MYAWADY-With the aim to place Myanmar migrant workers returning from Thailand in May, first week, the government is now preparing 10 Quarantine centers in Myawady Township, Kayin State.

The Quarantine center can accommodate up to over 2,000 returnees.

“We aim for those who are hoping to return home after April 30th. Some returnees understood that Thailand gave a three-month visa exemption for them due to COVID-19 outbreak. Some are misunderstanding if they will return back to Thailand; they have to extend their visa period. We can’t exactly say whether those returnees can enter Thailand or not. Currently, Border gates are closed and all flights cancelled,” said Tay Zar Aung, Myawady District Administrator. 

The Myawady Township had opened five Quarantine centers for Myanmar migrant workers who returned home by the end of April. About 1,500 workers are in five Quarantine centers.

The authorities turned Shwe Myawady new market, schools, MoU office, Thabawa meditation center and church as the quarantine centers.

Moreover, the authorities will be putting the notices about hand washing, social distancing and mask wearing at the Quarantine centers, No.2 Friendship Bridge, Border Control Facilities Zone (BCF) and temporary bus stops.

Those returnees must sign and undergo quarantine for 21 days in Mon and Kayin States. 

‘Firstly, we will inform the regional government committee about the list of those returnees. Those returnees coming from Rakhine, Chin, Kayah, Shan and Kachin and Kayin States must undergo Quarantine for 21 days. At BCF Zone, we prepared to welcome those who will pick up the returnees. Moreover, the Thailand government will be carrying out medical checkups for those returnees,” said Volunteer Dr Saw Htay Myint.

The World Food Program will provide meals to those returnees and they are now connecting with the UN agencies such as UNDP, IOM, NGOs, INGOs, social organizations and local wellwishers through regional government committees aiming to fulfill the requirements at the Quarantine centers.