The new variant of coronavirus 'Omicron' is spreading anxiety all over the world. Bangladesh is no exception.
To prevent the spread of this new variant, hygiene rules have to be followed in every sphere. The Department of Health issued 15 directives across the country to prevent the new type of coronavirus, Omicron on Monday.
The director of the Department of Disease Control, Professor Dr Nazmul Islam called for strict implementation of the health safety measures in public places.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said more caution is needed with the new variant. The World Health Organization has warned all countries about this variant. Many countries, including the United Kingdom, have cut off air links to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini and Lesotho.
Experts said that this variant of the coronavirus is even more contagious than the Delta variant. DGHS estimates that the virus could spread rapidly.
DGHS in a statement said that health checks and screenings should be intensified at ports for passengers from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swatini, Lesotho and other affected countries.
All kinds of public gatherings should be discouraged. An individual should cover their nose and mouth properly and strictly follow all the hygiene rules including wearing a face mask.
The 15 directives are:
1. Passengers from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and other countries that will be named by the World Health Organization will have to step up health check-ups and screening at airports.
2. Discoursing all kinds of public gatherings (Social/ Political/ Religious/ Others).
3. If necessary, when going out, every person should always ensure proper observance of all the hygiene rules, including covering the nose and face properly and wearing a mask outside the house.
4. Restaurant seating arrangements should be half or less of the capacity.
5. All types of public gatherings, tourist spots, recreation centers, resorts, community centers, cinema halls/theater halls and social events (weddings, reception, birthdays, picnics, parties, etc.) can be attended by half or less of the capacity.
6. Hygiene should be ensured in all places of worship including mosques.
7. Hygiene must be ensured in public transports.
8. Passengers arriving from affected countries must ensure 14 days quarantine.
9. Health safety rules should be ensured in all educational institutions (all madrasas, pre-primary, primary, secondary, higher secondary, co-educational institutions, universities) and coaching centers.
10. In all healthcare institutions, service recipients, service providers and health workers must always ensure proper monitoring of all health rules, including covering the nose and face by wearing a mask.
11. Vaccination activities should be conducted in compliance with hygiene rules.
12. Isolation of suspected patients with corona symptoms and quarantine arrangements for others who come in close contact with coronavirus-positive patients should be ensured.
13. A person with Covid-19 symptoms can be assisted by keeping in isolation and coordinating with local authorities to test his / her sample.
14. Make sure to cover the nose and face during office entry and stay. Compliance with health regulations must be officially confirmed.
15. In order to control and reduce the incidence of COVID-19, campaigns can be carried out at the community level to create awareness about hygiene compliance including mask removal. In this case, the mic of the mosque / temple / church / pagoda can be used if required and the elected public representatives including the members of the ward councilor / union council can be involved.
