The world is in a state of panic right now. Every minute brings more bad news about the Covid-19 outbreak that has caused more than 3,300 deaths as of Friday. For many, the more information they consume -- whether it is factual or not -- the higher the possibility they will live in fear.
For me, it is worth looking into how countries, particularly our peers in Asia, are responding, although it's hard to compare the effectiveness of different approaches. The context for each country is different, particularly closeness to China and other high-risk countries. But it is interesting to see how politics and reliance on Beijing come into play.
Let's start with Cambodia, which is firmly within China's sphere of influence. Prime Minister Hun Sen has already made a number of diplomatic gestures to maintain solid ties with Beijing. The country has announced only one confirmed infection and is clearly downplaying the threat, which may be risking the safety of local people.
In contrast to many countries, Cambodia opted not to evacuate its citizens residing in Wuhan, where the virus began. Hun Sen also visited China to show solidarity and even offered to visit Cambodian students stranded in Wuhan. Beijing sensibly turned down his request.
Given that Chinese travellers account for more than a third of Cambodia's tourists and many Chinese workers are employed on Chinese-led construction projects in the country, few people believe there is only one confirmed case in the whole country. Unwillingness to impose any meaningful measures surely raises the risk of cross-border infections.
In Singapore, which has reported 112 cases, the response has been typically decisive, for which I think authorities deserve credit. Late last month a couple from Wuhan were charged with giving false information to Ministry of Health officials, which obstructed the process of contact tracing. They were the first to be charged under the Infectious Diseases Act in relation to the outbreak, and officials warn anyone else who fails to cooperate will face similar treatment. Conviction could lead to up to six months in jail and/or a fine up t S$10,000. The couple will be back in court on March 20.
Myanmar has also came out with a strong policy response even though China's influence is strengthening again following President Xi Jinping's recent state visit.
While not a single infection has been officially reported yet, Myanmar has stopped issuing a visas on arrival for Chinese visitors and also ordered tour operators to suspend services for Chinese visitors. It suspended all flights to and from China as of Feb 6 after evacuating its citizens from Wuhan. Such actions suggest that the Myanmar government has chosen to prioritise citizens' safety over the country's relationship with China to some degree.
Laos, meanwhile, has not reported a single confirmed case but faces a high risk due to the return of many Chinese workers employed in Chinese-led infrastructure projects after the Lunar New Year break. Chinese travellers account for almost 20% of tourist arrivals to the country.
Laos has suspended seven out of nine flight routes to China and temporarily suspended the issuance of tourist visas to those entering by land from China since Feb 2.
In Thailand, meanwhile, the government has seemed slow and indecisive. Most of the measures announced so far followed criticisms and complaints from the public, particularly those dealing with overpriced masks and how to handle illegal Thai labourers returning home from Covid-hit South Korea.
Then there was the flip-flopping over whether to quarantine people travelling from six "high-risk areas": China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul briefly posted an announcement on Facebook, then withdrew it. On Thursday, the government said a 14-day quarantine would apply. Then on Friday afternoon, the Public Health Ministry said that while authorities have the power to order quarantine, they wouldn't. But it would be nice if people arriving from those countries would self-isolate and report their health condition every day. Heaven help us.
Also, while Thailand is in the second stage, meaning local transmission has yet to be seen, the public is yet to hear what preparations have been made for a third phase -- vast and uncontrollable infections -- which we all hope we won't reach.
We hope the government has prepared something. But who knows how it will be announced? In the end, what is best is to take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones and be responsible to society. Be safe, everyone.