Most Southeast Asian Countries Experience a Surge in Covid-19 Cases

Malaysia and Singapore have re-implemented lockdowns due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. In Malaysia, the average daily Covid-19 cases in the last week reached 4,611 on May 19, 2021. This is an increase from the previous month's average of 2,137 daily cases.

The average daily Covid-19 cases in Singapore in the last week rose to 39. Last month, the average was only 25 daily cases.

Although not implementing lockdowns, several other Southeast Asian countries have also experienced a surge in Covid-19 cases. Thailand, for example, has an average of 4,006 daily cases in the last week, almost a threefold increase compared to last month. Similar trends are recorded in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar.

Only the Philippines and Indonesia have seen a decrease in Covid-19 cases. The average daily cases in the last week in these two countries were 5,819 and 3,557 respectively, approximately 30%-40% lower than the previous month.

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the public must adhere to the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and washing hands with soap. In addition, the public is urged to reduce mobility and avoid crowds.