YANGON - Myanmar government Friday announced the restriction of mass gatherings and public events including the traditional Thingyan water festival until the end of April, according to an announcement issued by the President's Office.

The move was made in light of the fact that the novel coronavirus can rapidly spread through public gatherings, and the suspension period of public events will be extended if necessary, the announcement said.

It said that no case of COVID-19 has been detected so far in the country, urging people not to believe in rumors aiming to misinform and make the public panic.

It also called for public's participation in Health and Sport Ministry's instructions to prevent the outbreak of the virus in the country.

Led by State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, an emergency meeting was conducted relating to COVID-19 on Thursday.

At the meeting, the discussions focused on speeding up administration of prevention and response to the spread of COVID-19, reduction of repercussions caused by the virus on trade and the national economy, finding solutions for the country to assist and minimize losses incurred by the employers and employees of factories and workshops that had to close down, state-run media reported Friday.