Falling infection rates are no reason for Covid complacency, warns Arakan State health official

By DMG 07 Sep 2021

DMG Newsroom
7 September 2021, Sittwe 

Although the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has declined in Arakan State over recent weeks, the disease remains a threat, cautioned Dr. Soe Win Paing, assistant director of the state’s Department of Public Health, urging the public to stay vigilant and live in line with health guidance.  

“The disease still happens. As we cannot know who is carrying the disease, it is easy to be infected. Prevention and adhering to the Covid-19 instructions depends on people,” said Dr. Soe Win Paing. “People themselves need to be careful not to get infected rather than relying on others.” 

Ko Than Hla, a member and secretary of the Sittwe-based Arakan Humanitarian Coordination Team (AHCT), said most people were abiding by the Covid-19 instructions issued by the Health Ministry and other authorities. 

“There are few public gatherings. Markets have been opened. Not like before, people wear masks now,” he said.  

Random Covid-19 tests have been conducted to gauge the prevalence of coronavirus among people in Arakan State. 

According to data from the Arakan State Department of Public Health through September 6, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arakan State was 3,460, with 412 related deaths, during the pandemic’s ongoing third wave, which began in May. 

A local stay-at-home order has been imposed in Gwa Township, where Covid-19 infection levels have remained elevated. Residents are only allowed to leave home between 5 a.m. and 12 noon, with those who fail to abide facing up to one month in prison.  

A pregnant woman with Covid-19 died at the hospital in Gwa Township on Tuesday morning, according to a social welfare association there.  

The 27-year-old was from Ma Gyi Zin village in Ayeyarwady Region, and she was admitted to Gwa Township Hospital on September 6 and died the next morning, according to Ko Phoe Chit, chair of the Kin Yone youth volunteer group in Gwa Township. 

“They came to Gwa Hospital as it is not too far from their place. Her oxygen level was low when she arrived at the hospital and she died today,” he said. 

At least four pregnant women have died with Covid-19 in Arakan State during the pandemic’s third wave. 

Gwa Township had reported 873 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 23 related deaths as of September 7.