Around the world, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has passed one million, with that figure increasing by hundreds every day. Nations across Asia are battling COVID-19 in the own ways and with varying degrees of success.

Many nations are addressing economic concerns, with places such as Japan and Malaysia offering relief to families and households with cash injections. Border controls continue in many areas and officials in urban environments are placing tighter measures on social distancing during the pandemic.

Keep reading for a round up of media coverage across Asia, as countries grapple with the pandemic.

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world and in Asia

China

On Monday, China reported no new deaths from coronavirus for the first time since the outbreak began. Continuing on the positive news, the lockdown imposed on Wuhan has been lifted by Chinese officials. Seventy six days after it began, more than 11 million residents are allowed to leave their city.

Read Chinese media reports:

Caixin Global: Why there will be no quick cure for trade after the pandemic

Caixin Global: China for the first time reveals its number of asymptomatic coronavirus cases

People’s Daily: Xi leads national mourning for lives lost to COVID-19

China Daily: Hoarding of grain unnecessary as country has enough supply, ministry says

Source: ourworldindata.org

South Korea

Aggressive testing and digital tracing action in South Korea has helped it "flatten the curve" of the virus's spread. Measures included a two-week social distancing campaign by the government, which finished over the weekend - although the Health Ministry called the response to the campaign "disappointing" and extended it further.

Read South Korean media reports:

The Korea Herald: The spread of COVID-19 in South Korea (graph)

Korea Joongang Daily: Government calls for two more weeks of social distancing

Yonhap News Agency: South Korea expands free trade zones to promote exports amid virus pandemic

Japan

Facing a potentially strained health system, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency, which will last until May 6 at least. The state of emergency covers Tokyo, Osaka and five other virus hot spots. Citizens have been asked to stay inside, unless out on essential business.

Read Japan media reports:

The Japan Times: COVID-19 news updates

The Japan News: Abe declares state of emergency

The Asahi Shimbun: Households to get 300,000 yen in relief for losses from coronavirus

Singapore

While still grappling with the outbreak of COVID-19, Singapore also has its upcoming General Election to contend with. In mid-March, The Straits Times reported two possible time frames the election could be held in: March to April, or mid-June. Political observers have since identified June is the more likely of the two, after a special Bill was passed to ensure voting could be carried out safely. The General Election must be held by April 2021.

Read Singapore media reports:

Today: COVID-19 outbreak: The latest Singapore numbers at a glance

Channel News Asia: Social gatherings of any size in both private and public spaces prohibited under new Bill

Straits Times:Mental health: the pandemic’s hidden crisis

Thailand

The Thai government has imposed a 10pm to 4am curfew in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19 and officials have also issued orders to close schools until July 1, with classes moving online. In terms of economic relief, the government has recently approved a 1.9 trillion baht ($NZ 97billion) relief package.

Read Thailand media reports:

Bangkok Post: New infections found in Phuket

The Nation: Aviation authority extends ban on flights by another 12 days

Photo: Julian Herzog/Wikimedia Commons

Indonesia

Large scale social restrictions are being imposed in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. The city government has been given the power to enforce measures such as limiting private vehicles on the road, closing schools, offices, religious gatherings and other mass gatherings.

Read Indonesia media reports:

The Jakarta Post: Indonesia’s latest official COVID-19 figures

The Jakarta Globe: Blow to the Budget: Government expects deficit as COVID-19 stimulus erodes revenue

India

With a relatively small recorded number of cases per capita compared to other countries, India is continuing its nationwide lockdown, due to end on April 14. However, the lockdown appears likely to be extended, with travel between Indian states remaining severely restricted.

Read India media reports:

The Times of India: Coronavirus live rolling updates

Hindustan Times: India between Stage 2 and 3 of COVID-19 pandemic: Health Ministry

The Hindu: Coronavirus: Municipalities using Smart Cities’ command centres turn into war rooms

Myanmar

Read Myanmar media reports:

Myanmar Times: States and regions in Myanmar take action to prevent COVID-19

Frontier Myanmar: Myanmar’s camps face catastrophe from virus – rights groups

Vietnam

Read Vietnam media reports:

Viet Nam News: New COVID-19 cases reported, total number rises above 240

Viet Nam News: Northern provinces asked to cooperate with China to manage border controls amid COVID-19

Kilometre zero of National Route 1A in Vietnam, at the Youyiguan (Friendship Pass) control point on the China–Vietnam border. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:H%E1%BB%AFu_Ngh%E1%BB%8B_Quan.JPG)