COVID-19 infections rise in Southeast Asian countries

JAKARTA, Indonesia

Health authorities in five Southeast Asian countries on Friday confirmed new coronavirus cases and fatalities.

The total number of coronavirus cases in Southeast Asian countries has reached 183,764 as of Friday, including 5,043 fatalities and 100,891 recoveries.

The latest figures showed 2,978 new cases and 98 deaths over the last 24 hours, with most cases reported in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Indonesia, the worst-hit country among member states of ASEAN -- the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- reported 1,611 new infections, bringing the total to 72,347.

The country’s death toll rose to 3,469 with 52 more fatalities, while recoveries rose by 878 to reach 33,529.

In the Philippines, the number of cases climbed to 52,914, after the country reported 1,160 new cases over the past 24 hours.

Since coronavirus emerged in the country five months ago, at least 1,360 people have died in the country, while 13,230 recovered.

Singapore has recorded 191 new cases, taking the count to 45,614.

In Malaysia, 13 more cases pushed the total to 8,696.

The recoveries in the country reached 8,511 after 12 more patients were discharged from hospitals, while the death toll remains at 121.

Myanmar confirmed three new infections, bringing the tally to 321.

Meanwhile, there have been no reports of new infections or fatalities in Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Brunei Darussalam and Laos are the only ASEAN members that have not reported any cases so far.