Southeast Asia's coronavirus battle is heightening by the day as new cases are registered and more people express concerns about the economy. Most countries are also still lagging behind in terms of early testing.
Malaysia's Testing Not Enough, Experts Say
Managing editor of the Malaysia Medical Gazette Dr Khoo Yoong Khean noted that the average number of new CoVID-19 cases in the country spikes between 100 to 200. However, compared to other countries, Malaysia's testing capacity is behind, he said.
Dr Khoo noted that if there was more widespread testing, the average numbers should have gone up, giving health authorities a more model in responding to the coronavirus situation.
Khoo went on to note that the comparison should be based on "per million people." He said that while South Korea is running 6,500 tests per million and Singapore is doing 6,800 per million people, Malaysia only does 1,255.
As of Wednesday, the country registered at least 2,908 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and 45 deaths.
Indonesia Begins Implementing Stricter Measures
Following Indonesian president Jokowi Widodo's declaration of a public health emergency on Tuesday, multiple regions across the country have started implementing stricter anti-coronavirus measures, the Jakarta Post reported.
One example of such areas is Balikpapan. The port city in East Kalimantan implemented a curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Balikpapan mayor Rizal Effendi noted that the measures were put in place "to protect the residents."
Aceh province also placed a curfew from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. which is expected to be in place until April 29 as part of the province's measures to prevent further coronavirus infections.
Indonesia registered a total of 1,677 cases as of Wednesday, as well as 157 CoVID-19 deaths.
Leaked Document Indicates Jail Time for State of Emergency Violators
A leaked draft of the pending legislation proposed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen revealed that anyone who violates the new state of emergency powers on the current government may face up to 10 years behind bars.
The pending legislation includes 11 articles that provides the government with almost ultimate powers to ensure that public gatherings are prohibited. Furthermore, free speech will also be contained by authorities.
The news came after Cambodia reported a total of 107 confirmed CoVID-19 cases.
Scientist Backs Extending Lockdown in Philippines' Luzon
The northern island of the Philippines' Luzon, has been on lockdown for over two weeks now and a Filipino scientist suggested that the enhanced quarantine measures be extended as means to flattening the curve in spiking CoVID-19 cases in the country.
Assistant professor at the University of California, Davis, Dr. Darwin Bandoy said in an interview on Thursday that if the community quarantine is lifted after the supposed expiry date of April 13, "the epidemic curve would rise again."
Bandoy went on to explain that to ensure that severe cases will not overtake the limited number of ventilators in the country, "a few more weeks and months" will be needed to prevent further coronavirus spreading.
As of Wednesday evening, the Philippines recorded a total of 2,311 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and 96 deaths.
Bach Mai Hospital at the Center of Vietnam's CoVID-19 Outbreak
The Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi has become the center of the coronavirus outbreak in Vietnam as it recorded one more patient linked to the said medical facility, the Vietnam Express reported.
So far 26 of the confirmed CoVID-19 cases from the Truong Sinh Company have been linked to the hospital. The said company provides logistics and food services to the Bach Mai Hospital.
The cases in Bach Mai brings Vietnam's total coronavirus cases to 222.
Thailand Sees Spike in Food Delivery Orders
More and more Thais are staying at home as the government urged people to practice proper social distancing. The country also saw a significant spike in food delivery operations over the past few days.
According to the Bangkok Post, experts believe the food delivery segment is among the very few sectors that will benefit from the CoVID-19 outbreak as more people abide by social distancing measures.
As of Wednesday, the country reported at least 1,651 confirmed coronavirus cases and 10 deaths.
Singapore Confirms 4th Death
Singapore has been lauded for its significantly low death rate linked to the novel coronavirus. However, the city-state on Thursday confirmed its fourth death from the CoVID-19 strain.
According to Channel News Asia, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said the 68-year-old Indonesian national had underlying issues including diabetes and he succumbed to the disease early Thursday.
As of Wednesday, Singapore registered 1,000 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and several clusters, including one at the Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home.
