Arakan State’s third-wave coronavirus death toll hits 175

By DMG 31 Jul 2021

DMG Newsroom
31 July 2021, Sittwe 

A total of 175 coronavirus patients died in Arakan State from May 12 to July 30, according to figures compiled by the Arakan State Department of Public Health. 

During the pandemic’s ongoing third wave, Covid-19 cases have been recorded across all 17 of Arakan State townships, with 42 deaths in Sittwe; two each in Buthidaung, Gwa and Ann; nine in Maungdaw; 20 in Thandwe; 44 in Taungup; eight in Kyauktaw; five in Minbya; 14 in Kyaukphyu; four in Ramree; one in Ponnagyun; six each in Pauktaw and Mrauk-U; three in Rathedaung; and seven in Manaung. 

Myebon was the only Arakan State township not to record a third-wave fatality as of July 30. 

Several townships are now averaging multiple deaths per day as the virus continues to spread across the state, despite efforts by the military government and the Arakan Army/United League of Arakan to curb infection rates. 

“Two confirmed Covid-19 patients died in Maungdaw yesterday. The total number of virus patients who died of Covid-19 in Maungdaw has reached 10,” said Dr. Nu Kaythi San, medical superintendent of Maungdaw District General Hospital.  

Kyaukphyu Township had a particularly deadly recent spell from July 26-31, according to Ko Japan Gyi, chairman of the Kyaukphyu Laywadi Kula Rakkhita Charitable Association. 

“Ten people succumbed to Covid-19 in a single week and we cremated four virus patients today. I would say around two people die of coronavirus every day. The majority of victims who die of Covid-19 have other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes,” he said. 

Chinese-made Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines have arrived in Arakan State and are being rolled out on a tiered eligibility basis, with older demographics — deemed more vulnerable to the ravages of the virus — getting first priority. 

The Sinopharm vaccine has been given to the elderly in Sittwe since Saturday morning, according to the Department of Public Health. 

As of July 30, a total of 2,714 cases and 175 deaths were reported in Arakan State during the pandemic’s ongoing third wave, with 860 patients receiving treatment at hospitals, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.