The prevailing coronavirus scare has lead to a panic across the nation resulting in downtrend in almost all businesses and disrupting private social and official gatherings. Facing possible risk of outbreak of the deadly viral disease that has so far affected over a hundred countries and killed over 3,000, many international flights have been cancelled.
Schools and colleges, public gatherings and official meetings are being suspended while business has started slowing down. Panic started gripping the nation soon after the first three cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) were identified in capital Dhaka on Sunday raising serious concerns amid the policymakers.
Economists and businessmen say COVID-19 outbreak might have a significant negative impact on developing Asian economies through various ways, including sharp declines in domestic demand, thinner tourism and business travel, disruptions in trade, production and supply, and health effects.
Taking COVID-19 issue seriously, the government has taken all out preventive measures so contain outbreak of the pathogen. However, prime minister, ministries and departments concerned and experts requested the people not to be panicked over the lethal virus.
According to the experts, the virus will exist for a few days and then it will be over. The COVID-19 panic has already caused major economic disruption as it cast an adverse impact on areas from kitchen market to capital market. Meanwhile, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been forced to reduce the number of flights to 68 per week from 142 flights now on its international routes. The decision will remain effective until further notice.
The international destinations include Kolkata, Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore, Jeddah, Doha, Kuwait and Medina. The capital market of the country witnessed a plunge on Monday due to panic sale by the investors following the confirmation of coronavirus cases in the country.
Many people living in mega cities have also started refraining themselves from participating in public gatherings. Ruling Awami League has decided to celebrate the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a way so that the people are not exposed to the viral disease.
On the other hand, BNP, after an emergency standing committee meeting on Monday night cancelled its scheduled political activities to check the spread of epic virus outbreak. According to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), the rate of expatriates returning has significantly declined on Monday following detection of three coronavirus cases in the country. For the three confirmed patients, another 40 people of their families and friends have been quarantined, which raises panic among the people in the country.
Experts have advised avoidance of large gatherings to remain away from the risk of getting infected. The warning has had a negative impact on public transport too. Many people from different occupations of the city, including employees, businessmen and students, used to travel in regular bus, mini-buses and other similar public transports, are now travelling on foot to avoid contact.
During their movement in the city, they are wearing surgical masks, holding handkerchiefs and maintaining distances even when in public places. However, experts say masks are not necessary to avoid coronavirus infection. Despite this, there is panic buying of the face masks which recently pushed its prices higher. Medical experts say those who do not have any fever with respiratory problem need not wearing masks.
Student gatherings at city’s different schools, colleges and universities to celebrate Dol Purnima festival was found to be very thin. Parent of a student of Rampura Ekramunnessa High School told this reporter, “As the virus seems to be spreading rapidly, we aren’t allowing our child to attend school. We’re here just to collect her regular notes and home work from her school.”
Another parent from city’s Framgate area when approached said to this journalist, “As the season is changing, our children are already catching cold and being affected with fever. We aren’t sending our children to coaching centres to avoid any unwanted situation.”
