Than Shwe, the former head of a junta that ruled&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;for nearly two decades, has been hospitalised in the capital Naypyitaw and is in a stable condition after being tested for the coronavirus, according to media reports.

Although the ex-Senior General crushed dissent and kept the country isolated for most of his rule, he also ushered in a transition to civilian rule in 2011 that lasted until his protege Min Aung Hlaing seized power in a coup six months ago.

Than Shwe, 88, and his wife been were admitted to a military-owned medical facility several days ago in Thaik Chaung in the capital as a precaution, The Irrawaddy newspaper reported, citing an unnamed senior military official.

The Associated Press cited a hospital employee as saying the pair had tested positive for the virus and were expected to remain hospitalised for two weeks.

Reuters could not reach the hospital for comment and the ruling military administration's health spokesperson in Naypyitaw did not answer calls.

But a government official in the capital who asked not to named said Than Shwe was in a stable condition in hospital, but did not confirm whether he was suffering from COVID-19.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been struggling to contain a devastating second wave of COVID-19 cases with the response by authorities crippled after many health workers stopped work in protest against the coup, though the army is now trying to step up vaccinations.

An average of nearly 300 people a day have died in recent days, according to official figures that medics believe are gross underestimates.

The military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February&nbsp;1, triggering almost daily protests and fighting between the army and hastily formed militias.

Than Shwe, the former head of a junta that ruled Myanmar for nearly two decades, has been hospitalised in the capital Naypyitaw and is in a stable condition after being tested for the coronavirus, according to media reports.

Than Shwe, the former head of a junta that ruled Myanmar for nearly two decades, has been hospitalised in the capital Naypyitaw and is in a stable condition after being tested for the coronavirus, according to media reports. Although the ex-Senior General crushed dissent and kept the country isolated for most of his rule, he also ushered in a transition to civilian rule in 2011 that lasted until his protege Min Aung Hlaing seized power in a coup six months ago. Than Shwe, 88, and his wife been were admitted to a military-owned medical facility several days ago in Thaik Chaung in the capital as a precaution, The Irrawaddy newspaper reported, citing an unnamed senior military official. The Associated Press cited a hospital employee as saying the pair had tested positive for the virus and were expected to remain hospitalised for two weeks. Reuters could not reach the hospital for comment and the ruling military administration's health spokesperson in Naypyitaw did not answer calls. But a government official in the capital who asked not to named said Than Shwe was in a stable condition in hospital, but did not confirm whether he was suffering from COVID-19. Myanmar has been struggling to contain a devastating second wave of COVID-19 cases with the response by authorities crippled after many health workers stopped work in protest against the coup, though the army is now trying to step up vaccinations. An average of nearly 300 people a day have died in recent days, according to official figures that medics believe are gross underestimates. The military overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, triggering almost daily protests and fighting between the army and hastily formed militias.

Former Myanmar strongman Than Shwe hospitalised with COVID-19: Report

The United Nations on Friday warned that half of the population of Myanmar could be living in poverty next year due to the pandemic and political turmoil that began with the coup.&nbsp;

The grim prediction comes as fighting between the Myanmar military and armed ethnic rebels resumed, causing more refugees to flee to Thailand.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/myanmar-karen-village-pummelled-by-fresh-wave-or-air-strikes-381273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Myanmar, which was already badly hit by the pandemic, saw the nation's crisis worsening after the military ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power on February 1.&nbsp;

Over 750 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group as the crackdown began against the strong pro-democracy movement.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-myanmar-villagers-poised-to-flee-violence-to-thailand-381533">Thousands of Myanmar villagers poised to flee violence to Thailand</a>

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said that by early 2022, 25 million people in Myanmar, about half of the country's population, could be living below the poverty line.&nbsp;

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said this projection threatens the progress made in the country since 2005, in which Myanmar halved the number of people living in poverty.&nbsp;

"Without functioning democratic institutions, Myanmar faces a tragic and avoidable backslide towards levels of poverty not seen in a generation," Steiner was quoted as saying in a statement by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United Nations on Friday warned that half of the population of Myanmar could be living in poverty next year due to the pandemic and political turmoil that began with the coup.

The United Nations on Friday warned that half of the population of Myanmar could be living in poverty next year due to the pandemic and political turmoil that began with the coup. The grim prediction comes as fighting between the Myanmar military and armed ethnic rebels resumed, causing more refugees to flee to Thailand. Watch | Myanmar, which was already badly hit by the pandemic, saw the nation's crisis worsening after the military ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized power on February 1. Over 750 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group as the crackdown began against the strong pro-democracy movement. Also read | Thousands of Myanmar villagers poised to flee violence to Thailand The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said that by early 2022, 25 million people in Myanmar, about half of the country's population, could be living below the poverty line. UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said this projection threatens the progress made in the country since 2005, in which Myanmar halved the number of people living in poverty. "Without functioning democratic institutions, Myanmar faces a tragic and avoidable backslide towards levels of poverty not seen in a generation," Steiner was quoted as saying in a statement by news agency AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Half of Myanmar's population could face poverty due to pandemic, coup: UN

Coronavirus pandemic has pushed several economies into a deep recession. The outbreak has had a big impact on the economic, social, and political fronts in many parts of the world. In Myanmar, the virus has dragged the poor families to an edge. Watch report.

Myanmar's coronavirus crisis: Virus drags poor families to the edge

Coronavirus cases in Myanmar are on the rise and the country's largest city is in lockdown. In this time a 50-year-old taxi driver has found comfort in his faith. Watch report.

Can faith protect against coronavirus pandemic in Myanmar?

India has assured the Myanmar for priority in COVID-19 vaccine distribution. India and Myanmar has also discussed the joint production of the vaccine. India to also operate the Myanmar's Sittwe port.

India assures Myanmar for priority in COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Myanmar has quarantined tens of thousands of people to prevent a coronavirus outbreak from overwhelming its fragile healthcare system but public health experts and doctors say the strategy is on the brink of collapse as infections surge.

Myanmar’s ‘maximum containment’ COVID plan pushed to brink

Myanmar is set to hold its most crucial election in November. Aung San Suu Kyi's former ally Thet Thet Khine has emerged as a key challenger. Meanwhile, the Rohingya community in the country remains disenfranchised.

Myanmar gearing up for general election, Aung San Suu Kyi remains a front runner

Myanmar plans to push ahead with a November general election despite calls from opposition parties to postpone it because of a surge in novel coronavirus cases, officials said.

WION Dispatch: Myanmar Gears Up For General Election

The Ministry of Health and Sports has issued stay-at-home orders in all 17 townships in Rakhine State and Yangon’s Thingangyun, Insein, North Okkalapa, Thaketa, Hlaing, Pazundaung and Mingaladon townships.

Myanmar elections: Low voter turnout expected due to COVID-19 rules