As Covid-19 infection rates surge in global and neighbouring countries, Myanmar has also been seeing cases increase in its border areas since late May, according to the ministry of health and sports.

Geographically, Myanmar has long borders with her neighbouring countries. With new variants of Covid-19 in those countries, Myanmar also has increased potential to increase cases. Therefore, preventive measures have been extended since early May such as systematic control of movement of overseas returnees, limitation of the number of returnees, suspension of arrivals of international airplanes and temporary closure of border gates.

The regions with possibly high outbreak are being monitored and declared as stay-at-home townships if necessary. Moreover, Covid-19 rapid antigen test kits, oxygen cylinders, ventilators, preventive equipment, pulse oximeters, antibiotics, other medicines and medical equipment, beds and departmental vehicles are being provided to those regions, according to ministry sources.

With a number of Covid-19 cases in Sagaing Region and Chin State, the ministry is providing more staff for public hospitals in those regions.

Relevant departments, health staff, military medical corps and volunteers are working together on prevention, control and treatment of Covid-19.