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.
Coronavirus: Leaders shut Europe's borders to fight outbreak
The European Union will impose an entry ban on travellers from outside the bloc for 30 days to battle the spread of the coronavirus, European leaders decided on Tuesday.
The decision is most significant emergency measure yet from the EU, which has scrambled to come up with a unified response to the deadly epidemic that is sweeping the continent.
The 27 leaders met by videoconference to agree the ban on non-essential travel to the bloc - an idea strongly backed by France, hoping to persuade member states that they need not close doors to each other. – The Straits Times
Malaysia starts two-week isolation to rein in coronavirus
Malaysia went into a two-week partial lockdown on Wednesday after coronavirus infections in the country spiked to the highest in Southeast Asia, with some buyers rushing to supermarkets to stock up on essentials like instant noodles.
Malaysia and the Philippines, which has quarantined about half its 107 million population, have imposed the toughest restrictions on movements of people in Southeast Asia, causing early confusion and chaos, though capital markets in both countries will stay open. – The New Straits Times
Vietnam suspends visas for foreign travellers starting Wednesday
In light of coronavirus spread concerns, Vietnam will temporarily suspend visa issuance for foreigners entering the country for a period of 30 days starting Wednesday (March 18), Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said.
Speaking at the conference on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention and control on Tuesday, the Vietnamese Government leader said cases of visa exemption or those travelling for special purposes will have to be certified as negative to the virus. – Viet Nam News
Hundreds of hospital beds readied
The Ministry of Public Health insists there will be sufficient hospital beds to accommodate Covid-19 patients, saying 400 will be ready in hospitals in Bangkok by this week.
Dr Somsak Akhasilp, director-general of the Department of Medical Services under the ministry, told media on Tuesday that the public had no reason to worry about a shortage of hospital beds to accommodate virus victims. – Bangkok Post
Help comes big and small for PH heroes in virus fight
Help is coming!
A civic group, a small craft beer maker, big business conglomerates, and even Jack Ma, founder of the giant Chinese e-commerce and technology company Alibaba, are pouring in support for frontliners in the country’s battle against COVID-19.
The big and small donations, including P17.3 million raised by the Office of the Vice President (OVP), include not just personal protective equipment (PPE) but also food for doctors, nurses and other health workers - the first line of defense against the pneumonia-like disease. – Philippine Daily Inquirer