Myanmar ex-political prisoners turn counsellors to ease coronavirus isolation

Aung Myo Kyaw, a former political prisoner, shares his experiences of isolation to counsel people at a quarantine centre and coronavirus ward in Yangon, Myanmar October 16, 2020. Picture taken October 16, 2020. REUTERS/Zaw Naing Oo

YANGON (Reuters) - After spending years in confinement, few understand uncertainty, isolation and family separation better than Myanmar's former political prisoners.

As the coronavirus spreads in Myanmar, sending thousands of people into quarantine facilities, the detainees under military rule are using their experiences to help promote mental health of those now in isolation, amid concern about infection, stress and social stigma.