The rapid spread of the Indian variant of Covid-19 in South-East Asia is turning into a third wave of the pandemic. In one week, according to official figures, the number of active cases has risen from 31% in Malaysiathe death toll of 51%. In Singapore, however, the pandemic remains under control. From one week to the next, onlya single percent more positive cases. But it was enough to set alarm bells ringing among the authorities.
The pandemic is certainly more contained than in Europe. But faced with public opinion frightened by the idea of contracting the virus, it immediately led to very severe restrictions.
Visit In Malaysia, all travel from one region to another is prohibited and all gatherings. This comes at a time when the country is celebrating the end of Ramadan. The restrictive measures will affect the population until at least 7 June. As for the borders, they will remain permanently closed until that date.
A In Singapore, a cluster caused panic when it hit Changi airport. The public areas of the airport terminal and the Jewel Changi shopping centre constitute the largest cluster on the island-state, with a total of 59 cases detected on 14 May. Since then, all the terminals and Jewel have been closed to the public. Only passengers may enter the terminal. Restricted non-customs areas remain open to transfer passengers.
From 16 May, restaurants and food courts will only allow takeaway sales. Private gatherings will also be limited to two people from outside the same household. The measure will remain in force until 13 June.
Singapore has also decided isolate arrivals of travellers from very high-risk countries -like India. A special circuit at the airport is set up to receive them.
