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Rapid rise of Covid-19 second wave in Myanmar 23 th October. Myanmar

reported its first case of Covid-19 on 23rd March, 2020.

In the first wave, there were only 374 cases and 6 deaths despite sharing a long and porous
border with China. The last local transmission was found in 16th July.

The second wave started on 16thAugust in Rakhine state after almost a month without local
transmissions.

Rakhine state is located on the border with Bangladesh which has more than 2000 local
transmission. There are displaced people on both sides of the border. The IDP population is
growing as the result of ongoing conflict and Covid-19. They live in very crowded camps and
social distancing is impossible. They are lacking food and other necessary supplies.

On August 21st, there were 19 confirmed cases in Sittwe and 1 in Mrauk-U. The MOHS placed
lock-down ordering all residents stay-at-home and administrative authorities imposed night
curfew from 9:00 PM to 4:00AM for 2 months and urged people to wear face masks and actions
were taken who failed to follow instructions.

All transportations between Yangon and Mandalay with Rakhine state were suspended, starting
from August 20th.

On 22nd August, the Medical Research Department of MOHS stated that G-614 strain has
detected Myanmar as well (from D-614 to G-614) mutations. This mutated virus has more
transmissibility than D-614 strain.

By August 24th, out of 24 new cases, 23 cases in Yangon were coming back from Sittwe. Covid-
19 cases started to increase to 441 confirmed cases with 6 deaths. Yangon region stood at top
with 302 cases and then Rakhine state 67 and Chin state 17.

As of September 16th, the Corona virus infection has surged to total of 3871 cases and the case
fatality was also increased to 40- previously on 6 fatalities.

Myanmar was recording over 500 new cases per day and reporting 85151 Covid-19 cases with
155 deaths and stood 5th in ASEAN countries behind Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore.

The Covid-19 infection started spreading country wide except Kaya state.

Daily new cases per million population has been rising gradually from 18 to 197 on 27 th
September and case fatality rate was 2.2 %.

Poverty, Food Insecurity and Social Protection during Covid-19 in Myanmar

(24th November 2020 )
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The government has banned international flights ( except special relief flights), closed the
schools and ordered half of the country’s workforce to work from home. Stay-at-home orders
have been issued in cities across the country. The health workers have carried out door-to-door
health checks in Yangon.

Yangon has become a major epicenter in the second wave and death have tripled and cases have
risen more than 700%. Hospitals are facing over capacity and health worders from other parts of
the country had to be called in to reinforce the health workers in Yangon. The virus is
widespread in the community.

Fever clinics and hospitals are using faster and less expensive rapid antigen test kits to detect
suspended patients. This new strategy is employed to supplement the Real time Reverse-
Transcriptase Polymerase-Chain-Reaction ( RT-PCR ) test to reduce the burden on the
laboratories. The laboratories have to struggle the testing of increased number of persons ad
surging of cases.

The truck drivers have been tested with Rapid Diagnostic Test ( RDT ), health workers, police
volunteers and factor workers. The MOHS is setting up more new laboratories in Yangon and
other states and regions.

The new make-shift Covid centers have been established in Yangon and Mandalay regions.
Hospitals are upgraded with beds for Covid-19 and equipped with oxygen tanks and pipelines,
monitoring equipment, ventilators and other medical supplies, including dialysis machines,
anticoagulants and corticosteroids (dexamethasone).

Simple hand washing, physical distancing and wearing masks and face shields can prevent viral
and viral infections.

As more infectious strain with G-614 mutated virus with failure of following the personal
preventive measures (as mentioned above) and large gatherings and lack of enforcement by
authorities are responsible for the surge of cases and death tolls.

Myanmar has been providing cash and food aid to vulnerable populations such as pregnant
women, people with disabilities and the elderly. Providing such aid is crucial because it can help
the people to follow the stay-at-home order.

The country now has the fourth highest number of cases and the third highest number in AEAN
countries by 3rd week of October.

There are calls to form an ASEAN Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) like
European CDC: ASEAN CDC can collaborate sharing of real time surveillance and best
practices etc. The organization can act on the permanent regional body to combat the current and
future pandemic. ASEAN CDC can enhance collaboration between SEARO and WPRO regions
of the WHO.
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Research by International Food Policy Research Institute ( IFPRI ) in the rural Dry zone and
urban Yangon found out that in September 2020, 59 % of household survey in Yangon and 66%
in Dry zone earned less than $1.90 per day which is common measure of extreme poverty.

Only 16% were in January 2020 before Covid019 crisis hit Myanmar, but now 62% are poor.

During the second wave of Covid-19, one third of households said they earned zero income in
the last month. That level of poverty poses huge risks for food insecurity and malnutrition, said
IFPRI.

Though it is necessary to control the virus spread lock-down periods have resulted in disastrous
impacts on poverty and needed to be accompanied by larger and better targeted cash transfer if
Myanmar is to successfully contain the economic destruction of Covid-19 second wave.

IFPRI said “ the government of Myanmar has rapidly expanded social protection in 2020 and for
this they should be commended for that. However, they do more”.

Over half of poor household received cash transfer in September, but unfortunately a lot of poor
people are still falling through the crack.

Myanmar government has been giving 20,000 kyats cash transfers to most households which can
reduce national poverty by 18%. However, increasing those transfers to 40,000 kyats cut the lock
down poverty by half.

There is a growing consensus both within government and among development partners that
greater social protection efforts are needed. Everybody knows that disease is not going away
soon, so we must do better to protect households from economic ravage of this disease.
( Reference: Poverty, food insecurity and social protection during Covid-19 in Myanmar- IFPRI, 24 th
November, 2020)

Covid-19 Second wave drives Myanmar business closures to new record ( John Liu-30 th
Nov, 2020)

A record number of business in Myanmar were shut amid ongoing second wave of the Corona
virus pandemic as lock-down order since September, hit drastically the economy – Air Asia
foundation survey

Foundation interviewed 750 local business in different parts of Myanmar between late
September and early October as a follow-up of first Covid-19 business survey conducted in April
and May when the virus outbreak first began.

A total of 36% of business survey say they are shut in the run up to November and elective – an
8% increase from the first study: 9% remain closed since May. At the same time, 34% are
operational compound to 24% in April and May.
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Myanmar now third most infected country in South East Asia (ASEAN) has recorded 87977
cases and 1889 including 1344 new cases on November 28.

It is a dramatic jump from 1133 cases on September. The virus spread has not slowed despite
lock-down measures being imposed in Yangon, Rakhine state and other areas since September.

The stay-at-home order for Yangon and its hinterland was issued during the evening of
September 21.

An August World Bank report forecasts Myanmar’s GDP to grow by 0.5 percent in 2019-2020.
The forecast is the slowest since 2011, but puts Myanmar among the very few economies
estimated to grow amid global recession. The Pandemic is expected to affect Myanmar’s
economic development across sectors in the long run.

The government has banned international commercial flights since April causing international
investors and executives who want to visit Myanmar.

Up to 96% of business reported “decline white 31% had no sales at all”.

Overall, 56% of business reported losses but those reported large losses were reduced to 25%, a
drop by 2% compared to previous survey.

Over one fifth or 22 % of business are wary of the Corona virus risks on their business survival.

The Covid Economic Relief Plan in April including food assistance and cash transfers vulnerable
communities and granting around K 143 millions of emergency loans to over 5600 business of
mid-October.

The Asia Foundation recommends simplifying the application process of Covid-19 emergency
loan and extending areas of business eligible. It also urges the authorities to ensure front-line tax
officials are fully aware of commercial tax deferrals and income tax.

The Foundation suggests targeting business supporting policies to those in Yangon and
Mandalay which has suffered greater hardships than rural areas. Apart from tourism and
hospitality and manufacturing industries, transport was hard hit.

The Foundation urges the government to maintain efficient transport and logistics across the
country on the basis that large segments of the economy depend on the movement of goods and
people

Covid-19 surveillance
-Total specimen tested - 1,182,735
-Total person under investigation (PUI)-15581
-Lab confirmed – 92187
-Death – 1972
-Recovered – 7143
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Myanmar Time ( 1st January, 2021)

Like the rest of the world, Covid-19 took a toll on Myanmar and its economy in 2020, reducing
GDP growth to just 1.7% for the year, according to the World Bank’s estimate.

In May 2020, a bill to replace the country’s 1995 Prevention and Control of the Communicable
Disease Law was submitted to Hluttaw (Parliament) a bid to effectively control any pandemic.

In addition of Covid-19, the country is making efforts to avid several decade-old ethnic armed
conflicts, aged old bribery and corruption and revive an ailing economy.

Myanmar’s general election was held on 8th November, 2020, amidst Covid-19 pandemic. The
news reported that the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) won land slide victory,
over 70% of the electorate cast their votes in 8th November poll.

Opposition parties have since filed numerous complaints against the Union Election
Commission’s (UEC) handling of the polls. The commission also cancelled voting in Rakhine
state where due to conflicts some areas are not in a position to hold a free and fair election, it
said- ( Myat Thura, Hein Myat Soe- Myanmar times.)

Anti-corruption commission (AAC) chair resigns due to health concerns this month. The ACC
said in September that it had no authority to investigate a complaint filed by Kayah state
legislative assembly against former Kayah state government chief minister L. Phaung sho for his
alleged role in the embezzlement of government funds. Mr. L. Phaung Sho then has been
removed by President U Win Myint.

The ACC is credited for its anticorruption campaign prosecuting high officials including former
Tanintharyi region Chief Minister in 2018.

The global international corruption watch group Transparency International said in a report that
ACC had received the highest level of public trust among anti-corruption agencies of 17 other
Asia Pacific countries (Myat Thrua, Khin Su Wai – Myanmar Time 1st January, 2020).

Initiation to 10 NCH signatories

The National Peace Process was initiated by President U Thein Sein’s government in 2013, but it
ahs not made much progress due to a lack of trust between key stake-holder which include the
military and 10 ethnic armed groups that signed the NCA.

After winning the 8th November election, the NLD government has issued initiations to the 10
NCA signatories to resume peace negotiation without waiting for the formation of the new
government.
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This decision came after the government peace negotiators and Tatmattaw met on 8th December
to review agreements signed at the fourth Panlong Conference in August, 2020. (Sai Wunna,
Min Wathan, Myanmar Times.)

13th November, 2021

Government, military seek tanks with armed groups aiming to achieve a breakthrough in the
negotiation that moved little during the past five years, a senior military official said.

A committee was established a day after the election to reach out to all groups including non-
signatories in order to find common ground that will eventually lead a peace agreement. The
government also vowed to talk with all the ethnic armed group in a bid to achieve a federal union
during the record term of NLD government.

The opposition parties including Union Solidarity Party refused to accept the outcome and
demanded a re-run of the election with military co-operation. This has sent a shock waves
throughout political and business communities in Yangon.

USDP Leader, U Than Htay in an interview the Radio Free Asia (RFA) said election was unfair
and his party had ordered candidates not to sign off on their losses.

The new parliament is scheduled to convene in February and vote in March for a new president
who will take office on 1st April. ( Ref. Zaw Linn Naing, Myanmar Times-13th November, 2020.)

March 13th

Vice Chairman of State Administrative Council (SHC), Vice Senior General Soe Win, Chief of
Army met senior military officials, officers, military cadets, military rankers and their spouses
(families) at Bahtoo and Pyin Oo Lwin military cantonments. These meetings were attended by
High Officials (Generals), Commanders of Eastern Commands and Central Commands.

In his speech, he explained the serious voting fraud has been occurred in the recent parliamentary
election of the country held on 8th November, 2020.

There was fraudulent voting of over 10.4 million ballots out of total of 39.2 million votes

This situation was reported to previous Union Election Commission several times for
clarification and by some political (UEC) chaired by U Hla Thein, ignored these complaints and
failed to clarify the matter.

The 25% of parliamentarians (military fand elected members) made an application to Chair
Person of Previous Hluttaw for special parliamentary session to discuss this matter (voting
fraud). This is also denied by the Chair Person of Union Hluttaw (Parliament).
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The Union President-U Win Myint also failed to call National Defense and Security Council at
the request of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of Defense Services.
The request was made twice.

At the same time, the members of parliament ( who were elected by during 8 th November, 2020
election, planned to start parliament and install new government.

The Vice-Chairmen of SHC continued to explain that to prevent these unlawful events, the
Tatmataw in accordance with Union Constitution (2008), declared the Emergency situation of
the Union and seized the 3 pillars of State Powers-Legislative, Judiciary and Governance without
abolition of Union Constitution

The State Administration Council was formed and declared 5 Road maps and 9 objectives.
(Note this is English translation from Daily Mirror Newspaper- 14th March)

*Myanmar Health System Began to Resume Health Care

*Healthcare workers on CDM

After the State Administrative Council – head by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Commander-
in-Chief of Defense Services, assume State Power on 1st February, 2021.

The public health system has come to near stand-still starting from 2 nd February as majority of
health care workers started to join nationwide civil disobedience movement (CDM).

The UN agency said public health system has practically collapsed. All Covid-19 testing has
significantly reduced.

Almost all central specialist hospitals, state, regional, district, township hospitals stopped caring
patients because of doctors, nurses and other health workers joined the CDM.

In short civilian public (government) healthcare system was non-functional, both clinical and
public health services.

*Defense Medical Services

Ministry of Defense announced that civilians who need healthcare are accepted in military
hospitals across the country.

The specialists, general medical officers, nurses and mid-wives take care of both out-patients and
in-patients including pregnant mother and children.

They also perform some public health services like testing for Covid-patients and quarantine.
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From 5th Feb to 29th April, some 172923 out-patients and 4509 in-patients were treated at
Defense Services Hospitals.

Some 8111 patients needed major operations and 4143 for minor operations – a total of 12254.

As regard to pregnant mother 4199 had surgical operations and 6435 pregnancies delivered baby
by natural means.

It is also stated that they will continue full co-operation with civil (government) public health
system. (Ref. Daily Mirror – 30th April)

27th April

The MOHS, Union Minister, Prof. Thet Khaing Win held a co-ordination meeting for Covid-19
control and response activities, with health professionals.

He stated that the neighboring countries like India, Thailand and Bangladesh are facing record
high number of Covid-19 infection. He urged the responsible persons to do utmost to prevent any
surge of infection (3rd wave).

He urged Medical Research Department to test new variants of virus in infected persons also to
NHL and other respective laboratories to increase the testing especially those coming back from
abroad.

He urged respective state and regional health departments from Karen, Tanintharyi, Sagaing and
Ayarwaddy regions and now with Yangon region.

1st April, 2021

There was a change of government on 1 st February 2021 from civilian government to State
Administrative Council (SHC) with chairmanship of Senior General Min Aung Haling,
commander-in-chief of Defense Services, after declaring State of Emergency by the acting
President U Myint Swe – vice president of the Union within the legal framework of Union
Constitution

According to SAC announcement, the SAC will perform its tasks withing the framework of
Union . The free and fair general election will be held and the state power will be handed over to
the winning political party.

Myanmar’s general election was held on 8th November, 2020 amid Covid-19 Pandemic. Some
political parties requested UEC to postpone the election for lack of election campaign due to
Covid-19 restriction.
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UEC held the general election on 8th November in spite of protests by some political parties and
UEC censored some of campaign statement of some political parties and UEC cancelled election
in Rakhine state due to conflicts. Some areas are not a position to hold a free and fair election.
(Myanmar Times)

In spite of these requests and protests, the UEC held the general election. The ruling NLD parties
won the landslide victory. The contending political parties put up the complaints to UEC and
USDP refused to accept the outcome and demanded a re-run of the election.

The USDP header U Than Htay in an interview with Radio-Free Asia (RFA) said election was
unfair and his party had ordered the candidate not to sign off on the losses.

The new parliament is scheduled to convene in February and will elect a new president and a
new government. (Ref. Zaw Linn Naing, Myanmar Times, 13th November 2020)

To increase the momentum of Covid-19 response in the respective areas

Now the hospitals in Yangon region starts from functioning and has given assignment to deputy
director-general to overseas and supervise the functions of hospitals including revitalization of
Clinical Management Committee and Hospital Management Committee.

The Directors-general of Public Health, and medical care from MOHS Deputy Director general s
from Rakhine state, and Yangon region and others participate in discussion. (Translation from
Daily Mirror, 28th April)

1st May

Union Minister of MOHS, Prof. Thet Khaing Win met with Professors, Heads of departments
and others at University of Medicine 1.

He appreciated the efforts and work of the high official from University and Hospitals.

He gave some necessary advice to undergraduate and postgraduate education at medical and
Health-related Universities.

Dr. Tin Tun, Director General of Department of Human Resources for Health, explained the plan
and discussed with the professors and heads of the departments concerned.

The following large hospitals resume their normal functions:

-Yangon regions’ central hospitals
-Mandalay regions’ hospitals
-Mon state-general hospitals-Moulmein
-Sagaing region-state hospitals-Monywa
-Chin state-Hakah general hospital
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-Magwe region-Magwe hospitals

-Kachin state-general hospitals-Myitkyina+other townships.

Nearly 2 million people of Myanmar population of 54 million received the first dose of the
Covid-19 vaccine (2021-05-04)

There were some reports that around Myanmar migrant workers inMae-Sot, Thailand have
caught Corona virus without health and social welfare benefit. They have to spend from their
own pockets to pay medical costs. Large numbers of Covid-19 cases have also been reported in
other parts of Thailand.

The authorities announced that Myanmar will inoculate people with 6 million doses of Covid-19
(SINOVAC) vaccine from China starting at the end of July. Four million doses were bought and
China would donate the other 2 million.

According to data from MOHS, the Covid-19 had escalated at a rapid rate since 27 th May, 2021
averaging 200 new cases daily.

Sagaing region saw the most number cases with over 1100 new cases in 10 days between 13 th
June to 23. Yangon region has over 700 and Bago is over 600.

In Mandalay region, over 400 new Covid-19 cases were found between 1st and 24th June.

So far, there were 9 townships that were placed under this stay-at-home program between end of
May and 25th June.

There is an increase of 5.37% of infection rate on 27th May to 14.67% in 25th June. (MOHS data)

Vaccination

As regard to status of vaccination against Covid-19 began this year in January with
COVIDSHELD vaccine. The second phase began on 31st May 2021 at the Myanmar Convention
Centre at Mindamma Road.

At the same time, the US and UK is at 40% and Israel is at over 50%. But 92% developing
countries like us is severely low due to unequitable access to vaccines due to vaccine nationalism
by some wealthy countries.

Treatment Programs

The Yangon General Hospital (YGH) and North Okkalapa General Hospital (NOGH) are
accepting Covid-19 patients with severe symptoms.
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If some have symptoms, he/she may first go to public health clinics or nearby hospitals for
testing. If positive, the respective hospital directs you where to go for admission.

According MOHS, the YGH, NOGH and Phaungyi Hospital are reserved for those with severe
symptoms and the elderly with chronic underlying diseases with oxygen levels below 90.

Close contacts of positive cases will be sent to quarantine centers that relate to each respective
township. Some public hospitals were arranged for mild/moderate positive patients.

9th July 2021

With new variants spreading across the country, daily infection have set record highs the during
the well pushing total fatalities to almost 3600.

The flare-up in infections over the past month has triggered wide stay-at-home orders and travel
restrictions, potentially hurting the economy that forecast by the World Bank shrink 10% this
year.

The government extended a ban an international flight for a month through 31st July.

The authorities extended also ordered all schools to be closed nationwide for two weeks after
reporting a record single-day addition of 4132 new cases.

The State Administrative Council (SHC) agreed to buy 2 million more Russia’s Sputnik-V and
negotiated for an additional 7 million doses from those two countries.

Resident from especially Yangon and Mandalay were in a desperate search for oxygen for the
loved ones.

Neighboring countries were now facing rising numbers of Corona virus including Myanmar.

A third wave is now spreading in Myanmar.

India is being infected more than 200,000 people daily thousands are dying and Thailand also
experiencing a third wave.

Director MOSH said more than 60% infected patients do show symptoms and only when they
got tested showed the presence of infection.

MOHS said Myanmar has recorded number of infections to date 142,858 with 3209 deaths.

According MOHS, about 2 million people out of 54 million have received the first dose of the
Covid-19 vaccine. (COVIDSHIELD & SINOVAC)
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Myanmar health system is severely affected by CDM by healthcare workers in civil hospitals.
The military medical doctors, nurses and other health workers are helping civil hospitals in the
respective regions of military.

From February 5/6, confirmed new cases nose-dived from 200 a day to zero then to average a
few dozen a day since then. It could also be due to low testing number.

Previous MOHS set the target of 40% of its 54 million people by the end 2021.

Covid-19 Update (29th June, 2021, WHO)

Globally, the number of new Covid-19 cases remained similar to the previous week and the
number of new deaths continued to decrease with over 2.6 million new cases and 57000 new
deaths.

Globally, Covid-19 incidence remains very high with an average of over 370,000 cases reported
each day over the past week.

Globally now exceeds 180 million with almost 4 million death.

The Africa region recorded a sharp increase in incidence 33% and mortality 42%.

All regions except Africa region reported a decline innumber of new deaths in the past week.
(29th June, 2021)

Myanmar third wave of Covid-19 spreads almost 90% of township (10 th July
2021-extract)

Nearly 90% (296 out of 330) townships are affected by Myanmar’s third wave of Corona virus
infections since May.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing-Chairman of the State Administrative Council (SHC) at a
meeting on Covid-19 prevention and control measures stated that “The current infection
(outbreak) in Myanmar is serious’’ and was spreading faster than the first and second waves of
Corona-virus epidemic in Myanmar.

He continued say that “If necessary, restrictions should be heightened so the people strictly
follow the orders related to Covid-19.

MOHS said three mutant strains of Corona-virus had been detected in Myanmar since mid-June
including the Delta strain, which was first detected in India.

Myanmar reported 4326 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours after testing 15,747 swab samples. The
country has 184,375 Covid-19 confirmed cases with 3685 deaths.
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The government announced that all schools including private and monastery schools will be
closed until 23rd July.

At the meeting, Senior General said the government would arrange for Myanmar pharmaceutical
industry to manufacture the vaccines with support from Russia which has promised to provide
technical help on vaccine production.

Myanmar reported first case of Covid-19 in March last year and second wave in August and third
wave in Feb-March.

The SAC’s government has imposed stay-at-home order in 45 townships- 3 in Sagaing region, 5
in Chin state, 7 in Bago region, 8 in Mandalay region, 3 in Shan state, 3 in Ayarwady region, 2 in
Naypyitaw, 1 in Magwe region, 3 in Mon state, and 10 in Yangon region.

Myanmar is facing a threefold crisis: (a) violence in the country by those who oppose the
government, (b) severe outbreak of 3rd wave of Corona virus infection, (c) socio-economic crises.

The cost of continuing Covid and fixing the economy will be enormous.

24th June, 2021

Myanmar found 787 new Covid-19 cases on 24th June which brings to a total number of patients
to 150,714.

The daily number of new cases were sharply increased as well as deaths. The number of funerals
at Yay Way crematorium has been doubled per day around 200 per day over the past week.
Similar situation is also felt at cemetery in Mandalay – 14th July, 2021.

Corona cases started to rise in Myanmar in June and have soared in the past two weeks with a
record of 7089 death in the country since the start of the pandemic.

15th July, 2021

As the spikes incases, the people in big cities like Yangon and Mandalay panicking to have
oxygen supply at home as there are some difficulty in getting admission into hospitals.

Hundreds of people across Yangon qued for refilling the oxygen cylinders to take home for their
sick family members.

24th June, 2021

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Myanmar found 4047 new Covid-19 confirmed cases on 13 th July bringing total number of
patients to 201,274 with death tolls to 4036 according to report from MOHS.

Myanmar’s Third Wave of Covid-19 (10th July)

Myanmar’s third wave of Covid-19 spreads to almost 90% of the country with 296 of 330
townships since May.

The chairman of State Administrative Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that “The
current infection (outbreak) in Myanmar is serious’’ and was spreading faster than first and
second waves of the Corona epidemic in Myanmar.

He continues to say that “If necessary, restrictions should be tightened and the people should
strictly follow the orders related to Covid-19.

MOHS said since mid-June that mutant strains were detected in Myanmar including Delta wave.

As of Friday, Myanmar had reported a total of 184,375 Covid-19 confirmed cases with 3685
deaths.

The government announced that all schools including private and monastic should will be
included until 23rd July.

Senior General said that the government would arrange for Myanmar Pharmaceutical Industry
(MPI) to manufacture vaccines with support from Russia – which has promised to promote
technical help for vaccine production.

Myanmar reported its very first case of Covid-19 in March 2020 and a second wave followed in
August. The outbreaks were controlled by healthcare professional and volunteers at the front to
prevent and contain the disease.

The Best and Worst Places to be as We Learn to Live with Delta – World
Situation (Bloomberg, 28th September, 2021)

In September, EU nations dominate the top rung of Bloomberg’s Covid Resilience for a third
month and we have a new No% Ireland taken position from Norway after steadily climbing the
ranks from the start 2021 when it had the worst outbreak in the world.

Over 90% of Irelands adults population has received two shots while allowing social activity to
resume safety.

In contrast, the Delta felt US reeling. The world biggest economy dropped three spots to No.28
in September.
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The Covid Resilience Ranking is a monthly snapshoot of where the virus is being handled the
most effectively with least social and economic up heaval.

Compiled using 12 data indicators that span virus containment, the quality of healthcare,
vaccination coverage, overall mortality and progress to wand restarting travel and easing border
curbs.

Ranking capture which of world biggest 53 economies are responding best and worst to the same
once in a generation threat.

Southeast Asian Economies continue to populate the ranking’s bottom rungs in September with
Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the last five.

The region’s outbreak may have peaked their export-retain economies are still struggling from
this hit.

Once the gold standard from virus contain, the Asia-Pacific is faltering in the era of vaccination.

Not only are their strict measures less effective in the face of Delta, former top rankers in the
region are also grappling with tons to reopen after such a long period of isolationist bonding
curbs.

Number one at ranking’s in cegaton last November, New Zealand fell nine spots from August to
No. 35.

A Delta incursion after months of virus free ahs left the country in the varying degree of
lockdown, still seeking to stamp out infections as it strives to boost vaccination levels.

Singapore which is trying to pivot from a Covid-zero approach to a vaccine led reopening fell 11
rung as a setting surge in cases saw some restriction reimposed.

What increasingly apparent is that the pandemic is far from over for some more than others.

WHO DG called a shame on all humanity that vaccine inequality persists continuing developing
economies to the bottom of half of the Ranking.

With many countries barely inoculated, the risk of another destructive variant emerging has
never been higher, just as rich nations grapple with waning immunity from the first round of
shots.

Big shifts

Spain jumped eight place to No.2 as the infection rate fell to the lowest level n more than a year.
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Denmark moved up six spot into the top five as a high vaccination coverage enables it to left
restriction while outbreak is continued.

Canada advanced 14 rung while the UK climbed six place to No.16 after both nations eased
travel curbs for fully vaccinated people.

Bangladesh edged up five notch as the country recorded lowest number of daily deaths in nearly
four months and schools reopened after being shut more than 500 days.

South Africa’s waning wave and easing of the restrictions to revive its economy boosted it six
spot to No. 40.

The United Arab Emirates and Meavet rose nine and seven places respectively as onomastic
restrictions became less stringent avoid following cases and deaths.

Singapore and New Zealand dropped 11 and 9 spots respectively as Covid resurgences and both
nations grapple with tough transition from zero tolerance for the virus to vaccinate reopening.

Norways’ marked fall from No.1 in August to No.10 this month was due to its travel restrictions
which are stricter than EU’s peers. It only accepts travelers with EU’s vaccine certifications – in
effect barning entry to most people who live outside EU while other economies in the region
allow visitors vaccinated anywhere with a shot recognized by EU regulations.

Norway has however announced a roadmap to phase out their ranks over time.

Romania plunged 10 spot to No.27 as positive test rates, infection, and death surged. The country
has the second lowest vaccination level in EU.

Germany and Austria both saw cases reach peak in September white Italy reimposed restriction
in severity as Covid hospitalization grew. All three dropped eight rungs.

Nigeria which has worst inoculation rate on the ranking, fell seven spot as a Delta-fueled wave
continued to course through one of Africa’s most important economies, hindering recovery.

Vaccination vanguard Israel slipped fire spots to No.41 as up strike in cases raised questions
about immunity provided by earlier inoculations. Nation reimposed some curbs and started to
dole booster shots.

Opening up

To capture which of the 53 economies are nailing reopening – an aspect of pandemic

management that become key – we zen in another progress on vaccination, severity of lockdown,
restriction in places plus two metro tracking travel that were introduced in June. They form a
gauge that assesses how far each place is from pre-Covid level normalcy.
17

The vaccines will keep the pandemic unroller control but we need to live with the virus, just as
we live with other infectious disease. Norway health minister said “it is impossible to fully
eradicate the risk.”

Still most developing world is yet to even start inoculating in a meaningful way with countries
lacking purchasing power to forge deals that could push them higher up in the que. COVAX, the
WHO hacked effort to help poorer nations procure closes, started distributing shots at the end of
February but is forcing a supply short falls that seen many places run out of vaccine entirely.

The WHO has called for a temporary moratorium on booster shots (3 rd dose) to help shift-
supplies to developing countries.

In September, President Joe Biden called on other rich countries to help vastly expand the
production and availability of Covid vaccine and treatment promising another 500 million doses
to nearly double the US’s pledge.

After hoarding supplies in the first half of the year, the US donated more vaccines than any other
countries according to UNICEF data.

China while only donating 69 million dose has exported some 884 million its homegrown shick
via mostly bilateral deals with places like Brazil, Indonesia and Chile.

Covid lessons

Investment in public health infrastructure matters. Undervalued in many places before 2020,
systems of contact tracing effective testing and health education bolstered the countries that have
performed consistly well in rendering, helping socialize hand washing and wearing of facemasks.
These were key ways to avoid economically crippling lockdown in the 1 st year before vaccines
were available

Through wealthy nations bet on vaccination are now seeing that the strategy pays off. Their
failure to check Corona virus leaves a deep scar of people dying from Covid and some survivors
grappling with debilitating after effects.

The arrival of vaccines, including these built on the unprecedented mRNA technology has been a
silver lining and highlighted the importance of funding healthcare research and development.

What Next?

It is not a final verdict – it never could be give the imperfections in virus and vaccine data and
the fast pace of this crisis.

Beyond Delta, new variants of concern are also a threat. Scientists fear mutations that can
overcome existing shots and drive a new phase of the pandemic.
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Having endured more than a year and half of fighting, Covid-19 governments and population
now have a better understanding of the pathogen and how to investigate the damage it inflicts.

Experts say the next six months will be key with high risks high as weather in the West. (US,
EU+school resume)(This is a nearby verbatim report of Bloomberg - May Oo )

Corona Virus (Covid-19) Situation in Myanmar (September 15~28 days, 2021)

(Reuters)

14 days – total cases 24,537, deaths 938

Total cases 461,066
Yesterday + 1630
New cases (14days), +24539
Deaths 17631, yesterday +48
75000 total cases
Total vaccine doses given 9,0001,616
New doses given 14 days, No data
People fully vaccinated 6.4% of population

Total doses given shows the number of vaccine doses given to people since vaccine require more
than 1 dose, the number of fully vaccinated people is likely lower

Worldwide – 29,456,675
Myanmar – 461,066
Regions/states
 Yangon - 40103
 Rakhine - 4261
 Magwe - 3512
 Mon - 3242
 Sagaing - 2836
 Bago - 2669
 Mandalay - 1841
 Naypyitaw - 1223
 Shan - 1060
 Kachin - 877
 Tanintharyi - 635
 Chin - 350
 Kayah - 71

Myanmar

27% of peak falling, 20 infections per 100k people reported last 7 days
19

Average number of new infections reported each day in Myanmar falls more than 1400 over the
last 3 weeks, 25% of the previous peak.

Covid-19 infections are decreasing in Myanmar with 1603 new infections reported on average
each day. That is 27% of the peak – the highest daily average reported on 22nd July.

There have been 461066 infections and 17651 Corona related deaths reported in the country
since the pandemic began.

26th August, 76 new infections

21st September, 1687 new infections

25th September, 1546 new infections

2nd August, 330 deaths

28th September, 48 deaths

Vaccination

Myanmar has administered 90,001,616 doses of Covid-vaccine so far

Assuming every person need 2 doses that is enough to have vaccinated about 8.3% of country’s
population.

It will take a further 11 cup to administer enough doses for another 10% of the population.

21st September, Dr. Khin Khin Gyi’s Interview

According research data, Covid-19 infection rarely occur in children under 5 years of age. Only
1.8% infection with 0.1% death occur in this age group.

Between 5 to 14 years of age, the world figure showed 6.2% infection with 0.1% death.

There is 14.3% infection rate with 0.4% death in age between 15 years and 24 years of age

In Myanmar, there was 7% infection rate below 15 years of age is 7% of all.

There is 14.3% infection rate with 0.4% death in age between 15 years to 45 years of age.

During 3rd wave in Myanmar, up to 6th September, there was 21 deaths in 0.2% which is more or
less same as WHO data.
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With age range:

 15 to 29 years of age - death rate 1.7%
 30 to 44 years of age - death rate 10.7%
 45 to 60 years of age - death rate 35.9%
 61 to 75 years of age - death rate 37.9%
( In Myanmar, Dr. Khin Khin Gyi, MOHS)

We have to consider these facts for consideration for reopening of schools.

Vaccination of family members, will indirectly protect the children from infection.

For reopening of school, citizens should follow Covid-19 prevention measures seriously.

According to CDC USA, 29th July 2021 statement, infection can occur rarely to children. But
children with chronic illness like adult have more chance of getting infection.

The teachers should get priority for vaccination as those who engaged in school – workers,
cleaners, etc.

Therefore, it is important Myanmar children not to left behind the other children of other
countries.

It is responsibility of all of us. (Dr. Khin Khin Gyi, MOHS)

20th September

Countries of the world, all continents were facing of surge of infections – Thailand, Iran,
Vietnam, Philippines, Africa, Lebanon, South Korea, etc.

From 24. 9. 2021 to 25. 9. 2021, there was 1546 person were positive out of 18,1333 tests
infection rate 8.53%

Myanmar has 456621 total cases and 17465 deaths. It stands at 6 th position in ASEAN countries,
behind Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

It is also vaccinating people throughout townships of regions and states – Mudon, Shar-taw,
Than-daung-gyi, Moemeik, Molamyein-kyun, Kyun-hla, Paung, Taungyi, Paungdale, Naaung-
don, Yangon, Yethe-taung, Naypyitaw, Maing-khok, Kyaing-tong, Kama-maning, Kyauk-taw,
Phaung-pyi,myo, Panan, Dedaye, etc.

26th September

Dr. Than Naing Soe, director or MOHS also explained the importance of reopening of primary
basic schools and the procedures of preventive measures to follow by all concerned with schools.
21

Co-ordination meeting to vaccinate Covid-19 vaccine to middle and High

school students above 12 years (30 th September, 2021 – Global light of
Myanmar)

Vice Chairman of the State Administrative Council, Deputy Prime Minister, Senior General Soe
Win told that it is necessary to fully vaccinate to all middle and high school students above 12
when the school reopened. (planned to open in October)

Vice Senior General sad Myanmar is having 8.3% infection rate bases on the 20 th September.
The efforts are being made to lower the infection rate below 5%.

Only when vaccination has been completed will students, teachers and parents have mutual trust
for teaching and learning.

Delta variant of the Covid-19 in the third wave infected some children in some countries. The
vaccination of SINOVAC manufactured by China can protect the children against the virus and
effectively reduce the severe impacts of the pandemic.

It has been administered to children and youth – 63 million between age 3 and 17 in China; 1.1
million children and youth between age 12~17 in Chile and over 350,000 children and youth
between aged 6~17 in Cambodia.

The Union Minister – Social Welfare, Resettlement and Relief, Deputy Minister of Education
and deputy Minister of Health discussed the plan of vaccination across the nation with
SINOVAC vaccine.

Tatmataw and Myanmar Police Force will systematically from forces to take the security
measures for the vaccination programme.

Region and State authorities need to review the completion of vaccination, in all matters.

Vaccination of people

Over 15,000 people in Kyauk-phan, and 30,000 people vaccinated 1st dose respectively.

Ministry of Commerce allowed daily imports of anti-Covid-19 equipment and medical products
by 3 companies – a total of 20 tons of liquid oxygen by one bowser, 1340 empty oxygen
cylinder, three oxygen plants, 199 oxygen concentrators, 20,000 PPEs suits, 0.17 tons of gloves
and one ton of masks.

International flight restriction extended until 31st Ocober.

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MOHS reported 1468 new cases with total figure of 464,076 and 418,329 have been discharged
from hospitals. Death toll reached 17,735 after 53 died.

The whole world is busy with surge of Covid-19 daily infection – top agenda in newspapers.