Southeast Asian countries see downward trend in COVID-19 cases

Thailand on April 16 reported 29 new COVID-19 cases, lifting the total to 2,672, and three new deaths, bringing the toll to 46.

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This continues an encouraging downward trend with double-digit numbers since April 8. The country’s highest daily toll to date was the 188 recorded on March 22.

In Cambodia, the Health Ministry confirmed zero case on April 16, the fourth day in a row, while two more patients have fully recovered. The country has so far recorded 122 cases and 98 recoveries.

The country's Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training said over 95 percent of local factories have maintained normal operation during Chol Chnam Thmey festival, Cambodia’s traditional New Year.

The Cambodian government has also called for enforcement of stringent measures to ensure food security for the country.

Meanwhile, Brunei plans to introduce tracking devices for recovered COVID-19 patients and those undergoing self-quarantine, according to its Ministry of Health.

The electronic devices are expected to help tracking the movements of quarantined people to ensure they abide by the 14-day home quarantine rules.

Brunei has reported no new cases for the fifth consecutive day on April 15. The total cases remained at 136./.

VNA