State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain on Monday said that further decision on extending the ongoing restriction on public movement and other activities will be taken after observing the Covid-19 situation for a week.
He was talking to reporters at Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, reports UNB.
Replying to a question about extending the restriction on public movement, Farhad said, "Further decision for imposing restriction on public movement will be taken after considering the Covid situation as people infected with the new variant of Covid-19, Omicron, recover within a short period and the recovery rate is also good."
"More than 85 per cent people, infected with Covid-19, are taking treatment at their respective homes and we definitely will observe the Covid situation for one week to issue next directives," he said.
Following the impact of Omicron, the country is now experiencing the third wave of Covid and the infection rate is increasing day by day, he said adding "Our main objective is to ensure use of masks by all as the experts have hinted that the Covid infection rate is likely to increase in mid-February."
He also urged all to remain aware of it and to tackle the third wave of Covid following health guidelines.
Asking about flouting of health guidelines on public transport, he said "All must abide by the directives of the government for their own good."
He also urged those involved in public transport sector to provide their assistance by following the directives and rules of the government.
Farhad also asked to conduct mobile court drives to force people to follow health guidelines. "Prior notice will be given before conducting mobile court drives."
In light of the latest surge in Covid-19 cases across the country, the government on January 21 imposed some restrictions on the overall activities and movement of people in the country.
The Cabinet Division issued a notification in this regard.
According to the notice, all the schools, colleges and universities of the country will remain closed from January 21 to February 6.
The government has also prohibited the gathering of 100 people for any political, social or religious programmes. Those who will attend such programmes will need to have Covid-19 vaccine certificates and RT-PCR test conducted, says the notification.
It said all the government, non-government offices and factories have been asked to make sure that all the staff and officers carrying Covid-19 vaccine cards.
The notification asked all to wear masks and maintain health rules at public places like markets, shopping malls, mosques, bus stands, launch terminals, railway stations. The local administration and law enforcement agencies have been instructed to monitor and ensure compliance.
