The Ministry of Health is continuously conducting the COVID-19 surveillance procedures, especially the surveillance of the COVID-19 variants, in collaboration with the Medical Research Unit of the Ministry of Defence. A laboratory test on 28 August 2021 revealed that 15 people had been diagnosed with the COVID-19 Delta variant (Variants of Concern), which need special care.
Of them, five were from Nay Pyi Taw, two from Yangon, two from Mandalay, and one each from Sittway, Toungoo, Lashio, Mawlamyine, Monywa and Kalay, respectively. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Delta variant was first discovered in India and is endemic in 163 countries, at present.
Delta variant is considered to have a higher risk of death due to their higher risk of infection and disease severity. In addition, it has also been shown to slightly reduce the effectiveness of some COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, the people are urged to strictly adhere to the guidelines, orders and procedures issued by the Ministry of Health in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 disease to their families and environment.
Ministry of Health
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar