Myanmar has temporarily closed its land borders to non-citizens, according to a government announcement today, as the country seeks to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Foreign nationals will only be allowed to enter and exit the country through Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw international airports, said the announcement from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also posted the same statement on its Facebook page this morning—and then quickly deleted it, causing confusion as to whether the decision had been withdrawn.
However, the statement remains on the immigration ministry website.
Citizens of neighbouring countries can still leave or enter their home country through existing check points although they will be subject to health checks and temperature screenings, according to the statement.
Here it is in full:
“With a view to preventing importation and spread of COVID-19, the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has temporarily suspended entry of any foreign nationals through any border check point being opened between Myanmar and its neighboring countries.
“The entry and exit of local population on both sides of the border through the existing check points concerned will not be restricted. They will be subject to health check and temperature screening at the entry of the border check points.
“Any foreign national with valid entry visa may enter and exit to/from Myanmar only at Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw International Airports in accordance with the existing rules and regulations.”
As of 8pm yesterday, Myanmar had tested 157 people—of a population of 54 million—for Covid-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. Like its neighbour Laos, it has confirmed zero cases, although several people have died in quarantine with symptoms indicative of Covid-19.
Myanmar shares a 2,227-kilometer porous border with China, the most affected nation, and also borders Bangladesh, India, and Thailand, all of which have reported cases.
