Regional nations continue recording surges in COVID-19 infections, deaths

Malaysia recorded 153 COVID-19 deaths on July 18, the highest number since the pandemic broke out, bringing the death toll to 7,019.

Local residents have samples taken for COVID-19 testing in Shah Alam, Malaysia

The country also logged 10,710 new infection cases, raising the national count to 916, 561.

In a statement released on the same day, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob urged people to be patient as it is expected that it will take another 4-5 months for interstate travel to be resumed. Not until October or November when Malaysia reaches herd immunity should people travel back home for the Hari Raya Haji festival, he said.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that individuals who have received COVID-19 vaccine jabs can enjoy the ease of measures, including cross-state and cross-county travel.

Meanwhile, Singapore's Ministry of Health also announced that there were 88 new community infections - the highest level since August 2020. Of the new infections in the past 24 hours, 23 were related to the KTV Karaoke "outbreak" and 37 were related to the Jurong fishing port.

Singaporean authorities on July 18 has declared all fishing stalls at the port to be closed and tested COVID-19 for stall owners.

On the same day, Indonesia recorded 44,721 new cases, raising the national tally to 2,877,476 and 1,093 deaths, bringing the country’s fatalities to 73,582.

Cambodia reported 845 new COVID-19 cases and 30 deaths, lifting the national numbers to 67,181 and 1,106, respectively./.

VNA