Vice Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win addresses 7th Work Coordination Meeting of COVID-19 Control, Emergency Response Committee
NAY PYI TAW May 2
The 7th Work Coordination Meeting of the COVID-19 Control and Emergency Response Committee was held at the Office of the Chairman of the State Administration Council this afternoon and Chairman of the committee Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win delivered an address at the meeting.
Also present at the meeting were union ministers U Ko Ko, Dr Pwint Hsan, Dr Nyunt Pe, Dr Thet Khaing Win and Dr Thet Thet Khaing, deputy ministers, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and responsible officials.
First, the Vice-Senior General delivered a speech, saying it was learnt that Omicron variant Arcturus XBB.1.16, which has spread in neighbouring countries, has been identified since 1 April, according to studies and the transmission has slightly increased after the Thingyan Festival. However, it was also found that it is not necessary to worry about the transmission compared with previous Omicron transmission. In April, the transmission rate reached its peak with 1.14 percent rise in the transmission rate on 29 April with 130 people infected with the new variant. On the remaining days of the month, transmission rate remained below one percent and only two people died of the new variant.
During the period from 1 April to 1 May, about 903 people were infected with the new variant, known as Arcturus, which is known to be less severe than other previously known COVID-19 variants, according to scientists.
Common distinctive symptoms of the variant include sore eyes and earaches and it is necessary to conduct further studies and to launch awarenessraising campaigns about the findings. The purpose of the meeting today is to monitor and control the outbreak of the new Arcturus variant, to raise awareness about it and to respond to it quickly. As it was learnt that the infection caused by the new variant can be cured with medicines used for previous variants, it is not necessary to worry about it. It is important to get vaccinated as usual and to take preventive and control measures as usual. Although the situation is not worrisome, it is necessary to take the matter seriously and the new variants must be controlled effectively as soon as they emerge. As for the prevention, control and treatment of the disease, the needs for test kits, oxygen and readiness of quarantine centres must be ensured and the committee is required to resume its tasks by discussing ensuring sufficient medical supplies and full vaccination.
Union Minister for Health Dr Thet Khaing Win reported on COVID-19 outbreaks across the world including the regional countries and deaths over the past 28 days, the infection of XBB.1.16 (Arcturus), findings of the current COVID-19 variants found in Myanmar, domestic cases and infections found in overseas returnees, cases reported in the regions and states over the past 14 days, cluster cases and infections in April 2023, isolation of patients, progress in agewise vaccinations, storage of vaccines, revews and preparedness over the outbreak and continued measures, and public campaigns against COVID-19 through PowerPoint presentation.
Next, those in attendance at the meeting reported on prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19, provision of enough medicines, oxygen and protective equipment, cooperation with relevant ministries to educate people about the new Covid variant, cooperation with volunteers and charities during the third wave, campaigns for mobilizing cooperation in the current measures, production of oxygen by factories from Myanmar Economic Corporation and private factories, preparations to produce oxygen as demanded by the Ministry of Health, the discovery of a new variant Arcturus in the global and neighbouring countries and Myanmar, preparedness by hospitals and quarantine centres in the regions and states, cooperation in ensuring those enter and exit the border points in line with the COVID-19 restrictions, no severity of the new variant XBB.1.16 (Arcturus) in comparison with the previous XBB.1 and XBB.1.15 despite rapid infection, the need for individuals to protect themselves with farsightedness instead of restrictions over travels and gatherings, plans to easily monitor individuals’ vaccination records and continued records, and supervisory measures for systematic prevention, control and treatment.
The Vice-Senior General said Yangon Region saw 539 cases, the largest number of all, followed by Kayin State with 196 cases.
So it is necessary to take control measures to prevent any higher number. COVID-19 testing must be compulsory for those entering the country through borders.
Those infected are to be sent to the designated places for treatment. Systematic monitoring is required for any infections at monasteries, schools and teaching monasteries where cluster cases were reported in the previous waves. Constant monitoring for protective equipment demands is also necessary, the Vice-Senior General said. He then attended to the needs after reviews over the discussions made by those present.