Mandalay Region will temporarily ban private cars with more than seven seats (except trucks for commodity flow) from April 7 to 21, according to Notification No.1/2020 released by the region government on April 4.

The move comes after World Health Organization announced that COVID-19 might be infected not only through close contact but also through air. The measure is applicable to passenger buses, pilgrimage buses and private cars with more than seven seats except for trucks and ordinary private cars. The notification was signed by Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr Zaw Myint Maung.

The notification however says shops foodstuff production businesses, shops selling foods, pharmacies, private hospitals, filling stations, electricity supply enterprises must remain opened. They will face legal action if they are to close.

Moreover, hotels, motels, guesthouses, inns, construction sites and clothing shops must close from April 7 to 21.

Mandalay Mayor Dr Ye Lwin has also urged the public to follow the instructions to avoid total lockdown.