9 Sep
As Myanmar grapples with another surge of COVID-19 cases, KBZ Bank has supported the Yangon Regional Government with the donation of six infrared thermal detection units for proactive daily temperature screenings to be conducted in the densely-populated city. The donation, valued at MMK 120 million, will assist the Yangon Regional Government to take precautionary steps on the frontlines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Yangon Regional Government initially commenced temperature screenings in May 2020 using four infrared thermal detection units which were installed in vehicles to serve as mobile screening stations. KBZ Bank heeded the Yangon Regional Government’s call for support and made a cash contribution to facilitate the purchase of six new infrared thermal detection units. With this donation, the Yangon Regional Government can now deploy a total of 10 mobile temperature screening stations in the city, including townships with high incidence of the virus.
The 10 mobile temperature screening stations will be operational from the second week of September 2020, with each station conducting temperature screenings for an average of 3,000 people each day. With 10 stations in place, approximately 30,000 people in Yangon will undergo temperature screenings daily or 900,000 during a full month.
The infrared thermal detection unit utilizes infrared technology to detect radiating heat from the body – usually from the forehead – to estimate core body temperature.
During the temperature screenings, persons who have an elevated temperature and who may potentially have fever, will be requested by the authorities to undergo further assessment. If a person is suspected of having the virus, a COVID-19 test will be conducted by the authorities.
A ceremony was held, 4 September 2020, at the office of the Yangon Regional Government during which U Myint Oo, General Manager of KBZ Bank, handed over the donation of six infrared thermal detection units to U Phyo Min Thein, Chief Minister of Yangon Region.
Said U Phyo Min Thein during the ceremony, “We would like to thank KBZ Bank and all other donors for their generous and valuable donations to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile temperature screenings will help identify persons who may have COVID-19 symptoms and allow for more testing to be done. It will also support the authorities with contact tracing to prevent transmission among the public. Our temperature screening stations will be located in townships where there are higher numbers of confirmed cases.”
“KBZ Bank will continue to support Myanmar’s fight against COVID-19 alongside the authorities, medical and health professionals, community groups and volunteers. Our donation of infrared thermal detection units will support the implementation of early COVID-19 detection measures, and the wider aim of reducing transmission of the virus in the country”, said U Myint Oo, General Manager of KBZ Bank.
Since 26 February 2020, KBZ Bank has made donations valued at MMK 6.16 billion to support the containment, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19 across Myanmar. In addition, KBZ Bank has to date donated more than MMK 166 billion to the country and its people regardless of race, religion, location or background, and will continue to provide the necessary support when needed.
GNLM
