The coronavirus is gradually moving across Southeast Asia compared to its speed in Europe and in the U.S. but governments across the regions are still hard at work in implementing preventive and containment measures.
Mahathir Reported Under Self-Quarantine
Former Malaysian prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reportedly started his self-quarantine following a supposed exposure to a lawmaker who is suspected to have contracted the CoVID-19 strain, The Star reported.
In an interview with Buletin Utama, Mahathir was quoted to have said he will abide by self-quarantine rules, noting that discipline is crucial at this time.
Mahathir's self-isolation spree was believed to have been recommended by health experts after he reportedly took a picture with a lawmaker suspected of having been infected with the novel virus.
Malaysia Hits 900 in Total CoVID-19 Cases
News of Mahathir's potential exposure to an infected person came a day after Malaysia reported 110 new cases of the novel coronavirus.
The country now has a total of 900 confirmed CoVID-19 cases. Most of the cases have been linked to a tabligh gathering that is believed to have been attended by at least 16,000 people from all over the world in late February.
Indonesia's Asian Games Village Up for CoVID-19 Crisis Use
Indonesian officials said earlier this week one building at the Asian Games Village used in 2018 as a housing facility for athletes will be transformed into a makeshift hospital in preparation for the country's coronavirus battle.
According to the Jakarta Globe, finance minister Sri Mulyani said that officials agreed the Athletes' Village was the most suitable facility that can be transformed into a makeshift hospital at this point.
The said facility has water and electricity lines prepared. There are also bedrooms and other amenities that will make the job of health professionals easier and safer as they treat CoVID-19 patients.
It is expected that Indonesia's coronavirus tolls will climb as test kits are made available in the coming weeks.
As of Thursday evening, Indonesia recorded a total of 309 confirmed coronavirus cases and 25 deaths.
Most of Cambodia's Cases are Mild
Cambodia's health ministry said most of the 37 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country are mild, raising hopes for more recoveries in the country in the coming days.
Spokesperson for the health ministry, Or Vandine, said most of the cases in the country were not severely ill but health experts in the country are still monitoring the patients for potential symptoms.
The two latest confirmed CoVID-19 cases in Cambodia are linked to Malaysia's religious gathering that included a mix of participants from other countries.
Ho Chi Minh City Launches Mobile Disinfection
In Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City, the University of Technology and Center of Science and Technology Department for Youth collaborated to launch a mobile disinfection chamber in hopes of reducing the number of people getting infected with the novel virus.
According to Viet Nam News, the chamber will be installed in Vietnamese towns and cities where there is a high risk of infection-spreading. There will also be chambers set up in airports, railway and bus stations, airports, and supermarkets.
The chamber includes a 360-degree fog mist sprayer powered by an anolyte solution. Once a person steps inside, the spraying process will be activated immediately and will run for 30 seconds.
As of Thursday, Vietnam recorded 85 confirmed CoVID-19 cases.
Philippines to Ban Foreign Arrivals Temporarily
Starting March 22, the Philippines will temporarily prohibit foreign arrivals into the country as part of the government's action plan in preventing further infections, the Department of Transportation announced on Friday.
A circular from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) noted that only foreign spouses of Filipino citizens, Philippine passport holders, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will be allowed entry, ABS-CBN News reported.
The declaration came as the country recorded one new death from the disease and 13 new CoVID-19 cases. The Philippines now has a total of 18 deaths and 230 cases.
