Despite stringent actions against violators of health department directives, many are still seen roaming callously in the capitalDhaka defying the order ‘stay home’ as expertshave asked the government to go tougher to save lives. Expertssaid, to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus all must follow law and order and stay inside home.
On Friday, the Ministry of Public Administration has issued a gazette mentioning that, “None can go outside after 6pm. Strict legal action will be taken against those who would violate this directive,” It was found upon travelling around the capital a large number of people were roaming freely showing lame excuses to law enforcers.
However, police vehicles and army personnel were seen checking and motivating people to follow the ‘stay home’ order. In some areas of olden Dhaka as well as Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Khilgaon, Tejgaon, Paltan, Mugda and Shukrabad areas alleyways were seen gatheredwith a section of people.
Rickshaw, auto-rickshaw and small vehicles are being run in front of the law enforcers on various roads of the capital. Passenger transport is prohibited, but no one obeying it. Many people are travelling to their village homes by riding trucks and pickup vans as the ferry service is on. Noted physician Professor Dr ABM Abdullah said, “Everyone should maintain social distancing. Otherwise, the situation may go out of control. So, it is necessary to do whatever is required, even strict actions like the curfew should be enforced.”
Earlier, analyzing infection trends of coronavirus transmission across the country, public health experts warned that this month could be the riskiest for the country if physical distancing is not maintained. Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) Principal Dr Khan Mohammad AbulKalam Azad said, ”The whole of April month is risky. There is still time to implement the lockdown effectively. Otherwise, situation can get worse,”
He suggested avoiding public gatheringswhileproviding relief, adding that relief should be reached out to housesthrough law enforcers. He further advised that“If needed, eat less. Stay home, don’t change eating habit.” Dhaka Shishu Hospital Director DrShafi Ahmed said, “The health department is now struggling to provide medical support for Corona patients. What will happen if an epidemic occurs? Who will treat patients if there is a widespread outbreak? So people have to stay home in order to save their lives,”
Six more deaths recorded from coronavirus in the last 24 hours, raising the toll to 27. This is the highest deaths from the virus in a single day in the country. The number of confirmed cases climbed to 424 with reports of 94 new cases during the period, Prof MeerjadySebrina Flora told a regular bulletin of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) on Friday.
Health Department's Additional Director General Prof SaniaTahmina also joined the online bulletin. Earlier in March, government disease monitoring agencyInstitute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) said that the ongoing month of April is a critical time for Bangladesh and the chance of community transmission of coronavirus is at its highest unless social distancing is maintained. They also suggested self-quarantine for the non-infected and home quarantine for those who returned from foreign countries.
