So far it has recorded only around 2,600 infections and 35 deaths among its population of 98 million. The government there is said to revisit growth targets of 6.5-7.5% this year to account for developments that made them harder to achieve. The statistics office said that to remain on target, Vietnam must speed up vaccination efforts, provide business support packages and accelerate public investment projects. So far, Vietnam has vaccinated more than 45,000 people, mostly medical and frontline workers with the AstraZeneca vaccine. — with Philstar.comEditor's note: Added background on Philippines' pandemic experience.

Source: Philippine Star March 29, 2021 05:02 UTC