A boy gets vaccinated against COVID-19 in Phnom Penh capital of Cambodia (Photo: AFP/VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The number of new COVID-19 cases in Cambodia on October 25 dropped to the lowest level since April 8, helping the country maintain about 200 cases for the 25th day in a row, even just over 100 cases per day in recent days.
The Cambodian Ministry of Health reported 116 new COVIV-19 cases in the past 24 hours, raising the total caseload to 117,888. It also confirmed nine new deaths on the day, bringing the country’s total number of fatalities to 2,743.
On the same day, the Malaysian Ministry of Health announced additional 4,782 COVID-19 infections, the lowest number in the four recent months.
To date, Malaysia has logged 2,436,498 COVID-19 cases, including 28,400 deaths.
Besides, the Health Ministry has issued a ban on political gatherings from October 25 to November 27 to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections.
According to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, the ban is line with the list of activities that are prohibited under the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the fourth phase of the National Recovery Plan.
Any individual, organiser or organisation can be subject to compounds or prosecution in court if they are found guilty of committing offences under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
The nomination day for the Melaka election will be on November 8, with polling day set for November 20.
With the announcement of the Melaka state election, the ministry expected many social events related to the election would be held and would involve mass gatherings of individuals, Khairy said.
As the risk of transmission of COVID-19 remains high, especially with the transmission of the Delta variant in the community and the growing number of new cases reported, these political activities would only further increase the likelihood of more infection outbreaks, he said, adding that people should follow the SOP, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections.
Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered an end to the curfew in 17 provinces, including Bangkok, from October 31 to support the reopening of the country to fully vaccinated foreign tourists on November 1.
The order which was published in the Royal Gazette said the COVID-19 situation in the country was improving with stable new caseloads and faster patient recovery, and it was necessary to revive the national economy. In addition, the number of people at public gatherings in the tourist reopening zones will be capped at 500.
Entertainment venues in the tourism reopening provinces will remain closed, including pubs, bars and karaoke shops, but operators and officials could begin preparing for their reopening, which would be permitted later./.
