As the highly infectious JN.1 variant contributes to a rise in COVID-19 cases, several Asian nations are reintroducing precautionary measures such as thermal scanners and mandatory mask-wearing. This update comes from TimesTravel.
Recent reports as of December 20, 2023, reveal that China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines have witnessed an uptick in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, coinciding with the holiday season. Singapore’s Ministry of Health, grappling with a surge and recording thousands of new cases, has issued travel advisories and guidelines for citizens in response to the escalating infections.
On December 15, China identified seven cases of the COVID subvariant JN.1. While Chinese authorities assert that the prevalence of JN.1 in the country is currently “very low,” they acknowledge the potential for it to become the dominant strain, citing factors such as imported cases.
In Indonesia, COVID cases have surged by 13% compared to November, with Jakarta averaging 200 cases per day. Although 90% of cases are asymptomatic or mild, and hospitalizations are under control, the Ministry of Health is encouraging residents to receive booster shots and implementing thermal scanners at crucial locations.
Malaysia experienced a near doubling of COVID-19 cases in the week leading up to Christmas and New Year. Despite the surge, the government has refrained from imposing restrictions and is concentrating on contact monitoring through its TRIIS system. The health minister has urged the public to wear masks and recommended booster doses for older individuals and those with underlying health conditions.
