China and South Korea have been experiencing a significant drop in new coronavirus cases over the past two weeks, marking a new trend in some of Asia's biggest economies.
One of Mainland's 2 New Cases Imported
China mainland reported two new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, as confirmed by the National Health Commission on Sunday. According to Xinhua, one of the two cases is imported.
Aside from a single-digit rise in new coronavirus cases, the mainland also saw zero deaths from the fast-spreading disease on Saturday. A total of 28 patients were also discharged on Saturday following their recovery.
So far, China mainland logged a total of 82,877 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 4,633 deaths, a stark difference from when the mainland used to be the hardest-hit country in the world.
South Korea Sees Continuous Drop in New Cases
In South Korea, things have also started to escalate as the country reported 13 new coronavirus cases on Sunday. The country has been reporting fewer than 15 infections for two weeks, the Yonhap News Agency reported.
Health experts and government officials are discussing methods that should loosen up social distancing regulations in the country while ensuring that no further infections will be reported as the easing begins.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) noted that of the 13 new cases on Sunday, 10 were imported. The news of infections among overseas travelers remains the center of debate among healthcare experts in South Korea as the threat from imported cases lingers.
As of Sunday, South Korea registered a total of 10,793 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 250 deaths.
Survey Indicates Uptick in Japanese Hospitals Turning Away Patients
A new survey by Kyodo News revealed on Saturday that an increase of over fivefold was seen in Japanese hospitals turning away patients who supposedly called for ambulance transports.
The increase was felt much more in April, with survey results also indicating the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Japan's healthcare system as some medical facilities fear further in-hospital infections.
News of the increase in patients being turned away came as Japan continues to weather the coronavirus storm. As of Saturday, Japan logged 14,305 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 455 deaths.
Singapore Sees Decline in New Cases
Meanwhile in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported 447 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the city-state's total infections to 17,548.
According to Channel News Asia, there was also one death registered on Saturday. The total death toll in Singapore is now at 17.
Despite the new death and nearly 450 new cases, the figures indicate a slump in new infections after the city-state recorded over 1,000 new cases last month. Furthermore, the majority of new cases are still linked to foreign worker dormitory residents.
Five new clusters were also identified over the weekend, including clusters in 34 Sungei Kadut Loop and 2 Tuas South Street 2. The earlier clusters in Singapore were also among foreign work permit holders.
