After multiple drivers tested positive for the coronavirus, Shan State’s COVID-19 Control and Response Committee ordered a stop to truck and bus operations leaving the state for 14 days this week as a COVID-19 prevention measure.

The move, effective October 1, followed a meeting between the committee and the Shan State government on September 30.  

Local authorities in Muse had already restricted travel in the 105-mile trade zone on the Shan-China border after a truck driver tested positive for COVID-19.

According to Muse-based fruit wholesaler Sai Myint Bo, truck drivers operating within the state are now required to have a recommendation letter issued by a Ministry of Health and Sports (MoHS) official in order to enter the town.

“The recommendation letter must have been issued within two weeks and show they are clear of COVID-19,” he told SHAN.

The same requirement now applies to drivers and assistant drivers throughout Shan State.

The MoHS reported two new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nyaung Shwe (Yawnghwe) town and another in Pindaya town on Wednesday evening. Both of the confirmed cases in Nyaung Shwe (Yawnghwe) were assistant drivers.

At the time of reporting, Burma had 14,383 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 321 deaths and 4,156 recoveries.