AS COVID-19 is not over, everyone must be health-aware, stay alert, and emphasize self-protection from the pandemic. Although the World Health Organization declared the end of the COVID-19 global public health emergency in May 2023, COVID-19 infections continue to spread worldwide. Currently, the dominant strain of the COVID-19 virus is a subvariant of Omicron called XEC, which has shown increased transmissibility.
The Ministry of Health stated that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread globally, along with the emergence of new virus variants. Between 8 and 15 June this year, a total of 2,285 laboratory samples were tested, and 52 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were detected, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health on 16 June. The announcement also mentioned that during this period, there were no reports of severe COVID-19 cases, patients requiring special medical treatment, or any COVID-related deaths in the country. Therefore, the ministry concluded that while the disease is still present, there is no cause for serious concern at this time regarding outbreaks or fatalities.
In Myanmar, due to the effective leadership of the national government, the responsible and dedicated efforts of civil servants, the cooperation of relevant ministries, and social organizations, and the unity and active participation of the people, the severe transmission of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic could be controlled and contained within a short period. As a result, from May 2023 up to date, there have been no deaths due to COVID-19, and no alarming public health incidents have occurred, marking over two consecutive years of successful pandemic management.
Although COVID-19 is no longer considered a global emergency, the threat posed by the newly emerging Omicron variant XEC remains concerning. Among all preventive measures against COVID-19, the most effective and reliable include: staying in well-ventilated and open-air spaces, consistently wearing face masks that cover both the mouth and nose, using air purifiers or systems that ensure clean airflow, completing the full course of COVID-19 vaccinations including booster doses, and strictly following the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health regarding the disease.
Experts have warned that the risk of new COVID-19 variants could lead to a resurgence of the disease, which should not be taken lightly. Therefore, based on the experience and practices that helped all the people endure previous COVID-19 waves, it is strongly advised that everyone remain vigilant, stay informed about public health, and continue to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and others.
