As Covid-19 cases increase in Sittway, Rakhine State, authorities are taking action against those without wearing face masks, while closures of most shops are causing difficulties for the grassroots, according to local sources.

From August 16 until the morning of August 24, 72 people were infected with Covid-19 in Rakhine State with most in Sittway.

Covid-19 samples are being tested at Sittway People’s Hospital with the use of two Gene Xpert machines and the hospital is being staffed with more doctors.

Plans are also underway to establish makeshift hospitals if necessary.

Due to the outbreak, authorities tried to move fish and vegetable stalls out of Sittway central market on August 23, but the plan failed.

“Our the development committee and authorities tried to move the shops out and close the market. But we failed. The night watchman of the market had to flee because he was threatened to be hit. We have no security guards. Meetings and instructions are not enough. All should cooperate,” said Saw Win, member of the development committee.

As the entry of cars and ships from other townships is being banned, street vendors are having financial difficulties, some local said.

“We street vendors are facing difficulties. As a trishaw man, my husband is also facing difficulties. We don’t know how to make a living. As few people are out, we cannot sell our products,” said street vendor Khin Than.

As MraukU Township has seen three Covid-19 cases, the wards of Case-440 and Case-441 are in lockdown and about 60 people are in quarantine.