ZCZC
BSS-47
COVID-RISK-BANGLADESH LEAD
Bangladesh declared ‘risky’ for COVID-19 outbreak
(updates with details of the order)
DHAKA, April 16, 2020 (BSS) – Bangladesh has been declared as “risky” for the novel coronaviurs (COVID-19) as the deadly virus has already spread across the country, claiming lives of 60 people and infecting 1572 others so far.
“The entire Bangladesh has been declared as a risky area of infection (of COVID-19) as per the Section 11 (1) of the Infectious Disease (Prevention, Control and Elimination) Act, 2018,” said an order signed by DGHS Director General Prof Dr Abul Kalam Azad.
It said the people must stay at home to stem the spread of the coronavirus, and none will be allowed to go out of home, except emergency needs.
Movement of the people from one place to another has been strictly controlled, the order said, adding none can go out of home from 6pm to 6am.
“Stern action will taken against the violators of the order as per the law mentioned above,” it said.
Besides, the health authorities could enforce other relevant rules of the law with the assistance of local administration and other authorities concerned against the law breakers, the order added.
Referring to the directives of World Health Organization (WHO), it also said specific social distancing from one person to another is only means for curbing the outbreak of COVID-19.
The coronavirus pandemic gripped the entire world, and over 140,000 people have died so far and more than 20 lakh people have been infected by the deadly virus in 210 countries and territories.
“No vaccine is yet to be developed to this end. So, social distancing should be followed properly to halt the spread of the pandemic,” the order further said.
BSS/MMR/SH/2215hrs