Malaysia’s Kedah state goes into lockdown again today after reporting a surge of new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
All public parks were closed again and businesses in districts where new infections had been found since late July were told to operate within a restricted period.
“Businesses like retail outlets, convenience stores, and petrol stations will be allowed to operate from 8am to 8pm only,” Kedah Chief Minister Muhammad Sanusi said today. “Patrons are not allowed to dine-in at restaurants, but takeaway and delivery services will still be allowed.”
“Social events like weddings and feasts will have to be postponed until further notice,” he added. Kedah’s borders were also shut to inter-state travelers.
Three active clusters involving 55 individuals who contracted the disease have been identified in Kedah and located in the Baling, Kuala Muda and Kulim districts, among others.
The state has reported a total of 154 COVID-19 infections to date, 25 of which were recorded within the last three days. Half of today’s dozen new cases in Malaysia are also in Kedah.
Today’s figures bring Malaysia’s total tally of infections since the outbreak started to 9,212. The death toll stands at 125.
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