World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday suggested Bangladesh government take urgent action like partial or complete lockdown in combating the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
Experts of the global health body also recommended that the country might consider tougher options such as declaring state of emergency, if possible, for areas where the number of virus-affected people is increasing.
Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Sayeed Khokon shared it with the media after a meeting with the global experts at his Banani residence over possible activities in combating the virus that already killed two people in Bangladesh.
WHO’s Bangladesh representative Dr Bardan Jung Rana led the delegation of global experts in the meeting where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s personal physician Dr ABM Abdullah and DSCC’s chief health officer were present.
After the meeting, the DSCC mayor said many countries of the world are being benefited by imposing partial or complete lockdown in the areas where the numbers of infected persons are higher.
Taking the example, the experts suggested them following the same strategy in some specific areas observing the overall situation, he also said.
“If things deteriorate further, they suggested that state of emergency can also be considered to this effect,” Mr Khokon mentioned.
“Bangladesh is a densely populated country. So putting any city or the country under complete lockdown is very tough. But we’ll convey the message to the highest level of the government,” the mayor shared.
Calling upon all not to be panicked and work together in the battle against the virus, he said the situation might turn severe in the coming days. “We’ve to face it with our all-out efforts,” he added.
Dr Bardan Jung Rana mentioned Bangladesh is one of the high risk countries in the region, and both WHO and Bangladesh government have been working to fight against the deadly virus.
And the policymakers will decide what needs to be in such a situation, he added.
The PM’s personal physician Dr ABM Abdullah said many people are not following conditions of home quarantine, which is a concern.
“If the government thinks lockdown is necessary, of course it will go for it. But don’t be panicked, be cautious under such circumstance,” Dr Abdullah added.
