20 April 2020
THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN RANGOON IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE AMERICAN LIAISON NETWORK AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO U.S. CITIZENS IN BURMA. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Extension of Quarantine Period
The Burmese government extended the facility/hotel quarantine period for COVID-19 positive persons, their contacts, and foreign arrivals from 14 to 21 days, to be followed by an additional 7-day home quarantine. The total quarantine length is now 28 days. The measure applies retroactively to those already in quarantine.
Curfew in Yangon
The Yangon Regional Government implemented a curfew restricting residents from leaving their homes between 10:00 P.M. and 4:00 A.M., effective April 18. There is no end date on the curfew order. Coco Island township is exempt from the order.
Stay-at-Home Order for Seven Yangon Townships
The Burmese government issued a stay-at-home order for the following seven Yangon townships, effective April 18: South Okkalapa, Pabedan, Bahan, Mayangone, Insein, Shwe Pyi Thar, and Hlaingtharyar. There is no end date on this order.
- The order contains exceptions for those who must “perform duties at government departments, organizations, companies, factories, and workshops.”
- Only vehicles transporting workers to and from their workplaces will be permitted to pass through the seven townships.
- One person per household is permitted to leave the house for essential shopping or “unavoidable circumstances,” and two per household can leave to go to a hospital or clinic. The number of vehicle passengers will be regulated accordingly.
- The order instructs residents to seek approval from their ward administrator if there is a need for more than the designated number of people/passengers to leave their home or commute.
- Residents must wear masks when going outside.
Ban on Gatherings of Five or More Persons
The Burmese government imposed a ban on gatherings of five or more people, effective April 17. Exceptions include work commutes for public servants, corporate employees, and factory workers; medical emergencies; shopping at permitted markets; delivery of goods; official COVID-19 control and protection activities; and funerals. There is no end date on the ban.
Enforcement of Directives
Ward/township administrators can directly refer people violating COVID-19-related directives for criminal prosecution under the 1995 Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases Law. Foreigners, including U.S. citizens, have been arrested and sentenced to 3-6 months in prison for violating local directives.
States and Regions across Burma, including down to the township and ward level, are also issuing their own quarantine directives, travel restrictions, and other measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sagaing and Mandalay Regions currently have curfews and restrictions similar to those in Yangon.
To find information on local directives and restrictions in your area, seek guidance from your landlord, hotel, or your local ward or township administrator.
Embassy Assistance
We encourage you to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest updates in your country, as well as the days and hours of American Citizen Services.
- U.S. Embassy Rangoon
+95-1-753-6509
ACSRangoon@state.gov
https://mm.usembassy.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Burma Country Information
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