The economic impact of the coronavirus is becoming evident in Southeast Asia with thousands of people in Indonesia driven out of jobs and a third round of financial aid relief announced in Singapore as part of efforts to prevent companies from laying off staff.
Singapore’s latest stimulus package is worth S$5.1 billion and also includes S$600 cash payouts for each adult Singaporean. Indonesians mostly in Jakarta and Bali have been left out of jobs or forced to take unpaid leave, according to announcements made by local authorities today.
The Philippines has welcomed medical workers from China to help in its battle against COVID-19 and will start mass producing protective gears for medical workers at its local garment factories.
More updates from Coconuts newsrooms in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong: