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

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi cast a ballot on Thursday in the capital Naypyitaw ahead of November's election after being unable to travel to her registered township near Yangon due to restrictions aimed at containing a spike in coronavirus cases.

Opposition parties had urged the government to postpone the election because of rising infections, but Suu Kyi, who is the chair of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party, has said the Nov. 8 vote must go ahead.

Wearing a face mask and protective gloves, she voted at a polling station in the administrative capital, where President Win Myint also voted earlier.

The vote is set to serve as a test of Myanmar's first democratic government in half a century and the country's transition away from direct military rule as it grapples with crises on several fronts.

With nearly 50,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 1,000 deaths, Myanmar is facing one of Southeast Asia’s worst outbreaks, and a lockdown has left hundreds of thousands of people without work.

Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for campaigning for democracy, took the reins in 2016 after an electoral landslide, but has been forced to share power with the generals.

The NLD is expected to win again, though by a smaller margin.

Suu Kyi's international reputation has slumped over Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, but she remains popular at home, where her image is undented by accusations of complicity in atrocities against the minority.

Polls across much of conflict-hit Rakhine have been cancelled by Myanmar’s electoral body that has cited violence for the move.

The region, where most parliamentary seats are held by Rakhine nationalist opponents of Suu Kyi, has been beset by an ethnic insurgency that has intensified this year.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi cast a ballot on Thursday in the capital Naypyitaw ahead of November's election after being unable to travel to her registered township near Yangon due to restrictions aimed at containing a spike in coronavirus cases.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi cast a ballot on Thursday in the capital Naypyitaw ahead of November's election after being unable to travel to her registered township near Yangon due to restrictions aimed at containing a spike in coronavirus cases. Opposition parties had urged the government to postpone the election because of rising infections, but Suu Kyi, who is the chair of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party, has said the Nov. 8 vote must go ahead. Wearing a face mask and protective gloves, she voted at a polling station in the administrative capital, where President Win Myint also voted earlier. The vote is set to serve as a test of Myanmar's first democratic government in half a century and the country's transition away from direct military rule as it grapples with crises on several fronts. With nearly 50,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 1,000 deaths, Myanmar is facing one of Southeast Asia’s worst outbreaks, and a lockdown has left hundreds of thousands of people without work. Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for campaigning for democracy, took the reins in 2016 after an electoral landslide, but has been forced to share power with the generals. The NLD is expected to win again, though by a smaller margin. Suu Kyi's international reputation has slumped over Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, but she remains popular at home, where her image is undented by accusations of complicity in atrocities against the minority. Polls across much of conflict-hit Rakhine have been cancelled by Myanmar’s electoral body that has cited violence for the move. The region, where most parliamentary seats are held by Rakhine nationalist opponents of Suu Kyi, has been beset by an ethnic insurgency that has intensified this year.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by COVID-19 curbs

Humanitarian workers battling the novel coronavirus in Myanmar's Rakhine State have urged authorities to restore high-speed internet access to help tackle rising infections in an area where tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

The region has seen the fastest spread of the coronavirus in Myanmar in recent months with more than 80 confirmed cases out of the country's total of 474.

Citing security, Myanmar has curbed internet access in large swathes of the area, where many people live in camps due to fighting between the army and ethnic minority insurgents.

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Aid workers from three groups said the government should restore 4G internet access to help inform people about the virus.

"If they do not do it at this time, when information is essential, it will be recorded in history as a crime," said Zaw Zaw Tun, the secretary of one of the aid groups, the Rakhine Ethnic Congress.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-in-myanmars-sittwe-sparks-fears-for-rohingya-camps-322585" hreflang="en">Coronavirus outbreak in Myanmar's Sittwe sparks fears for Rohingya camps</a>

The high-speed internet blackout, imposed in June last year, is due to be lifted this month and while the internet is working in some areas, in others there is only slower 2G service.

A government spokesman did not answer telephone calls seeking comment.

Another humanitarian worker, Aung Than Tun, said the limited access was making it easier for misinformation and rumours about the coronavirus to spread.

Most recent infections have been in the state capital of Sittwe, where officials have imposed a stay-at-home order and a curfew.

Sittwe is also home to camps where about 100,000 Rohingya Muslims have been confined since an outbreak of violence in 2012. Rohingya are mostly denied citizenship and face strict curbs on freedom of movement and access to healthcare.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said people of all faiths and ethnicities would be treated equally.

Three more coronavirus cases were reported on the weekend in Mrauk U town in Rakhine where internet access is limited to 2G.

Local legislator Tun Thar Sein said the service was too patchy to ensure that people got health and news updates on the outbreak.

Humanitarian workers battling the novel coronavirus in Myanmar's Rakhine State have urged authorities to restore high-speed internet access to help tackle rising infections in an area where tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

Humanitarian workers battling the novel coronavirus in Myanmar's Rakhine State have urged authorities to restore high-speed internet access to help tackle rising infections in an area where tens of thousands of people have been displaced. The region has seen the fastest spread of the coronavirus in Myanmar in recent months with more than 80 confirmed cases out of the country's total of 474. Citing security, Myanmar has curbed internet access in large swathes of the area, where many people live in camps due to fighting between the army and ethnic minority insurgents. Also read: As China pushes for BRI, why Myanmar is coming close to India Aid workers from three groups said the government should restore 4G internet access to help inform people about the virus. "If they do not do it at this time, when information is essential, it will be recorded in history as a crime," said Zaw Zaw Tun, the secretary of one of the aid groups, the Rakhine Ethnic Congress. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak in Myanmar's Sittwe sparks fears for Rohingya camps The high-speed internet blackout, imposed in June last year, is due to be lifted this month and while the internet is working in some areas, in others there is only slower 2G service. A government spokesman did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. Another humanitarian worker, Aung Than Tun, said the limited access was making it easier for misinformation and rumours about the coronavirus to spread. Most recent infections have been in the state capital of Sittwe, where officials have imposed a stay-at-home order and a curfew. Sittwe is also home to camps where about 100,000 Rohingya Muslims have been confined since an outbreak of violence in 2012. Rohingya are mostly denied citizenship and face strict curbs on freedom of movement and access to healthcare. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said people of all faiths and ethnicities would be treated equally. Three more coronavirus cases were reported on the weekend in Mrauk U town in Rakhine where internet access is limited to 2G. Local legislator Tun Thar Sein said the service was too patchy to ensure that people got health and news updates on the outbreak.

Myanmar urged to restore internet in Rakhine to help contain virus

A Canadian preacher who claimed Christians were safe from coronavirus was on Thursday jailed for three months in Myanmar after he and dozens of his followers became infected when he held a banned service.

The Southeast Asian nation has so far weathered the pandemic well with just 357 confirmed cases and six deaths, although the low numbers tested make many fear the true figures are far higher.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-canadian-preacher-denied-bail-after-church-services-led-to-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-303182">Myanmar: Canadian preacher denied bail after Church services led to surge in coronavirus cases</a>

Toronto-based David Lah, 43, was born in Myanmar and often returns to his motherland to preach.

The country imposed a ban on gatherings in mid-March, but footage emerged in early April of Lah holding a service in Yangon.

"If people hold the Bible and Jesus in their hearts, the disease will not come in," he proclaimed in one video to a roomful of faithful.

"The only person who can cure and give peace in this pandemic is Jesus."

Lah tested positive for coronavirus shortly afterwards, and dozens of confirmed cases were traced back to his followers.

The preacher was arrested after recovering from the illness in May and faced up to three years in jail for violating the Natural Disaster and Management Law.

On Thursday, however, a Yangon court chose to be lenient.

Lah and his colleague Wai Tun had been sentenced to three months imprisonment, Lah's lawyer Aung Kyi Win told reporters outside the court, adding that time already served would be deducted.

A waiting crowd of the preacher's followers erupted into cheers and celebrations at the news.

The scandal even touched Myanmar's Christian vice-president Henry Van Thio and his family, who had attended an earlier service with Lah in February, although they later tested negative.

About six percent of Buddhist-majority Myanmar's population identifies as one of the various Christian denominations in the country.

A Canadian preacher who claimed Christians were safe from coronavirus was on Thursday jailed for three months in Myanmar after he and dozens of his followers became infected when he held a banned service.

A Canadian preacher who claimed Christians were safe from coronavirus was on Thursday jailed for three months in Myanmar after he and dozens of his followers became infected when he held a banned service. The Southeast Asian nation has so far weathered the pandemic well with just 357 confirmed cases and six deaths, although the low numbers tested make many fear the true figures are far higher. Also read | Myanmar: Canadian preacher denied bail after Church services led to surge in coronavirus cases Toronto-based David Lah, 43, was born in Myanmar and often returns to his motherland to preach. The country imposed a ban on gatherings in mid-March, but footage emerged in early April of Lah holding a service in Yangon. "If people hold the Bible and Jesus in their hearts, the disease will not come in," he proclaimed in one video to a roomful of faithful. "The only person who can cure and give peace in this pandemic is Jesus." Lah tested positive for coronavirus shortly afterwards, and dozens of confirmed cases were traced back to his followers. The preacher was arrested after recovering from the illness in May and faced up to three years in jail for violating the Natural Disaster and Management Law. On Thursday, however, a Yangon court chose to be lenient. Lah and his colleague Wai Tun had been sentenced to three months imprisonment, Lah's lawyer Aung Kyi Win told reporters outside the court, adding that time already served would be deducted. A waiting crowd of the preacher's followers erupted into cheers and celebrations at the news. The scandal even touched Myanmar's Christian vice-president Henry Van Thio and his family, who had attended an earlier service with Lah in February, although they later tested negative. About six percent of Buddhist-majority Myanmar's population identifies as one of the various Christian denominations in the country.

Canadian pastor jailed in Myanmar for defying coronavirus ban

A Canadian Christian preacher was denied bail on Wednesday by a court in Myanmar after he held church services, violating a ban on gatherings to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

David Lah, a Canadian of Burmese origin, and Wai Tun, Myanmar national, held church services in the city of Yangon in early April that led to several coronavirus cases, including the Christian preacher himself. &nbsp;

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"For lawsuits which carry a sentence of three years or more, we don't need to grant bail," judge Moe Swe told reporters after the proceedings, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

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Both the accused are facing&nbsp;prison sentences of up to three years under a disaster management law.&nbsp;

Nearly 20 people who participated in the gathering were tested positive, which later led to a cluster of 67 cases including the preacher, officials said.&nbsp;

In Myanmar, over 230 coronavirus cases have so far been reported with at least six deaths.&nbsp;

In many countries in South Asia, religious gatherings have led to a surge in cases.&nbsp;

The matter will next be heard on June 8.&nbsp;

A Canadian Christian preacher was denied bail on Wednesday by a court in Myanmar after he held church services, violating a ban on gatherings to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.

A Canadian Christian preacher was denied bail on Wednesday by a court in Myanmar after he held church services, violating a ban on gatherings to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus. David Lah, a Canadian of Burmese origin, and Wai Tun, Myanmar national, held church services in the city of Yangon in early April that led to several coronavirus cases, including the Christian preacher himself. Also read | Myanmar police find the largest haul of synthetic drugs in South East Asia, seizing 200 million meth tablets "For lawsuits which carry a sentence of three years or more, we don't need to grant bail," judge Moe Swe told reporters after the proceedings, reported Reuters. Also read | Myanmar army generals confess abusing prisoners in Rakhine state Both the accused are facing prison sentences of up to three years under a disaster management law. Nearly 20 people who participated in the gathering were tested positive, which later led to a cluster of 67 cases including the preacher, officials said. In Myanmar, over 230 coronavirus cases have so far been reported with at least six deaths. In many countries in South Asia, religious gatherings have led to a surge in cases. The matter will next be heard on June 8.

Myanmar: Canadian preacher denied bail after Church services led to surge in coronavirus cases