Singapore Tops, Indonesia Second Highest for Delta Variant Cases in ASEAN

GISAID reports show that 4,957 sequences of the Delta (B.1617.2) coronavirus variant had been detected in Indonesia by Friday, November 19, 2021. This number places Indonesia second in Southeast Asia with the highest number of Delta variant COVID-19 cases.

Singapore holds the top position with 7,248 Delta variant sequences. Thailand is in third place with 4,069 Delta variant sequences.

Furthermore, 3,126 Delta variant sequences were detected in Malaysia. Following Malaysia, the Philippines is in fifth place with 3,208 Delta variant sequences. Vietnam is in sixth place with 1,374 detected Delta variant sequences.

Cambodia has detected 661 Delta variant sequences. Myanmar and Timor-Leste each have 33 Delta variant sequences. Brunei Darussalam has a recorded 28 Delta variant sequences.

The Delta variant has spread to 167 countries to date, first detected in India in October 2020. It is important to note that this variant has a 90% higher transmission rate than the original coronavirus variant.

Therefore, the government continues to urge the public to diligently implement the 3M health protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, especially the Delta variant. This involves wearing a mask, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap.