THE daily coordination meeting on COVID-19 (30/2020) was held at the Ministry of Health and Sports yesterday.
Union Minister Dr Myint Htwe first addressed the meeting. He said Myanmar still has no lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19. He said there are 2 suspected patients and 58 patients under surveillance who have had their lab samples sent to the National Health Laboratory. Fifty-four results have come back showing negative and 6 results are still pending. All patients who are cleared of COVID-19 have been discharged with good conditions.
The Union Minister said 88 per cent of COVID-19 patients exhibit high fevers, 68 per cent exhibit dry coughing, 38 per cent show signs of tired limbs, 33 per cent show chesty coughing, 19 per cent show signs of short breath, and 14 per cent have sore throats.
The Union Minister said airline passengers are screened for high temperatures twice and the Civil Aviation Department has been instructed to properly disinfect luggage of passengers, in accordance with WHO suggestions.
He said the mortality rate of COVID-19 has slowly risen to 3.5 per cent, but Myanmar has made necessary preparations to contain the spread of the disease. He said the public need to be made continually aware that people with diabetes, chronic illnesses or the elderly should be swiftly sent to the hospital on signs of designated symptoms.
The Union Minister said people who have been in close proximity to patients or the deceased with confirmed cases should not be timid but come forth for medical treatment at their nearest medical department.
He said neighbouring nations are quarantining airline passengers for 14 days when necessary and Myanmar will follow suit if the situation calls for it. He said avoiding crowded public spaces and postponing events or celebrations is highly recommended right now.
The Union Minister said they have been addressing the COVID-19 issue since 5 January and they must continually reassess their processes for areas of weaknesses strengthen them immediately.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary and directors-general, deputy directors-general, directors of the Ministry of Health and Sports, the medical superintendent of Nay Pyi Taw General Hospital, specialist doctors, and officials from various medical and health-related institutions and Myanmar Red Cross.
MNA
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
Photo: MNA
Ref: The Global New Light of Myanmar