COVID-19 and a coup: blockage of internet and social media access further exacerbate gender-based violence risks for women in Myanmar Format Summary box The military regime in Myanmar that seized control of the country has used escalating force to quell protests by the Civil Disobedience Movement, resulting in over 700 civilian deaths thus far and disproportionate violence towards women amid the protests. This has been coupled with other restrictions, including increasingly severe internet and social media blockages in a context where these channels have been critical in circulating information and guidance on essential COVID-19 prevention measures. These prohibitions will directly harm people’s health, diminish efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic and further exacerbate gender-based violence risks for women and their access to life-saving services.