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Editorial

Risk looms large across the country

Government must take steps to make the lockdown successful


Bangladeshpost
Published : 18 Apr 2020 09:32 PM | Updated : 06 Sep 2020 09:05 PM

Of late the government has declared the entire country at risk with the virus spreading to at least 40 districts of the country. With the highest number of deaths (15) in 24 hours on April 17, the country is heading towards the fourth stage of coronavirus transmission when the virus spreads quickly. 

There  is no denying that that we have been very reluctant in our response to the pandemic. But now that this critical juncture where infection rates are increasing  along with causalities, we must take drastic measures to prevent the spread as much as possible.

Though testing capacity has increased, it is still inadequate  to portray the real picture. One of the biggest obstacles Bangladesh will face in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic is a severe shortage of test kits and the supplies needed to perform the tests. 

Given that testing is crucial to get the people most at risk the care they need, the lack of testing and an increase in demand over supply is critical in determining how the next several weeks of the pandemic will play out. Adequate and accurate testing is also crucial to help stop the spread of disease since many who have been exposed can display no symptoms.


In order to make the lockdowns successful, the government 

must make sure that the food and financial assistance  

reach all vulnerable groups including middle-class


Along with proper testing, hospital capacity and resources have to be significantly enhanced. Doctors and healthcare workers must be given the proper protective gear and safety protocol facilities.Already at least two health workers in the country have died so far while 88 more are infected by the deadly virus.We are told that hundreds of crores of taka is being spent to brought PPE but not a single consignment meets the criteria of the World Health Organization. No doubt without proper and adequate PPE, our workforce will be dicimated.   Who will then be left to look after the patients?

Despite the government announced lockdowns for the entire country, still in many places people are not maintaining social distancing.  In order to make the lockdowns successful, the government must make sure that the food and financial assistance reach all vulnerable groups including middle-class.

We are told that there is enough food in the country. At present, the quantity of food reserve in the country is about 18 lakh tons, which is one and a half million tons more than the reserve of last year. In such a situation, if food can be reached through proper distribution, there will be no food crisis.