Early in the crisis, the government rapidly implemented measures to contain the virus. Just as it started easing them though, the country was hit by a major second wave in mid-August 2020. 

Daily cases increased from less than 10 per day in early August to over 1,000 per day in mid-October. This wave has overwhelmed Myanmar’s inadequate and understaffed health infrastructure.

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Myanmar’s tourism was dealt another devastating blow when the country awoke to a military coup at the start of February 2021.

While international borders remain firmly closed, Myanmar’s domestic tourism was starting to take off as Covid restrictions were eased across the country. However, this has halted in the wake of the coup.