Covid-19 test samples from Rakhine to be sent to Yangon by air when flights resume

Covid-19 test samples from Rakhine to be sent to Yangon by air when flights resume
Published 24 April 2020
Hsan Htoo Aung

 

Lab samples of persons under investigation of Covid-19 in Rakhine State will be transported by air to the National Health Laboratory when the flights resume, said Dr Thar Tun Kyaw, director general of the Ministry of Health and Sports. 

“To transport swabs, I think flights will reopen soon. Myanmar National Airlines and Air KBZ are planning to re-operate. Depending on the resumption of flights, we will send swabs from Rakhine State to the NHL in Yangon Region,” he said. 

The plan comes after a car with the United Nations logo carrying swabs of PUIs in Rakhine State for sending them to Yangon was attacked by a gunshot from an armed group on April 20. A civilian staff member died. 

“On April 20, the car was carrying swabs from Rakhine State for Covid-19 tests. As now is the time when flights are suspended, under the arrangement of our ministry, cars from WHO, its staff members and our health workers tried to transport samples from Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Yathedaung, Sittway and Minbya townships in Rakhine State to Yangon. Due to the attack, a WHO staff died and a health worker had his left thumb cut off,” said Dr Thar Tun Kyaw. 

The Myanmar government denounced the attack of the WHO car and the death of its driver, promising to launch an investigation, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 20.