Ramree bolsters COVID-19 preventive efforts as Arakan’s only non-infected township

03 Sep 2020

Khin Tharaphy Oo| DMG
3 September, Sittwe

Ramree Township now stands alone, the only township in Arakan State yet to report a COVID-19 infection during the recent outbreak of the virus, and preventive measures are being stepped up in the township, according to local hospital authorities and civil society organisations.

A total of 495 coronavirus cases were reported in 16 of Arakan State’s 17 townships through 8 a.m. on September 3, according to figures from the Ministry of Health and Sports.

Pyithu Hluttaw lamaker U Kyaw Swe from Ramree Township said travellers from elsewhere in the country or abroad who enter the township by motorway or waterway are being screened, residents are encouraged to wear face masks, and the local Health Department and CSOs are urging people to avoid crowds.

“We have opened two gates for people to enter the township and to leave the township. People from CSOs and the Health Department are checking travellers. People from any area cannot enter the township without being checked on their health,” he said.

Ko Thaw Zin Tun, a member of Ramree Youth Team, said CSOs and young people in Ramree town are providing public awareness about COVID-19, handing out masks and arranging to spray disinfectant in the township.

“We have arranged to provide food if there is a COVID-19 infected patient among people who are under quarantine. We are also preparing to spray disinfectant in the town once a week,” he said.

Dr. Aung Naing Soe, superintendent of Ramree Township Hospital, said facilities and medical equipment for 20 people have been readied at the hospital for if there are COVID-19 cases.

“We have prepared for 20 cases at the new hospital. There are two doctors. And we have some medical equipment to prevent COVID-19,” he said.

So far 96 people who were returning from other parts of Myanmar and abroad are now under quarantine in Ramree Township.