"COVID-19 Spreads Despite Heat"… Malaysia Cases Reach 790

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues to rise in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia, where the weather is hot and humid.

In Southeast Asia, Malaysia has reported the highest number of confirmed cases. On the 18th, Malaysia added 117 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 790. Until the 9th, the number was in double digits at 99, but it rapidly increased following a cluster infection at the Sri Petaling Islamic Center in Kuala Lumpur from April 28 to May 1. Approximately 16,000 people attended this religious event.

Indonesia is also showing a continuous increase. According to CNN Indonesia and others on the same day, Indonesia added 55 new confirmed cases in one day, raising the total to 227, with 19 deaths reported.

Government spokesperson Ahmad Yurianto announced at a press conference, "There were 30 new cases in Jakarta, 12 in West Java, 4 in Banten, 2 in Central Java, and 1 each in Yogyakarta, North Sumatra, Lampung, Riau, and East Kalimantan."

Regarding the 19 deaths among the infected, Jakarta had the highest number with 12, Central Java had 2, and the remaining deaths occurred in Bali, Banten, West Java, East Java, and North Sumatra, with one each.

In response to this situation, Southeast Asian countries have recently implemented strong preventive measures such as 'national lockdowns.'

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin also imposed movement restrictions from that day until the 31st, including a ban on all foreign nationals entering the country and a ban on overseas travel for Malaysian citizens for two weeks.

Malaysia has banned nationwide group activities or gatherings, including religious, sports, and cultural activities, and closed all government agencies and privately owned businesses except for essential services. Restaurants are only allowed to offer takeout and delivery, and hotels are not accepting new guests. Movement between states within Malaysia is only permitted in special cases.

Indonesia will completely suspend visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival issuance for all foreigners, including South Korea, starting from midnight on the 20th. Foreigners wishing to enter Indonesia must submit a health certificate to Indonesian embassies abroad and obtain a visa in advance.

The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) extended the COVID-19 related state of emergency declared on the 29th of last month until May 29.

Some have expected that the hot and humid climate would suppress COVID-19 activity and that the situation would subside as the weather warms, but considering the recent increase in confirmed cases in Southeast Asia, this is difficult to support.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently posted on its website that "Based on current evidence, COVID-19 can be transmitted in all areas, including hot and humid regions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.