Philippines Coronavirus Cases Near 8,000

As the Philippines saw a rise in coronavirus cases, Thailand recorded its single-digit count in new cases for the second straight day while India is easing COVID-19 restrictions.

The following are the latest developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia-Pacific countries.

MANILA -- The Philippines' health authorities on Tuesday reported 181 more cases of COVID-19 disease, bringing the total number of the COVID-19 cases in the country to 7,958.

The Department of Health (DOH) also reported 43 more COVID-19 patients have recovered from the viral disease, bringing the total number to 975. Nineteen more deaths were also reported, raising the death toll to 530, the DOH added.

The Philippines continued to grapple with a steady rise of COVID-19 cases despite the lockdown the government imposed in mid-March.

BANGKOK -- Thailand has on Tuesday recorded single-digit count on new COVID-19 infections for the second straight day with 7 cases and 2 new fatalities, bringing the total cases to 2,938 and the death toll to 54.

Recovery cases rose by 43 to 2,652 while 232 patients are being treated in hospitals, said Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

NEW DELHI -- The Indian capital government on Tuesday resumed services provided by specialist workers like electricians, plumbers, and water-purifier repair mechanics.

The 40-day lockdown in the country is scheduled to end on May 3.

India reports the biggest one-day virus spike as lockdown eased

Besides, the local government also allowed the movement of all medical and veterinary personnel, scientists, nurses, para-medical staff, lab technicians, mid-wives, and other hospital support services including ambulances within its premises.

YANGON -- The Myanmar government has formed a coordination and cooperation committee to work with ethnic armed groups in the fight against COVID-19, said an order issued by the President's Office on Tuesday.

The presidential order stressed that the government has been making strenuous efforts to adopt measures of prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19 without any discrimination on racial and religious grounds, based on a "No one left behind policy".

KABUL -- Afghanistan on Tuesday reported 125 new COVID-19 cases, the second highest daily increase so far, spokesman of the Ministry of Public Health said.

"A total of 125 new COVID-19 cases were reported across Afghanistan within the past 24 hours. The number of infected patients in the country stands at 1,828 as of Tuesday morning," spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said.

On Monday, the country reported 172 new coronavirus ceases, the highest daily increase since the outbreak of the pandemic in mid-February.

SYDNEY -- Australian state leaders moved to relax COVID-19 restrictions in order to allow family and friends to visit each other, as the number of new infections in the country remained low.

The country recorded 12 new cases during the 24 hours from Monday to Tuesday morning -- taking the total cases to 6,725 -- with just one coming from an unidentified source, according to Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt.

Australia's total number of COVID-19 fatalities stood at 84 after the death of an 89-year-old woman, who was a resident at an aged care facility in Sydney. She was the 17th resident to pass away after an infected nurse worked several shifts at the facility despite displaying mild symptoms.

ISLAMABAD -- Governor of Pakistan's south Sindh province Imran Ismail late Monday confirmed that he has tested positive for the COVID-19 and quarantined himself at his residence following the test result.

"I have just been tested COVID-19 positive," the governor said in a tweet.

Ismail said Prime Minister Imran Khan has taught people to fight the most difficult situations in life. "I believe this is nothing against what we are prepared for," he added.

Samples for his test have been sent to a laboratory on Sunday, which came positive on Monday night.

Talking to local media, Ismail said he has informed people he met over the past couple of days, adding that he will also have his family tested for the virus.

WELLINGTON -- New Zealand reported two new confirmed COVID-19 cases and one probable case over the past 24 hours, with the total number of infections being 1,472 in the country, the Ministry of Health said on Tuesday.

The country moved from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 on Tuesday and will stay for at least two weeks at Level 3 before a further review and Alert Level decision on May 11.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield stressed social distancing at the press conference in order to prevent COVID-19.

SEOUL -- South Korea reported 14 more cases of the COVID-19 compared to 24 hours ago as of 0:00 a.m. Tuesday local time, raising the total number of infections to 10,752.

The daily caseload hovered around 10 for the 10th straight day. Of the new cases, 12 were imported from overseas, lifting the combined number to 1,056.

One more death was confirmed, raising the death toll to 244. The total fatality rate came in at 2.27 percent.

Source: Xinhua