Indonesia reports 396 new Covid-19 cases, 31 more deaths

CORONAVIRUS | Indonesia has reported 396 new Covid-19 cases, taking the total number to 8,607, data provided by health ministry official Achmad Yurianto showed.

Thirty-one more people who had tested positive for the virus died, taking the total number of deaths to 720, according to the data.

The world's fourth most populous country has been hit hard by the virus, with the highest number of deaths in Asia outside of China.

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday he would be sending ventilators and unspecified help to Indonesia at the request of President Joko Widodo.

The Indonesian presidential palace said in a statement that Trump and Widodo held a call on Friday to discuss ways to collaborate during the pandemic, including on how to overcome the protective gear and mask shortages faced by both countries.

The statement said Trump had agreed to "strengthen partnerships in trade and economics" between the US and Indonesia after recovery from the Covid-19 outbreak.

- Reuters

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