Myanmar: Authorities extend entry restrictions until June 15 /update 13

Event

Government officials have extended entry restrictions until Monday, June 15, for all arrivals to Myanmar to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The restrictions include one week of quarantine in the traveler's home country prior to arrival in Myanmar, one week of quarantine in a government facility in Myanmar, and one week of self-isolation at a private, verifiable, address. Arrivals must also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result and will have their temperatures checked upon arrival. All commercial passenger flights are suspended until June 15 at the earliest. Cargo, medical evacuation, and specially approved flights are exempt from the ban. Several domestic airlines have also resumed flight operations within Myanmar.

As of Sunday, June 7, movement restrictions apply in the townships of Mayangone and Insein, in Yangon. All residents of these areas must remain at home unless required to leave for work, while cars circulating in the townships are restricted to two occupants and must belong to residents. Face masks are compulsory in public nationwide. Bars and restaurants are reopening, with social distancing measures in place.

As of June 7 there have been 240 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Myanmar, with six associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.