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.
COVID-19 pandemic 'accelerating': WHO chief
The new coronavirus pandemic is clearly “accelerating,” the World Health Organization warned Monday, but said it was still possible to change its trajectory by going on the attack.
The remarks came as the number of deaths soared past 15,000, with more than 341,000 people infected worldwide, according to a tally compiled by AFP from official sources.
“The pandemic is accelerating,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news conference. – The New Straits Times
First team of medical experts arrive in Cambodia to combat COVID-19
The first team of Chinese medical experts arrived in Cambodia on Monday morning to help the country fight the COVID-19 and they received a warm welcome from Cambodian officials and well-wishers.
A Chinese embassy official said that further needs will be assessed as and when the need arises or when a request is made. – Khmer Times
Over 100 Myanmar doctors volunteer to fight COVID-19
Nearly 110 Myanmar doctors have volunteered to help the government prevent an outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, which has afflicted more than 351,000 people in 167 countries.
The doctors have pledged their help through the Myanmar Medical Association, according to U Thaung Nyunt, a senior official of the organisation. – The Myanmar Times
DOH: Coronavirus cases in PH leap to 501
The confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines has soared to 501 as of Tuesday morning, the Department of Health (DOH) announced.
“501 COVID-19 positive cases, 19 recoveries, 33 deaths,” Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said in a text message to INQUIRER.net. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Beijing tightens quarantine rules for overseas travellers as China reports two-fold increase in new coronavirus cases
Beijing’s city government is further strengthening quarantine rules for individuals who arrive in China from overseas, as the Chinese capital seeks to minimise coronavirus-related risks, Beijing Daily reported on Tuesday (March 24).
The paper, the official publication of the city’s Communist Party organisation, said all people entering the Chinese capital will be subject to centralised quarantine and testing for the coronavirus. – The Straits Times