March 18, 2020

Yangon Pansodan-Dala ferries are packed with nearly 30,000 daily commuters despite the COVID-19 concerns, said Manager Daw Khin Khin Nu, manager of Pansodan Port.

“Currently, daily commuting is regular while the entry of foreigners remarkably drops. The relevant health departments and philanthropic organizations are raising awareness for COVID-19 and giving out masks. As precaution measures, some wear masks. The ferry service normally runs 46 times per day. The service will reduce to 26 times per day during the Thingyan festival period. As the service is the only option for the local people in Dala, it keeps running on an every-day basis”, she said.

The entry of foreigners at Yangon Pansodan-Dala Port was registered at 4,081 in December 2019, 4,270 in January 2020, 3,124 in February 2020 and 879 as of 16 March, totaling 12,354 passengers. Owing to the COVID-19 impacts in March, a sharp drop of foreign passengers is seen around the port.

The Pansodan-Dala Port is the only gateway for the local people in southern Yangon — Dala, Twantay, Kawhmu, Kungyangon townships and some townships in Ayeyawady Region to link with commercial city hub of Yangon. Three motor vessels named Cherry 1, 2 and 3, donated by Japan, have been running 46 times per day for estimated 30,000 commuters. The port is one of the crowded places in the town.

Following the WHO’s declaration of COVID-19 a pandemic, the relevant departments are directed to restrict public gatherings and events by 30 April. The COVID-19 can be rapidly and easily transmitted through public transport and gatherings. The Ministry of Health and Sports has already released the announcements to the public to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19. — Naing Lin Kyaw (Dala) (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)