Authorities had to take action against nearly 900 people in Myawady, Kayin State, within 60 days for defying the night-time curfew imposed for prevention of the Covid-19 spread.

Under the instruction of the Kayin State government, a curfew (10 pm-4 am) was imposed from April 18 to May 15. Then, the curfew time was reduced on May 16 from 12 midnight to 4 am. Authorities made daily arrests of those defying the curfew. 

During the curfew period, combined teams comprising military personnel, police, border guard troops, fire brigade members and community administrators patrolled the town of Myawady bordering Thailand. In 60 days until June 15, 803 men and 58 women, totaling 861 were arrested for defying the curfew. They were all charged at the township court. 

“It has been two months since the government imposed the curfew. In 60 days from April 18 to June 16, actions were taken against 861 people for defying the curfew. Lawsuits were filed against them. Among them, 678 people paid their fines. For the remaining 183, they were sent to jail for a month as they failed to pay fines,” said Phyo Zaw Ko Ko, administrator of Myawady Township. 

As the government has extended the emergency period until the end of June, it is also applicable in the town of Myawady, he added.