The number of visitors to Point Beach in Sittwe is reportedly increasing on weekends, with the Arakan State regime council reminding beachgoers that they are expected to adhere to Covid-19 preventive regulations.

The state’s military government said it would take action against those who fail to follow the pandemic-related rules.

“The number of shops and visitors at the beach is increasing now. However, Covid-19 infections have not stopped,” said U Hla Thein, information officer for the Arakan State regime council. “So, people need to keep social distance and the number of visitors at the beach should not be more than 100. People need to follow the regulations, otherwise we will take action.”

Nine people in Sittwe who returned from border trading in Bangladesh and another two people who were airline passengers tested positive for Covid-19 on November 30.

Daw Nyo Aye, a Sittwe resident, said the reemergence of a cluster of coronavirus cases in the Arakan State capital were a reminder not to grow complacent about public health measures.

“Some people do not wear masks. All people need to follow the Covid-19 prevention regulations. Preparedness for health should be made to combat the pandemic,” she said.

Point Beach was closed to visitors during much of Covid-19’s third wave, which peaked in July. Average daily new infections have been in decline for several weeks, however, and the beach is once again open to the public.

Authorities in Arakan State and elsewhere in Myanmar have frequently used the Natural Disaster Management Law to take legal action against individuals in violation of Covid-19 regulations, including a ban on large gatherings and localised stay-at-home orders.