[ The Irrawaddy ] Myanmar Sees Record High COVID-19 Spike Since Coup

Myanmar is reporting record cases despite conduct only a fraction of the COVID19 test. Which means, the actual scale of infections is likely to be at least 10x to 25x worse.

Myanmar Sees Record High COVID-19 Spike Since Coup

Myanmar reported 373 new cases of COVID-19 across the country on Sunday, the largest daily jump in coronavirus cases since the Feb. 1 coup. The previous biggest rise in official COVID-19 cases was 212 on June 4.

Myanmar reported 373 new cases of COVID-19 across the country on Sunday, the largest daily jump in coronavirus cases since the Feb. 1 coup.

The previous biggest rise in official COVID-19 cases was 212 on June 4.

Myanmar is seeing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases near the Indian border in Kale and Tamu townships in Sagaing Region and Tonzang and Falam townships in Chin State.

Since the coup, the regime has been struggling to maintain COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment as thousands of government medical staff and numerous volunteers have refused to work for the junta.

The health ministry has reportedly conducted around 1,500 to 2,000 COVID-19 tests per day compared with between 16,000 to 18,000 under the ousted civilian government.

On Sunday, Myanmar reported 145,603 COVID-19 cases, including 3,244 deaths and 132,928 recoveries.

Volunteers bury the body of a COVID-19 patient in Tonzang, Chin State, on June 3. / Tonzang Awging

DPA Commentary:
Myanmar is reporting record cases despite conduct only a fraction of the COVID19 test. Which means, the actual scale of infections is likely to be at least 10x to 25x worse.