The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has warned its member factories of possible deterioration of the coronavirus outbreak situation in the upcoming winter season, sources said.
The apparel sector apex trade-body also requested the members to send information on corona-infected workers and employees, if identified, through its hotline numbers: 01730442211, 09638012345 to the BGMEA, they added.
Ahead of cold weather during winter, the possibility of second wave of coronavirus outbreak has been discussed in the country for last few days.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also directed the authorities concerned last month to take preparations in advance to face the field-level situation, if the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic hits the country in winter, they added.
"The coronavirus infections are still taking place in the country. It is also feared that the infection might increase in coming winter," the BGMEA said in the letter, sent to its member factories on October 05.
It also asked for information that included factory name and location, name of infected workers/employees/staff members, their designation, identity document, present situation of patients, and whether they have symptoms or not.
The BGMEA move came as part of precaution, re-emphasising the importance of health and safety protocols, said Khan Monirul Alam, the BGMEA PR committee chairman.
All the precautionary measures, health and safety protocols that were enforced earlier, are still in force and being maintained. All collaboration for health checkups, tests and hotline services are also functional, he added.
According to the Industrial Police sources, a total of 479 workers from 204 industrial units in six industrial zones under its jurisdiction have been corona infected until Sunday.
A total of 467 workers have recovered, while six others died, they added.
According to the BGMEA, some 555 were infected, 503 recovered, and the rest are under treatment and recovering.
