Parliamentary staff in quarantine after contact with a returnee from China who hid travel history

Fifteen staff members of Ayeyawady Region Parliament including one who had close contact with a woman who kept her history of travel to China in secret have been in quarantine as of May 28. 

The staff member who had close contact with the returnee from China is in facility quarantine and 14 others in-home quarantine. 

The woman who worked in China arrived back in Pathein Township, Ayeyawady Region, five days ago without telling about her travel history. She stayed at a hotel together with her husband from Myinkaseik Village. She said she arrived back in the village only on May 26. According to the investigation by the village inspection team for Covid-19, she already arrived back many days ago. 

Following contact tracing, a staff member of Ayeyawady Region Parliament is found to be among those who had close contact with the woman. Therefore, the staffer was sent to a facility quarantine center in Kangyidauk. Moreover, 14 other staff members including his wife were instructed to be in-home quarantine. 

“I got the news last night. The staff member was sent to a facility quarantine center. His wife came to the office and had meals together with other staff members. So, all 14 including her were instructed to be in-home quarantine. Our parliament has to run with about 50 percent of our workforce. Now, we have to run with about 25 percent,” said Speaker Aung Kyaw Khaing. 

The woman returning from China and her husband are also in facility quarantine in Kangyidauk. Plans are being made to have their samples tested for Covid-19 as quickly as possible.