INTRODUCTION

As with other countries, Myanmar's response to Covid-19 was shaped by its own social and economic contexts, and, perhaps more than in any other Southeast Asian country, by its political history and climate. The role of the autonomous, powerful military or Tatmadaw in the post-independence national political landscape influenced how Myanmar responded to the pandemic in 2020, while the multi-faceted political crisis affected the response from February 2021 onwards.

On 1 February 2021, the military (a.k.a. the Tatmadaw) seized power alleging major irregularities in the November 2020 general election. It instated a state of emergency that was still in place as of early 2024. Myanmar now has two entities claiming to be the country's legitimate government. The military formed the State Administration Council (SAC) which exercises de facto control over all major economic and policy infrastructures. Lawmakers loyal to the overthrown civilian government formed the National Unity Government (NUG). The country has since seen renewed civil war between the SAC and its various opponents, including the NUG.

This chapter outlines the Covid-19 response and coordination measures implemented in Myanmar. It provides an overview of the four Covid-19 waves in the country between 2020 and mid-2022, and associated response measures including testing and vaccination, stay-at-home orders, quarantine in community facilities, economic responses including cash and non-cash transfers, and civil society, community and private sector responses. We analyse the effects of and responses to Covid-19 in two time periods—before the 2021 coup and after it. We draw on official government publications, but, due to the dearth of reliable official sources, also use media articles.

Myanmar reported its first confirmed case in March 2020. Stay-at-home orders and requirements for people to quarantine in community facilities under a zero-Covid approach were implemented during the first two waves with varying efficacy. The coordination efforts of the National League of Democracy (NLD) government were considered to be one of the leading factors in Myanmar's success in handling the first two waves. However, as the second wave was petering out, the military seized power (February 2021) and the country's Covid-19 response was disrupted. The health system, including testing and vaccination facilities, was incapacitated as healthcare staff spearheaded strikes, protesting against the coup (Nachemson 2021). Vaccinations resumed in March 2021 but were hampered by the political crisis and a ban put in place by India on exports of its vaccine. There was a heavy death toll during the third wave, the Delta variant (June to October 2021), due to continuing health system disruptions and challenges (Figure 4.1). However, by the time the fourth Omicron wave arrived, vaccination rates had increased, and most people opted to self-test and treat themselves at home.