THE central committee on prevention, control, and treatment of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) held its first coordination meeting yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw.

The committee was formed by the Office of the President on 30 January to quickly respond to infections in Myanmar, in accordance with the guidelines, besides looking into surveillance, preparations, and treatment.

Speaking at the meeting, Union Minister for International Cooperation U Kyaw Tin said the coronavirus infection, which started in Wuhan, China, was declared a global emergency after the reported death toll reached 213 in China yesterday.

Globally, about 9,800 people have been infected with the virus, and the World Health Organization yesterday declared it a global health emergency.

The State Counsellor directed the formation of the central committee which will work towards preventing any infections and deal with the repercussions of any infection.

The central committee has been tasked with 12 responsibilities. The Union Minister said the purpose of the coordination meeting was to discuss future works and plans so as to overcome current challenges and repercussions of the infection in the long run.

Afterwards, representatives of ministries attending the meeting exchanged views on the surveillance situation at the Myanmar-China border gates and international airports, raising awareness about the disease among the people, real-time measures for preventing fake news, and plans for bringing back Myanmar citizens, including students, from Wuhan, China.

The meeting came to an end in the afternoon.
MNA
(Translated by Kyaw Zin Lin)
Photo: MNA
Ref: The Global New Light of Myanmar