One more week semi lockdown has been added to Hsi Hseng township, Southern Shan State, because of the recent spread of Covid-19 in the area.

The lockdown is from 16-22 November 2021, 2 P.M – 4 A.M respectively, in Hsi Hseng township.

“The authority may use the spread of Covid-19 and lockdown the township often because they seem to worry about something. Due to the fact that Hsi Hseng is closed to Pekon township and Kayah State, they are concerned that conflicts may escalate into Hsi Hseng. Or they are afraid that IDPs will relocate into the township,” a man who lives in Hsi Hseng township told SHAN.

The junta army and People Defense Force (PDF) are flighting daily in Pekon township. This causes IDPs to seek for safety in the nearby townships. Hsi Hseng is only 82 kilometers away from Pekon township where gunfire occurs every day.

The continues semi lockdowns could have a huge impact on the local residents daily livelihood.

“It has caused problems on our daily lives. Shops are allowed to sell from 5 A.M to 2 P.M, and those who only sell at night can no longer do businesses. For example, I cannot run my barbecue shop which operates in the evening through the late night,” one Hsi Hseng shopkeeper told SHAN.

The authority has been increasing the facility to test the Covid-19 in all areas of Hsi Hseng township recently.