The Taiwanese Ministry of Labor bans both domestic and foreign companies from advertising jobs located in China, especially ones related to the integrated circuit and semiconductor industries. The move comes in light of both increased tensions between the two countries, and China aggressively recruiting Taiwanese workers to build up its own semiconductor industry. (Nikkei Asia)
The price of copper exceeds US$10,000 per tonne for the first time since February 2011. Analysts cite a strong demand in China and the weakening of the U.S. dollar for the increase in price. (Channels TV)
PresidentEmmanuel Macron unveils a gradual easing of lockdown. He said schools would reopen on May 3, followed by the reopening of museums, cinemas, shops, and cafés on May 19. In the second week of June, cafés and restaurants will be allowed to serve inside and the curfew will be scrapped on June 30 after it pushes back to 9:00 p.m. (The New York Times)
Hong Kong reopens bars and nightclubs to those who have received at least one vaccine dose. These venues will also be allowed to stay open until 2:00 a.m. (Euronews)
India reports a new global record of 379,257 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 18.38 million. The country also reports a record 3,645 deaths in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide death toll to 204,832. (CNA)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that roughly 35 percent of the country's population had been infected with COVID-19 as of March 2021. This represents about a fourfold increase from the official reported numbers. (CNN)