Myanmar State Counsellor urges public caution over possible 2nd wave of COVID-19

20 June 2020
Myanmar State Counsellor urges public caution over possible 2nd wave of COVID-19
People wear masks as they sit in the back of a truck in Yangon, Myanmar. Photo: Nyein Chan Naing/EPA

Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has encouraged the public again to be cautious about a potential COVID-19 second wave and to follow the instructions announced by the Ministry of Health and Sports.

As of 20 June, Myanmar has recorded 286 confirmed cases, 6 deaths, and 187 recovered including 172 discharged.

The Myanmar government has a full programme in place to test and quarantine those affected and has brought in several public and personal hygiene measures.

Aung San Suu Kyi noted that it took a lot of effort to fight against first COVID-19 wave and not to be reckless now for the second wave which could be more difficult to manage than the first one.

Many of the lockdown measures have been eased and a number of businesses have reopened.

However, there are certain measures still in force.

The curfew extended for another two months in Ayeyawaddy Region as 524 people violated the curfew during the first two months of the order. They were sentenced to one to two months in jail.

In order to avoid the crowd gatherings, a door to door plants distribution programme has been implemented in Magway Region, said a spokesman from Dry Zone Greening Department. Magway is one of the hottest dry zones and residents used to gather in monsoon season for planting trees.