Privately-owned schools have been forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading several of the teachers to work in non-teaching businesses because of lack of income, teachers say.

Phyo Thinza, who worked at a private high school, said that she was currently selling woolen materials online.

She said that she would like to return to teaching after the COVID-19 crisis because she has a great passion for teaching.

Nyi Nyi Latt, who runs a private boarding school in Swa town in Bago Region, said that he was currently working as a market vendor in the area.

He said that many friends of his who worked as teachers at private schools became jobless because the schools were closed, so some were working as market vendors and some were working as lottery ticket sellers.

The COVID-19 stay at home orders and other restrictions have had a serious effect on employment and business over the last few months. Many lost their jobs and many factories closed.