Myanmar: Country confirms first COVID-19-related death March 31 /update 4

Myanmar records first COVID-19-related death March 31; further spread of the virus expected over the near term
Read all related news alert(s):
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Myanmar: Authorities extend international flight suspension until November 30 /update 26
Myanmar: Stay at home orders issued for additional townships on September 26 /update 25
Myanmar: Authorities extend flight ban until October 31 /update 24
Myanmar: Authorities issue stay at home order for Yangon from September 21 /update 23
Myanmar: Restrictions increased in Yangon amid rise in COVID-19 cases September 10 /update 22
Myanmar: Authorities impose nightly curfew in Rakhine State from September 4 /update 21
Myanmar: Authorities restrict entry into Naypyitaw on September 3 amid COVID-19 increase /update 20
Myanmar: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions as of August 27 /update 19
Myanmar: Authorities place Sittwe (Rakhine state) under partial lockdown August 20 /update 18
Myanmar: Authorities extend suspension of international flights until August 31 /update 17
Myanmar: Flight suspension extended until July 31 /update 16
Myanmar: Authorities extend international flights suspension and other COVID-19 restrictions until July 15 /update 15
Myanmar: Government extends COVID-19 measures until June 30 /update 14
Myanmar: Authorities extend entry restrictions until June 15 /update 13
Myanmar: Domestic airlines resume operations as of May 29 /update 12
Myanmar: Authorities lift stay-home orders for four Yangon townships May 15 /update 11
Myanmar: Curfew hours reduced effective May 15 /update 10
Myanmar: International flight suspension extended to May 15 /update 9
Myanmar: Mandalay imposes mandatory quarantine measures April 22 /update 8
Myanmar: Authorities introduce curfews in three regions from April 18 /update 7
Myanmar: Border crossings with Bangladesh closed on April 13 /update 6
Myanmar: Suspension of all international flights extended to April 30 /update 5
Myanmar: All international passenger flights suspended from March 30 /update 3
Myanmar: Government implements quarantine measures for all incoming travelers March 25 /update 2
Myanmar: Authorities confirm first two cases of COVID-19 on March 23 /update 1
Myanmar: Extended quarantine measures implemented due to COVID-19 March 19
Event
On Tuesday, March 31, government officials announced the country's first coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related death. The patient was a 69-year-old man who had also been suffering from cancer.
As of Monday, March 30, all international passenger flights into the country have been suspended through April to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Visa issuance to foreign nationals has also been suspended, and land borders have been closed. Additionally, the government has banned public gatherings as a precautionary measure.
To date, there are 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.
Context
The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.
Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.
Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.
Advice
Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.
To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:
- Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
- When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
- If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.
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