Southeast Asian countries continue to implement strict measures to prevent further coronavirus infections among citizens, with some companies imposing their own mandates as part of the process.
Malaysia Airlines Outs Mandatory Mask-On Rule
Malaysia Airlines announced on Wednesday that it will require all passengers to bring and wear their protective masks starting April 23 as part of the efforts to prevent COVID-19 infections among travelers, BERNAMA reported.
The carrier further noted that the new regulation applies to all passengers, except infants. The mandate will also be applicable for passengers flying in chartered, international, or domestic flights.
Strict social distancing will also be imposed, as well as the checking of mask-wearing on touch-points such as checking-in, boarding flights, arriving inside the aircraft cabin, disembarking, and even during the collection of baggage upon arrival.
The news came as Malaysia reported 5,482 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 92 deaths as of Tuesday.
Thai Business Moguls Pledge Aid
Business leaders in Thailand pledged to offer economic planning skills to help curb the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the Thai economy, the Bangkok Post reported on Wednesday.
The news came after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha sent an open letter to multi-billionaires in the country, asking for assistance in economic action plans instead of cash donations from the biggest moguls in Thailand.
Gen Prayut made the announcement on Tuesday, wherein he thanked the "20 business leaders," clarifying that in his letter, there were "no exchanges of any benefits whatsoever."
As of Tuesday, Thailand recorded 2,811 confirmed coronavirus cases and 48 deaths.
34 Indonesian Firms Temporarily Shut Down
The Indonesian government ordered the temporary closure of 34 companies on Tuesday, ANTARA News reported.
The news came amid ongoing widespread social restrictions imposed by the Indonesian government to prevent further coronavirus clusters and infections among people in the workplace.
Of the shut down companies, one is in East Jakarta, six in South Jakarta, four in North Jakarta, and the bigger chunk of 14 located in West Jakarta. Furthermore, 44 other business segments have received warnings for related violations.
203 other exceptional business facilities have been issued warnings of potential closure due to failure of implementing the health protocols set in place by the government's health department as part of the anti-coronavirus plan.
As of Tuesday, Indonesia logged 7,135 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 616 deaths.
Philippines Mulls Potential Partial Transportation Easing
The Philippines' Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday that it is studying the possibility of resuming some modes of public transport amid the coronavirus outbreak.
According to ABS-CBN News, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said some train lines and buses may be allowed to operate but under strict regulations and upon approval of the inter-agency task force (IATF) in the battle against the COVID-19 strain.
Luzon, the northern island of the Philippines remains under enhanced community quarantine and mass transportation was suspended last month. It remains to be seen which transportation modes will be allowed to operate soon.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Philippines recorded 6,599 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 437 deaths.
Six New Recoveries in Vietnam
Six more people recovered from the coronavirus disease, Vietnam's National Hospital of Tropical Diseases confirmed on Wednesday. The figure brings the country's total to 222.
According to Vietnam News, among the recovered patients are residents of Dien Chau District, Quang Ninh District, and Dong Da District, aged between 31 and 48.
As of Tuesday, the country recorded 268 confirmed COVID-19 cases and no deaths yet from the fast-spreading virus.
