Covid-19 death toll rises to 93 in Arakan State, with 31 deaths in Taungup Twsp alone

By DMG 24 Jul 2021

DMG Newsroom
24 July 2021, Taungup 

The death toll of the pandemic’s third wave in Arakan State had risen to 93 as of July 23, according to the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH). 

Of the 93 deaths due to Covid-19 in Arakan State, the highest number was 31 in Taungup Township. 

“The death toll from the virus has risen in Taungup Township, with more and more people dying at home without voluntary hospitalisation,” said Ma Su Yadanar Hlaing, an advisor to the Taungup Youth Network. “The military council says it is working to keep the oxygen running in Taungup, but civil society groups are working to keep it from running low on oxygen.” 

Shops in Taungup Township are now closed on their own decision, and the streets are less crowded, according to Ko Nay Lin Aung, who works for the Taungup Social Welfare Association. 

“Locals in Taungup are gradually becoming more disciplined. Now all the shops are closed and the number of people going out has decreased. Only a handful of grassroots go outside for work,” he said. 

There were 2,027 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Arakan State from May 12 to July 23, and an increase of 101 patients on July 23 alone, according to the DPH. 

A Thandwe resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said tighter anti-virus measures were needed in Thandwe Township, where up to 10 confirmed deaths of Covid-19 patients were recorded. 

“The government does not have a strict plan to control the spread of the virus. Despite the deaths, bars and cafes are still crowded with people eating and drinking,” the unnamed Thandwe resident added. 

As part of efforts to control the pandemic, the Thandwe Myoma Market has been closed and set aside as a temporary market at the Sandaw football grounds, but the temporary market is now crowded, said Sayadaw U Tay Zeinda, who is involved in Covid-19 prevention efforts in Thandwe. 

“When the market was closed and meat and vegetable vendors were relocated to the Sandaw football grounds, the population was so crowded that it looked like a viral hotspot. As a result, it is necessary to separate the meat and vegetable sellers,” the monk added. 

Donations are reportedly being collected to build oxygen generators in several Arakan State townships in order to provide oxygen to virus patients in need. 

An oxygen plant has been built in Mrauk-U Township and oxygen is being distributed to townships in need.  

The Arakanese people have been urged to stay at home for two weeks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Arakan State and action will be taken against those who fail to abide by the instruction, the United League of Arakan (ULA) said in a statement on July 20, with the stay-at-home period to last through August 4.