Back In Business: Struggling For Daily Livelihoods Amid Challenges

It has been almost 12 weeks since Myanmar confirmed the first case of COVID-19 on March 23, and at present, most of the cases were detected among the returnees coming back by the relief flights.

Since the numbers of local transmission have been decreasing, people gradually back to their routines.

In Yangon where most cases of COVID-19 were detected, grassroots people are struggling for their livelihoods amid the challenges.

Trishaw Driver, Maung Zaw said “Due to the restriction, we have lack of passengers. But now, we can say that the business is back to normal although fewer passengers. We can earn around 4,000 to 7,000 kyats a day.”

The Stay Home restriction has also been eased gradually, and the earnings have increased compared to the restriction period despite fewer passengers.

Taxi Driver, Kyaw Soe Lwin said “We have stopped running taxi during the restriction period of COVID-19 outbreak. At present, people come out for their routines. But it is not as usual we use to. So, compared to the restriction period, we can start our new normal life gradually. We can earn around 15,000 to 20,000 kyats daily. It depends.”

As of 8:00 am on 10th June, there are a total of 246 confirmed cases in Myanmar with 6 deaths and 159 recoveries.