April 04, 2020
With the return of thousands of Myanmar migrant workers from Thailand crossing the border gates, Myanmar has experienced the biggest challenge in quarantining them in facilities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The workers’ knowledge about the virus, and cooperation with the authorities, are of paramount importance for the success of the facility quarantine in fighting the COVID-19 disease.
Also, it is a national duty to explain to them about the guidelines and directives issued by the ministries to control the COVID-19 infection to ensure that they cooperate with the authorities without fail and they understand that violations of the rules could result in punishment under the law.
At the centre of our response to the global pandemic, a more comprehensive approach is needed with communities. Most importantly, each citizen is responsible to cooperate with the authorities and take appropriate measures, as their contribution is playing an important role in minimizing the health, as well as socio-economic impact of the pandemic during this time of crisis.
Amidst the rapid spread of COVID19 and continuing challenges, the World Health Organization yesterday emphasized the role of society and of all governments in the South-East Asia Region to prevent a long-haul with the pandemic and avert further loss of precious human lives and other resources.
“Every case, cluster and evidence of community transmission would need to be aggressively responded to. Basic public health measures, such as detection of active cases, isolation, testing, treatment and contact tracing, are among our most powerful tools. Strong surveillance is needed to assess and guide evidence-based measures,” Dr Khetrapal Singh said in the statement.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Control and Emergency Response Committee, led by Vice President U Myint Swe, held a coordination meeting yesterday, calling on regional and state authorities to ensure preparations are in place for effectively responding to the possible situation, which will be worse than the current situation.
Preparations should focus not only on control and treatment of the infectious disease, including stockpiling of medicines and medical equipment, but also on preventing shortages of basic supplies and food for the people. To effectively and quickly respond during an emergency situation, the onus must be on regional authorities.
We must do our best now, in anticipation of a worsening situation in the future.
