Eight truckers test positive for COVID-19 in Arakan State sampling

By Myo Thiri Kyaw 09 Oct 2020

Myo Thiri Kyaw | DMG
9 October 2020, Sittwe 

Eight out of more than 100 truck drivers and assistants who have entered Arakan State in recent days have tested positive for COVID-19, the state’s Public Health Department said on October 9. 

The department’s assistant director, Dr. Soe Win Paing, told DMG that health workers used rapid antigen test kits for the drivers in order to obtain the results of their tests quickly. 

Dr. Soe Win Paing said they tested 73 drivers and their assistants at the Sittwe highway terminal, out of whom four were found positive. When another 30 drivers were tested at the Kyaukphyu highway gate, four were infected with the virus, he added. 

“We have sent those positive patients to hospital,” Dr. Soe Win Paing said. “Those who tested negative for COVID-19 will be allowed to travel for two weeks with the test recommendation letter. It means they will be tested again after two weeks.” 

U Maung Oo Chay of the Kay Thi Oo cargo company said one of their drivers and his assistant had to pay more than K20,000 for the testing. 

“It is good that they came here to test for COVID-19. If they are to pay every time they come, they will have financial difficulties. They can’t afford to pay. So, it should be a smaller amount,” he said. 

Vehicle and pedestrian movements have been restricted across Arakan State as health officials attempt to get control of a coronavirus outbreak that began in mid-August. 

As of October 8, there were 1,852 COVID-19 infections reported in Arakan State, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports, with more than 75% of that caseload considered recovered. Seven deaths were recorded statewide as of the ministry’s October 8 update.