What's the government response timeline for Myanmar?

Myanmar Govt Asks Tour Operators to Suspend Travel Services for Chinese Visitors https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-govt-asks-tour-operators-suspend-travel-services-chinese-visitors.html

On March 9th, the Ministry of Health and Sports launched an awareness campaign and COVID-19 tracking website. They are: "-publishing situation reports about Myanmar and other countries in the state-owned newspapers and the internet website of the Ministry (www.mohs.gov.mm) and social media pages ( https://www.facebook.com/ MinistryOfHealthAndSportsMyanmar) and ( https://www.facebook.com/ MyanmarCDC) , with taking response to the fake news -coordination with relevant government agencies to lessen socioeconomic impacts resulted from COVID-19. -awareness programmes with the use of handheld loudspeakers at the crowded places in Regions and States such as bus gates and markets, in cooperation with Myanmar Red Cross Society , civil society organizations and community based organizations." Source: https://www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/report-on-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-3/ COVID-19 tracking website: https://mohs.gov.mm/Main/content/publication/2019-ncov

“We decided not to allow public gatherings that draw large crowds from Friday, March 13 to the end of April,” it is not clear about the number, but assuming from Myanmar's context, it could be less than 100. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-govt-cancels-mass-gatherings-and-thingyan-water-festival-as-coronavirus-precaution.html

On March 15, Myanmar restricted entry by foreign travelers who in the last 14 days visited the Hubei Province in China or the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions in South Korea, according to the country’s United States embassy. Myanmar nationals returning from those areas will be quarantined in a public hospital for 14 days, according to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-travel-restrictions.html

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement ordered the closure of all preschools and nurseries starting on Monday (16 March) as part of the efforts to protect people from COVID-19 pandemic, which has spread to over 150 countries. Source: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-orders-closures-preschools-fight-against-covid-19.html

"The Ministry of Planning, Finance, and Industry (“MoPFI”) announced on March 18, 2020 that SMEs, Hotel and Tourism, and CMP (Cutting, Making, Packaging) companies will be able to apply for loans with a 1% interest rate for a period of 1 year. These loans are to be disbursed from a relief fund of 100 billion MMK, with 50 billion MMK drawn from the country’s revolving fund and 50 billion MMK drawn from the social welfare fund." https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/myanmar-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html

The Kachin State government has closed all private schools on 20 March https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmars-states-issue-heavy-restrictions-movement-ahead-thingyan-curb-covid-19.html

Myanmar's Ministry of Health announced plans to test anyone with symptoms on March 20. https://www.moi.gov.mm/moi:eng/?q=news%2F21%2F03%2F2020%2Fid-21199

Myanmar's Ministry of Health announced plans to test anyone with symptoms on March 20. https://www.moi.gov.mm/moi:eng/?q=news/21/03/2020/id-21199

On 24 March, the country's Ministry of Education ordered the closure of colleges and universities across the country. All schools remain closed since early March as part of the country's annual summer vacation that will continue till June. Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/myanmar-announces-first-two-cases-of-coronavirus/1776851

Myanmar recorded first confirmed case of Covid 19 in March 24. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-reports-first-cases-of-coronavirus.html Since then, Myanmar authorities have been doing contact tracing to all cases despite limited resources and capacity. ( https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-imposes-community-quarantines-covid-19-patient-visit.html)

Myanmar Orders Half of Govt Employees to Stay Home Over COVID-19. Source: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-orders-half-govt-employees-stay-home-covid-19.html

On 29 March the government of Myanmar announced the suspension of all commercial passenger flights from any of its airports with effect from 23:59 on Monday 30 March. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/myanmar/coronavirus

"Travel to and from Muse in northern Shan State has been restricted since April 1." https://www.mmtimes.com/news/states-and-regions-myanmar-take-action-prevent-covid-19.html

Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday urged citizens to stay at home as much as possible during the upcoming weeks as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmars-states-issue-heavy-restrictions-movement-ahead-thingyan-curb-covid-19.html

The Shan State government has ordered the temporary suspension of all public transportation services from April 7 to April 21. Source: https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmars-states-issue-heavy-restrictions-movement-ahead-thingyan-curb-covid-19.html

All Yangon residents have been told to observe a strict 10-day “stay home” period from April 10 to April 19, 2020, except those involved in COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment activities. https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmars-states-issue-heavy-restrictions-movement-ahead-thingyan-curb-covid-19.html

All Yangon residents have been told to observe a strict 10-day “stay home” period from April 10 to April 19, 2020, except those involved in COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment activities. https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmars-states-issue-heavy-restrictions-movement-ahead-thingyan-curb-covid-19.html

On April 12, most factories across the country halted operations for the Thingyan New Year holidays. On April 19, the Ministry of Labor ordered factories to remain closed until April 30 and not to reopen until the Ministry of Health and Sports deemed it safe to do so in line with its COVID-19 preventive measures. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-govt-lists-essential-businesses-prioritized-reopening-amid-covid-19.html

On April 14, the Sagaing regional government imposed a curfew banning residents from leaving their homes between 10pm and 4am daily. https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-bans-gatherings-five-and-more-covid-19-spreads.html

Gatherings with more than 5 people banned https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-bans-gatherings-five-and-more-covid-19-spreads.html

24 March 2020 - Some public spaces were closed down in recent days, from schools and cinemas to karaoke bars and massage parlours. The country also took the unprecedented step of cancelling the planned street celebrations and huge water fights that normally mark the country's New Year in April. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1884820/myanmar-confirms-first-coronavirus-cases https://www.iata.org/en/programs/safety/health/diseases/government-measures-related-to-coronavirus/?search=Myanmar&ordering=Relevance https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-leader-appeals-patriotism-covid-19-fight.html

24 March 2020 - Some public spaces were closed down in recent days, from schools and cinemas to karaoke bars and massage parlours. The country also took the unprecedented step of cancelling the planned street celebrations and huge water fights that normally mark the country's New Year in April. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1884820/myanmar-confirms-first-coronavirus-cases https://www.iata.org/en/programs/safety/health/diseases/government-measures-related-to-coronavirus/?search=Myanmar&ordering=Relevance https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-leader-appeals-patriotism-covid-19-fight.html

On April 20, some companies resumed business, but many are still closed due to the government restrictions, while some are waiting for local authorities to conduct inspections of their COVID-19 preventive measures. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-govt-lists-essential-businesses-prioritized-reopening-amid-covid-19.html

"Multiple sources familiar with the final draft of the COVID-19 Comprehensive Response Plan told Frontier it provides a coherent picture of the government’s economic plans and will make it easier for development partners to contribute through grants and loans. The plan brings together measures that have already been announced – such as a K100 billion (US$70.1 million) fund established in March that will lend to affected businesses – as well as new initiatives to stimulate the economy and support vulnerable groups, who are already suffering as a result of the slowing economic activity and COVID-19 prevention measures. It also proposes a significant re-allocation of funds to the health sector to better prepare the country for responding to the pandemic. The plan contains a strong focus on identifying potential sources of financing for the government’s economic stimulus initiatives. It doesn’t commit the government to undertaking all of the measures proposed, but rather seeks to prepare for their potential introduction when the situation requires." https://frontiermyanmar.net/en/government-set-to-unveil-covid-19-economic-response-plan

Myanmar Extends Visa and Flight Ban until May 15 to Tackle COVID-19. Source: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-extends-visa-flight-ban-may-15-tackle-covid-19.html

"Economic stimulus: On April 27, the government released a comprehensive economic relief plan outlining, among other things, new monetary policy, measures to boost private businesses and trade, and efforts to mitigate the economic impacts for workers and households. As of April 28, Myanmar is reportedly close to releasing a $2-3 billion stimulus package. A fund of nearly $70 million was previously established at the Myanmar Economic Bank to provide soft loans to affected business (particularly the garment and tourism sectors and SMEs). The Ministry of Health will receive $200,000 to buy laboratory equipment and medical supplies." https://www.csis.org/programs/southeast-asia-program/southeast-asia-covid-19-tracker-0#Myanmar

Measure announced on April 28th that will provide social security benefits to factory workers who are unable to work from April 20 to May 15. "As part of a move to contain the spread of COVID-19, all local factories had to close from April 20 to May 15 for mandatory inspections by the ministry concerned. Workers from those factories who registered for social security under the Social Welfare Program will receive 40 percent of their salaries for the unemployed days in accordance with the Social Security Law, the ministry's release said." Source: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/26/c_139089573.htm Additional corroborating sources: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-govt-will-pay-social-security-insured-workers.html https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

The Ministry of Immigration and Human Resources has released a list of businesses deemed essential that are prioritized for reopening including fishery product factories, cargo transportation businesses, wholesale food warehouses and trading companies. The ministry on Sunday informed state and regional authorities that businesses such as state-owned factories, water distribution plants, electricity plants, clinics and hospitals, wholesale food warehouses and fishery product factories are considered essential to the public and should be allowed to resume operating. https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmar-govt-lists-essential-businesses-prioritized-reopening-amid-covid-19.html Yangon has more than 6,600 factories employing over 680,000 laborers. More than 400 factories in Yangon have already been allowed to resume after being inspected and over 1,400 more will be allowed to resume operating soon, as they are in compliance with the COVID-19 preventive measures, according to the Yangon regional government.

"On 27 April 2020, the Myanmar Government released its COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan (“CERP”). The CERP sets out seven goals, ten strategies, 36 action plans and 76 actions covering a broad range of extraordinary fiscal measures and policy responses. The CERP details proposed actions to be undertaken as well as actions effected by the Myanmar Government and the ministries so far. Each action is set out under the relevant goal and the ministry/authority responsible for each goal is named." "Parliamentary discussions on the budget allocation and obtaining foreign loans to finance the country’s COVID-19 response are expected once Myanmar Union Parliament resumes on 18 May 2020." https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/myanmar-government-introduces-its-covid-65811/

"Yangon, will ease some restrictions in four townships as no new cases have been reported for 20 days.Streets will be unblocked and restaurants and tea shops allowed to reopen." Source: https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmars-major-cities-ease-covid-19-business-restrictions.html

Termination of the social security benefit for factory workers, since the factory inspections ended on May 15th. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/26/c_139089573.htm

According to MOHS, the following groups are allowed to gather with more than five people, nation-wide: people who are going to work at government offices, companies or factories; children, parents and teachers going to schools and trainings; and people going out to eateries that are following preventive measures for COVID-19 https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-covid-19/myanmar-extends-ban-mass-gathering-june-15.html

15 May 2020 Myanmar to reopen schools in July 2020. http://archive.vn/v2AWj

14 May 2020 Myanmar’s hardest-hit region for COVID-19, Yangon, will ease some restrictions in four townships as no new cases have been reported for 20 days, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on Wednesday. The townships – Mingaladon, Hlaing Tharyar, Shwepyitha and Botahtaung – are among the country’s 10 COVID-19 hotspots which are currently under semi-lockdown. Streets will be unblocked and restaurants and tea shops allowed to reopen. Yangon eateries have been allowed to provide takeaways since March 27, after the country reported its first coronavirus case. http://archive.vn/yhOGz

1 June 2020 Myanmar extends entry restrictions for travellers to June 15 to contain COVID-19 spread http://archive.vn/DFm0L

Extension of the ban of gatherings of more than five people. http://archive.fo/cN590

MMR keeps preschools closed till July 2015. https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-keeps-preschools-closed-until-july-15.html

Extension of the ban of gatherings of more than five people. http://archive.fo/cN590

All instructions (excluding some relaxations) relating COVID-19 prevention and control have been extended to July 15, 2020. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#M

All instructions (excluding some relaxations) relating COVID-19 prevention and control have been extended to July 15, 2020. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#M

All instructions (excluding some relaxations) relating COVID-19 prevention and control have been extended to July 15, 2020. Restrictions on visa issuances and international passenger flights have been extended to July 31. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#M

Int’l Passenger Flights Likely Banned Until October: Myanmar Vice-President https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/intl-passenger-flights-likely-banned-october-myanmar-vice-president.html Restrictions on visa issuances and international passenger flights have been extended to July 31. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#M

https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#M FISCAL Key measures include: (i) targeted investments to strengthen the health system following the activation of the national contingency plan to fight the pandemic; (ii) cash-transfers and in-kind necessities to the poorest and those unemployed; and (iii) tax relief, suspension of government fees and waived social contributions. According to World Bank estimates, support to social sectors could reach more than US$160 million (about 1.1 percent of GDP). Due to very limited resources, the authorities are actively seeking additional budget support from development partners, beyond what was already disbursed or committed. On April 3, 2020, IMF approved a disbursement under the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) equivalent to $165.9 million to meet the large external financing gaps arising from Covid-19. On March 12, 2020, the World Bank provided a grant of $3.7 million to strengthen prevention against the COVID-19 pandemic, purchase materials and equipment, and train health workers. On April 2, 2020, the World Bank approved $100 million Development Policy Operation (DPO) for budget support to improve the human capital.

MONETARY AND MACRO-FINANCIAL The central bank provided monetary policy support and acted to safeguard financial stability. The central bank has started to provide liquidity to the commercial banks, reaching MGA 306 billion at end May (planning up to MGA620 billion (about 1.2 percent of GDP)) and relaxed some mandatory deposit limits to encourage banks to defer delayed payments on existing loans and increase lending to businesses. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#M

On March 9th, the Ministry of Health and Sports launched an awareness campaign and COVID-19 tracking website. They are: "-publishing situation reports about Myanmar and other countries in the state-owned newspapers and the internet website of the Ministry (www.mohs.gov.mm) and social media pages ( https://www.facebook.com/ MinistryOfHealthAndSportsMyanmar) and ( https://www.facebook.com/ MyanmarCDC) , with taking response to the fake news -coordination with relevant government agencies to lessen socioeconomic impacts resulted from COVID-19. -awareness programmes with the use of handheld loudspeakers at the crowded places in Regions and States such as bus gates and markets, in cooperation with Myanmar Red Cross Society , civil society organizations and community based organizations." Source: https://www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/report-on-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-3/ COVID-19 tracking website: https://mohs.gov.mm/Main/content/publication/2019-ncov

Myanmar's Ministry of Health announced plans to test anyone with symptoms on March 20. https://www.moi.gov.mm/moi:eng/?q=news/21/03/2020/id-21199

The government of Myanmar has extended the restrictions imposed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic in the country till July 31. The restrictions include limitations on social gatherings, enforcing social distancing and limiting the number of passengers in the public transport services and restaurants among others. http://newsonair.nic.in/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=393814

The government of Myanmar has extended the restrictions imposed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic in the country till July 31. The restrictions include limitations on social gatherings, enforcing social distancing and limiting the number of passengers in the public transport services and restaurants among others. http://newsonair.nic.in/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=393814

No change https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

No change https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-govt-contact-tracing-capability-works-overdrive-over-flouter-returnee.html

On 21 July, A total of 3,772 government high schools that met COVID-19 health guidelines were allowed to reopen and start teaching grade 10 and 11 students, according to the health ministry. The remaining 2,058 government high schools that still lack preparatory measures will be reconsidered after thorough checks on improvements, it said. Reopening of middle school and primary students' classes at government schools is expected to be take place within the next four to eight weeks if the pandemic situation remains under control. It is unclear when the colleges, universities, private schools and kindergartens will be allowed to reopen. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200722/p2g/00m/0in/043000c https://www.mmtimes.com/news/govt-keeps-private-high-schools-boarding-schools-closed-myanmar.html http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-07/21/c_139229329.htm

Groups of 15 people allowed: It was announced that there shouldn’t be a gathering of 5 or more people in one place until 29th of July, when Dr Myint Htwe, Ministry of Health and Sports (MOHS) minister, Dr Myint declared that from the 1st of August, the limit will be increased to 15 or more people. Whether it’s travelling or an event being held, there should be less than 15 people in a place, especially in an enclosed location. source: https://www.myanmore.com/2020/07/covid-19-in-myanmar-what-to-expect-in-august/

The international flight suspension to Myanmar has been extended to Aug 31. source: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/international-flight-suspension-myanmar-extended-until-august-31.html

Half of the high school initially opened fail COVID-19 safety standards and have been shut again. source: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/half-high-schools-myanmar-fail-inspection-remain-closed.html

Myanmar extended COVID-19 restrictions on 29 July until 31 August, following the gatherings limit increased on 1 August from 5 persons to 15 persons. http://archive.fo/aqyrQ

Myanmar extended restrictions on international flights until August 31, with consular approval for essential businesses and officials required for exemptions http://archive.fo/aqyrQ

On 13 August, the government expanded gathering limits to 30 persons from 15 persons http://archive.fo/1U05z

It seems like the measure is nationwide, as opposed to targeted. For example, the nationwide ban on gatherings includes exceptions for restaurants, permitted markets. Some regions have more specific guidelines, but 2G seems to apply across the country. See: https://mm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ (accessed 27th August 2020, web archive link not working but was updated as of 27 August)

Note: The Burmese government instituted stay-at-home orders, curfews, bans on public gatherings, and closures of public events, entertainment venues, and religious institutions that are still in place. See: https://mm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ (accessed 27th August 2020, web archive link not working but was updated as of 27 August)

Note: The Burmese government imposed a nationwide ban on gatherings of 30 or more people, effective beginning on August 16. Exceptions include work commutes for public servants, corporate employees, and factory workers; medical emergencies; shopping at permitted markets; delivery of goods; employment activities; public, private, and monastic schools; holding meetings, discussions, and classes in line with Ministry of Health guidelines; eating at restaurants that follow Ministry of Health guidelines; official COVID-19 control and protection activities; and funerals. See: See: https://mm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ (accessed 27th August 2020, web archive link not working but was updated as of 27 August)

A limited number of train routes are operating and Intra-provincial bus service has restarted. City buses are operating as normal (although it is not clear when this began). See: See: https://mm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ (accessed 27th August 2020, web archive link not working but was updated as of 27 August)

It seems like the measure is nationwide, as opposed to targeted. See: https://mm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ (accessed 27th August 2020, web archive link not working but was updated as of 27 August)

There is a nationwide curfew in place, from 12:00 A.M. to 4:00 A.M. The government is actively enforcing this curfew (not sure why this has been coded 2T instead of 2G since the curfew is nationwide). See: See: https://mm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ (accessed 27th August 2020, web archive link not working but was updated as of 27 August)

Note: Effective March 30, the Burmese government will no longer allow international commercial passenger flights to land at any airport in Burma. This suspension will last through September 30. See: See: https://mm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ (accessed 27th August 2020, web archive link not working but was updated as of 27 August)