As the COVID-19 cases in Namhkam, the Myanmar border town with China in northern Shan State have reportedly increased, travel restrictions have been imposed on the camps of internally displaced persons from the armed conflicts in the area.

“Despite no confirmed case at the camps at present, the travel restrictions have been imposed with access only from 10 am to 3 pm as a measure to prevent the pandemic. Only one person from each family will be allowed to go outside for buying household needs,” said an in-charged person from Nay Wun Ni camp in Namhkam Township.

There were over 200 confirmed cases and 9 deaths in the town up to 8 July, according to the figure of local civil society.

Three residential wards in the town are in lockdown.

“Namhkam township hospital has only a capacity of 100 beds. But over 200 patients have exceeded the limit, and temporary shelter is set up for extra beds outside the hospital building,” said a volunteer for the COVID-19 control measures.

Namhkam is adjacent to Muse Township in northern Shan State and Mantwanegyi in Kachin State, while bordering with China.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Muse Township has passed 300. Concerns have been expressed about an insufficient supply of oxygen cylinders that might prove a problem for patients.