Data Matters No. 5

((This article is a translation of the original Burmese language version that ISP-Myanmar posted on its Facebook page on February 16, 2022.)

On December 28, 2021, the State Administration Council (SAC) announced the detection of a new variant of the COVID-19 virus, Omicron, in Myanmar. The SAC-controlled Ministry of Health (MoH) has since made 15 announcements regarding the presence of the Omicron variant, with 348 cases latest reported as of February 3, 2022. However, many people have been reported to have shown Omicron symptoms during the first two weeks of February, meaning Omicron is likely to be spreading more rapidly than official statistics suggest. 

According to official figures from MoH, COVID-19 transmission has peaked again in five months and the possibility of another wave is now increasingly likely. The Yangon Region is currently the most seriously affected area, with nearly 6,900 people infected as of February 15. Nationwide, 54 percent of all COVID-19 cases reported on February 14 were from the heavily-populated Yangon Region. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Omicron variant is significantly more infectious than other strains and could lead to severe illness, and even death, through asymptomatic infections. The elderly, those with chronic diseases and underlying health conditions, and the unvaccinated need to be especially cautious. 

∎ Why does it matter?

In Myanmar, only 36 percent of the population has been double vaccinated, and the public health system is not fully operational. Unfortunately, the Omicron variant can be transmitted by people who have received two vaccines, as well as those who have received a third dose (or booster vaccine). If current infection rates continue, the outbreak will escalate. Therefore, it is important to monitor the developments of Omicron transmission and infection rates for Myanmar to prevent the further spread of the virus among the public, and for everyone to follow all recommended safety precautions. 

∎ Other relevant information

Statistics regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, announcements, and regional transmission data can be found on the WHO website and on the Ministry of Health website. Information on the pandemic and vaccinations is available on Johns Hopkins University’s Coronavirus Resource Center website and the Our World in Data website, as well as through the COVID-19 Tracker, provided by Reuters news agency.