26 August
With growing concern about the COVID-19 outbreak in Rakhine State’s Sittway, the IDP camps with high population density and limited water and sanitation infrastructure is becoming a challenge for the Union Government in addressing the outbreak in the country.
COVID-19 could have even more dire consequences in IDP camps than in general populations.
The worst is: the number of positive coronavirus cases during 10 days from 16 to 25 August in Sittway reached over go, ringing an alarm bell that the strain of the virus in Sittway is spreading faster than previous infections in other regions and states.
While Myanmar’s capacity to prevent and address a COVID-19 outbreak nationally remains a concern, rapid preparation and planning are critical, particularly where this virus may have the greatest impact.
To keep the virus from reaching IDP camps, the authorities of the camps are obliged to enforce the COVID-19 preventive rules and measures there.
As displaced people are staying in crowded conditions at the camps, if one of people is infected with the virus, an outbreak is very likely and can become uncontrollable.
Camp authorities are highly advised to play a recording of the Ministry of Health COVID-19 prevention guidelines daily over loudspeakers – guidelines to alarm the IDPs to follow the rules and guidelines.
Meanwhile, the authorities should understand that it not easy for the IDPs to follow the rules and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports for the disease unless they are provided with sufficient basic daily needs such as water, soap and food. Social distancing guidelines would be more inspirational than feasible at many of the camps where overcrowding is a fact of life.
Authorities are also urged to tighten the rules at the camps to ensure that they do not go to a neighbouring country of their own volition and the IDPs understand that they would face legal action if they do not abide by orders and do not comply with mandatory COVID-19 regulations.
Meanwhile, health authorities and workers who are on the frontline of fighting the COVID-19 infection are also obliged to explain clearly to the IDPs about the directives and guidelines issued by various ministries.
The Union Government left no stone unturned in fighting the disease, pledging that no one would be left behind during the prevention and treatment of the COVID-19 disease.
The cooperation of the people are the key in addressing the current challenges. This situation is not easy for anyone.
GNLM
