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March 31, 2020

COVID-19: Myanmar Delays Social Security Contributions and Issues Mandatory Factory and Workplace Measures

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Delay in Social Security Contributions

On March 20, 2020, Myanmar’s Social Security Board announced that it will allow employers to make social security payments quarterly, instead of monthly, due to the hardship businesses are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will provide a degree of relief for employers, although the measures do not yet go as far as reducing the required social security contributions.

Workplace Requirements

On March 19, 2020, the Ministry of Health and Sports (MHS) issued the following instructions, with which all factories and workplaces must comply, to limit the spread of COVID-19.

 Employers and owners

  • Thermal scanners or infrared thermometers must be kept at every workplace. Employees should only be permitted to enter the workplace if they have a temperature lower than 38 degrees centigrade.
  • Every workplace must have sufficient handwashing or sanitizing facilities.
  • Posters about handwashing and sanitizing must be placed in the workplace.
  • Workers must work at least three feet apart.
  • Health knowledge should be shared by posters, electronic means, or small group education and not by gathering together large groups of workers.
  • All instructions, notifications, and information from the MHS must be strictly complied with, including information on the MHS website and Facebook page.
  • Spreading of fake news among staff must be monitored and stopped.

Employees

  • Avoid crowded places as much as possible.
  • If an employee develops any symptoms, such as a fever of 38 degrees or above, cough, difficulty in breathing, or fatigue, they should avoid contact with people as much as possible, not go to work, and contact the health authorities.
  • Monitor symptoms among other employees and inform supervisors if they occur.
  • Wash hands frequently, avoid touching the face without washing hands, eat nutritious food, and have enough sleep.

Supervisors

  • Teach employees about systematic hand washing and monitor to ensure they follow instructions.
  • Always monitor symptoms among employees and refer the employee to health authorities at the first sign of any symptoms.

For more information on these measures, or any aspect of doing business in Myanmar, please contact [email protected]. 

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