COVID-19 travel restrictions imposed in Mrauk-U Twsp

By Hnin Nwe 21 Aug 2020

Hnin Nwe | DMG
21 August, Mrauk-U  

Travel restrictions have been put in place in parts of Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State, after one coronavirus case was reported there amid growing concern over an outbreak in Sittwe, according to state lawmakers and residents. 

The number of coronavirus-positive patients in Arakan State has reached at least 45, with an alarming 29 of those cases considered “active,” having been reported over the past week. 

Locals in Mrauk-U Township will be restricted from most non-essential travel after village administrators and village organisations in the township held discussions about the virus, said U Tun Thar Sein, an Arakan State MP. 

“People must wear face masks during essential outings despite travel restrictions being imposed. We don’t get any information about COVID-19 because internet access in Arakan State is very poor. I am worried about potential spread of the virus among the internally displaced people taking shelter at the camps across Arakan State,” the Arakan State legislator added. 

He continued that respective departments under the Ministry of Health and Sports should conduct coronavirus awareness campaigns at IDP camps in Arakan State. 

There are thousands of conflict victims in Mrauk-U Township, many of whom are sheltering at crowded displacement camps. 

Mrauk-U residents are concerned about local transmission of the virus because many people may have had close contact with the township’s COVID-19 patient, logged as Case No. 408, said resident Ko Zaw Tun. 

“Residents in Mrauk-U prefer coronavirus lockdown because the possibility of virus infection is very high. I think it is too late to begin a contact-tracing process for the coronavirus-positive patient’s potential interactions with people and travel history. Restricting travel is a key to preventing virus infections this time,” Ko Zaw Tun said. 

Lockdown measures were imposed in the ward in Mrauk-U where the COVID-19 patient resides and motor vehicles are currently confined to passing through Mrauk-U town, according to locals. 

Of the 45 patients who have so far tested positive for coronavirus in Arakan State, 16 have recovered and were discharged from hospitals while the 29 recently reported cases remain hospitalised — 28 in Sittwe, while Case No. 408 is receiving treatment in Mrauk-U.