Third-wave virus deaths in Arakan State to soon triple first two waves combined

By DMG 26 Jul 2021

DMG Newsroom
26 July 2021, Sittwe 

The number of Covid-19 fatalities in Arakan State during the ongoing third wave of coronavirus has almost tripled the combined total of statewide deaths in the first two waves of the pandemic. 

A total of 37 people died in the first and second waves between March of last year and late May 2021. Over a period of about two months since then, there were 104 fatalities as of July 25, according to the Arakan State Administration Council.

“We want people to follow the Covid-19 regulations as deaths have significantly increased compared with the previous waves. And we want them to stay at their homes as much as possible and follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health and Sports,” said Dr. Soe Win Paing, assistant director of the Arakan State Department of Public Health. 

Covid-19 cases have been recorded across all 17 of Arakan State’s townships, with 34 deaths in Taungup; 26 in the state capital Sittwe; 14 in Thandwe; eight in Kyaukphyu; seven in Maungdaw; four in Manaung; three in Mrauk-U; and one each in Ann, Minbya, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, Gwa and Buthidaung. 

The United League of Arakan (ULA) has imposed a two-week lockdown across the state to prevent the spread of coronavirus, urging people to stay at their homes until August 4. 

Some 75% of the Arakanese population is following the Covid-19 regulations issued by the ULA, but in some townships, drinking establishments are continuing operations and are crowded as normal, ULA leader Major General Twan Mrat Naing said in a speech to Arakanese people on Sunday. 

The ULA is the political wing of the Arakan Army, of which Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing is commander-in-chief. 

“It is totally unacceptable. Even if you don’t love your own lives, everyone is responsible to protect his family and neighbourhood during such a pandemic,” said Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing. 

He urged the Arakanese to strictly follow Covid-19 regulations, and instructions issued by the ULA. He also urged healthcare workers and the public to have mutual understanding and sympathy. 

Since the beginning of the third wave of coronavirus, Arakan State has recorded 2,236 coronavirus infections with 104 deaths, and some 1,000 have recovered.