Myanmar is conducting lab tests for COVID-19 by exposing suspected cases as the country may see the outbreak, and until March 4, there had been 56 patients under investigation and suspected of the virus, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. 

The number of patients under investigation and suspected of the coronavirus across the country from January 31 to March 4 was 20 in Yangon Region, 13 in Shan State, 10 in Mandalay and 13 in other states and regions totalling 56. 

According to the ministry’s statement released on March 4 evening, a 24-year-old man from Kandawnadi Hospital, a 25-year-old Chinese woman and a 38-year-old Chinese man from Waibargi Specialist Hospital and a 26-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman from Kyaukpadaung Township Hospital had tested negative. 

Regarding the cases under investigation of the virus, a 28-year-old man from Waimaw in Kachin State returned on March 1 after working in China. As he had high temperature, he was handed over to Kanpaikti Station Hospital. Since February 23, he has had symptoms such as fever, coughing, tiredness and breathing difficulty. He has been isolated in the hospital and regarded as the patient under investigation. Plans are underway to send his samples to the National Health Laboratory (Yangon) for diagnosis of the virus. 

A 68-year-old woman suffering from diabetes in Mahaaungmyay Township, Mandalay Region, had had such symptoms since February 4 and she came to Mandalay General Hospital. Despite having no travel history over the past 14 days, she is regarded as the patient under investigation as she is suffering from virus symptoms. 

Moreover, a 32-year-old woman is found to be suffering from the symptoms after returning from Thailand. The private clinic where she went transferred her to Waibargi Specialist Hospital on March 4. Plans are underway to send her samples to NHL.