SE Asia reports 35,000 COVID-19 cases on April 23

Southeast Asia reported new 35,000 COVID-19 infections and 1,271 deaths on April 23, with Singapore being the largest regional hotbed.

People wear masks and comply with social distancing rule in Singapore (Photo:AFP/VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Southeast Asia reported 35,000 COVID-19 infections and 1,271 deaths on April 23, with Singapore being the largest regional hotbed.

On the day, Singapore announced additional 1,037 cases, most of them are work permit holders living in dormitories.

The country’s total COVID-19 cases hit 11,178, with 12 fatalities. 

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that Singapore will extend its COVID-19 "circuit breaker" period by four weeks until June 1. 

Tighter measures will be in place minimally for two weeks from April 21.

Meanwhile, Thailand has seen positive signs in battling the pandemic. The country recorded 13 new cases on April 23, the lowest new infection number in the past 40 days, and one death, raising the total to 2,839 and 50, respectively.

Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said the lower numbers are a small success, and people cannot let their guard down.

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has decided to extend the Movement Control Order (MCO) for the third time until May 12. 

As of April 23, Malaysia had reported a total of 5,603 cases and 95 deaths. Meanwhile, 3,542 patients, or 63.2 percent, had been declared fully recovering. 

From the initial three-digit increase, the country has been reporting a trend of double digits in its daily new infections since last week. 

Also on April 23, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health announced that 7,775 people in the country tested positive for the SARS-CoV- 2 that causes COVID-19, with a death toll of 647. Up to 960 people have recovered. 

In an online press conference held on the day, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi revealed that 387 foreigners were infected, including 13 deaths. 

As many as 49 foreign patients are receiving treatment, while 27 had recovered and 295 others are in quarantine.  

She added that 540 overseas Indonesians contracted the COVID-19, with 24 deaths.

Currently, the country is capable of carrying out some 12,000 tests per day./.

VNA