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.
Italy goes into nationwide lockdown as coronavirus numbers spiral
Italy will become the first country in the world to attempt a nationwide lockdown as people were ordered to stay home in a last-ditch measure to curb the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus across Europe’s fourth-biggest economy.
The death toll from the virus, which is on the cusp of turning into a pandemic, is edging towards 500.
Its leader has called it the country’s “darkest hour", inviting comparisons to the UK during World War II when it was losing the fight against the Nazis. – The Straits Times
Duterte declares emergency as COVID-19 cases double
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday placed the entire Philippines under a state of public health emergency as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country doubled overnight to 24 and the Department of Health (DOH) admitted it had limited capacity to test for infections.
On the recommendation by the DOH, Duterte signed Proclamation No. 922, directing all government agencies and local governments to cooperate with and assist the health agency in eliminating the threat posed by SARS-Cov-2, the coronavirus that causes the pneumonia-like disease COVID-19. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Govt ramps up Covid-19 measures
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is requiring travellers from Covid-19 infected countries and territories to produce medical certificates prior to boarding their flights to Thailand to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Monday the CAAT has issued an official announcement, saying travellers from South Korea, China, Italy, Iran, Macau and Hong Kong who fail to show their health certificates to authorities before boarding their flights to Thailand will not be allowed to continue their journey. – Bangkok Post
Health officials on hunt for Cambodians who came into contact with Japanese COVID-19 patient
News about a man in Japan who tested positive for COVID-19 after travelling through Siem Reap province has prompted Prime Minister Hun Sen to order health officials to identify whoever came into contact with the man during his time in the Kingdom.
So far, health officials have placed seven people who came into contact with the patient in quarantine, including one who tested positive for the virus. – Khmer Times
Six sworn in as senators at Dewan Negara
Six politicians were sworn in as senators at the Dewan Negara today, after they were appointed to the new Cabinet on Monday by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The ministers and deputy ministers took their oaths before Dewan Negara president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran in the ceremony which started at 10am. – The New Straits Times