Indonesia remains the worst affected Southeast Asian country but the Philippines is catching up in both infections and deaths linked to COVID-19.
Jayapura in Center of Papua Province's Outbreak
In Indonesia's Papua Province, Jayapura has become the epicenter of the province's outbreak, spokesman for the local government's Task Force, Silwaus Sumule, said late Tuesday.
As of Tuesday Jayapura had recorded 1,864 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 33 deaths. There are still 3,087 people in hospital and some continue to wait for test results.
Unlike other Indonesian cities Jayapura has yet to begin a transition to the "new normal." The city's increasing infection rate has kept local officials from implementing the transition.
Indonesia Breaks 115,000 Mark
On Tuesday Indonesia reported 1,922 new confirmed COVID-19 cases bringing the national infection number to 115,056.
East Java recorded the highest number of new daily infections Tuesday with 430, followed by Jakarta with 410. In spite of an increase in cases in East Java that province saw a big rise in recovered patients with 343.
As of Tuesday the country has tested 1,575,043 people. On Tuesday 22,902 samples were collected for testing.
Philippines to Require Face Shields when Using Public Transportation
On Wednesday the Department of Transportation said it would require citizens to wear face masks and protective face shields when using public transport starting Aug. 15.
It wasn't clear if people who refused to wear face shields would be fined. The Philippines has more than 100,000 confirmed COVID-19 infections. The country logged its highest daily increase in new cases Tuesday with an additional 6,532 infections. It now has 3,000 fewer cases than Indonesia.
Philippines Bags Southeast Asia's Biggest Daily Infection Toll
The Philippines recorded Southeast Asia's highest daily increase in new coronavirus cases.
Some health experts are worried about the Philippines potentially overtaking Indonesia within days in total numbers of confirmed cases.
To help curb a resurgence of new infections the government placed the capital of Metro Manila and neighboring towns under lockdown for two weeks.
HCM Preps for Potentially Bigger Outbreak
Meanwhile, in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is preparing for the possibility of a rise in new coronavirus cases of up to 50 infections.
HCM City Party Committee secretary Nguyen Thien Nhan said the city should expect around 14,000 people to be isolated should that number of infections be recorded. It is expected there will be an increase in new infections as thousands of people return from Da Nang.
As of Tuesday Vietnam had recorded 670 confirmed COVID-19 cases and eight fatalities.
