26 April
Three more townships in Yangon Region have been imposed under the Stay-At-Home Order starting yesterday, bringing the total number of townships under the order to 10.
The total number of COVID-19 cases reached 144 on Saturday and most of these cases are in Yangon.
Had the Stay-At-Home order and social distancing measures not been already put in place in other parts of Yangon, the number of cases could reach higher than the today’s number.
The authorities announced yesterday that the people residing in Mingaladon, Tamwe and Botahtaung townships must follow the Stay-At-Home rules.
Now, people from 10 townships in Yangon Region are under orders to stay home. The authorities have also limited gatherings to five people.
We acknowledge that the Stay-At-Home order is painful but it is necessary to save lives. It is not the life we are used to living, but it is necessary for all. People are urged to pay attention and comply with orders, directives and health guidelines meant to keep all of us safe and healthy.
Staying at home is better than lying in a hospital bed desperately trying to catch your breath.
According to the order, people included in the Stay at Home programme in the 10 townships must abide by the following rules.
a. To stay only in their homes (Those who are responsible for critical work at government departments, organizations, companies, factories and workshops will be excluded)
b. When going shopping, only one person per household may leave and only for unavoidable reasons
c. When going to hospitals or clinics, only one person per household may leave if the need arises.
d. To wear masks when going outside.
e. To allow only authorized vehicles to pass through wards, and ferries providing transportation service to those who are to go to workplaces to perform their duties.
f. The vehicle is to carry only a driver and a passenger for venturing out to shop in the wards, and only a driver and two persons when going to hospital or clinic.
The order is designed to effectively control the spread of the disease in Yangon Region which is facing a spirally upwards of infections.
The Stay-At-Home situation is not easy for anyone. No one enjoys these restrictions. But, the rules are something we all have to comply with. People are advised to pay attention to and respect the COVID-19 Stay-At-Home rules.
GNLM
