Public urged to follow Covid-19 rules as Omicron makes inroads in Arakan State

By DMG 20 Feb 2022

DMG Newsroom
20 February 2022, Sittwe

Amid a recent uptick in the number of Covid-19 infections in Arakan State — and with 75% of a recent sampling of positive cases identified as the virus’s highly contagious Omicron variant — the public is once again being urged to abide by pandemic-related preventive measures.

Compliance with the Covid-19 regulations, such as those related to the holding of ceremonies, rallies, and other sizable gatherings, is still weak in many townships, including the Arakan State capital Sittwe, according to public health officials.

Dr. Soe Win Paing, assistant director of the Arakan State Department of Public Health, told DMG that the public needs to follow the Covid-19 rules to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Covid-19 infection cases are on the rise in Arakan State. Therefore, the people need to follow the Covid-19 rules systematically. With the rise of Covid-19 [infections recently], the public needs to cooperate with health officials,” he added.

More than 80 coronavirus-positive patients are currently being treated at Sittwe General Hospital.

“The number of virus patients is currently increasing, but no fatalities have been reported,” said Ko Tun Hlaing, an official with Rakhine Covid-19 Watch. “People need to be conscious and disciplined. The Covid-19 pandemic can only be controlled by the people if they are disciplined.”

U Hla Thein, a spokesman for the Arakan State Administration Council, wrote on his social media account that discussions were underway to issue additional orders related to mask wearing, and limiting public gatherings.

Between May 25, 2021, and February 18, a total of 5,471 Covid-19 cases were recorded in Arakan State, with 501 deaths attributed to the disease and 195 people still receiving treatment, according to figures from the state’s military government.