Internally displaced people (IDPs) say no arrangements have been made to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Arakan State’s IDP camps as the number of cases and deaths related to the virus continues to rise sharply in the state and nationwide.

Authorities have not taken any action to prevent infections, according to U Thein Kyaw Mya, the manager of Pipin Yin IDP camp, who said hand-washing basins left in place from the virus’s second wave last year were the camp’s only defence against the virus.

“The government has not done anything to prevent the spread of the virus. There is no protective equipment for the third wave of the virus. The IDPs need face masks, hand sanitizers and soaps. The IDPs don’t even have enough money to buy food, so it is not possible to buy antivirus equipment,” he said.

IDPs have little space, no Covid-19 immunity, limited health knowledge and low living standards, said Ko Khaing Myo Aung, in charge of the Nyaung Chaung IDP camp, adding that if an IDP is infected, the virus can spread quickly throughout the camps.

“Therefore, the authorities need to provide the necessary antivirus equipment in a timely manner. To date, authorities have not made any preparations for prevention of the deadly virus,” he told DMG.

For many IDPs, anxieties about the risk of contracting Covid-19 are added on top of day-to-day concerns about shelter, food, and physical security.  

“If the government does not pay attention to prevention, it can be costly and costly to control,” said U Zaw Zaw Tun, secretary of the Rakhine Ethnics Congress (REC). “Given the current political climate, the risk of a medical outbreak could be significant.”

U Than Tun, a member of the Arakan State military council, said authorities at the local level had been directed to address Covid-19 preparedness at displacement camps.

“We have already instructed the respective district administration councils to take preventative measures against the virus. We will hold an emergency meeting on prevention and control of Covid-19 tomorrow,” he said on Thursday.

As of July 8, a total of 619 coronavirus cases were reported in Arakan State during the ongoing third wave of the pandemic, with six deaths attributed to the disease.

There were 3,947 new cases and 57 Covid-related deaths reported nationwide on July 7, according to Myanmar’s Ministry of Health and Sports.

Photo: People displaced by fighting are seen at Sinbaw Kaing IDP in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State, in 2019.