The Gandaryi camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State’s Buthidaung Township was reportedly locked down after a 21-year-old woman from the camp was found to be infected with Covid-19 on August 18.

The young woman, who was working at a private hospital, was diagnosed with Covid-19 on the third day of her illness, said U Maung Kyaing, manager of the IDP camp.

“She had been sick for three days and tested positive for coronavirus after she saw a doctor at a clinic. She is currently being treated at Buthidaung Hospital and is in good health,” he said.

According to U Maung Kyaing, access to the IDP camp has been restricted since Wednesday due to the fact that there are some people who are slightly ill at the camp.

“Now everyone is restricted from going out. I heard some doctors are scheduled to visit the camp to examine other people, but I don’t know exactly,” he said.

A total of 1,926 people from 199 households are taking refuge in the Gandaryi IDP camp in Buthidaung Township.

The camp has only rice support from the World Food Programme (WFP), so other basic food items are needed for the displaced people.

Sinbawkaing camp in Mrauk-U Township was locked down for several days in mid-July after seven IDPs there tested positive for Covid-19, with restrictions eased on July 23.

As of August 18, a total of 3,662 cases and 344 deaths were reported in Arakan State during the pandemic’s ongoing third wave, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.