February 22nd, 2022
The United League for Arakan (ULA) issued a statement on February 20th, calling on the public to follow the COVID-19 rules without fail due to the spike in the number of Omicron variant cases in many townships of the Arakan State.
The cases are detected among those who travel to the populous townships, the townships are accessible by all routes and those who return from the festivals.
Ko Tun Hlaing, Chair of the Rakhine COVID Watch said: “The ULA’s statement is suitable. We welcome it. The people are required to follow the ULA’s rules as the people have a trust in the ULA. The public on their parts need to earnestly abide by the COVID-19 rules.
The basic rules issued by the ULA are that the public must wear facemask, use sanitizers at the crowded places, do frequent hand-washing f for at least 20 seconds, avoid the public gatherings and avoid going to funfairs, theatricals, novitiation ceremony and public sermons given by monks and keep the six-foot distance. Those with lost smell and have a cough, high fever and the symptoms of seasonal flu and suspected COVID-19 symptoms should be in quarantine.
The ULA said it would continue to further issue a statement on March 1st, 2022 for the issuance of orders for stay-at-home, total ban on the festivals and more restrictive rules, based on the mass infections, deaths and the severity of cases.
The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Arakan State point out that the festivals in Arakan State are required to follow the ULA’s rules.
Daw Nyo Aye, Chair of the Rakhine Women Network said: “We welcome this statement. However, it is required to control theatricals on the ground. Because a person infected with the Omicron variant can spread fast to others.”
The ULA calls on the public to abide by the COVID-19 rules issued by the WHO and the Health Department and the regional orders of the Arakan Public Administrative Body.
From May 25th, 2021 to February 19th, 2022, the Arakan State recorded 5,503 cases and 501 deaths. Currently, 216 patients are still at the hospitals, according to the list from the Arakan State Administration Council.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG).
