The much-feared coronavirus pandemic cannot be halted, so the damages to lives and property, if people continue violating the guidelines and instructions of the government and health departments, said experts. While necessary initiatives have been taken by the government to fight the novel coronavirus crisis, the attitude of caring a straw by the people to health guidelines may lead all precautionary measures taken in this regard to go in vain. In Bangladesh, alarmingly the number of people getting infected and the dead toll is also increasing.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Friday said that fifteen people died of coronavirus infection in the last 24 hours. The death toll now stands at 75, the highest in a day due to Covid-19 in the country. Two hundred and sixty-six people tested positive for Covid-19, raising the total number of infected to 1,838.
The government on Thursday raised the coronavirus alert and said the entire Bangladesh was at risk of the virus. The government said 17 hospitals and institutes are currently providing free coronavirus testing services. Process is on to launch 11 more centers with PCR test facility soon. Besides, the government is arranging laboratories at different universities and ministries of livestock and agriculture for the expansion of PCR testing, he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said “All should be mindful and follow the advice…we want all to do so. Provide relief materials to right people” She also warned that any irregularity and corruption in the relief distribution will not be tolerated. Sheikh Hasina said “Now 50 lakh people have ration cards to receive rice at Tk 10 per kg. We’ve decided to prepare ration cards for another 50 lakh people.”
Besides, the government has also announced incentive packages for different sectors. Different places have been locked down, as after 6 pm, the government has stopped all shops except drug stores, and this time, the people could not move out unnecessarily. All modes of communication have also been suspended while the Muslim devotees have been requested to refrain from praying in mosques.
Army and law enforcement teams are on the field to urge people to return home and maintain social distancing. The mobile court continues to operate. But many people are going out without any reason, even they do not maintain social distancing. As a result, the risk of coronavirus infection is increasing.
Virologist Professor Nazrul Islam told The Bangladesh Post “People must have to stay at home during this time. But the reality is different. The poor people are having a hard time. We have to manage them by ensuring their essential needs.”
Police headquarters said that if people are not aware, then Covid-19 transmission cannot be prevented by applying law only. When one goes to Karwanbazar in the capital, it would not seem that general holidays are going on across the country to prevent the transmission of coronavirus. Same scenario is being witnessed in temporary shops on the street sides.
Professor Saif Ullah Munshi, head of Virology department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) told The Bangladesh Post that “The state should ensure more stricter measures so that people do not come out of their homes without need. But food for poor people must be ensured. People have to maintain social distancing, and clean their hands with soap regularly.”
Mohammad Latif, Officer-in-Charge of Mohammadpur Police Station, said, "We have increased patrol. People must have to stay at home for their own interest.” Lalbagh Deputy Commissioner Muntasirul Islam said it is a challenge to keep low-income people at home in the slum areas. However, the number of people coming out on the streets has decreased due to increase of coronavirus infection, he said adding that people who live from hand to mouth are having trouble with food.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations Department) Masudur Rahman said, "We are implementing the directives issued by the government. I urge people to stay at home. Our policemen have been working day and night to ensure that public gathering is low in the markets and in other places.”
RAB headquarters executive magistrate Sarwar Alam said he has been operating mobile court for several days so that people do not come out on the streets in the corona situation. On the empty streets of Dhaka city, those who are getting out unnecessarily are being fined, he added.
