Talkabouts on social media: Episode #3

What People Are Talking About in Myanmar is a selection of topics circulating in the Myanmar social media sphere over the last week.

52 cases of COVID-19 positives among 111 in Myanmar came out after a group of Myanmar pastors held religious gatherings in early April. Those who tested positives include rockstars Myo Gyi and his wife during the cluster and Zaw Win Htut is in quarantine although he didn’t test positive yet he had contact with other positive member. Now with the total number of cases in 111, the government imposed a 10pm-4am curfew starting from April 18 in precaution for transmission.

The Yangon Government sued the pastor David Lah, one of the main ones causing infections in the christian community, and even causing the 2nd VP and his family to be tested. The post suing David later disappeared from the Facebook page.

The David Lah discussions made the government issue an official statement about groups larger than five people not allowed.

Almost 25,000 prisoners across the country were freed on 17th April 2020, the day of traditional New Year’s Day according to the statement from the president’s office. Families were seen gathering outside to welcome them home. But people spark fury on Facebook about the social distancing regarding the crowd of hundreds at Insein Prison upfront.

People have been talking about a lady and her baby doll, which is a quite popular topic on Facebook. The lady proclaimed herself to be a fortune teller and she believes the doll can bring luck and also has special powers. She often posts live videos on her Facebook page talking about the special powers of the doll.

The Oscar-winning illustrator Gene Deitch, director of  Tom and Jerry, passed away at the age of 95 on Thursday night at his apartment in Prague, police reported. Following his death, tributes have poured in social media from fans, with many thanking him for making their childhoods marvellous.

The authorities will be investigating garment factories in Yangon region from 20 to 30 April, according to a statement of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population stated on 19th April. Only those who meet the criteria (for social distancing and hygiene) will be allowed to open, the statement goes. People are frustrated since the ministry released the announcement at short notice the evening before and today, Monday, factory workers showed up at factories not daring to open.

Tom Hardy is going to read bedtime stories for children (and their moms of course).