At least thirteen people in Taunggyi were infected by a man with a travel history who tested positive for COVID-19 on November 17. Dr Wai Wai Mon told SHAN that they were among 21 patients receiving medical treatment for the disorder at Sao San Htun Public Hospital in the Shan State capital.

New cases have been recorded daily in Shan State since the country went to the polls on November 8. There have been at least 227 confirmed cases detected in southern Shan State, according to Dr Wai Wai Mon. A total of 154 have recovered from the disease, leaving 73 still receiving medical care in hospitals in the south.

Dr Wai Wai Mon advised the public to visit the Public Health Laboratory-Taunggyi Facebook page for accurate information about the spread of the virus. “Fake news and rumors are being spread in the community on a daily basis; you can get the correct information from our Facebook page.”

Some who have been quarantined after coming into contact with an infected person are requesting to be isolated in their home. But Ko Win Naing Soe, a volunteer for COVID-19 prevention, told SHAN that unlike in Yangon there’s enough quarantine facilities in Taunggyi.

The authorities plan to open 92 additional quarantine centers in the capital city, in addition to the 24 existing facilities.

The Ministry of Health and Sports reported 80,505 transmissions on November 23, while 59,888 recovered from the disease and 1,765 died.