Ramree authorities and CSOs take action against the maskless

By DMG 03 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
3 August 2021, Ramree 

Local civil society groups and authorities in Arakan State’s Ramree Township have been working together to reduce the spread of Covid-19 since August 3, in part by detaining those caught out in public without a face mask after 12 noon. 

Some exceptions have been made, for individuals with health problems and farmers, to a local policy that otherwise bars people from being out in public past noon, as well as prohibiting shops from being open after that hour. 

Ko Tun Naing, an official with a Covid-19 prevention charity in Ramree, told DMG that first-time violators were “arrested and educated.” 

“From today, for the first [infraction], we are arresting and educating those who take to the streets without masks,” he said. “It has been repeatedly announced that betel shops and shops will not be open after 12 o’clock. Farmers and those who have health problems are allowed to go out. People who plan to gather to drink alcohol are being arrested.” 

Three people were reportedly detained and released after they were forced to sign a pledge to wear masks when going outside in future. 

Civil society groups say the aggressive policing of mask policy is aimed at preventing the spread of the disease in their area. 

Ramree Township reported 81 Covid-19 cases as of August 1, with four deaths, according to the Arakan State Department of Public Health.  

A total of 2,940 cases were reported in Arakan State as of August 2, with 1,839 patients discharged from hospitals and 212 dead.