The Lao Health Ministry on October 9 reported 425 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total respective figures to 28,032 and 26.

Illustrative image (Photo: AFP)

Of new cases, 419 were found in the community and the remaining were imported.

The Lao Government also assigned authorities of Vientiane and other provinces to continue improving quarantine and treatment establishments. As new cases increase, many provinces like Luang Prabang, Sekong and Xaysomboun decided to extend lockdown order.

The same day, the Cambodian Health Ministry confirmed 23 deaths and 220 new cases in the past 24 hours, including 17 imported and 203 local transmissions.

In total, Cambodia has recorded 114,571 infections, 107,376 of them recovered and 2,482 died.

In Singapore, in his speech to the nation on October 9, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the "new normal" is anywhere from three to six months away.

As of October 7, nearly 372,000 people in the island state received booster shots.

Source: VNA