Three staff at cottage hospital in Ann Twsp contract COVID-19

By Kyaw Thu Htay 16 Dec 2020

Kyaw Thu Htay | DMG
16 December 2020, Sittwe

Three healthcare workers at Tat Taung cottage hospital in Arakan State’s Ann Township have tested positive for COVID-19, and the facility has instituted quarantine procedures since December 15, according to Dr. Nyi Nyi Aung, the hospital superintendent.

The hospital is not on lockdown, but it is under quarantine to prevent any spread of COVID-19 to staff or patients, said Dr. Nyi Nyi Aung.

“If someone is in an emergency, they can visit the hospital for treatment, but the patient will have to be under quarantine. We are blocking the hospital entrance to stop people entering from outside. The hospital is not under lockdown,” he said.

There are only 13 healthcare workers at the hospital and the three who contracted COVID-19 are now in isolation. Those who had direct contact with them tested negative in a first round of tests after the three cases were reported, Dr. Nyi Nyi Aung said.

“The hospital can resume services after their second test results are negative,” he said.

About 50,000 people from some 100 villages depend on the local cottage hospital, and some villagers are instead receiving medical treatment in Ann town while the hospital remains under quarantine.

“Authorities from the hospital told pregnant women last night to deliver their babies at the hospital in Ann town. The road trip to Ann is far and transportation is poor,” said Ko Myo Lwin, an Ann town resident.

A total of 3,966 cases and 34 coronavirus-related deaths were reported in Arakan State as of December 14, according to the Department of Public Health in Arakan State.