Air quality alert meaning

BANGKOK: Analysis of air quality in Bangkok since the Thai government began enforcing strict social isolation measures has found significant drop in dangerous pollution levels of more than 20 per cent, as compared with the same time last year. The average levels of PM2.5 - tiny atmospheric particulate matter mostly produced by vehicles, refineries and other heavy industries - were reduced by 22 per cent in roadside areas of the capital, and 15 per cent in air monitoring stations in general areas between Mar 15 and Apr 10. The amount of PM10, typically caused by agriculture, construction and smoke, is also significantly down and carbon monoxide has been almost slashed in half, according to the analysis of government data by one of the country’s leading air quality experts, Dr Supat Wangwongwatana, the former director general of Thailand's Pollution Control Department. “Now, the air quality is very, very good. In some areas, the air quality is even within the World Health … [Read more...] about Bangkok breathes cleaner air during COVID-19 pandemic and experts want it to last

SYDNEY: Air New Zealand Ltd said on Friday it would boost domestic capacity to 20per cent of usual levels once the country further loosens pandemic restrictions, but it cannot offer its lowest fares due to social distancing requirements. New Zealand will decide on Monday whether to lower its alert level to 2 from 3, which would allow for the return of non-essential domestic travel as the country, which currently has relatively few COVID-19 cases, eases its lockdown. Air New Zealand said, at level 2, it would operate to majority of domestic airports, but social distancing measures meant it could sell just under 50per cent of the seats on its turboprops and 65per cent on an Airbus SE A320. "On that basis, to ensure we cover our operating costs, we won't be able to offer our lowest lead in fares until social distancing measures are removed," Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran said in a statement. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents … [Read more...] about Air New Zealand to boost capacity as virus curbs ease, but higher fares expected

The Hanoitimes - If no swift action is taken to handle the outbreaks in the community, it is very likely that the pandemic would spread out. Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Chu Xuan Dung has requested relevant units to apply urgent measures to curb Covid-19 disease from spreading as Hanoi may continue to record new Covid-19 cases in the community in the time ahead. "The Steering Committee for Covid-19 prevention and control from municipal to communal level must strictly comply with the Prime Minister's instructions and the tasks specified in the Hanoi mayor’s telegram," Mr. Dung said. Medical staff takes student’s samples for Covid-19 testing in Xuan Phuong Primary School in Nam Tu Liem district. Photo: Thanh Dat The vice chairman emphasized that if no swift action is taken to handle the outbreaks in the community, it is very likely that the pandemic would spread out. Deputy Director of the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC) Truong … [Read more...] about Hanoi raises Covid-19 prevention and control alert to highest level

The Hanoitimes - The Hanoi Party Committee has urged the people and authorities of Hanoi to strengthen measures to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic in the capital city. The Health Ministry confirmed four more Covid-19 cases in Hanoi on February 1, while the Covid-19 threat advisory was elevated. The latest patients are two women residing in Nam Tu Liem and Cau Giay districts of Hanoi and a couple living in Me Linh district. All of them got infected with the new coronavirus after having contact with people who were later confirmed Covid-19 infections in the northern province of Hai Duong, the biggest cluster of Covid-19 in Vietnam with 188 cases confirmed since Covid-19. The new patients have raised Hanoi's caseload of the Covid-19 resurgence to 19 and 242 nationwide. Hanoi turns on high alert on Covid-19 prevention. Photo: Kinhtedothi.vn The Hanoi Party Committee has urged the people and authorities of Hanoi to strengthen measures to prevent the Covid-19 … [Read more...] about Hanoi confirms four more Covid-19 infections, turns on high alert

REUTERS: Maintenance firms and spare parts producers who keep airplanes running are bracing for a decline of up to 75per cent in sales this year: and more pain to follow: as airlines park or retire thousands of aircraft due to the coronavirus pandemic. Worth about US$80 billion in sales last year, the industry ranges from engine makers like General Electric Co and Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc to systems companies like Honeywell International Inc and Raytheon Technologies Corp and a host of smaller suppliers. Jetliners on average cost US$3 million a year to service and make up a significant portion of revenue for most of these firms. That is under threat as the crisis cripples air travel and reduces the number of hours planes spend in the air, pushing back overhauls. "We foresee reduction in maintenance, repair and overhaul demand of 60per cent or more for commercial aero engines (in 2020). And production will fall 40-50per cent," said Kevin Michaels, managing director at … [Read more...] about Air maintenance firms, manufacturers plan for US$60 billion in lost sales