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A disturbing pattern is emerging in several spots around the world: a location that had had been making progress in the fight against COVID-19 is forced to impose restrictions because of a surge in cases. That’s what’s happening in the Philippine this week.

It will be at least another month until Hawaii hosts any out of state visitors who don’t go through a two-week quarantine. In the Asia Pacific, some locations are slowly opening to visitors, but generally not from overseas.

It’s been three weeks since Australia’s second largest city imposed strict rules to control an outbreak of COVID-19. The city is half-way through a scheduled lockdown period, but the virus is not cooperating.

Updated 7/30/20, 9:35 a.m.

Hawaii is not the only place that has seen a recent spike in COVID-19 cases after having relatively low numbers. The situation is more dramatic in Hong Kong, where government officials are aggressively addressing an increase in cases.

With a daily focus on the millions of COVID-19 cases around the world, it may not seem like a good time to go to a movie theater. But in China, many theaters around the country have re-opened — and they’re getting customers. 

Areas that have been the most successful in dealing with the coronavirus have generally acted quickly to fight it. That’s been the case in Vietnam — which is facing a new challenge this week.

Diplomatic relations between the United States and China are at their lowest point in years. Last week, the United States ordered the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston. Today, a U.S. consulate in China is closing — at the order of the Beijing government.

The continuing COVID-19 crisis is costing lives around the world, and is also hitting economies. From job losses to business closings, a growing number of countries are sliding into deep recessions — and that includes in the Asia Pacific.

Thailand’s government plans to extend its state of emergency for another month—at least until the end of August. At the same time, officials have announced several steps to gradually open the country a bit more.

Hong Kong’s new security law is a source of concern for a growing number of international companies — and several are taking action. That includes groups ranging from the New York Times to a company some call the “Google of South Korea.”

Public health professionals around the world continue to call for people to wear masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But whether that appeal turns into a mandatory rule depends on government leadership in different communities, states, and countries. And that includes parts of the Asia Pacific.

Quarantine procedures are coming under closer review, and not only here in Hawaii. A key transit location in Southeast Asia is adjusting its policy beginning today.

One of the many areas where cases of the coronavirus are increasing is the Philippines. As the numbers climb, the challenges are especially intense for the capital city of Manila.

One side effect of the coronavirus pandemic has been an increase in computer screen time for many people. That includes children — which is getting more attention this week in India.

The visitor industry is adjusting its expectations for the summer now that Governor David Ige has delayed the next stage of re-opening to travelers who test negative for the coronavirus. While that delay will last until at least September, a new phase of travel is now under consideration in Japan.

Several states that have loosened restrictions are now tightening them again because of an increase in the number of cases of COVID-19. A number of other locations around the world are doing the same, and that includes Hong Kong.

Mail-in ballots will start to go out to voters around the state next week. Elections in Hawaii are entirely by mail this year, but that's not the case in one country in Southeast Asia that just wrapped up national voting.

Governments around the world are still reacting to China's latest move in Hong Kong. Last week's announcement of a new security law has led to some new policies from other national capitals — including Australia's.

Sports fans are likely looking forward to a couple of dates later this month. Major League Baseball is scheduled to open its season in two weeks — while the National Basketball Association plans to get underway a week later.

But in Asia, sports are adding a component the U.S. won't have: fans in the stands.

Increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases have led some states to scale back their plans on re-opening. That's also happening in parts of some countries — including Australia.

As Hawaii moves closer to a gradual re-opening of tourism, other visitor destinations are doing the same. One of the latest to announce plans is the Indonesian island that's the country's most popular with visitors.

In less than four weeks, Hawaii will be open to travelers who can prove they’ve recently tested negative for the coronavirus. Other tourist spots around the world are considering the timing and other logistics of re-opening. And that includes a beach destination in Thailand that’s popular with international tourists.

Many Americans are staying closer to home this holiday weekend. That includes those who are still cautious about getting on airplanes. But in Taiwan, one airport is taking an unusual approach to using some of its planes.

Chinese authorities wasted no time this week enforcing a new security law on the streets of Hong Kong.  Nearly 400 people were arrested in protests Wednesday. That includes ten charged under the new law, in a move that begins a different era for the city. 

It’s been a little more than two weeks since Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed violently near a disputed border in the Himalaya Mountains. Military officials have had three rounds of talks since then, but there are other signs of a declining relationship between these two regional giants.

As cases of coronavirus continue to climb in many parts of the United States and elsewhere, public health care professionals are looking closely at “hot spots.” These are areas that can spark a high number of cases — including houses of worship.

Testing for the COVID-19 virus will soon become a big focus for Hawai’i’s hospitality industry. The most common test still involves some momentary discomfort, but scientists in Asia are working on an easier approach.

The number of new cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in the United States. This week has also seen increases in cases in one location that still has relatively low numbers overall: Australia.

The gradual loosening of some travel restrictions in different parts of the world will have an impact on airlines. But in the Asia Pacific, shifting conditions are already forcing changes in the business.

Governor David Ige says he’s close to announcing details of a plan to re-open trans-Pacific travel to Hawaii. Other locations in the region are taking a cautious approach, but moving to a new phase this week.