Collaboration and conviction have been at the heart of Myanmar’s remarkable battle against COVID-19. Despite some initial missteps and persistent socio-economic challenges, the Southeast Asian nation has coped rather well with the pandemic.
By Khin Nyein Nyein
Myanmar had declared COVID-19 as a notifiable disease on February 28. Mass gatherings of more than five persons were banned; daily curfews from 10 pm to 4 am was introduced. Soon, there were restrictions on entry from high-risk countries, followed by an international travel ban on March 31. All festivals, weddings, and religious ceremonies, including the famous Myanmar New Year Water Festival in April, were prohibited; people were asked to stay at home until the end of April.
On April 10, Myanmar has 28 COVID-19 cases. By May 14, the number rose to 164. The peak of transmission occurred during a Christian religious event, which caused 103 positive cases in Yangon. The Burmese Canadian Paster and a Burmese resident were sued for holding worship services in Yangon, despite a restriction on large public gatherings aimed at curbing the coronavirus pandemic.
Quarantine measures
Initially, all travellers entering Myanmar were mandated to follow 14 days of quarantine restrictions. However, starting April 11, the quarantine period was extended to 21 days after experts noted prolonged symptoms in some people under quarantine. All COVID-19 positive cases are quarantined in the hospital free of charge until they are tested negative for the infection two times. After discharge, the patients are required to be in-home quarantine for a week.
Yangon has two hospitals demarcated for COVID-19 cases. There are also hotel quarantine facilities. The Buddhist ministries and meditation centres, vacant university buildings, middle schools, and high schools all over the country have been used as quarantine sites. The staff from the Ministry of Health, along with volunteers, have been working relentlessly at the quarantine sites. The Myanmar Medical Association, local NGOs, and volunteer groups have supported the care of people at quarantine sites and people from poor socio-economic backgrounds.
Yet, there are people who don’t have access to proper healthcare, especially in the conflict areas in the West, North, and East of Myanmar. The border with Bangladesh is a contentious issue as is the dismal living conditions of internally displaced people in crowded camps.
Safety first
Several measures have been taken to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 infection. The distribution of face masks; construction of the handwashing basins at bus stations, markets, shopping malls, and supermarkets with soap and water; educating people about important hygiene and safety measures; to name some. Strict infection control measures have been followed, with a fine of 5000 Myanmar kyats being levied on those who do not wear masks in public places.
At the beginning of the pandemic, there was only one laboratory in Yangon for testing the samples sent from all quarantine sites. Now, there are three more laboratories across the country. Myanmar got help from China for the test kits as well as technical support on case management and laboratory procedures.
Challenges posed by economic recession and job losses are likely to have long-term effects. Experts also warn about the possibility of a new wave of cases once international travel opens up. Currently, many of the restrictions have been eased. Restaurants, tea shops, markets, food stalls, and shopping centers are allowed to start operations, provided they have adequate safety and prevention measures in place. Domestic flights and local highway buses have restarted, with proper infection control measures.
High schools are scheduled to open on July 21, starting with higher grade students. International flights are expected to start by the end of July 2020. The current government’s five-year term will end this year and the next election is slated for November 8, 2020.
(The author is a Myanmar-based Expat Medical Doctor with MSF and First Check member)
