The number of patients infected with coronavirus and the deaths caused by it are steadily rising. Dhaka in particular has been identified as the most vulnerable. The government has therefore taken the decision to ban the exit from and entry to Dhaka indefinitely.
Moreover, authorities have stated that limited community transmission has started in the country. The most crucial step now is to ensure the lockdown of the entire country in order to flatten the curve of the rate of infection. So far, the total number of affected people has risen to 123 and the number of deaths to 12.
As more time passes, increasing numbers of clusters are being identified in the region, which is cause for deep concern. The spread of the virus is exponential, which means that in case of an outbreak in the country, the numbers would explode very quickly. In such a situation, it would be likely overwhelm our medical care system and result in thousands of deaths.
The most crucial step now is to ensure the
lockdown of the entire country in order to
flatten the curve of the rate of infection
Therefore, the government must take more aggressive action in order to prevent an outbreak in the country. Inter-district travel has been severely restricted and most non-essential employees have been given the opportunity to work from home.
The authorities need to increase their testing capacity as the virus is spreading very quickly. Mass awareness is crucial and the public must be made to understand the grievousness of the situation. Simple public health measures are critical including practicing hygiene, and practicing social distancing. Self-initiated isolation by people with mild diseases is crucial in order to reduce the burden on the health system and reduce virus transmission.
There is no alternative to fighting the disease other than social distancing and maintaining hygiene. However, social distancing is likely to cause day labourers and daily wage earners a huge deal of suffering. Several organizations along with the government have therefore started to lend a helping hand to such families.