Expanded testing planned amid Covid-19 resurgence in Arakan State

By DMG 24 Feb 2022

DMG Newsroom
24 February 2022, Sittwe 

With Covid-19 cases on the rise over recent weeks in Arakan State, health officials say there are plans to expand virus testing of travellers.  

“We are arranging to test for Covid-19 for travellers on motorways and waterways. Those who are fully vaccinated should hold the document showing they are vaccinated,” Dr. Soe Win Paing, assistant director of the state’s Department of Public Health, told DMG.

Earlier this month, the DPH announced that domestic air passengers in Myanmar would have to undergo Covid-19 testing from February 15, with proof of a negative test within 48 hours of an individual’s flight required in order to board. The requirement was put in place for all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status. 

The expansion of testing to include travellers using road and water modes of transport comes after a sampling of airline passengers and staff at Sittwe University were found to have been infected with the coronavirus’s highly contagious Omicron variant. 

U Hla Thein, spokesman for the Arakan State regime council, said preparations are being made to open quarantine centres at Sittwe General Hospital and elsewhere in the state.

Authorities are also undertaking a public awareness campaign, urging people to follow Covid-19 preventive measures.  

“We will take action against those who fail to adhere to Covid-19 prevention regulations depending on the Covid-19 infection situation,” U Hla Thein said. 

Between May 25, 2021, and February 23, 2022, a total of 5,651 Covid-19 cases were reported in Arakan State, with 501 deaths attributed to the virus and 201 people still undergoing treatment, according to figures from the state’s military government. 

The United League of Arakan (ULA) on February 20 released a statement urging people to adhere to Covid-19 preventive regulations as the Omicron variant had been detected recently in some Arakan State townships. 

Civil society organisations in the state have also emphasised that any festivals and events be held in line with Covid-19 preventive regulations.