Seven commercial drivers tested positive for COVID-19 after hundreds were checked at medical checkpoints in Shan State.

Dr Zawana Ko, deputy head of the Shan State Public Health Department, told SHAN after health professionals tested 653 drivers and their assistants from October 3 until the morning of October 5 in Yayyar village, located in Kalaw Township, six cases were discovered. 

The doctor explained that they used rapid test kits because the results could be achieved in 30 minutes. The downside is that it’s not as accurate as regular testing, which takes longer. Rapid testing sometimes indicates false negatives. It’s a real concern because individuals with COVID-19 might not become aware of their infection and could spread it to others.

One driver tested positive for COVID-19 on October 4 at a medical checkpoint in Kyaukme Township, located in northern Shan State. 

Tin Maung Thein, from Kyaukme’s Ziwita Social Volunteer Team, told SHAN that after confirming his infection he wasn’t allowed into Kyaukme town.

Soe Nyunt Lwin, the Shan State Minister of Planning and Finance, said that testing of out of state drivers has officially ended. From here on, only drivers with a letter of recommendation from the Government’s Ministry of Health and Sports will be allowed into Shan State. Drivers will be screened before leaving their states and regions. Shan State drivers will also be tested before they’re allowed to travel to other states and regions in the country.