A 20-year-old returning from Bangladesh tested positive for COVID-19 in the Arakan State capital Sittwe on May 18, according to the state’s Public Health Department, becoming the sixth case of its kind reported in recent days.

A total of 78 people who returned from Bangladesh with a trading vessel were tested in two groups, and one person tested positive among 40 who were tested on Tuesday, said Dr. Soe Win Paing, assistant director of the department.

“Among 78 returnees, 38 people were tested today and there is no positive case,” he said.

“We admit positive patients to Sittwe Hospital. The previous COVID-19 patients are in good condition,” he added.

At the Shwe Min Gan border trade center in Sittwe Township, four cases were found out of 40 people who returned from Bangladesh on May 12, and another case was reported on May 14.

The COVID-19 patients have been provided treatment at Sittwe hospital and are in good condition, said Dr. Soe Win Paing.

Sailors currently arriving at the town will be quarantined for 10 days on their vessels and tested twice. Those who are cleared will be allowed to return to their places.  

Although positive cases have been found in Arakan State via transnational commerce, there is no plan to shut down the border trade thus far.  

A total of 4,264 cases were found in Arakan State during the first and second waves of COVID-19, with 37 deaths reported.