Lockdown will depend on the control of COVID-19 in Yangon Region according to Yangon Region Social Affairs Minister Naing Ngan Lin.

He said these words at the news brief on preparation of temporary hospital at Phaung Gyi Central Institute of Civil Services in Hlegu Township on April 21.

“Frankly speaking, I don’t want to start any lockdown in Yangon because there are many people who face hardships in their daily livelihood. If we order a lockdown, there are many situations which will face hardships. When we observed the countries that decided to make lockdowns, we found that the spread of COVID-19 was way too much and impossible to handle. In my opinion, our situation in Yangon is still manageable. The seven townships being semi-lockdown is not by the decision of Yangon Region Government. The decision was made by the Union Government. Depending on the instruction of the Ministry of Health and Sports, we will do lockdown when necessary. Otherwise, we won’t,” said Naing Ngan Lin.

Seven Townships in Yangon Region including Insein, Hlaing Tharyar, Shwe Pyi Thar were under semi-lockdown according to the statement issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports. The new measure took effect dated April 18. Action will be taken in the event of failure to comply with the new rules.