Governments in Southeast Asian countries are reinstating measures such as installing body temperature scanners at airports and recommending the wearing of masks in a bid to curb a resurgence of respiratory infections like the new coronavirus.
The goal is to suppress the spread of infections such as the new coronavirus and influenza. If these pathogens co-occur, they could cause a broader outbreak that could ultimately overwhelm health systems.
However, citizens are highly sensitive to the risk of a return to tough measures that were implemented early in Asia at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and lasted much longer than elsewhere. , it can be a stressful process.
Earlier this week, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Facebook that there was misinformation circulating on various networks that the government was reinstating the so-called “circuit breaker” restrictions. “These are all hoaxes,” he pointed out.
Singapore had 32,035 new coronavirus cases in the week ending December 2, at least on a reported basis, up from more than 22,000 the previous week, according to Singapore’s Ministry of Health.The ministry isstatement“The increase in the number of infections may be due to a number of factors, including a weakened immune system of the population and increased travel and interaction with local communities during the year-end and festive seasons.” Cases involving the JN.1 variant, a substrain of BA.2.86, currently account for about 60% of coronavirus cases in Singapore.
Meanwhile, in Indonesia, thermal scanners have been reinstalled at some border crossings, including Jakarta’s main international airport and Batam’s ferry terminal, The Straits Times reported on Monday. The ministry also urges the public to postpone travel to areas where coronavirus cases are surging, complete the two-dose vaccination, wear a mask, wash hands and stay home when sick.
In Malaysia, 6,796 people were infected with the new coronavirus in the week ending December 2, nearly double the previous week’s 3,626 cases.increase. Malaysian authorities say the situation is under control and is not putting a strain on medical facilities.
news-rsf-original-reference paywall">Original title:Covid Surge Prompts Return of Scanners, Masks in Asian Cities(excerpt)
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2023-12-13 06:49:57
