Asia sees tightened travel restrictions to combat COVID-19 outbreak.

A sign that reads "Closed for tours and visits in view of COVID-19
situation" hangs outside the Sultan mosque in Singapore, March 13, 2020. /AP

Asian countries and regions have stepped up entry and exit control measures in a bid to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, which has been officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

From March 16, Singapore will bar visitors who have visited Italy, France, Spain and Germany for the last 14 days, Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong and Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong announced at a press conference on Friday.

The announcement came after the rise in the number of new infections in the European countries. With over 28,000 cases having been reported in the European Union, the WHO says Europe is now the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. The confirmed COVID-19 cases in Italy have exceeded 17,000 with those in France, Spain and Germany over 3,000 respectively.


By CGTN.
Full story at CGTN.