7-day countrywide lockdown begins to contain COVID-19

926

DHAKA, April 5, 2021 (BSS) – The seven-day lockdown began today across the country to halt the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

The notification issued on Sunday (April 4) said lockdown will continue from April 5 to April 11 to contain the sharp increase of COVID-19 in the country.

The Cabinet Division issued the circular with some 11 directives to be implemented during the seven-day lockdown.

Starting from 6 am on April 5, the directives will remain in force till 12 midnight of April 11.

The directives are as follows:

1. All public transport services (roads, waterway, railway and domestic flights) will remain suspended. This directive will not be applicable to goods-laden vehicles, production system and emergency services. The restriction would not be applicable for those, who are returning from foreign countries and going abroad.

2. Offices, employees and transports involved in law and order and emergency services — relief distribution, health service, electricity, water, gas/fuel, fire service, activities at ports (land, river and sea), telephone and internet, telecommunication and other services will remain out of the purview of the restriction.

3. All government, non-government, autonomous offices, courts and private offices can perform their emergency work through their limited manpower and they must travel through respective transport facilities.

Industries and factories can do the same for their workers. Factories under BGMEA and the BKMEA have to take measures regarding field hospital/treatment for their workers. Industries, factories and construction work will continue.

4. None can go out from 6:00pm to 6:00am except for emergencies (medicine and daily essentials, treatment and burial/cremation).

5. Only sale and supply of foods (takeaway/online) can be operated by restaurants.

6. All shops, including shopping malls, will remain closed. But shops can continue wholesale and online services. In that case, they have to maintain health rules.

7. Buying and selling kitchen items and daily essentials will be operated only in open spaces. In that case, the authorities concerned/local administration will ensure the services.

8. Bangladesh Bank will give directives to continue bank activities on a limited scale.

9. Armed forces will take measures to establish field hospital in a suitable location in Dhaka.

10. District and field-level administration will take necessary measures to implement the directives and law enforcement agencies will intensify their patrolling across the country.

11. Legal action will be taken if anyone violates these directives.