Bangladesh government has decided to ease lockdown restrictions for 9 days to allow people to celebrate the Eid-ul-Azha, despite record numbers of new coronavirus cases and deaths.
Restrictions will be relaxed from midnight on Jul 14 to 6:00 am on Jul 23, reports bdnews24.com citing a notice issued by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday.
“The decision was taken to celebrate the holy Eid-ul-Azha, to allow the public to travel, so that pre-Eid business and commerce can be conducted, in consideration of the socio-economic condition of the country and the need to maintain normal economic activity,” the circular said.
But the public must remain alert and adhere ‘strictly’ to health protocols, such as wearing masks, the government said.
After the Eid holidays end, previous restrictions will again come into effect and remain in place until Aug 5.
The Bangladesh government imposed a week-long lockdown starting Jul 1 at the advice of experts as the Delta variant of the coronavirus, a more infectious strain, began to spread throughout the country. It was later extended by another week to Jul 14.
Lockdown restrictions will again take effect starting Jul 23 and end on Aug 5.
Some of the major restrictions to be enforced from Jul 23 are:
>> All public, semi-public, autonomous and private offices are closed
>> All public transit by road, rail, river is suspended, as is domestic air travel
>> All stores, including shopping malls and markets are closed
>> All tourist venues, resorts, community centres and entertainment centres are closed
>> All factories are closed
>> Large social gatherings, including political and religious events, are barred
>> Government workers must stay close to their workplaces and complete their work virtually
>> Wet markets and stores selling necessities may stay open from 9 am to 5 pm if they follow health protocols
>> People cannot leave their homes except in case of emergencies, such as purchasing medicine and other necessities, to seek medical care or to conduct funerals for the dead. Legal action will be taken against those who violate this restriction.
>> Those receiving vaccines may travel to get them after showing their vaccination cards
>> Restaurants and hotels may offer online delivery and takeaway, but not dine-in service, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm
>> International flights will remain in operation and those who have tickets will be able to travel, subject to inspections
The notice from the Cabinet Division stated that the restrictions for banks, courts, the local government and the deployment and duties of the armed forces would be clarified in later statements from their respective government agencies.
