Authorities have taken action against those in Mandalay city who violated the stay-at-home rule making them pay a fine of over Ks20 million in three days since the start of the two-week-long rule, according to the District General Administration Department. 

There were 689 people on December 5, 1,828 people on December 6 and 1,888 people on December 7 totalling 4,440 who were fined for violating the rule. 

“We are trying to prevent the Mandalay residents from going outside. But there are more gatherings as people line up to get permission to go out. I think there will be less crowds if we can issue permits to the businesses allowed to run in one or two days. When it comes to taking action, there were just 600 people on the first day. But there were more on the second and third days. There were over 4,000 in three days. We have received a fine of over Ks20 million,” Mandalay District commissioner Aung Mon Latt said.  

He said a lot of people are queuing at the township administration offices to get permission to go across other townships for their work during the stay-home period. But authorities are trying to ensure less crowds there, he added. 

Starting December 8, the township offices have accepted applications only not allowing people to wait. Then they are asked to take their permits from their respective ward offices. 

Mostly inhabited by working people, Pyigyitagon Township General Administration Department saw over 10,000 applications in three days.  

During the two-week stay-at-home period from December 5 to 18, workers from private businesses need to get permission to go outside from respective township administration departments. 

Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr Zaw Myint Maung said those who fail to follow the rule will face social punishment or fine. 

About four in 1,000 people who have Covid-19 tests in the seven townships of Mandalay District test positive for the coronavirus. So, more treatment centers and hospital wards are being built, the chief minister said.