Top 10 Countries with the Most Covid-19 Cases: Singapore and Malaysia Included

Between November 20 and December 17, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) received approximately 854,000 reported cases of COVID-19 from around the world.

During this period, the highest number of reported COVID-19 cases originated from Russia.

A significant number of COVID-19 cases were also reported in Singapore, Italy, Poland, Australia, Czechia, Greece, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Canada, as shown in the graph.

Of these 10 countries with the highest number of reported cases, two are Indonesia's neighbors: Singapore and Malaysia.

According to WHO data, during the same period, Indonesia had approximately 3,700 reported COVID-19 cases, ranking 21st globally.

The increase in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia has become a concern for the Ministry of Health.

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the rise in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia coincides with the emergence of a new variant, namely JN.1.

"Our sequencing results for JN.1 show an increase; it was only 1 percent at the beginning of November, rising to 19 percent in the third week of November, and reaching 43 percent by early December," said Minister Budi in his press release on Friday, December 22, 2023.

According to Minister Budi, the majority of currently confirmed COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic. However, a small percentage of patients experience symptoms, mostly cough, runny nose, and sore throat.

In response to this situation, Minister Budi urged the public to diligently implement health protocols.

"If you experience symptoms, you should immediately get tested to determine whether it's COVID-19 or a common cold," said Minister Budi.

"If you test positive for COVID-19 but are asymptomatic, you should simply rest. If you have symptoms, you can visit a community health center to obtain medication," he added.