Yan Lin Aung - On April 21, 2019, over 500 returnees (migrant workers) from Thailand were allowed to go back to their homes after completing 21 days in quarantine at Mawlamyine University.
According to the Mawlamyine Township Administrator, U Wai Lin Tun, “People from various states and regions who have completed 21 days in quarantine, were sent home by cars. According to the Health department’s instruction, they are required to continue to remain in another 7-day quarantine period when they arrive at their homes.”
He added the Mon state government provided for the travel expenses to their homes.
New information has shown that the incubation period of COVID-19 can be as long as one month. This is why people must remain in quarantine for an additional 7 days once they are in their home communities. If they develop [COVID-19) symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, chills, headache, body/joint aches, or dry cough, they must contact the nearest health department.
Dr. San San Aung, Deputy Public Health Officer of Mawlamyine District, said “They (returnees) have completed the 21 days community-based quarantine. Because COVID-19 symptoms could start after a month, we told them to stay at home for another week when they arrive in their community. We have provided an outlet for returnees to advise the nearest health department if they experience any C-19 symptoms. This is why it is important they also stay physically separated from all family members.”
Nine patients, including one deceased person who stayed at the 21-Day community base quarantine facilities tested but found negative for the COVID-19 virus, according to Dr. San San Aung.
U Kyaw Myint, with the Red Cross for Mon State, has provided education and encouragement to those who have been monitoring returnees at the quarantine camp.
“The Red Cross is providing emotional support and is helping with the health needs of the people. As the quarantine period has been changed from 14 to 21 days, people might still experience symptoms. We try to encourage them so that they will feel better,” he added.
Ko Khin Maung Swe, a monitor at Mawlamyine University quarantine camp, said that “Food is available. Many people came here to provide entertainment and encouragement. It is our country, so we should respect the new 21 day + 7 day in home quarantine protocols”
According to the officials, more than 700 Myanmar migrants from Thailand have been quarantined at Mawlamyine University in the first week of April. The remaining 200 people will be allowed to return to their homes in the last few days of April.
More than 900 returnees from Thailand who completed their 21-day quarantine at the Myawaddy Town quarantine camp were returning to their homes on April 21. Transportation arrangements have been provided by the government.
