COVID-19: UAE reports 3,579 new cases, total now at 277,955

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) recently conducted 179,117 COVID-19 tests that led to the discovery of 3,579 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed COVID-19 patients to 277,955.

The ministry also reported nine patients who have died due to complications from COVID-19, which brings the country’s total death toll to 792.

MOHAP also reported 4,166 individuals who have already recovered from the coronavirus disease, with the total now at 251,484.

This brings the total number of active cases higher to 25,679 as of January 24, 2020.

Source: filipinotimes.net

Kitten Tests Positive For COVID-19 In South Korea

South Korean officials confirmed on Sunday that a kitten has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).


According to Yonhap News Agency, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said this is the first virus case involving a pet.

The infected kitten was found at a religious facility in the southeastern city of Jinju in South Gyeongsang Province and tested positive for the virus on Thursday.

Officials have also found that a mother and daughter staying at the facility were raising three cats – a mother cat and two kittens – there. The infected one is one of the two kittens.

They suspect that the kitten got the virus from the mother and daughter who also tested positive of COVID-19.

It is very rare for pets to transmit the virus to humankind, a government official said citing health experts.

Prime Minister Chung urged health authorities to look into the possibility of transmissions between humankind and animals to transparently share the findings for people who live with pets are often exposed to them.

The farm ministry was also asked to consult with health authorities to prepare guidelines for pet owners.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been a small number of pet cats and dogs that have been reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 in several countries, including the United States.

One ferret was also reported positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Slovenia.

Most of these pets became sick after contact with people with COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also noted dogs and cats in contact with humans that tested positive for COVID-19. However, there is no evidence that these animals can transmit the disease to humans and spread it. 

Source: filipinotimes.net

OFWs repatriated due to COVID-19 pandemic now more than 400,000

More than 400,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were repatriated as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.




Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the numbers have reached 416,000 to date.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Bello added that there are still 100,000 others initially applying for repatriation.

However, there are some who have backed out after they’ve been vaccinated in their respective countries.

This would now bring down the number of OFWs waiting to return to Manila to 50,000.


Bello mentioned most of those who opted to stay are OFWs from the Middle East who said they will instead look for reemployment opportunities.

He added that those who have been vaccinated have higher chances of reemployment there. 

Source: filipinotimes.net

Vatican Announces Pope Francis To Miss Events Due To Flare Up Of Leg Pain

The Holy See Press Office released a statement through Matteo Bruni that says among the events he will be missing include the Mass for the Sunday of the Word of God in St. Peter’s Basilica. Archbishop Rino Fisichella will instead preside over the celebration.




Pope Francis will not preside over upcoming celebrations on Sunday and Monday as he is suffering from a bout of sciatica.

On Sunday noon, he will however lead the Angelus prayer in the Library of the Apostolic Palace.

His meeting with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See on Monday has also been postponed.

He will not preside over Vespers for the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Basilica St. Paul. Cardinal Kurt Koch, the president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, will preside over this and the event will go ahead as planned.

This is not the first time Pope Francis missed celebrations due to his ailment.

Last December, he could not take part in religious services over the new Year’s holiday.

The 84-year-old pope has long been suffering from sciatica, a condition which causes pain to radiate from the lower back along the sciatic nerve to the lower part of the body.

Source: filipinotimes.net

Vice Ganda greets Kapuso, Kapatid network during ASAP Natin ‘To launch on TV 5

‘It’s Showtime’ hosts Vice Ganda, Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario were among celebrities who joined ASAP Natin ‘To as it airs in the Kapatid network, TV 5 on Sunday.





Vice thanked the TV 5 bosses for making it possible to showcase the longest running musical variety show in their network.

“What’s up, madlang people, mga Kapamilya, at Kapatid? Maraming-maraming salamat po. Personally, I would like to say thank you very much. To PLDT and TV5 Chairman Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan, Cignal and TV5 President and CEO Mr. Robert Galang, maraming-maraming salamat po,” Vice said.

Vice then went on that the merger shows inclusivity and unite television networks.

“Congratulations and thank you very much for making this milestone happen with ABS-CBN, Kapamilya, Kapatid! At kaya tayo nandidito, ang ganda, kasi di ba nag-merge? Inclusive di ba? Wala nang dibisyon, may TV5, may ABS-CBN, may Kapamilya, may Kapatid,” he added.

Vice was also wearing a heart red shaped dress to also acknowledge ABS-CBN’s rival network GMA 7.

“Siyempre kaya ako nagganito… Kapuso… mga Kapatid mahal na mahal namin kayo!!” Vice said.

“Sabi ko na, two plus five equals puso,” Vhong added.

ASAP replaced the short-lived Sunday Noontime Live, which were top-billed by Piolo Pascuala and Maja Salvador.

The star-studded opening number featured OPM icons like Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Martin Nievera. 

Source: filipinotimes.net