The air quality index measures the

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

PARIS: Air France will check passengers' temperatures and could bar anyone from boarding its flights if it is deemed too high when France's lockdown measures are eased on Monday (May 11). Passengers, crew and staff dealing with customers must also wear masks from Monday, in line with requirements for all public transport, the airline said in statement Saturday. "Air France will progressively implement temperature checks on departure from all its flights," starting May 11, the company said. "These systematic checks will be carried out with contactless infrared thermometers." Customers with temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius "may be denied boarding and their reservation will be changed at no extra charge on a flight at a later date". Masks will be required of all passengers, all crew and agents who deal with customers. The company said it will also try to space passengers as far apart as possible, which is easier given the drop in demand for air travel. It will also … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Air France to check passengers’ temperatures, require masks

MONTREAL: Air Canada announced Friday (May 15) that it will lay off at least half of its staff due to the collapse of its business during the coronavirus pandemic. The airline decided to slash its workforce after reducing flights by 95 per cent due to border closures and lockdown measures, it said in a statement emailed to employees and seen by AFP. The company, which employs about 38,000 people, says it does not expect a return to normal for a long time. "Today we took the very painful decision to reduce our operations according to plan, which unfortunately means a reduction in our workforce by 50 to 60 per cent," the email said. The current workforce allows the airline to operate about 1,500 flights a day, using 258 aircraft. "In the current economic climate, an operation on this scale is not viable for the future," the airline said. "We are doing this to preserve our cash flow, to bring the size of the company in line with expected traffic levels over the medium and … [Read more...] about Air Canada to lay off half its workforce as virus bites

LONDON: The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on companies around the world, but in poorer emerging economies where balance sheets and credit ratings were already weak, the damage is looking particularly widespread. Of the almost 1,800 rating cuts or downgrade warnings S&P Global has made since the virus exploded, 420 have been in emerging markets, nearly half of all the EM issuers the ratings agency monitors. With Latin America now the epicentre of the pandemic the numbers are set to rise further. Defaults, missed payments on coupons or principal, are also likely to jump. Moody's, another ratings agency, predicts up to 13.7 per cent of EM corporate bonds of sub-investment or junk grade may default, meaning the proportion could narrowly top the 2008 financial crisis. "There is virtually no country on the planet that isn't affected by this COVID crisis," said partner and credit analyst at fund manager GMO, Carl Ross. "Overall credit quality is going to … [Read more...] about Emerging market corporate credit quality down but not out

SINGAPORE: “Uncle, you look to your right,” said Nicky Loh, with his camera in hand, ready to fire a shot. His subjects for the day: A couple in their 70s, all dressed up - Mr John Chua in a neatly pressed shirt and tie, with his wife Theresa in a bright, fashionable cheongsam. “This is very In The Mood For Love,” said Mr Loh, referencing the iconic Hong Kong romantic drama film by Wong Kar Wai. “Uncle, you cover aunty’s arm - it looks big in the shot!” His comment drew laughs from his models, who gamely obliged. Satisfied with the pose, Mr Loh went shutter-happy, like any photographer would. Except, this was no ordinary photoshoot. The Chuas were having their portraits taken - via a Zoom meeting. Ever since the implementation of circuit breaker measures where only essential businesses are allowed to operate, photographers are now employing new ways to create images from home. READ: ‘Don’t rush to go out’ after businesses reopen, COVID-19 circuit breaker to ease … [Read more...] about Fancy a FaceTime photoshoot? Photographers get creative amid circuit-breaker measures