As part of efforts to control the spread of Covid-19 in Mrauk-U, vegetable and meat vendors at the Myoma Market will be temporarily relocated to Warit Taw Grounds near the old town hospital from July 7, according to the township development committee.

U Shwe Maung, executive director of the Mrauk-U Township Development Committee, said the decision was made at a meeting with relevant departments on July 5 at the behest of the Ministry of Health and Sports.

“The main aim is to disperse the vendors to prevent the spread of Covid-19 disease, and they will be spaced 3 to 6 feet apart. We have asked for help from NGOs and INGOs [international nongovernmental organisations] to make it easier for the vendors,” he explained.

It is not known how long the relocated vendors will be required to sell at the relocation site and will depend on the Covid-19 situation.

U Aung Thein, the administrator of Mrauk-U’s Taungyat ward, said the move was a good thing and would help control the spread of the virus, with Arakan State surpassing 500 cases this week.

The vendors will reportedly be allowed to sell meat and vegetables at their specified places from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, three people working at a new hospital compound in Mrauk-U tested positive for coronavirus on July 5.

Across Arakan State, a total of 560 cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Sittwe, Maungdaw, Thandwe, Buthidaung, Myebon, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Kyaukphyu, Gwa, Taungup, and Mrauk-U townships.