People wear face masks at Yangon International Airport. Theint Mon Soe (J)/The Myanmar Times

The health ministry said the suspected new cases were reported between 6pm Friday and 6pm Saturday.

Earlier in the month, the government warned the people not reporting a person suspected of being infected with the pneumonia-like disease is a crime punishable by imprisonment.

As of Friday evening, 176 suspected cases have been tested since January, with none having returned a positive result, according to the government. Additionally, 12 suspected cases are still awaiting test results, the latest health ministry update said.

Although no confirmed case has been identified, the authorities are taking measures to prevent the virus from gaining a foothold in the country.

The government has banned all mass gatherings, including the celebration of the Thingyan festival next month, the most celebrated event in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday temporarily stopped issuing visa-on-arrival and e-visa for all countries, as part of new restrictions to foreign visitors.

Likewise, all travellers including Myanmar nationals, who have passed through or visited the United States, Switzerland, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, during the past 14 days, will be subject to a 14-day facility quarantine.

Diplomats accredited to Myanmar and resident UN officials, are encouraged to take a 14-day home quarantine upon arrival.

All travellers will be required to present medical certificate, from a recognised health authority, of not having symptom of acute respiratory sickness, before boarding flights heading to Myanmar.

The government has previously made restrictions on March 15 banning foreign nationals from China (Hubei, Daegu & Gyeongbuk) and Korea from entering the country and for Myanmar nationals coming from those countries to make a 14-day quarantine. This measure also remains in force.

In the same manner, travellers from Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Iran will also have to undergo a 14-day facility quarantine upon arrival in Myanmar.

Below are some hotline numbers in Myanmar that people can call if they want to report or inquire something about COVID-19.

1) Public Health Emergency Operation Center (Nay Pyi Taw) – 067-3420268

2) Regional Department of Public Health (Yangon) – 09-449001261, 09-794510057

3) Regional Department of Public Health (Mandalay) – 09-2000344, 09-43099526

4) Health Quarantine Unit (Yangon International Airport) – 09-799983833

Myanmar shares a nearly 2,200-kilometer land border with mainland China, where the coronavirus outbreak began, and a 2,400-km border with Thailand, which announced 89 more cases Saturday.

The country also shares a 1,600-km border with India, which has over 270 confirmed cases.

REASONS: Italy’s coronavirus death toll spikes by nearly 800 in 24 hours Italy’s coronavirus (Covid-19) death toll spiraled by 793 and 6557 new confirmed cases in 24 hours Saturday, just two days after the country surpassed China’s total fatalities.

Merkel’s emotional appeal amid coronavirus outbreak, urging German solidarity German Chancellor Angela Merkel made an emotional appeal to the nation, urging solidarity in face of the coronavirus epidemic that she described as the nation's ...

"Third wave" Covid-19 crisis among world's most vulnerable people Experts have warned that defenseless people including refugees and citizens in countries dealing with humanitarian may struggle to find resources to fight against Covid-19 pandemic by the time ...