Yan Lin Aung — Mon and Karen States have been prepared since May 1, with community based quarantine facilities to host thousands of returning Myanmar migrant workers from Thailand.
However, Thailand extended their C-19 state of emergency until the end of May, resulting in Myanmar migrant workers being stranded.
The returnees are to await further notifications from the Myanmar Embassy regarding their return home.
According to Ko Than Zaw Htike, Vice-Chair of the Thailand based, Migrant Workers Rights Network (MWRN), “[Migrant workers] should return only after the embassy releases their statement. During this time, if they return, they could face difficulties. [Thailand] has declared a state of emergency, that bans traveling between the hours of 10 PM to 4 AM. People can not travel from one town to another and from one district to another district. So, how can they return home with such restrictions?” asked Ko Than Zaw Htike.
The state of the emergency also restricts border crossings until May 31, and bans all large scale public activities, festivals or party celebrations. Despite the border restrictions, it is estimated that more than 150 people have crossed back to Myanmar through Mae Sot-Myawaddy crossing.
On Tuesday, May 5, an online meeting between Myanmar State Counselor and Chief Ministers from Mon State, Karen State and Tanintharyi Region was held, to discuss return plans. Mon State’s Chief Minister, Dr. Aye Zan, noted they are prepared with more than 50 community based quarantine facilities which can host 7000-8000 migrant workers returning from Thailand.
“At the moment, we have more time to better prepare the facilities. In one State, there are 53 quarantine centers and these can host up to 7,805 people. If necessary, it can be extended for an additional to 3000 or 4000 people,” said the Chief Minister.
Dr. Tun Aung Kyi, Head of the Mon State Public Health Department, noted that health services will be limited to only those staff that are available. Volunteers will likely be needed to augment their limited human resources.
” We had a meeting the other day whereI heard that Mawlamyine will welcome the majority of the returnees. It was decided that at each quarantine center, a health worker group will be stationed there. For the rural areas, the township health care department will take care. We have to provide services as much [best we can based on] the staff we have. The staff will be very tired,” said Dr. Tun Aung Kyi.
