The number of recorded Covid-19 cases in Myanmar passed the 20,000 mark on Tuesday.
The Health and Sports Ministry confirmed 1,252 new cases, pushing the total infection count to 20,033—most of which have come in Yangon and since August 16.
The ministry also confirmed 27 more deaths from the virus, bringing the death toll to 471 in the country. A total of 5,782 people have recovered from the virus.
Meanwhile, the government has extended the closure of garment factories until October 21 and Yangon region remains under stay-at-home orders without any end date specified.
The Confederation of Trade Union of Myanmar appealed to the government yesterday to draw up plans to provide economic support to factory workers who have been impacted by the closures. Employers should expedite the payment of salaries and compensation, and landlords should delay rent payments, stated the union.
MP for Dagon-2 Kyaw Zeya also raised the alarm for low-income workers, saying that cases have increased despite measures to contain the virus that are harmful to livelihoods.
He argued for a change in approach to the virus, telling Daily Eleven that the government “should not focus on the election only.”
Previous relief aid of 15,000 or 20,000 kyats did not reach everyone who deserved it, he said.
“If MPs participate in the process of providing financial aid, it will be effective,” he added. “But in Yangon region, MPs have not been assigned to any duties involved in the prevention, control and treatment of Covid-19."
