Health officials detected 49 new COVID-19 cases in northern Shan State, prompting fears the virus is spreading at a time when health care in the country is compromised after most of the country’s medical staff walked off the job.

There are 45 cases in Lashio and 4 in Nam Lan town in nearby Hsipaw Township. Of the patients in Lashio, all except 4 are staying at the main hospital in town.

The others are receiving care in Mandalay, a person from a social volunteer group told SHAN without explaining why. The same person said the 4 cases in Nam Lan are mild, and they are receiving care at the Hsipaw Public Hospital.

During the outbreak, the volunteer said it is difficult to find medical help because many health professionals have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement.

“Lashio Public Hospital provided medical care since the COVID-19 outbreak started in Lashio Township. Some health workers who joined the CDM are helping patients.”

Authorities have re-established COVID-19 checkpoints on all the entry points to Lashio on June 12.