Despite a decline in Covid-19 infections in many Arakan State townships, a local order was issued in Gwa Township on August 25 stating that locals should not go out after 12 noon as virus infections were still on the rise in the area.



In order to prevent spread in Gwa Township, locals will be allowed to go outside only from 5 a.m. to 12 noon and will not be allowed to leave their homes for any reason other than health-related, the order said.



Except for groceries and pharmacies, shops will be allowed to open from 5 a.m. to 12 noon. Social organisations in Gwa Township say the order could cause livelihood hardship for the grassroots.



“The order should have been issued earlier and at a time when the virus was highly contagious, so it does not seem to matter,” said Ko Kyaw Myint Maung, chairperson of Htarwaya Myittar funeral service, a local charity group assisting in virus prevention efforts in the township. “The announcement will make it difficult for the grassroots and merchants to earn a living. Therefore, I think this statement is no longer effective,” he said.



As of August 25, a total of 682 cases and 16 related deaths were reported in Gwa Township during the pandemic’s ongoing third wave.



The current order is said to be valid until further notice, and those who do not comply will reportedly be prosecuted under existing law.



The Tatmadaw has increased its military presence in townships such as Gwa, Taungup, Thandwe, Kyaukphyu and elsewhere. A resident of Gwa Township, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said Covid-19 was a threat alongside potential war in Gwa Township.



“At present, the local people are more afraid of the military’s troop deployments than the local order. I am worried that there will be problems with this statement. Now, I see this statement as having no effect on Covid-19 protection measures,” the source said.



The number of reported Covid-19 infections in Arakan State has dropped to about 30 a day since the second week of August, according to a statement issued by the state Department of Public Health.