Myanmar: Authorities ban entry for travelers from the UK as of Jan. 5 /update 30

Event

Myanmar has suspended entry for travelers coming from the UK as of Jan. 5 due to concerns over a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) strain. It is unclear whether the government provides any exemptions from the entry ban.

Measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 remain in effect through Jan. 31. Gatherings are limited to less than 30 people nationwide, except for public servants, government-related meetings, food establishments, and essential businesses, among others. Officials continue to advise people to wear facemasks, practice personal hygiene, and maintain a physical distance of 2 meters (6.5 feet) in public. Additionally, a 0001-0400 curfew is ongoing in parts of the country, though officials may implement stricter curfews in some areas. Domestic commercial passenger flights are operational; passengers must undergo health screenings at airports before boarding.

Authorities continue to impose stay-home orders in some localities as of Jan. 5. Exceptions to the movement controls are allowed for persons with emergency needs and individuals working in certain professions, such as in the medical, food, manufacturing, banking, and financial services fields. Government employees in affected areas must rotate between working on-site and at home every two weeks. Authorities allow one person from each household to leave home to obtain supplies, while only two people per household can visit medical facilities. Movement in the designated areas is restricted, with exemptions for people performing official duties or facing emergencies; people leaving the areas for other reasons must seek official permission. Vehicles cannot operate in or pass through the areas except if transporting people to and from work, among other exceptions.

Areas enacting stay-at-home orders include:

• Ayeyarwady Region: Pathein Township.

• Bago Region: Bago Township.

• Kachin State: Parts of Hpakant Township, including Mawone and Myoma wards.

• Mandalay Region: Aungmyethazan, Chanayethazan, Chanmyathazi, Mahaaungmye, Patheingyi, and Pyigyidagon townships.

• Rakhine State: Rules are in effect statewide. A 2100-0400 curfew is ongoing, with limited exemptions.

• Yangon Region: Parts of Kungyangon, Seikkyi Khanaungto, and Twante townships.

Local governments in some areas may implement additional controls in addition to the nationwide measures. The central and local governments could expand quarantine requirements at short notice for other areas with COVID-19 outbreaks. Additionally, locals in some regions of Myanmar have opposed the government's COVID-19 protocols; localized demonstrations against restrictions are possible.

Travel Restrictions
International commercial passenger flights remain suspended, though relief and cargo flights can continue operating. Additionally, authorities may also allow special flights to transport citizens to and from Myanmar on a case-by-case basis. Visa-on-arrival and e-visa services remain suspended. Exemptions to entry bans include resident diplomats and UN officials. People who can enter Myanmar must self-quarantine for 7 days in their country of origin and test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before the trips. Upon arrival, the passengers must isolate for another 7 days at a government facility and undergo another COVID-19 test. If the travelers obtain a negative test result, they will then quarantine for another 7 days at their residence. Authorities may allow resident diplomats and UN officials to undergo quarantine at their residence.

Additionally, authorities also permit business trips for those working in important sectors, such as oil, gas, and power from mainland China and Japan in a so-called "fast-lane" arrangement, with protocols in place. Safeguards for the fast-lane agreements include requiring travelers to present a medical document attesting that they are COVID-19-negative within 36 hours before boarding flights, taking a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Myanmar, and isolating at designated facilities. The land border remains closed to passenger transit, though goods transport can continue.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Defer travel if affected by travel restrictions. Follow all official immigration and health screening instructions, particularly if traveling from affected locations. Allow additional time for immigration and health screenings at all ports of entry. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Avoid any demonstration as a precaution.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

State COVID-19 Portal (Burmese)
World Health Organization (WHO)