It looks like the inevitable has happened.
Despite no confirmed cases in Myanmar, the spiralling coronavirus crisis that has infected more than 130,000 globally has caused the cancellation of mid-April celebrations for Thingyan, the Burmese New Year.
From now until the end of April, all mass gatherings are cancelled to prevent the spread of the virus, Myanmar’s deputy information minister Aung Hla Tun wrote in a Facebook post last night following an emergency government meeting in Naypyidaw.
The news means no Thingyan pavilions—big stages where people dance and spray water from—and no cinema screenings. More preventative measures will be announced by the relevant government departments, said Aung Hla Tun.
The government confirmed the announcement in a statement this afternoon.
The streets of Yangon and Mandalay are usually packed with revellers during the festive period, and although pavilions may be banned, people may still decide to go out and throw water under the scorching sun.
Aung Hla Tun also appealed for people to stem the spread of fake news and said those caught purposely spreading false information would be punished under the law.
Last night the health ministry said a fake rumour about the spread in Myanmar of Covid-19—the disease caused by coronavirus—was circulated in the form of an audio message on Facebook messenger.
The rumour may have prompted a wave of panic buying at supermarkets such as City Mart in Yangon and Mandalay. Social media was flooded with photos of people stocking up on supplies.
In reaction, City Mart posted on Facebook that it would restrict sales on food and household items as a result of coronavirus stockpiling and the chain urged people not to panic.
Workers are struggling with the closure of garment factories, while the government is also facing a drop in border trade and tourism.
Dozens of airlines flying to Myanmar have suspended their flights, according to Yangon International Airport, among them Bangkok Airlines and Korean Air.
Meanwhile, India on Thursday reported its first coronavirus death, hours after the country suspended all visas for incoming tourists from Friday and ordered the closure of border points with neighbouring Myanmar.
So far nearly 131,500 people have been infected across 116 countries and territories, and 4,925 have died, according to an AFP tally.
Although Myanmar has not detected any cases, Aung San Suu Kyi said the virus maybe in the country. The government is providing updates on suspected and confirmed cases via its website.
