Arakanese people welcome ULA statement on Covid-19

By DMG 21 Feb 2022

DMG Newsroom
21 February 2022, Sittwe

The United League of Arakan (ULA) issued a statement on February 20 urging the public to adhere to Covid-19 preventative basics as the virus’s Omicron variant has been detected in several Arakan State townships over recent days.

In a statement to those travelling in densely populated and commercially prosperous townships, and those returning from public events, the ULA said that those applicable were more likely to be infected with Covid-19 than those who did not fit that description.

Ko Tun Hlaing, chairman of Rakhine Covid Watch, said the public needed to abide by the statement as the people in Arakan State now trust the ULA.

“The ULA’s statement is good for the Arakanese people. In any case, the Arakanese people need to abide by the ULA statement because they have faith in the ULA. With regard to Covid-19, the public needs to take this statement seriously and adhere to it,” he said.

The ULA urged Arakanese people to wear masks, use hand gel, wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, avoid ceremonies and avoid crowds as much as possible. The ULA also urged people to stay at least six feet away from others as much as possible and to stay away from people with suspected Covid-19 symptoms.

Arakan civil society organisations have pointed out that according to a ULA statement on Covid-19, traditional zat pwe troupes performed throughout Arakan State need to be controlled in accordance with the rules and regulations.

“I welcome this statement. However, the traditional zat pwe troupes need to be handled with care. This is because the Omicron variant is highly contagious and if one person is infected, it can infect all of us, so these need to be addressed,” said Daw Nyo Aye, chairwoman of the Rakhine Women’s Network.

The ULA has called on the public to comply with local regulations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Between May 25, 2021, and February 19, a total of 5,503 Covid-19 cases were recorded in Arakan State, with 501 deaths attributed to the disease and 216 people still receiving treatment, according to figures from the state’s military government.