Health staff shortages make it difficult to cope with an influx of people entering Taninthayi Region through Mahlwetaung checkpoint, a single entry into the region through the mainland of Myanmar, in conducting health checks to prevent the Covid-19 spread. 

Restrictions were imposed on those entering the region, the operation of bus lines suspended and those entering the region from other regions and states except for governmental and health issues quarantined for 21 days as of mid-April. 

Taninthayi Region Covid-19 Control and Emergency Response Committee issued a notification allowing operation of bus lines with a bus carrying 50 percent of the capacity, people to enter the region as of June 3 if they follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Sports such as wearing masks, having body temperature and washing hands. 

However, health staff shortages have led to difficulties with doing such health checks on those entering the region. So, officials from the checkpoint are calling for deploying more health workers. 

“Lockdown has not been lifted. It is from 12 pm to 4 am. It lasts until June 15. There are a lot of vehicles coming from Yangon that are stranded at our checkpoint at 4 am. We allow five cars to enter at one time. We make the passengers queue for medical checks. We measure body temperature. But there are delays due to staff shortages. Passengers understand that. It is better for health staff to take body temperature. We also seek help from philanthropic organizations. It is better if we have more health staff members,” said Kaleinaung Township administrator Aung Naing, also leader of the checkpoint passenger bus and truck scrutiny and record team.