![Bhutan cuts daily tourist fee by half to lure more visitors Bhutan cuts daily tourist fee by half to lure more visitors](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-08/51693141975_monks.jpg)
Bhutan cuts daily tourist fee by half to lure more visitors
The new rate of US$100 per night would come into effect from September and last for four years, the government said in a statement late on Friday (Aug 25).
Sun Aug 27 2023
![Understanding Canada's crisis: Has Trumpism arrived or are people just tired of pandemic restrictions? Understanding Canada's crisis: Has Trumpism arrived or are people just tired of pandemic restrictions?](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-02/71645325806_OTTAWA.jpg)
Understanding Canada's crisis: Has Trumpism arrived or are people just tired of pandemic restrictions?
International observers may understandably be confused by recent events in a country better known for maple syrup and good behaviour.
Sun Feb 20 2022
![Sweden declare pandemic over, despite warnings from scientists Sweden declare pandemic over, despite warnings from scientists](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-02/51644469949_SWEDEN.jpg)
Sweden declare pandemic over, despite warnings from scientists
Sweden scraps almost all of its pandemic restrictions and stops most testing for COVID-19, even as pressure rises on the healthcare system.
Thu Feb 10 2022
![Germany to extend virus shutdown until mid-February Germany to extend virus shutdown until mid-February](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2020-11/81606086919_GermanChancellorAn.jpg)
Germany to extend virus shutdown until mid-February
Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that Germany is extending its pandemic restrictions until mid-February.
Wed Jan 20 2021
![Indonesian cleric turns himself in for COVID-19 violations Indonesian cleric turns himself in for COVID-19 violations](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2020-12/81607763909_RizieqShihab.jpg)
Indonesian cleric turns himself in for COVID-19 violations
He was accused of inciting people to breach pandemic restrictions by holding events with large crowds.
Sat Dec 12 2020
![New Zealand ends all pandemic restrictions outside main city of Auckland New Zealand ends all pandemic restrictions outside main city of Auckland](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2020-04/51586435435_JacindaArdern.jpg)
New Zealand ends all pandemic restrictions outside main city of Auckland
The country recorded no new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, keeping its total number of confirmed cases at 1,464, with 25 deaths, far below many other countries.
Mon Sep 21 2020
![Dolly Parton, Justin Bieber among virtual TV festival stars Dolly Parton, Justin Bieber among virtual TV festival stars](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2020-08/71597293999_JustinBieber.jpg)
Dolly Parton, Justin Bieber among virtual TV festival stars
PaleyFest LA, responding to pandemic restrictions, taped socially distanced discussions with stars and producers that began streaming free this week on the Paley Centers YouTube channel.
Thu Aug 13 2020
![South Korea's Moon warns of COVID-19 second wave as cases rebound South Korea's Moon warns of COVID-19 second wave as cases rebound](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/http://img.astroawani.com/2020-05/51589097763_MOONJAEIN.jpg)
South Korea's Moon warns of COVID-19 second wave as cases rebound
Infections rebounded to a one-month high just as the authorities were starting to ease some pandemic restrictions.
Sun May 10 2020