India and Nepal battle devastating COVID wave 

New Delhi, May 17 (RHC)-- India is approaching 25 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with another 4,000 deaths recorded over the past day, though experts say the true toll is far higher. 

In neighboring Nepal, COVID-19 cases continue to surge, overwhelming hospitals, which are having to turn away patients due to a lack of oxygen.  

Thousands of migrant workers returned home to Nepal following lockdowns in India.  The government has imposed a nationwide shutdown, banned international flights and limited public gatherings.  Nepal’s prime minister lost a parliamentary vote of confidence last week and has been forced to step down amid growing public anger over his response to the second COVID wave.

In Taiwan, officials have imposed its strictest measures yet, limiting gatherings and shutting down entertainment venues, to combat a spike in cases.  Singapore is moving all schools to at-home learning. Thailand reported its highest-ever daily toll today at nearly 10,000 infections, with over two-thirds of those cases recorded among prisoners.