Magway Region government issued an order for closure of ongoing Mann Shwe Settaw pagoda festival to alleviate concerns about the coronavirus in the country.

The deadly virus is now spreading in more than 120 countries and territories, with over 118,000 confirmed cases and nearly 4,300 deaths, according to WHO’s Situation Report 51 on 11 March.

Chief Minister Dr Aung Moe Nyo confirmed that his government had to decide to stop the pagoda festival due to advice of medical experts and common people. The closure of festival will take effect on 13 March.

The pagoda festival in central Myanmar is annually held from the mid-February to mid-April.

Kyaw Soe Win (Minbu)

(Translated by Aung Khin)