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.
Duterte signs law on special powers vs COVID-19
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure granting him special powers as the country faces a health crisis due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Duterte signed the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, his former aid and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go confirmed Wednesday.
The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act grants the President additional powers to adopt “temporary emergency measures” to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
COVID-19 cases rise to 93, two new infections in Preah Sihanouk
Two more foreigners have been tested positive for the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Preah Sihanouk province, bringing the tally in Cambodia to 93.
The figures were shared here this morning by Prime Minister Hun Sen at a get-together with Cambodian health practitioners volunteer to combat the pandemic. – Khmer Times
Sabah health director: Daily COVID-19 report does not reflect real situation
The daily report of positive COVID-19 cases does not reflect the real situation, said Sabah Health department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi.
She said the number of tests that can be conducted at the Kota Kinabalu public health laboratory is limited due to lack of reagents. – The New Straits Times
100 people denied entry to Thailand
Airport authorities have blocked almost 100 travellers from entering Thailand, with 73 of them being deported for not having enough special documents to meet special immigration measures to combat the COVID-19 disease.
They were among 4,533 passengers - both Thais and foreigners who entered Thailand on Sunday via Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket and Chiang Mai airports, according to Dr Kajornsak Kaewcharat, deputy director-general of the Department of Disease Control. – Bangkok Post
COVID-19: Number of cases jumps to 134
Four people who visited Buddha Bar in HCM City and one patient at Bạch Mai Hospital in Hà Nội are among the eleven latest SARS-CoV-2 infection cases confirmed on Tuesday evening, bringing the total number in Vietnam to 134.
The 124th patient is a 52-year-old Brazilian residing in HCM City’s District 2. He worked at two branches of his footwear company in Đồng Nai and HCM City. – Viet Nam News