As Indonesia braces to gradually reopen the economy, the government has announced that the country’s regions should meet two main conditions to be able to ease COVID-19 mobility restrictions and start welcoming the so-called “new normal”.Regions should either have maintained zero COVID-19 cases or have witnessed a significant decrease in the number of infections to relax curbs and reopen businesses under health protocols, COVID-19 task force chief Doni Monardo said.”There are a total of 110 regencies and cities with no COVID-19 cases so far,” Doni said on Wednesday, “Of the figure, except Papua, as many as 65 areas on the mainland and 22 areas on islands will be offered to reopen normally.”The 110 regencies and cities include those located in a number of provinces, including in Aceh, Riau, North Kalimantan, Maluku and Jambi, according to the government’s data. Doni said the areas were nearly sterile, though not fully safe, from the disease because the residents living in the regions had adhered to health protocols during the COVID-19 outbreak.Meanwhile, regions categorized as “green zones” — namely those that have recorded COVID-19 cases but have been seeing a declining rate of virus transmission — in accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) indicators will be considered to reopen, Doni said.Among the indicators is that regions should see a 50 percent decline in the number of confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases for more than two weeks as well as a significant decline in COVID-19 fatalities.A declining number of COVID-19 patients and suspected cases in hospitals will also determine whether a region is allowed to reopen its economy.Read also: ‘I don’t think we can wait’: Business groups ready for ‘new normal’ despite risksDoni added that regions should also meet other conditions to be able to reopen, including recording an increase in the number of recoveries, an increase in the number of completed monitoring procedures against COVID-19 suspects, an increase in specimen testing in the period of two weeks and scoring a basic reproduction number (R0) of COVID-19 below one.”We will coordinate further with the National Development Planning Agency and the Coordinating Economic Ministry with regard to easing restrictions in regions,” Doni said, adding that the final decision would also depend on local administrations’ preparedness to face the new normal.Previously, several provincial administrations reportedly prepared to reopen businesses in the regions. On the resort island of Bali, for instance, hotels have been drafting guidelines for health protocols under the so-called “new normal” situation as the local government signaled to reopen tourist destinations gradually.West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil has also announced that the province should brace for a “new normal” starting on June 1, tribunnews.com reported on Wednesday.With regard to preparing the country for the new normal scheme, Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto issued on Saturday a new health protocol for workplaces to ensure that businesses continue to run while maintaining efforts to contain the coronavirus.Epidemiologists, however, have warned the government to be prudent in making the decision to reopen the economy, arguing that the country was continuing to see a rise in COVID-19 cases.On Wednesday afternoon, Indonesia reported 686 new COVID-19 cases nationwide, bringing the total to 23,851 confirmed cases with 1473 fatalities. (trn)Topics :
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South Korea’s first military satellite launched
SpaceX confirmed the satellite deployed about 32 minutes after lift-off, on Monday afternoon local time.DAPA said the launch made South Korea the 10th country in the world to own a military-only communications satellite, which will provide “permanent and secured military communications”.The satellite is expected to reach its orbit of 36,000 kilometers in two weeks and South Korea’s military will take over the system in October after testing, it added.Seoul is looking to enhance its military capabilities as it pushes to end an arrangement under which, if war breaks out, American commanders will have authority over their combined forces. The satellite was “expected to improve the South Korean military’s independent operational capabilities”, an official at its defense ministry told Yonhap news agency.Seoul and Washington are security allies and the US stations 28,500 troops in the country.But their relationship has been strained in recent years, triggered by differences in their approaches to Pyongyang, and over cost-sharing responsibilities. Topics :
South Korea’s first-ever military communications satellite has been successfully launched by private operator SpaceX, Seoul said Tuesday, as it looks to build up its defense capabilities.The ANASIS-II is intended to enhance the South’s ability to defend itself against the nuclear-armed North, which invaded in 1950.A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the satellite blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a statement.
Brussels calls for debate over pan-European pension product
The European Commission calls for input on the debate over a pan-European pension productThe European Commission is inviting pension funds, asset managers, insurance undertakings, individuals, consumers associations and public authorities to join the debate on the need for a pan-European pension product during a public hearing to be held on 24 October in Brussels.The hearing is part of the Commission’s work to consider proposals for a simple, efficient and competitive EU personal pension product. More investment into personal pensions could contribute to a stronger single market for capital through an increase in the funds available to finance the economy, as highlighted in the Commission communication ‘Capital Markets Union, accelerating reform’, adopted on 14 September.Vice-presidents of the Commission Valdis Dombrovskis and Jyrki Katainen, and commissioner Marianne Thyssen, will deliver keynote speeches. Prominent representatives of industry, consumer associations and academia will provide their views and take part in panel debates. All participants are invited to join the debate on key topics: Is there a need for promoting personal pensions in the EU? How can the current demographic challenges be addressed? Complementing public pensions and occupational pensions with personal pensions could be beneficial to individuals, increasing the choices for retirement savings, and to the wider economy, contributing to the creation of a capital markets union.How should a European personal pension product look like?A European personal pension product should be an attractive choice of saving for individuals and create benefits for providers. An adequate level of investment protection, transparency and the potential for good returns could attract savings from individuals. Economies of scale and efficiency gains, as well as cross-border passporting and distribution, could be among the benefits for providers operating in a European personal pension’s market.What are the challenges of a European personal pensions framework?Switching between personal pension products, domestic products and, when moving across borders, the decumulation of retirement savings and the general tax treatment of personal pension products remain important challenges to creating a single market for personal pensions. The hearing will provide important feedback from stakeholders to determine if EU action fostering the emergence of European personal pension products that are simple, affordable, transparent and provide better returns, would be appropriate and proportionate. The hearing also feeds into a public consultation due by 31 October.For more information on the hearing and registration, click here. To respond to the public consultation, click here. Philippe Caluwaerts is policy officer for insurance and pensions at the European Commission’s directorate general for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union
More than $1M worth of marble has been used at Chester & Ella
CHESTER & ELLA More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus11 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market11 hours ago Developer: Kokoda Property Group Price: Penthouses from $1.75 million Address: Located on the corner of Chester and Ella streets, Newstead Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 1:11Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -1:11 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD540p540p360p360p270p270pAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreen5 tips to style your home for sale01:12 The mural at Chester & Ella, Newstead by artist Travis Vinson.A large mural, created by artist Travis Vinson, features models “Chester and Ella’’ which can be seen across the development.Ms Allan said they wanted a large-scale piece that was somewhat hidden yet in plain sight. “Specifically we wanted a painted/graffiti piece that embraced the laneway art that Brisbane has thoroughly taken on board in an sophisticated way,” she said. 1 – 7000sq m of rock (approx 17,500 tonne) was removed from the site2 – The site was formerly a furniture makers’ warehouse and yard3- Amenity areas are being furnished by Newstead local, Shona Gray4- The building will have its own app to complement the services of the concierge5- The rooftop pools have been specifically designed to watch the sunrise over the river on Chester and the sunset behind the city on Ella The private dining space at Chester & Ella, Newstead.Developed by Kokoda Property Group, only 10 per cent of the development is left to sell in the towers where special attention had been made to the quality and finishes throughout.Kokoda Property head of marketing Philippa Allan said more than 2200sq m of marble (mainly Elba and Portsea Grey) was used at Chester & Ella across the amenities and residences.“There’s even marble in the lifts,” Ms Allan said.“All said and done this will cost over $1 million. Kokoda and Hutchinsons (Shaun Beck) check every piece of marble to ensure we are getting the best vein and natural beauty from each piece.”The two towers are a “his and her’ version – the Chester tower stands proudly with chiselled white balconies inspired by the natural formations of the Brisbane River forming a reassuring and protective surround. Ms Allan said: “Chester is the more masculine of the two buildings. Inspired by the folds and canyons of cliffs along the Brisbane River, it features white precast concrete balconies and the rich lustre of bronze glass to form a reassuring and protective surround”.“In contrast, Ella is all curves, presenting perforated metal balustrades that afford the building lightness and fluidity,” Ms Allan said. Chester & Ella fast facts Follow us on Facebook Sit back and relax at Chester & Ella, Newstead.Newstead architectural icon Chester & Ella is fast taking shape and making a statement in Brisbane’s development circle.The two unique towers, named Chester and Ella, form a sculptural statement of luxurious residences and will be completed next month. Rooftop bliss at Chester & Ella.Differentiating Chester & Ella from the surrounding Brisbane market is its unrivalled level of communal amenity, according to Ms Allan.“Residents will be treated to the luxury of an around-the-clock concierge, rooftop terrace, health and wellness centre, private dining room and cinema. “From the rooftop, residents can experience lush landscaping and panoramic views over the city as they swim in the stunning pool, use the outdoor kitchen areas, enjoy a hit on the putting green, or relax around the terrace firepit.” 
44 Bacolod City barangays identify firecracker zones
Pineda appealed to all village headsto strictly implement areas the firecracker zones as to minimize the risk offirecracker-related injuries, or even fire./PN BACOLOD City – Several weeksbefore the holiday season, at least 44 barangays in this cityhave already submitted their designated firecrackers zones. “We want to make sure that these areasfit for the national standard rules and regulations,” he added. Pineda said the remaining 17 barangaysthat have yet to submit their identified firecrackers zones can still passbefore Dec. 15. 
Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda,head of the Task Force Paputok 2019, urged other villages to submit their listsso that they could endorse it to the Bacolod City Police Office and the Bureauof Fire and Protection for inspection. Last week, Pineda held a meeting withthe barangay officials for the implementation of the Executive Order No.28issued by President Rodrigo Duterte. It provided the regulation and control ofthe use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
ANTI-INSURGENCY DRIVE: Miag-ao, Igbaras, San Joaquin next ‘focus towns’
Like the towns of Alimodian, Calinog,Janiuay, Maasin, Lambunao, and Tubungan, the next three towns are also expectedto organize their MTF-ELCAC. The Army battalion commander saidskirmishes and encounters transpired in the towns of Igbaras and Miag-ao in thepast months. These are the towns of Miag-ao, SanJoaquin and Igbaras, all from the 1st District, said Lieutenant Colonel JoelBenedict Batara, 61IB commander. The first batch identified as ELCACareas were the towns of Alimodian, Calinog, Janiuay, Maasin, Lambunao, andTubungan. Former rebels have revealed that the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army are recruiting new members from Miag-ao, Igbaras and San Joaquin, says Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion. ILOILO City – Three towns in Iloilo provincewill be the next focus of the campaign to end local communist armed conflict(ELCAC), according to the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) of the Philippine Army. “All of them pledged that theirMTF-ELCAC will be activated this year,” he said, noting that the PhilippineArmy is monitoring the activities of the task force. (PNA/PN) “It is already programmed which areas tofollow, and these are the towns of Miagao, San Joaquin and Igbaras. In time, itwill be the whole of Iloilo because we already have a task force that isfocused against communists,” Batara said.
The six towns have all complied withtheir commitment to the Department of Interior and Local Government(DILG)-Iloilo to create their respective Municipal Task Force to End LocalCommunist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) by the end of November. “The insurgency affectation in thesetowns is really observed because there are still some who believe that armedrebellion is the solution to the problems,” said Batara. Batara said the efforts of the localchief executives of the three towns against insurgency are already seenespecially in its construction of road networks. “These towns have constructed roads.They really have a goal to end the insurgency. The communist rebels do not likeroad networks because they would become more accessible to military troops. Forus, we know roads are for development because, in due time, the delivery ofservices will be faster,” he said. Former rebels revealed that these townswere also subject to the recruitment and other activities of the CommunistParty of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). Meanwhile, he said the six townscurrently hold orientation sessions of the Retooled Community Support Program(RCSP) or the frontline program in village immersions in bringing the basicservices of the government to the public.
Early Morning Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Arrest
A North Vernon man is facing drug charges after a traffic stop led to his arrest in Ripley County.Sheriff’s Deputy AJ Smith stopped a vehicle for minor traffic violations on US 421 in the area of the North Co-Op on Tuesday morning around 3:52 a.m.When Deputy Smith became suspicious of the driver, Sheriff Tom Grills responded to the scene to assist, who was out on regular patrol duties.Police say they found Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.The driver, 48-year-old Michael Wilson, of North Vernon was placed under arrest and taken to the Ripley County Jail.Sheriff Grills said, “The Sheriff’s Office remains diligent in our efforts to take drugs off the street.”“My deputies work a lot by themselves in the late evening and early morning hours, so when I can be with them it is important for a variety of reasons,” he added.Wilson is being held pending formal charges or bond.
Good Memories
As I was getting ready to go to track practice, I was reminded of my high school days. I played two spring sports (track and baseball), so I seldom had to go to my 7th period class. It was a good thing that I was a decent student, and I was usually able to get a schedule where a coach was the 7th period teacher. Batesville tried to have baseball on Monday and Friday and track on Tuesday and Thursday, so I did not have to choose between the two sports. Small schools are still able to do that today.I say these were good memories because I was able to do two sports that I really liked. Both of those sports fit into my athletic ability because quickness of foot was my best asset. In track I ran a lot of sprint races and in baseball I was a singles hitter and used my speed to beat out infield hits and turn singles into doubles. I would have never started in baseball with my power hitting. My home run ability was limited to batting practice. Of course, today (like every other athlete) my skills are getting better with age! lol
Saturday Roundup
Kyle Strickler starts his bid to complete the Super Nationals triple crown from inside row one.Already a Super Nationals champion and winner of the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational, Strickler drew the ace to earn the pole start in Saturday’s Harris Auto Racing Race of Champions. Mike Jergens is on the outside of the front row and two-time race winner Dustin Smith lines up third.Starting fourth through 12th will be Josh Ruby, Todd Shute, Ryan McDaniel, Bob Moore, Vern Jackson, Mike VanGenderen, Joel Rust, Johnny Scott and Anthony Roth.*The ace put the Westin Abbey on the inside of the front row for the start of the Sunoco Race Fuels Stock Car Race of Champions Two-time RoC winner David Smith will line up on the outside.Completing the 10-car grid are Randy Brands, Shaun Bruns, Bryan Rigsby, Matt Schauer, 2014 race winner Devin Smith, defending winner Dustin Larson, Brandon Czarapata and Kyle Clough.*Todd Shute rock-paper-scissored his way to the outside row one start in tonight’s Modified main event, getting the Rochambeau best of fellow Friday qualifying feature winner Ricky Thornton Jr.The third through eighth spots on the row will be filled by Richie Gustin, J.D. Auringer, Ricky Alvarado, Jay Noteboom, Randy Havlik and Jeremy Mills.*John Oliver Jr. brought in a Rochambeau ringer and as a result will start on the front of the outside row in the championship event for Stock Cars.Devin Smith will look to rebound from his afternoon loss in the Fan Zone from second row outside. Reid Keller, Abe Huls, Shaun Bruns, Jason See, Brian Blessington and Norman Chesmore fill the rest of the front eight positions.
Wrestling Championships: Adekuoroye qualifies for Tokyo 2020 Olympics
RelatedPosts Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Okowa adopts Okagbare, Ese Brume, four others Nigerian Table Tennis coaches are lazy – Ex-African Champion Minister advises athletes not to ‘burn out’ before Tokyo Olympics Nigeria’s wrestler Odunayo Adekuoroye has qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Adekuoroye defeated Sun Jong of North Korea 12-2 via technical superiority in the 57kg category to reach the semi finals of the 2019 Senior World Wrestling Championship in Kazakhstan on Wednesday. The 25-year-old was, however, displaced by Japan’s Rusako Kawai, 6-1 in the women’s 57kg semi finals later in the day and will now battle for the bronze medal on Thursday.Tags: Odunayo AdekuoroyeRusako KawalSenior World Wrestling ChampionshipSun JongTokyo 2020 Olympics