The new coronavirus outbreak has put a lot of pressure on governments of countries around the world. With death tolls nearing 10,500, many countries have gone in lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus. Governments have asked citizens to stay indoors and to avoid contact to maximise the containment of the virus.
However, in comparison to other countries the number of documented cases in Bangladesh comparatively lower and hence there is still time for the government to implement a proper plan which will be effective both long-term and also be efficient to contain the virus’ spread.
It is also questionable as to what extent
social distancing can be a viable option
for a country with such a huge population
The scenario however is direr for Bangladesh. The high population density and lack of proper planning to counter the coronavirus can prove to be detrimental for the people. It is also questionable as to what extent social distancing can be a viable option for a country with such a huge population. Even now when around 20 people have been documented of having coronavirus, there is still time for proper quarantine procedures to be implemented by the government.
The Bishwo Ijtema field was recently given to the army to prepare for mass level quarantine. But there too some groups vetoed and did not think it appropriate to be used for quarantine. This proves that there is still a lack of coordination between the government and health ministry.
Italy and China is a couple of countries which can be looked at to understand the severity of the coronavirus issue. It will not take much longer for total pandemonium to break out.
Recently it was heard that a residential building in Uttara of the capital was to be turned into a quarantine zone. This can be a viable option but the authorities must ensure that civic amenities such as electricity, running water, proper sanitisation materials and soaps are adequately supplied.
Only after these essential things are ensured to the public can any sort of quarantine can be implemented. It is high time the government sort these issues out and implement a proper counter measure against Covid-19.