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Myanmar Officials, Ethnic Leaders Monitor China Border for Coronavirus

Moe Zaw

   Intent on preventing an outbreak of the [1]coronavirus in Myanmar,
   local officials and members of ethnic armed organizations, or EAOs,
   along the border with China have imposed travel restrictions, increased
   health checks, called for monitoring of Chinese workers and, in some
   areas, imposed fines.

   The border area -- known for its rugged terrain beyond the government's
   control, enterprising smugglers, and long-simmering ethnic wars --
   concerns health authorities due to lax checkpoint controls.

   The measures in Myanmar by both the government and EAOs are being
   enacted as the number of deaths continue to increasein China, where
   [2]coronavirus 2019-nCoVwas first identified in Wuhan, the capital of
   Hubei province.

   According to the government, there are no confirmed cases or deaths in
   Myanmar. However, the swift spread of the not fully understood virus
   has alarmed many, leaving officials to quell rumors born of fear and
   long-held [3]anti-Chinese sentiment.

References

   1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
   2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
   3. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2144154/how-massive-influx-chinese-migrants-has-changed-myanmars

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