Week-long lockdown in Bangladesh in view of rise in COVID-19 cases

DHAKA: As COVID-19 cases and deaths increased across Bangladesh, the government today decided to enforce a week-long nationwide lockdown with effect from Monday.

This was announced by the Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader.

Bangladesh reported 6,830 new coronavirus cases on Friday, the highest number in a single day, bringing the total number of infections to 624,594.

According to reports, the death toll increased by 50 in 24 hours to 9,155.

The order does not, however, extend to utility or emergency services.

Factories will stay open, and staff will be able to work shifts as long as they meet hygiene guidelines, according to the report.

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State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain was quoted as saying," all offices and courts will be closed during the lockdown, factories and mills will operate on a rotating basis."

Earlier this week, the prime minister's office issued an 18-point directive, which included a ban on all public gatherings in infected areas.

It ordered that all forms of gatherings, including social, political, and religious activities, be restricted through a gazette notice.

It also stated that buses would not be permitted to accommodate more than half of their seating capacity and would be required to adhere to the COVID-19 safety guidelines.

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