Cambodia, Philippines witness reduction in COVID-19 cases hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The number of new COVID-19 cases recorded in Cambodia on October 18 was at the lowest level in the past 17 days as the country is gradually moving towards a full reopening of the economy and society with the latest move to reduce the isolation period for arrivals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Cambodian Ministry of Health on October 18 confirmed 195 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, of which 22 cases were imported ones, bringing the total caseload to 116,860. The ministry also announced 12 more deaths from COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 inoculation drive in Cambodia has made a new step, with 99.48 percent of adults aged 18 and older in the country having been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Phnom Penh authorities on October 17 decided to exempt teenagers and children from presenting a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination when entering and leaving schools and public places.

On October 18, the Philippine Department of Health said that the country recorded 6,943 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 2,772,286 cases. The Southeast Asian country also reported 86 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the total to 40,761 cases.

Speaking at an online press conference, Philippine Deputy Health Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the infection rate in the country continued to decrease, adding that all regions in the Philippines have recorded the peak of the pandemic and are now in a downward trend.

Meanwhile, the number of deaths from COVID-19 by week in the country is also on a downward trend since the highest level recorded in mid-August. However, Vergeire urged people to remain vigilant to avoid a new wave of infections./.
VNA