Covid numbers falling in most Arakan State townships, with outliers Gwa and Kyaukphyu: military govt

By DMG 20 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
20 August 2021, Sittwe 

The number of Covid-19 infections and deaths reportedly dropped in most Arakan State townships this week, with the exceptions of Gwa and Kyaukphyu townships. 

Covid-19 cases have been recorded across all 17 of Arakan State’s townships during the virus’s ongoing third wave. While numbers are now declining in most townships, the Arakan State military council said there has been no decrease in virus infections in Gwa and Kyaukphyu townships. 

“It can be said that Covid-19 infections are declining in Arakan State,” U Hla Thein, a spokesperson for the Arakan State military council, told DMG. “At present, there are just over 300 virus-positive patients being treated in the hospitals. However, the number of people infected with Covid-19 in Gwa and Kyaukphyu has not decreased and there are still deaths. We are trying our best to control the virus infections in these two townships.” 

The Arakan State death toll from Covid-19 in the four-plus months from May 12 to August 19 totalled 358, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. 

Sittwe Township has recorded the highest number of fatalities, at 91, followed by Taungup Township’s 64 deaths and Kyaukphyu Township’s 33. 

Arakan State Minister for Natural Resources U Than Tun told DMG that the public is being disciplined about following Covid-19 regulations, and that strict action is being taken against those who do not abide by the virus-related rules.  

The United League of Arakan (ULA) has extended a statewide stay-at-home period from August 19 to 25 as part of efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. It first announced the stay-at-home order from July 20 to August 4, before issuing subsequent extensions.