SITTWAY-Over 80 COVID-19 cases have been found in Sittway Township, Rakhine State, within eight days. Many of those infected patients are monks, INGOs’ staff, specialist doctors and nurses.
After Myanmar reported the first COVID-19 patient in Sittway Township since August 16th, the total number of COVID-19 cases already has risen to over 80.
At present, COVID-19 patients are being hospitalized at the People’s Hospital in Sittway Township and their health conditions are stable.
“67 COVID-19 patients including five monks and INGOs’ staff are now receiving medical treatment at our hospital,” said Dr Zaw Lwin, Medical Superintendent from Sittway People’s Hospital.
According to the announcement of the Ministry of Health and Sports, there are a total of 97 COVID-19 patients living in Sittway, Thandwe and Mrauk-U Townships, Rakhine State.
Most victims have no oversea travel history and no close contact with the confirmed patients.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Myanmar has reached to 474 till yesterday night. Among them, nearly 100 cases have been found in Rakhine State.
There are 33 wards in Sittway Township. But, 13 wards are placed under semi-lockdowns.
Although the number of COVID-19 cases has risen in Sittway Township, most dwellers in Sittway don’t wear facemasks, according to the local CSOs.
“We collected the money to buy facemask. And then, we distributed the facemasks to the shoppers and shopkeepers. However, they wear the masks only for a while and they don’t care about the virus spreading because they have no medical knowledge. It is impossible to say individually. Moreover, they don’t know the details of the COVID-19 because there is no internet access in Rakhine State. Now, the price of facemask increases in Mrauk-U Township. So, we would like to urge the people to wear facemasks aiming to prevent the spread of the virus,” said Than Tun from Mruak-U Township.
“Most people in Sittway Township wear face masks but a few aren’t wearing them especially in crowded places like the markets. It is too bad. The authorities need to clearly announce the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Health and Sports at the wards,” said Khaing Kaung San, Director from Wunlet Foundation.
The authorities warned the shopkeepers not to increase the prices of basic commodities and facemask .
With the aim not to occur second wave of COVID-19 in Maungdaw Township, all restaurants and food stalls are allowed to sell take-away systems. Moreover, the restaurants and shops downtown of Maungdaw Township must be opened half-day.
The authorities in Maungdaw Township announced that if a person are return from Sittway Township, he or she must be informed to relevant administrative organizations and then he or she must be stayed at home.
Likewise, fever screening activities are being carried out at the border gates.
“In Maungdaw Township, Myoma Market opened in the morning. Tea shops sell to takeout. Those who returned from Sittway Township must be kept under home quarantine. If there are suspicious people, inform the authorities. The monasteries have banned those who will be observing the eight or more Buddhist precepts,” said a local from Maungdaw Township.
Suspect patients returning from Sittway Township must undergo swab tests.
