The Ministry of Health has recently reported eight confirmed cases of the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 in Myanmar, amidst the ongoing wave of COVID-19 infections in the country.

Of the 8 individuals who contracted the COVID genetic mutation, one had recently returned from abroad while the other 7 were infected domestically. As of May 3, the Ministry of Health has reported 155 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Myanmar.

The Ministry of Health has issued a warning stating that the XBB.1.16 subvariant of the Omicron virus is spreading rapidly.

"The current infection rate is approximately 20 times higher than the previous one, and WHO has also estimated a potentially higher death rate. Therefore, the most crucial preventive measure is to wear a mask and consistently practice hand hygiene by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds after touching any object or surface," said an official from the Ministry of Health.

The new genetic mutation of COVID-19 can be found in individuals who have been vaccinated against the disease. The Ministry of Health is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated as it can help reduce the severity of the disease.

The health department in Rakhine State is providing vaccinations to individuals who have not yet received them based on their township/ward. However, despite these efforts, some individuals are still not taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

"If you visit the market, you'll notice advertisements urging people to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Unfortunately, people seem to have lost interest in vaccination and are no longer taking it seriously. There's a lack of compliance with mask-wearing and other preventive measures," said Ma Aye Moe Wai from Min Gan Ward, Sittwe Township.

The Omicron sub-variants of COVID-19 are rapidly spreading in some countries and neighboring regions, leading to a resurgence of cases. In response, the Ministry of Health has urged the people of Myanmar to be cautious.