MANILA/TOKYO – Clinical trials in the Philippines will begin soon for the Japanese antiviral drug Avigan, also known as favipiravir, to determine if it is effective in treating the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

TOKYO – The Japanese Health Ministry has released a smartphone application that notifies users if they have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 to help combat the spread of the pneumonia-causing virus.

TOKYO – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has resumed its service in Japan on Wednesday, with full flights between Nagoya and Manila, and Narita and Manila.

TOKYO – Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi denied on Friday that the government had decided to allow resumption of travel with certain countries following media reports that Japan may soon resume business trips to and from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Vietnam.