Prime Minister’s ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy on Sunday (Mar 22) said the government is working tirelessly to keep the coronavirus situation under control, urging the countrymen to follow all necessary safety instructions to fight the lethal disease.
“Let me assure you that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League Government are beside you during this hour. Do not panic. Be alert. Together, we will prevail,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
“Bangalees are a brave and resilient nation. We’ve seen through major disasters before. If you follow the directions properly, we will successfully see this crisis through as well,” he added.
Joy, also the son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said the coronavirus or Covid-19 has emerged as a global public health crisis and around 180 countries have been affected by this deadly disease, including Bangladesh.
He said since there are no specific drugs or vaccines for this virus yet, containing the spread of the virus is crucial.
In this connection, the PM’s ICT adviser elaborated the government’s various measures to combat the deadly virus.
“We have stopped all international flights to Bangladesh except four. All incoming passengers are being thoroughly screened. Separate isolation facilities have been set up for those coming from abroad,” he said.
Joy said home quarantine is being strictly enforced by local administration and law enforcement agencies, while the government has cut short celebrations for the Mujib Year.
He said all educational institutions have been closed. “We have restricted all social, religious and political gatherings. If need arises, we’ll go for further measures,” Joy noted.
He went on saying: “We are also working to ensure that our health sector workers have the necessary personal protection and extending our testing capacity for the virus.”
The PM’s ICT adviser wrote three designated hospitals are already receiving and treating patients suspected of carrying the virus in addition to the IEDCR.
“Facilities are being set up in other public medical institutions to keep patients showing symptoms separate from others,” he said.
Joy said but there is a lot to be done on an individual level as well. “Please follow all necessary safety instructions provided by the WHO and the Government of Bangladesh,” he said.
The PM’s ICT adviser called upon the people to avoid large gatherings and not to go out of their house if they feel sick. “Wash your hands thoroughly with soap or clean them with sanitizer,” he said.
Joy also suggested them not to touch their nose, mouth or eyes with own hands and refrain from hugging or shaking hands with others.
“Cover your mouth during coughing and sneezing. If you use public transport, wear masks if available,” he said, adding that ensuring personal hygiene and social distancing are the two most effective measures the people can contribute with.
The PM’s ICT adviser called upon the people to stay alert against fake news and rumours regarding the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
“It’s also important, now more than ever, to be vigilant against fake news and rumours,” he said, adding that the government is holding regular briefings to update the country about all latest developments in this regard.
