Covid infections increase in both Yangon and other regions, states

Covid infections increase in both Yangon and other regions, states
Heath workers taking Covid-19 patients to hospital in Mandalay Region
Heath workers taking Covid-19 patients to hospital in Mandalay Region
Published 17 November 2020
Zaw Min Naing

Covid-19 cases in Myanmar have increased not only in Yangon Region but also in other regions and states, said Dr Than Naing Soe, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Sports. 

According to the data from the ministry, Yangon Region is hit hardest and since early November, Mandalay, Ayeyawady, Sagaing and Bago regions have been seeing more cases. 

“Yangon is still seeing many cases. We considered which regions would come after Yangon. Places having links with Yangon are Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Mandalay, Ayeyawady and Mawlamyine. We have calculated these areas might see Covid cases. We imposed stay-home rules. Experienced professors from Yangon disseminated knowledge to other regions and states. Just recently, Dr Zaw Wai Soe and Dr Zaw Lin Aung held a video conference with about 400 or 500 people. Their experiences were shared. We have expected more cases. We have prepared a lot for treatment and care. We hope we will be able to control in time,” said Dr Than Naing Soe.  

He said Yangon State was the epicenter from which a lot of infections spread to other regions.

“Simulation exercise was made before Case No.375 in Rakhine State. We thought that the Covid-19 could start from Rakhine State. The infections spread to Yangon and then to other regions and states.  We raised alarm and conducted monitoring tasks in Rakhine State. We speeded up our tasks when Case No.375 emerged in Rakhine State. Then more cases popped up after having contact with the patient. But 90 percent of the patients were asymptomatic,” he said.  

He added that Case No.375 was found in about August. About a week before, over 5,000 people from Rakhine State had already arrived in Yangon by air alone.

Now, Mandalay Region has seen Covid-19 cases significantly with over 630 in a week after the election. Likewise, Sagaing Region saw 512 cases from September 10 to November 16 with 149 still receiving treatment.

According to Bago Township Health Department, Bago Region has seen 727 cases and three deaths.