Amid the detection of a new coronavirus variant and surge in cases elsewhere, the World Health Organization on Saturday urged Southeast Asian countries to not let their guards down and increase surveillance.
"At no cost should we let our guards down," said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO, South-East Asia Region.
"Though Covid-19 cases have been declining in most countries of our Region, the surge in cases elsewhere in the world and confirmation of a new Variant of Concern is a reminder of the persisting risk and the need for us to continue to do our best to protect against the virus and prevent its spread," she said in a statement.
