Mizzima

As of April 2023, the number of COVID-19 cases in Myanmar has increased, according to the junta-controlled media. 

From 23 April to 26 April, there were a total of 235 confirmed cases, according to the junta’s Ministry of Health.

It is unclear whether those tested are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have merely tested positive for the virus. 

COVID-19 cases hit a high in July and August 2021 but have since dropped to negligible numbers. At its height, Myanmar saw 40,000 new cases on the day of 19 July 2021. 

The junta’s Ministry of Health reported that there were 45 confirmed COVID-19 cases on 23 April, 51 cases on 24 April, 71 on 25 April and 68 on 26 April, bringing the total number of cases to 235. Of these cases, 17 individuals had returned from Thailand.

The Ministry of Health of the parallel National Unity Government [NUG] announced on 27 April that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has increased sixfold in the Southeast Asian region and doubled in the Eastern Mediterranean region. 

Over the past month, India, Indonesia, and Nepal have reported the highest number of new cases of COVID-19 among Asian countries.

A doctor from Yangon, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that "Under the military regime, the healthcare system is weak. Additionally, the junta insisted on holding the water festival in mid-April, which could have contributed to an increase in the number of infections."

As per the junta, the death toll from COVID-19 in Myanmar has reached 19,490 and the number of cases appears to be increasing, possibly due to an increase in testing.