State Counsellor reaches COVID-19 front-liners in Mon State on videoconference call

Date: April 16, 2020

“People are the key in the struggle against COVID-19”, said State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in her capacity as Chairperson of the National Central Committee for COVID-19 Prevention, Control and Treatment, in her video conference call from the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw with the persons battling on the frontlines against the pandemic in Mon State yesterday.

The State Counsellor first extended her greetings, followed by discussions with U Bo Bo Win from the civil society networks in Mon State about collaborative efforts with state departments and volunteer rescue teams in monitoring and containment of COVID-19, and health services for the returnees at the community based facility quarantine.

Next, Dr Wut Hmon, deputy head of the Mon State Health Department, presented a short briefing about the coordination work being done with the state government in fulfilling fundamental needs for preventive and containment measures, the requirements of medicines and pharmaceuticals and inviting contributions from civil society organizations and donors. U Thein Hteik, the administrator of Zekyo Ward in Mawlamyine Township, gave a briefing on the establishment of the community based facility quarantine at the dormitory of Mawlamyine University for returnees from foreign countries and receiving supplies from private well-wishers.

In response to the discussions, the State Counsellor emphasized observance of directives and rules, importance of awareness campaigns and the government’s possible assistance.

She also gave a wide range of advice on collaboration among the administrative sector, health workers and volunteers, participation of individuals and following healthy practices.

The State Counsellor reiterated the importance of hand washing frequently, wearing face masks, getting official news on the disease and pivotal role of the people to prevent the disease from spreading.

In conclusion, she praised the works of frontline workers, and volunteer workers in combatting the COVID-19 virus. She ended her concluding remarks by saying “May you realize the results of your good deeds fully and speedily; may you have good health and peace of mind in the New Year.” (Translated by Aung Khin)