MEXICO CITY -- As the novel coronavirus is spreading across the world, Latin America, which is home to about 650 million people and where the infection cases are climbing, is doubling down on efforts to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hardest-hit countries, including Brazil, Ecuador and Chile, have imposed blanket quarantine measures and night curfews, and shut down most businesses as the region's confirmed cases have exceeded 10,000 with over 160 fatalities, according to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University.

China's strict quarantine and containment measures, in particular, should be adopted in Latin America before the pandemic snowballs, said infectious disease expert Fernando Ferry of the Gaffree e Guinle University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, stressing the importance of prevention.

COVID-19 "is a disease with a high rate of transmission ... so we either follow the Chinese model of containment or it will lead to many more victims," said Ferry.

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KUALA LUMPUR -- The joint fight against COVID-19 has bonded Malaysia and China closer as China sending much-needed supplies and support to Malaysia, Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said Saturday.

In the handover ceremony of medical equipment from the Chinese government to Malaysia, Hishammuddin said China has once again come forward to work closely with Malaysia as his country face very difficult times against COVID-19, quoting a Chinese saying "We really truly know our friends in times of crisis."

The medical equipment arrived in Malaysia on Saturday include test kits, N95 Medical Protective Face Masks, 3-ply surgical masks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 200 units of ventilators.

"This is an extraordinary contribution by a country to Malaysia showing the close friendship, solidarity and consideration both Malaysia and China share," said Hishammuddin, adding that his government will make full use of the supplies including distribute them to the frontliners like doctors and nurses.

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KIGALI -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday expressed his appreciation for the global support that helped the African country in its fight against the coronavirus.

"I thank those who have contributed to Rwanda's fight against this pandemic, including the World Health Organization; I thank very much Dr. (Adhanom Ghebreyesus) Tedros, and Jack Ma and his foundation and others for their material and advisory support," he told the nation in a televised address.

Since the first case was confirmed in Rwanda two weeks ago, many across Rwanda have played a responsible role against the virus, the president said, especially commending the frontline workers for their sacrifices in the fight.

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JAKARTA -- Indonesia will join 180 other nations and regions to mark the earth hour on Saturday evening without traditional gatherings to avoid the spread of novel coronavirus which has claimed 102 lives and infected 1,155 others in the country.

The annual campaign to raise awareness on the needs of serious efforts to slow down the global warming will be relayed digitally as Indonesia is applying a physical distancing measure and discouraging mass gatherings during the lethal virus pandemic, media reported on Saturday.

"Through the participation in this earth hour and the voice for planet movement, we have helped world leaders make a decision to support improvement in the health sector and earth protection as well as the welfare for all the living things," said Lukas Adhyakso, acting CEO of the World Wildlife Fund Indonesia. Enditem

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