Indonesia has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a “national disaster” as confirmed infections approach 5,000; while Malaysia has introduced a price control scheme as its latest lockdown measure.
Singapore continues to grapple with hundreds of new daily cases affecting migrant worker dormitories while Hong Kong has seen another record low daily spread with just three new cases reported today.
Popular musicians in the region have also contracted the disease. They include Hong Kong opera star Warren Mok, who became infected after visiting Thailand. In Myanmar, rock icon Myo Gyi has taken ill.
More COVID-19 testing is expected to take place in the Philippines following Friday’s opening of a new testing lab.
Markets throughout the region saw gains Tuesday, a positive sign attributed to better-than-expected trade numbers from China.
More updates from Coconuts’ newsrooms in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong:
Singapore
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 2,918 after 386 new cases were reported last night. Most involved patients living in migrant worker housing. The death toll rose to nine with the latest being a 65-year-old Singaporean man, aka case No. 1,836.
- The government said it has stepped up inspections at dormitories to ensure living conditions are “acceptable.”
- Thirty-one workers deemed to be healthy have been moved to vessels berthed at the Tanjong Pagar Terminal to prevent the disease from spreading further. They are a part of a group of 1,300 migrant workers who will progressively move to a floating isolation facility over the next few weeks. The Maritime and Port Authority did not say which dormitories they were from. More than 10 migrant worker dormitories have been hit by the virus.
Malaysia
- The Malaysian government will begin controlling prices of 12 essential items such as eggs and cooking oil starting tomorrow as part of a new Movement Control Order rule after many errant traders were found to have increased prices arbitrarily.
- Popular shopping district Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur has been put on lockdown after more than 40 people tested positive. Nobody is allowed to leave or enter the area, where shopping malls, hotels, and residential flats Selangor Mansion, the Malayan Mansion, and the Menara City One are located. Nearly 10,000 people live across the three residential places.
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 4,987 after 170 new infections were reported today. The death toll has risen to 85 after five new deaths were reported.
Thailand
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 2,613 with 34 new infections. The death toll rose to 41. The latest death involved a bus driver in Bangkok who reportedly went out drinking with nine infected people.
- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha today proposed to ASEAN leaders to establish a fund to finance medicine, medical equipment, and COVID-19 research.
- The governor of one province comprising metro Bangkok hastily rescinded orders to reopen some businesses there after a backlash.
Hong Kong
- City authorities reported only three new cases today, bringing the total number of infections to 1,012.
- Opera star Warren Mok has also contracted the disease after a recent trip to Thailand.
Indonesia
- President Joko Widodo today declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national disaster in the country, providing the disease task force greater authority to manage the crisis.
- 1.6 million Indonesian workers have either been laid off or placed on unpaid leave since the outbreak began in the country, government officials announced yesterday.
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 4,839 with 282 new cases. The death toll rose to 459.
Philippines
- At least 50 police officers have tested positive in Manila.
- A COVID-19 testing lab will open in Marikina City on Friday despite the absence of approval from the Health Department.
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 5,223 and the death toll to 335.
Myanmar
- Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 62 after 21 new infections were reported today. They include Myanmar rock icon Myo Gyi, according to Myanmar Times.
