China reopens its borders as lunar new year travel rush begins

Published

1 year ago

January 9, 2023

China has lifted one of its final Covid-19 quarantine measures, as international travellers arrive onshore

After almost three years of strict Covid-19 measures, China has opened its border.

On Sunday, mainland China opened to Hong Kong travellers as part of the last Covid-zero strategy, which has been a hallmark of Beijing’s response to the pandemic.

The policy, which had been described as “draconian” by Human Rights Watch, had largely kept China’s 1.4 billion people safe from the virus.

However, it had also cut Beijing off from the rest of the world and led to nationwide protests at some of the nation’s largest univerisities.

One woman told the AFP news agency she was pleased with the easing of restrictions, while waiting at Shanghai’s Pudong international airport.

“I think it’s really good that the policy has changed now, it’s really humane.”

“It’s a necessary step, I think. Covid has become normalised now and after this hurdle everything will be smooth,” she said.

As the Covid measures were loosened, many rushed to plan travel abroad.

However, some European countries imposed mandatory pre-departure Covid-19 tests on Chinese travellers.

The European Union said tests should be taken not more than 48 hours prior to departure from China.

It follows a rise in locally-acquired Covid-19 infection across China, making it the nation’s worst-ever outbreak.

Travel freedom as lunar new year looms

Millions of Chinese travellers are expected to take to the skies as China enters its busy lunar new year holiday period.

On Saturday, China marked the start of the 40-day travel period.

China’s Ministry of Transport said more than 2 billion passengers will travel in the 40-day holiday period.

Beijing officials believe it would mark 70 per cent of the holiday traffic seen on pre-pandemic figures.

How a ransomware attack would disrupt the food supply chain

Published

4 hours ago

April 17, 2024

ticker NEWS

Massive financial gains continue to be one of the top motivating factors behind cyberattacks.

The Information Technology – Information Sharing and Analysis Center (IT-ISAC) has been tracking ransomware incidents and trends since 2021.

Despite government and law enforcement efforts to take down malicious infrastructure, new ransomware strains continue to emerge.

The company just released its analysis of the 2023 ransomware landscape report and insights for 2024.

Jonathan Braley, Director of the Food and Ag-ISAC joins Veronica Dudo to discuss. #IN AMERICA TODAY #featured #ransomware #ransomwareattacks #foodsupplychain

Curious times for AI & investing as stark reality becomes clear

Published

17 hours ago

April 16, 2024

Mike Loder

Both private funding for startups and corporate mergers and acquisitions within the sector have decreased, reflecting a shift in investor sentiment.

While some AI ventures continue to attract significant investments, experts attribute the overall downturn to challenges in scaling AI technologies and a more cautious investment climate.

Generative AI stands out as a bright spot, experiencing exponential growth in funding despite lingering skepticism among corporate executives.

Amidst this market correction, some view the shift as necessary for a more sustainable investment landscape, predicting stable growth in the coming years.

News

Game on with charitable cause and fresh titles of the week

Published

20 hours ago

April 16, 2024

Mike Loder

Xbox ANZ partners with Cure Cancer in an clever collaboration, introducing three exclusive Xbox Series X consoles inspired by the pioneering cancer research of Dr. Arutha Kulasinghe from The University of Queensland.

These unique designs, reflecting Dr. Kulasinghe’s innovative tumour mapping techniques, are currently available for auction, offering gamers an opportunity to contribute to a noble cause while acquiring a prized gaming collectible.

Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch Online unveils its latest additions, including the long-awaited Wrecking Crew 98, previously exclusive to Japan, now accessible to a global audience.

In the gaming sphere, this week brings diverse experiences, from the underwater exploration and sushi entrepreneurship of “Dave the Diver” to the enchanting narrative journey of “Harold Halibut” and the thrilling action RPG “No Rest for the Wicked” by Moon Studios, promising captivating adventures across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.