species of mangrove propagules in mangrove forests in the coastal towns of Alabel, Malapatan and Glan in Sarangani province. The coastal road along the bay is being primed as a bike tourism destination in southern Mindanao because of its scenic and culturally rich highways. The event was spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through its Protected Area Management Office and Protected Area Management Board, to combine recreational sports and environmental education and action in Region 12.

Olympics – Tokyo organizers to bar most international volunteers

TOKYO — Tokyo Olympic organizers said on Monday that Japan would not allow in volunteers from overseas except for some who are deemed essential, after it decided to bar international spectators amid public concerns over the novel coronavirus.

Athletes’ families are also likely to be barred although organizers have yet to make a decision, Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto told a news conference.

Mr. Muto said the decision on volunteers was regrettable, but that organizers wanted to decide now so there would not be confusion for those people overseas who were waiting for a decision.

Organizers said on Saturday they had decided not to allow in foreign spectators during the Games and would refund some 600,000 Olympic tickets and another 30,000 Paralympic tickets purchased by overseas residents.

“So considering that decision, we have also decided that we will not be able to allow volunteers from outside Japan into Japan this summer to take part in the Games,” Mr. Muto said.

Mr. Muto added that organizers had yet to reach a conclusion about the families of athletes, but that they would likely be considered in the same way as foreign spectators.

More than 110,000 volunteers had put their lives on hold waiting for word from Olympics organizers about their roles this summer.

Volunteers take care of everything from translating and guiding people to driving visitors around and venue management. A rich part of the Olympic tradition, they range from university students to retirees and come from all around the world.

Mr. Muto said exceptions would be made for volunteers with expert and specialised knowledge about specific sports and that these people would receive individual notifications.

It was not immediately clear how many exceptions would be granted. Kyodo News reported earlier that organizers might allow around 500 foreign volunteers into Japan under special entry rules. — Reuters

Rudy Gobert swats nine shots as Jazz rout Bulls

RUDY Gobert had 21 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high nine blocked shots, and the Utah Jazz pulled away for a 120-95 win over the host Chicago Bulls on Monday night.

Donovan Mitchell scored a team-high 30 points for Utah, which wrapped a five-game road trip with a 3-2 record. Joe Ingles (17 points), Jordan Clarkson (16), and Mike Conley (15) also scored in double digits for the league-leading Jazz.

Gobert set a personal record when he swatted away a layup attempt by Coby White midway through the fourth quarter. He surpassed his previous high of eight blocked shots, which he established against the Indiana Pacers on March 20, 2017.

Zach LaVine finished with 27 points to lead the Bulls. Thaddeus Young contributed 14 points and nine rebounds, Tomas Satoransky scored 13, and White had 10.

Utah shot 48.9% (45 of 92) from the field and 43.6% (17 of 39) from 3-point range.

Chicago shot 40.6% (39 of 96) overall and 23.1% (six of 26) from long distance.

The Jazz led 89-71 at the end of the third quarter. Clarkson capped the period with a floating jump shot off an assist from Conley with 3.1 seconds to go.

Utah held a 56-42 lead at the half. Mitchell led all scorers with 21 points before the break while LaVine led the Bulls with 13.

Chicago opened with a 20-15 lead after White drained a 3-pointer with 4:07 remaining in the first quarter. But the advantage did not last for long as Utah closed the quarter on a 14-3 run to go ahead 29-23.

In the second quarter, Utah extended its lead to as many as 17 points. Young trimmed the Bulls’ deficit to 14 when he made a cutting layup with 25.9 seconds left before intermission.

Chicago has lost three of its past four games while Utah has won three of its past four.

This was the first meeting of the season between the teams, who will square off again in Salt Lake City on April 2. — Reuters

James-less Lakers

There’s no question that LeBron James continues to be the National Basketball Association’s most influential star. Even at an old 36 and close to the end of a distinguished career, he remains the biggest name on the marquee. He once again led all players in All-Star votes, and his jersey is number one in sales. Even his “moments” are the most coveted; he has the top four and six of the top eight Top Shot collectibles. Meanwhile, he’s the engine that makes the Lakers, defending champions, run smoothly. His on-off numbers are among the highest in the league, with the purple and gold a decided net negative in his absence.

Which, in a nutshell is why the needle moved significantly following news of James’ indefinite sidelining due to a high ankle sprain he suffered in the second quarter of the Lakers’ match against the Hawks over the weekend. The type of injury he sustained typically takes weeks from which to recover, and bookmakers wasted no time lowering the odds on both a title repeat and a Most Valuable Player campaign. The jury’s still out on whether the changes are justified. That said, head coach Frank Vogel’s charges — or, to be more precise, remaining charges — will have to stay afloat in the absence of their acknowledged leader.

For the Lakers, plodding on without All-Star Anthony Davis is bad enough; since exiting their encounter with the Nuggets last month, he has been unable to suit up due to tendinosis and a right calf strain. Getting by without James is infinitely worse. No eyebrows were raised when they went on to lose to the Hawks, and then to the Suns in their next outing. Then again, the real battles begin in the playoffs, when the two are fully expected to be ready and geared to go deep. The four-time Finals MVP’s resume is littered with postseason success following seemingly unremarkable regular-season stands.

To be sure, James was far from happy to be decommissioned by a freak accident. He was bummed that he needed to be away from the floor for an indefinite period. The flipside: he’s known for recovering quickly. Not for nothing has he missed more than 10 games in a given campaign only twice since he was chosen first overall in the 2003 draft. He himself alluded to his commitment to return as fast as he can, noting in Tweet that he will be “back soon like I never left.” He better, because the Lakers will go only so far as he can take them.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

German businesses say Easter lockdown will fuel bankruptcies

BERLIN – Germany’s decision to extend the coronavirus lockdown and close stores over Easter could drive more businesses to bankruptcy and be counterproductive by encouraging people to flock to the shops beforehand, lobby groups said on Tuesday.

The HDE association of retailers said 54% of fashion stores faced the danger of insolvency after 100 days of lockdown.

“After one year with coronavirus, the situation for many retailers is desperate. There is no longer any hope of surviving this crisis economically,” HDE president Stefan Genth said.

After talks that lasted into the early hours of Tuesday, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany would extend its lockdown until April 18 and called on citizens to stay home and reduce contacts as much as possible for five days from April 1.

The number of new infections in Germany rose by 7,485 on Tuesday to 2.674 million, while another 250 people died, bringing the death toll to 74,964. The number of cases per 100,000 in the last seven days rose to 108 from 107 on Monday.

Genth said the government was operating with “tunnel vision” by only focusing on the number of cases per 100,000 people, rather than other metrics and the fact retailers have taken many steps to limit the risk of infection while shopping.

“The risk of infection during shopping is low,” he said.

The HDE said the decision to close supermarkets on the Thursday before Easter would be counterproductive as it would mean the stores would be fuller on the Wednesday and Saturday.

The Association of the German Motor Trade (ZDK) also attacked the extension and tightening of the lockdown.

“Politicians must not shut down our country any longer,” ZDK president Juergen Karpinski told the newspapers of the Funke Mediengruppe, warning of a wave of bankruptcies.

“If car dealerships contribute practically nothing to infections, how is their closure supposed to help contain the virus?” – Reuters

Lazada recognizes everyday heroes and sellers in celebration of its 9th Birthday this March

Looking back at how far Lazada has come in the past nine years, a huge part of its success can be attributed to its flourishing marketplace and the seller community behind it. While the past year has been quite a challenge for SMEs, Lazada has continued to remain driven and passionate in empowering businesses to flourish. Entrepreneurs have always been the backbone of the platform, continuously steering the company to greater heights and success.

Themed around celebrating ‘Everyday Heroes’, this year’s Birthday festivities not only pays tribute to frontline essential workers that have been working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but also shines the spotlight on individuals our community who have, in their own ways, demonstrated resilience and touched the lives of people around them.

This includes business owners and SMEs who have been through bumps and hiccups, but continue to place importance on bringing happiness and joy to their customers by providing amazing products that cater to a range of consumer needs. Lazada celebrates its ninth anniversary by recognizing its community of sellers and entrepreneurs, whose stories serve as an inspiration for other business owners and continue to contribute to the growth of the Philippine economy.

TRIZIE PH – Darla Bautista

TRIZIE Fiber is a wellness product company founded in Thailand, exclusively sold by luxury lifestyle retailer BFF Bangkok. TRIZIE Fiber originated in the Philippines when founder Darla’sformer college professor introduced her to the owner of BFF Bangkok, Porsajika Thongsuk, who is also involved in the creation and formulation of TRIZIE products. Porsajika Thongsuk aspired to bring TRIZIE to the Philippines because she believed in the huge untapped potential of the market.

Teaming up with former college acquaintances and mentors, Darla launched TRIZIE on Lazada in October 2020, and has been a meaningful journey for both herself and her team. 

“Lazada was our top choice because it’s the first and largest eCommerce platform in the country. With its scale, network, and credibility, Lazada helped kickstart our brand successfully with their reach, credentials, and payment options. The platform enabled our customers to easily discover our pilot products, and the new items we subsequently launched, like our new wellness accessories. It solved a lot of first-time shopping barriers for shoppers too – like credibility of the quality, payment options, and pick-up options,” said Darla Bautista, founder of TRIZIE Philippines.  

Darla attributes their 11.11 success with the seller support that the business provided. The team has been consistently reaching out to ensure that businesses are poised for growth, which is what makes the platform an ideal partner for both aspiring and budding entrepreneurs. 

“We’ve over-delivered revenue expectations month-on-month since our launch last year, and we’ve consistently been landing a spot as one of the top 10 LazMall health brands!” Darla said.

Mighty Baby PH – Meryll Dy

Meryll Dy, the owner of Mighty Baby PH, has been distributing their products since 2014 in established retail stores in the Philippines and saw an increasing need to strengthen their online brand presence and widen their network to reach more potential customers across the country. This led to Meryll’s decision to start selling on Lazada in 2014. She and her team were one of the first few sellers on Lazada. Today, she is the owner of a brand that’s been identified as one of the Top 15 brands under the Mom and Baby Category. 

“For the first few years with Lazada, we were not very active in joining campaigns, and the look of our online store was pretty ordinary. We hired more manpower two years ago to focus on just Lazada, and also spruce our store up to make it more aesthetically pleasing for our customers. Our sales have grown exponentially since! Revenue from traditional brick and mortar stores dipped the past couple of months due to the pandemic, but we are very happy that we have Lazada to back us up as a partner that will help us grow our business. They have completely changed the online shopping scene in the Philippines,” said Meryll.

Greenika – Gesika Baylon

Greenika was founded by Gesika Baylon, who onboarded her brand onto Lazada in October 2018. Gesika used to work for a small digital marketing agency that provided services for several eCommerce businesses across the globe selling on Amazon, E-Bay and Shopify. Gesika saw an increasing demand for online shopping, and fueled by her passion for skin care dreamt of starting her own business. She had a vision of creating organic beauty products that are chemical-free, safe, and affordable. Leaving her 9-5 job, she went on to launch Greenika – which comes from the words “green” symbolizing nature and plants, and the last three letters “ika” from first her name.

“Almost three years since joining Lazada, Greenika now has over 100,000 followers, and now has two shops that make a sizeable monthly revenue. I’m extremely grateful for Lazada because selling on the platform has enabled me to make money to pay off all of my bank loans and debts, and now has given me the opportunity to purchase properties I’ve always dreamt of providing for my family. I wouldn’t have been able to reach all these milestones if it wasn’t for Lazada. Lazada University has been an essential tool enabling me to learn how to build a stronger presence on the platform, and gain traffic for our page and products. This is why we have seen tremendous improvement month after month,” Gesika said. 

Although starting a business from the ground up may seem very daunting at first, Lazada offers a multitude of tools, educational modules and excellent seller services to guide them throughout the process. These entrepreneurs also credit their success to their loyal customers who continue to support their businesses. Gesika adds that putting customers first is also an important advice she would give to aspiring business owners. 

“As we celebrate Lazada’s ninth anniversary this month, we want to also thank our sellers and partners for their support and trust in Lazada as they forge ahead in their digital transformation journeys. We hope to continue to inspire even more local entrepreneurs in their eCommerce journeys, and support them to grow and build a stronger digital economy in the Philippines,” says Carlos Barrera, Lazada Philippines Chief Operating Officer.

With Lazada’s 9th Birthday just around the corner, Lazada fans and shoppers can look forward to more amazing deals from your favorite sellers and stores! Before checking out, tune in to Lazada’s Super Party on GMA7 and LazLive on the Lazada App on March 26 at 9:30 PM. The virtual concert will also be simulcast on Lazada’s Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, and Youtube accounts.

Enjoy a star-studded lineup of performances by Katy Perry, NCT Dream and other top Southeast Asian artists highlighting the “Lazada Super Party” concert by checking out the exclusive Lazada 9th Birthday Super Party playlist on Spotify. Keep any eye out for Php 150 million worth of vouchers up for grabs and seize the best deals during Lazada’s upcoming Birthday sale offering up to 90% off with free shipping! 

Don’t miss out on all of the fun-filled birthday festivities! Keep up to date by visiting lazada.com.ph, https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines, and @lazadaph on Instagram and Twitter.

If you are interested to know more about growing your business on Lazada, visit  www.lazada.com.ph/sell-on-lazada!

Israel, NZ give interim approval for sale of virus nasal spray firm, company says

JERUSALEM/WELLINGTON — Israel and New Zealand have given interim approval for the sale of biotech firm SaNOtize Research and Development’s Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray (NONS) which could help prevent transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the company said on Monday.

Manufacturing of NONS, under the brand name Enovid, has begun in Israel with SaNOtize’s partner Nextar Chempharma Solutions Ltd. and it is expected to be on sale there this summer.

In New Zealand, SaNOtize has registered its nasal spray with the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, which permits the company to distribute and sell NONS over the counter immediately, the Vancouver-based company said.

However, New Zealand’s health ministry said it has not approved the product for use as an anti-viral nasal spray.

The approval referred to by the company may relate to a notification made to the New Zealand Web-Assisted Notification Database (WAND) operated by Medsafe, where medical devices for supply in New Zealand are required to be notified. This is not an application or approval process, the health ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The presence of an entry on this database does not confirm or imply that the product meets the requirements of the Medicines Act 1981,” it said in a statement, adding that it would follow up with the company.

Last week, SaNOtize and Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey, UK, announced results of clinical trials showing that NONS was an effective antiviral treatment that could prevent the transmission of COVID-19, shorten its course, and reduce the severity of symptoms and damage in those already infected.

Chris Miller, SaNOtize’s chief science officer, said its formulation of Nitric Oxide for use in humans is designed to “kill viruses in the upper airways, preventing them from incubating and spreading to the lungs.” — Reuters

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