YANGON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Myanmar government will soon provide basic essentials including rice, oil, salt, bean and onion to people in need from April 10 during the traditional Thingyan water festival, according to a release of Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19 on Monday.
The release came after analyzing reports submitted by people across the country to Chairman of Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.
According to the release, the process of surveying people in need as well as packing, delivering and distributing the basic essentials will be carried out under the supervision of respective state and regional governments in collaboration with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), elders of the community, social organizations and young volunteers so as to avoid unnecessary waste, delay and corruption.
In addition, electricity bill will be exempted up to 150 units to each household, religious organizations and civil societies except for embassies, UN and international organizations by the end of April, the release added.
It is also learnt that the Commerce Ministry will take action against those who are gouging prices on medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and foodstuff with a maximum term of three-year imprisonment and fines.
Myanmar has reported 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country so far, according to the release of Ministry of Health and Sports on Monday.
