These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
Get up to speed with what’s happening in the fastest growing region in the world.
South Korea Covid-19 cases soar past 4,000
South Korea reported on Monday 476 new Covid-19 coronavirus cases, taking its national tally to 4,212, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.
The death toll rose to 22, up from 20 the day before, KCDC said.
Of the new cases, 377 were from the Southeastern city of Daegu, home to a branch of the church at the centre of South Korea’s outbreak, and 68 from the nearby province of North Gyeongsang, KCDC said. – The New Straits Times
Another Filipino in Singapore tests positive for coronavirus
Another Filipino in Singapore has tested positive for the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Singapore’s Ministry of Health said.
In an update posted on its website over the weekend, the Ministry of Health said the patient is a 41-year-old Filipina domestic worker who had no recent travel history to China, Daegu and Cheongdo in South Korea. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Italian strain of coronavirus isolated
Researchers at the Sacco University Hospital in Milan, Italy, announced Thursday they had isolated a new strain of coronavirus, according to ANSA.
The strain of the virus from an Italian patient showed genetic differences compared with the original strain isolated in China. – Khmer Times
Muhyiddin sworn in as Malaysian PM but PH resistance continues
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as Malaysia's eighth Prime Minister yesterday morning, even as his former allies in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition insisted he did not have majority support to form a government.
Mr Muhyiddin, who is president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, was sworn in at a palace ceremony in front of Malaysia's King, Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin. – The Straits Times
Probe into 'virus death'
Doubts have been raised over the cause of death of a Thai man who was initially diagnosed with Covid-19.
The man, 35, is the subject of a Public Health Ministry probe as information on his symptoms contradicts evidence revealed by a specialist in new emerging diseases. – Bangkok Post