Union Minister for Health Dr Thet Khaing Win presided over a coordination meeting on prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases commonly seen in the monsoon season and COVID-19 preventive measures on 3 March.

The Union minister said it has been observed that infections of seasonal influenza and COVID-19 have recently increased in some countries around the world, including Myanmar’s neighbouring and regional countries. Although there is a slight increase in local COVID-19 transmissions, the currently circulating variants are strains that have genetically evolved from the Omicron subvariants XBB and JN.1. These strains have not shown increased severity or higher mortality rates. The COVID-19 vaccines currently being administered remain effective in significantly reducing the risk of severe illness and death.

Although COVID-19 is no longer defined as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health continues to implement preventive and control measures like monitoring international entry points such as airports, seaports and border camps, testing individuals with suspected symptoms, conducting virus variants surveillance and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Deputy Minister Dr Aye Tun and relevant officials coordinated the discussion regarding the preparedness of resources for systematic healthcare services at the general hospitals.

T he weekly announcement for COVID-19 infections in Myanmar is released normally, and although there has been a slight increase this week, there are no severe cases or patients requiring intensive care, and no deaths have been reported. Therefore, there is no need to worry about it. The ministry is accelerating the disease prevention and containment measures, as well as treatment activities.

MNA/KTZH

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