SE Asian nations consider more emergency powers

Southeast Asian countries considered more emergency powers yesterday to tackle the threat of the coronavirus as Singapore Airlines said it was grounding almost all of fleet in the face of the "greatest challenge" it has ever faced.

The virus has infected about 3,700 people across Southeast Asia, with nearly 100 deaths, more than half of them in the region's most populous country, Indonesia.

The Philippines has confirmed 396 cases and 33 deaths. But health officials acknowledge limited testing for the coronavirus means, that like Indonesia, its already overstretched health system could be facing far more infections than the numbers indicate.

Governments are scrambling to raise their defences with border closures, entry bans and lockdowns.

The Philippine Congress held a special session to consider allowing the government powers including taking control of private utilities, telecoms and transport operators or businesses in the public interest, and forcing hotels and other venues to accommodate medical workers or quarantine people.

"It is a step we were reluctant to take, but the circumstances and the experience of nations worldwide convinced us that we have no other choice," Duterte's Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea told a near-empty Congress, with most lawmakers streaming the session at home.

The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian country to adopt lockdown measures, with borders closed to foreigners and tens of millions of people in home quarantine.

But more are following suit as cases soar, with Vietnam and Malaysia deploying soldiers to help with quarantines or to enforce curbs on travel and gatherings.

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the government may consider extending movement restrictions by up to two weeks, and would announce more economic stimulus to soften the blow from the coronavirus and weak oil prices.

Thailand reported 122 new cases yesterday, taking its total to 721, a health ministry spokesman said.