Coronavirus has recently spread in many countries of the world originating from China. Already, hundreds of people have died in China from the virus. The number of victims is on the rise every day.
About 20,000 Chinese citizens live as workforce in the greater Chittagong region of Bangladesh. These Chinese nationals are working in the Karnaphuli Tunnel in Chittagong, Mirsarai Economic Zone, Cox's Bazar's Matarbari Project and ready-made garment factories of Chinese investment.
Besides, many Chinese nationals are working in Chittagong EPZ, Karnaphuli EPZ, composite textile mills, oven and knitwear industries, sweater factories, buying houses, merchandising and fashion design firms.
A large number among them have travelled to China to celebrate the Chinese New Year, which began recently in China. District Health Department estimates that these Chinese people are likely to be infected with coronavirus as they have been to China recently.
Separate ward arrangements have been made in the government hospitals by the management of civil surgeons to combat the coronavirus. Chittagong Medical College Hospital, General Hospital and Fouzdarhat BITID Hospital have set up 3 separate wards for every 5 beds.
All hospitals and upazila hospitals in Chittagong have been directed to be vigilant against the virus. Chinese citizens are being discouraged from going back to China. The relevant companies and other companies have been asked for necessary information. Proper scanning arrangements have been made for returning citizens from China. Especially those who have come from China in the last two weeks are being investigated.
Physician team has been kept ready at every entrance under the initiative of the Chittagong Health Department. Body temperature of travellers from China are being kept in records. Scanning arrangements have been made at all the entrances including Chittagong port, airport, naval port and land port.
This system will check whether there are any other symptoms, such as cold, cough and sneezing from a distance or directly from the body. Those who have fever in the body will be treated with special treatment.
City Corporation Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin has already called on concerned officials to take necessary measures to combat the Coronavirus. Chittagong District Commissioner is closely monitoring the situation. A Chittagong port medical team has been working on the matter, according to the port authorities. Sailors of the vessels arriving at the port of China are undergoing special health check-ups.
At an emergency meeting of the port, member (Harbour and Marine) Commodore M Shafiul Bari said any ships coming from East Asian countries are being prevented to anchor in the port to prevent the Corona virus from entering the country from the sea.
In addition, if all vessels sailing from East Asian countries are declared safe by scanning by the port health officer, all vessels will be allowed to enter the port.
Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport Authorities have prepared a physician team at the airport to prevent the Coronavirus. However, no patient infected with coronavirus has been found in Chittagong port city yet.
