Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand report many new COVID-19 cases on Feb. 8

Medical staff take samples for COVID-19 testing in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The COVID-19 pandemic has still developed complicatedly in Southeast Asia with many new infections and deaths reported in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand on February 8.

With additional 8,242 cases found on February 8, Indonesia has so far seen over 1.16 million COVID-19 infections, including 31,763 deaths, a rise of 207 deaths over the past 24 hours. The pandemic has hit all 34 provinces of the country, with Jakarta being a hotbed.

On January 14, Indonesia officially launched the first phase of a free vaccination programme against COVID-19 among medical staff and public servants using 3 million China’s Sinovac-made CoronaVac doses. According to the Indonesian Government, 800,000 people have received first shots. Local authorities said that 25 million doses will be produced in late March with materials supplied by Sinoac.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Ministry of Health announced 1,690 new COVID-19 cases, raising total infections to 538,995. The country also saw 52 new deaths, raising the death toll to 11,231. In the day, 23 patients were given the all-clear, bringing the total recoveries to 499,772.

In Thailand, 186 new cases were reported, bringing the total COVID-19 cases to 23,557 with 79 deaths. Local authorities advised people to strictly implement COVID-19 preventive measures before the community immunity is established./.