Since 5 January, health authorities in Myanmar have been making efforts for preventing COVID-19 and preparing for quickly responding to an outbreak, in case it happens.
After more than two months of efforts by health authorities, public awareness is becoming important day by day in preventing the disease.
The prevention and control of a potential coronavirus infection depends on the people’s knowledge and awareness about the disease, individual responsibility of citizens to follow precautions, and following measures when they find suspected cases.
Meanwhile, we must understand that panic among the people can lead to failure in carrying out effective measures. Under such sensitive circumstances, we would like to urge people not to spread fake news and rumors, nor create them. Or, they would face punishment under law.
Social media users must take responsibility and accountability for the information they spread. People are urged to rely on information from reliable sources, such as official websites, especially from the Ministry of Health and Sports.
As per today’s reports, the global number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 100,000. As we mark this sombre moment, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reminded all countries and communities that the spread of the virus can be significantly slowed, or even reversed, through the implementation of robust containment and control activities.
Having committed to effectively prevent and respond to any COVID-19 infection, the ministry is ready to provide treatment to suspected patients at designated hospitals.
As far as the number of arrivals from foreign countries is concerned, the prospect for infection would be slowed in our country.
It is worth noting that flights from the Republic of Korea, which has reported a coronavirus outbreak, would be suspended from 9 March to 24 April.
At the same time, Myanma Airways, which is operating three flights per week to the ROK, has been advised by the Ministry of Health and Sports to reduce the flights or suspend them.
Every effort to prevent, contain the virus, and slow its spread would save lives. Such efforts give health systems and all of society much needed time to prepare, and researchers more time to identify effective treatments and develop vaccines.
We will continue our efforts that have been effective in preventing infections and reducing the impact of the virus at every opportunity.
