YANGON—With no reports of locally-transmitted cases of coronavirus for the past 26 days, Myanmar’s Health Ministry has relaxed restrictions on public gatherings. In an announcement on Wednesday, the ministry said that outdoor gatherings of less than 30 people will be allowed beginning on Sunday.
The government enacted restrictions on outdoor gatherings in April in the days following the country’s first reported COVID-19 cases.
From April to July, only gatherings of less than five people were allowed. At the start of August, the restriction was relaxed, changing the maximum number of people to 14.
The Health Ministry said the restrictions will now be relaxed again based on the current COVID-19 situation.
Myanmar has seen no reports of locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases since July 17, though there have been new imported cases. As of Thursday morning, the country has had 361 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 318 recoveries.
The government also started the first phase in the reopening of schools in late July with high school students resuming classes. The government is also considering a move to reopen closed cinemas and to resume local football tournaments with preventative guidelines in place.
The country will also hold a general election in November. Election officials are preparing to issue guidelines for political parties on election campaigning, which will start in September, as well as measures for polling stations nationwide to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The suspension of visas and international flights into the country will remain in place until Aug. 31.
Despite the easing of some restrictions, Health Minister Dr. Myint Htwe warned public in his most recent statement to remain vigilant regarding health guidelines to prevent a second wave of COVID-19.
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