As Myanmar’s coronavirus infections soar, the work never seems to stop for volunteers who have stepped in to help carry those suspected of symptoms to quarantine centres or hospitals.

“The situation is not good. Our ambulances and crews can’t even get a break,” said Kyi Myint, 66, who leads a volunteer group in Yankin township, one of the worst hit in Myanmar’s main city, Yangon.

Myanmar’s thousands of volunteers are a crucial element of the Covid-19 response in a country with one of the world’s weakest health systems.

Myanmar appeared to have avoided the worst of the pandemic with only seven deaths a month ago — but a surge of infections has sent now the death toll to 371 from more than 16,500 cases. According to Reuters data, Myanmar’s death toll has doubled in 7.8 days — faster than any other country recording more than five deaths.

Read the full story here.