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Coronavirus: Ex-Myanmar strongman Than Shwe hospitalised with Covid-19

  • He and his wife have been admitted to the VIP section of the Thaik Chaung military hospital and are expected to remain for two weeks
  • Myanmar has been struggling with one of the worst Covid-19 surges in Southeast Asia

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Then Myanmar junta chief Senior General Than Shwe attends an event in Yangon in December 2010. Photo: AP
The former long-time military ruler of Myanmar, Than Shwe, has been diagnosed with Covid-19 and is expected to remain hospitalised for two weeks, an official said on Thursday.
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Than Shwe, 88, was admitted along with his wife to the Thaik Chaung military hospital in the capital, Naypyidaw, about three or four days ago after they both tested positive for the coronavirus, a hospital employee said.

The two are being treated in a VIP section of the hospital under tight security, the employee said on condition of anonymity for fear of possible reprisals.

The hospital source did not have information on the severity of their illnesses.

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Myanmar’s crippled health care system buckles under worsening third coronavirus wave

Myanmar’s crippled health care system buckles under worsening third coronavirus wave
Myanmar has been struggling with one of the worst Covid-19 surges in Southeast Asia, and the military leadership that seized control of the country in February from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government has been accused of making it worse by diverting critical medical supplies to itself and its supporters.
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