COVID-19 Global Roundup: More Asian countries see coronavirus cases decline

As more Asian countries see decreasing COVID-19 case numbers, the tight lockdowns and restrictions are paying off. Australian coronavirus hotspot's social distancing restrictions will be eased earlier than previously announced as its daily new infections held near three-month lows, and nations like South Korea and India also have smaller numbers of local cases. 

India reported another 86,052 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, a declining trend with recoveries exceeding new cases this week. The latest update from its health ministry on Friday raised the nation's total to more than 5.8 million. The ministry said 1,141 more people died in the previous 24 hours, for a total of 92,290.

In east Asia, Japan has also eased up its restrictions. The country decided to ease its ban on foreign visitors and will begin allowing in some people with long-term visas, but not tourists, starting next month. 

On Saturday, South Korea reported 49 new domestic coronavirus cases, the smallest number of locally transmitted cases in 44 days in a sign that tighter social distancing rules are paying off.

In Australia, the state of Victoria said on Saturday that social distancing restrictions will be eased earlier than previously announced as daily new infections held near three-month lows.

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