RANGPUR, May 17, 2021 (BSS) – The health department today launched a three-day mass public awareness building campaign (from May 17 to may 19) in all eight districts of Rangpur division to prevent spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
During the three-day campaign, the health department will arrange 2,340 street rallies in the division to create public awareness on wearing face masks and abiding by the health directives to prevent spread of the COVID-19, especially of its Indian variant.
In Rangpur city, Mayor of Rangpur Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa inaugurated the ‘Mass public awareness building campaign’ at a street rally arranged in front of the Office of the Divisional Director (Health) as the chief guest.
The Office of the Divisional Director (Health) jointly with Rangpur City Corporation and Civil Surgeon’s Office organised the event.
Convener of the campaign and Civil Surgeon of Rangpur Dr Herambo Kumar Roy presided over a brief discussion arranged on the occasion, abiding by the health directives.
Divisional Director (Health) Dr Ahad Ali, Divisional Focal Person of COVID-19 and Assistant Director (Health) for Rangpur division Dr. ZA Siddiqui, Chief Health Officer of Rangpur City Corporation Dr. Kamruzzaman Ibne Taj spoke on the occasion. .
After inaugurating the campaign, Mayor Mostafa said that due to the indifferent attitude of common people, there is a possibility of quicker spread of COVID-19, especially of the Indian variant of the lethal virus in the division.
“The government is trying its best to prevent the loss of human lives and further spread of the COVID-19 infection. But, the way the public is moving, forgetting the consequences of coronavirus infection, indicates a dire situation,” he said.
“The extent of coronavirus infection and related fatalities still remains within a tolerable level in Rangpur division which has a long border with India. Considering the situation in India, there is no chance of neglecting COVID-19,” Mostafa added.
Dr Ahad Ali said the rate of COVID-19 infection is now showing a declining trend as a result of the strict restrictions imposed by the government and the biggest challenge is to sustain this success.
“Now, we need a massive campaign to bring the infection rate below five percent and ultimately to the zero level,” he said.
The Indian variant of the COVID-19 is more deadly and harmful and there is a high risk of its quicker spread across Rangpur division.
“At this moment, we have no alternative to wearing face masks and following the health directives and hygiene rules to prevent further spread of coronavirus in Rangpur division,” he added.