New COVID-19 cases rocket in Southeast Asia

Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia continued to report large increases in the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths on February 5.
New COVID-19 cases rocket in Southeast Asia ảnh 1Certain Southeast Asian countries continue to report large increases in the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand, the Philippinesand Indonesia continued to report large increases in the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deathson February 5.

Thailand confirmed 586 new COVID-19 cases, with573 domestic infections, according to the Centre for the COVID-19 SituationAdministration (CCSA).

Some 526 of the domestic infections were detected viaactive testing among Myanmar migrants and Thai nationals, mostly at factoriesand communities in Samut Sakhon.

In the capital city of Bangkok, dozens of cases have referredto groups of people closely mingling with one another at fun-filled partieswith alcoholic beverages served at houses and other private venues, includingthe one where all 16 party-goers were infected.

Thailand has so far confirmed 22,644 cases, with15,331 patients having fully recovered and been released from hospitals while7,234 others currently hospitalised. The total death toll remained at 79.

The Department of Health of the Philippines reported 1,894new COVID-19 cases on February 5, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in theSoutheast Asian country to 533,587.

The Philippines has tested over 7.4 million peoplesince the disease emerged in January last year.

The Philippines will ease coronavirus travel rulesfor foreigners who wish to enter the country this month.

Starting February 16, the Philippines will allowforeigners with visas issued as of March 20, 2020, and still valid at the timeto enter the country.

Foreign nationals must also have pre-bookedaccommodation for at least six nights in an accredited quarantine hotel orfacility and subject to COVID-19 swab test on the sixth day from date ofarrival while on quarantine.

The COVID-19 cases in Indonesia rose by 11,749 withinone day to 1,134,854, with the death toll adding by 201 to 31,202, the HealthMinistry said on the day.

The pandmeic has spread to all the country's 34provinces. Specifically, within the past 24 hours, Jakarta recorded 3,340 newcases./.
VNA

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