Information release: 42 new Omicron cases detected

The Ministry of Health issued information release on detection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant on January 17.

The Ministry of Health is continuously conducting “COVID-19 Molecular Disease Surveillance”, and releasing information on the detection of SARS CoV-2 Omicron variant from those who return by relief flights in a timely manner.

The suspicious laboratory samples of the COVID-19 virus of the returnees were sent to the National Health Laboratory on 17th January, 2022 and the SARS-CoV-2 Variant Omicron was found in 42 laboratory samples. These 42 Omicron cases are 36 Myanmar nationals and 6 foreigners including 21 returned from India, 12 from Malaysia, 4 from Philippines, 3 from Thailand, 1 from the UAE and 1 from Singapore by relief flights.

The patients are admitted to the designated hospitals for medical treatment and the passengers who returned together with them and close contacts undergo strict quarantine and lab tests. Therefore, it is announced that the ministry is stepping up the COVID-19 disease monitoring and control measures plus disease prevention, control and treatment activities.