The Bangladesh government on Wednesday made a seven-day institutional quarantine mandatory for returnees from the United Kingdom in the wake of a global concern over the new and highly infectious coronavirus strain.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque came up with the information while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of 'Genexpert Machine and Mobile Laboratory' at Ashkona Hajj Camp, close to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
“Even if the returnees are allowed to go home after the test, they have to be in self-quarantine at home,’ he said as the government is fighting to contain the second wave of the pandemic.
The health minister said separate lines and separate arrangements have been made for the UK returnees at the airport.
He said discussions are underway with the concerned authorities including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister Office regarding the cancellation of flights with the United Kingdom.
“A decision on this will be announced soon”.
He, however, said that the situation is now under control in Bangladesh.
“A few days ago the infections and deaths from coronavirus was high, but now the situation is under control.”
