Myanmar: Authorities introduce curfews in three regions from April 18 /update 7

Event

Authorities have introduced curfews in the regions of Yangon, Ayeyawaddy, and Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory between 22:00 and 04:00 (local time) from Saturday, April 18, due to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, the restrictions will be in place in all townships of the territory, including the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. In Yangon, authorities warned that the 'stay-home' campaign scheduled to occur between Sunday, April 19, and Monday, April 20, is likely to be extended until the end of April. A curfew from 21:00 to 04:00 has been in place in Mandalay since Thursday, April 16, and hotels and guesthouses there remain closed until Tuesday, April 21. Sagaing region declared a curfew on Monday, April 13, between 22:00 and 04:00 on April 13, with authorities re-announcing the measure on April 18. Residents are not allowed to leave their homes during the curfew except to purchase food or seek medical attention.

Myanmar banned all entry and exit of people, except for cargo, at its border with Bangladesh on April 13, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. The country's borders with China, India, Thailand, and Laos are also closed.

A ban on all international flights remains in place until Thursday, April 30. Cargo, medical evacuation, and specially approved flights are exempt from the ban. Additionally, an existing 14-day quarantine requirement for all returning migrants has been extended to 21 days. Visa issuance to foreign nationals is suspended. Public gatherings have been banned as a precautionary measure.

To date, there have been 94 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Myanmar, including five associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over 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.