NANG SENG NOM — In response to the coronavirus outbreak in Burma, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) locked down its Wa Self-Administered Region, closing all entry points since September 1.

Nyi Ram, spokesperson for UWSA, said to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus causing COVID-19, they introduced the lockdown. He added that it wasn’t the first time the ethnic armed organization shuttered its borders during the pandemic.

“If the Wa region remains under lockdown during the election period, the government needs to discuss (the situation) with (the leaders of the) UWSA headquarters,” U Nyi Ram told SHAN.

Wa Self-Administered Region, located in eastern Shan State, includes Hopang, Mong Mao, Pang Wai, Ner Hpan, Mek Mang and Panghsan townships.

The government’s Ministry of Health and Sports reported on September 4 that there were 1,133 confirmed cases in the country, while 359 recovered and 7 died.