The results from the Myanmar National Health Laboratory were released on March 23 at 11pm and will be sent to a WHO-accredited laboratory in Thailand today, the Health Ministry said.





The patient who returned from the UK, arrived in Yangon on March 22, was quarantined in Hlegu and subsequently moved to Hmawbi, where he tested positive. He has been moved to a special isolation ward in Wabargyi Hospital.

The 36-year-old arrived from the US on March 13 and experienced fever a week after. He is now placed under isolation at the Tedim township's General Hospital in Chin State.

The Health Ministry said that any person who came into direct contact with the two victims would be investigated and monitored.

Concerns have been raised about the capability of the government to respond to a possible outbreak, especially because of the lack of medical facilities.

Last week, the United Kingdom urged its citizens to leave the country amid concerns the country’s health care system would not be able to provide adequate care in case of an outbreak.

On Monday, hours before the Health Ministry confirmed the first two COVID-19 cases, the US Embassy announced the recall of 67 Peace Corps volunteers deployed across the country to teach English in schools, as the pandemic worsens around the world.

The pneumonia-like disease has spread to 168 countries and territories, killing over 16,000 people and afflicting nearly 370,000.





About an hour after the Health Ministry made the announcement, which was close to midnight, people rushed to supermarkets and convenience stores to buy food and other supplies.