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Sajeeb Wazed Joy urges all stay alert, not to panic


Published : 23 Mar 2020 09:25 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 09:16 PM

Sajeeb Wazed Joy has urged all to stay alert, not to panic, and follow all safety instructions provided by the WHO and the government of Bangladesh to prevent coronavirus spread.

“Let me assure you that the Prime Minister and the Awami League Government are beside you during this hour,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday night.

“Do not panic. Be alert. Together, we will prevail,” the prime minister’s ICT affairs adviser said in an effort to give confidence to the jittery people over the pandemic that killed more than 13,000 lives worldwide.

An estimated 92,000 of the 304,500 people who contracted the disease globally have recovered. Bangladesh confirmed 33 cases, of them three died.

Joy wrote: “As you know, the Covid-19 has emerged as a global public health crisis. Around 180 countries have been affected by this novel virus, including Bangladesh. Since there are no specific drugs and/or vaccines for this virus yet, containing the spread of the virus is crucial.”

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League Government are “working tirelessly to ensure that the situation remains under control.”

“We have stopped all international flights to Bangladesh except four. All incoming passengers are being thoroughly screened. Separate isolation facilities have been set up for those coming from abroad.

“Home quarantine is being strictly enforced by local administration and law enforcement agencies. We have cut short our celebrations for Mujib Year. All educational institutions have been closed.

“We have restricted all social, religious and political gatherings. If need arises, we will go for further measures,” he said.

“We are also working to ensure that our health sector workers have the necessary personal protection and extending our testing capacity for the virus.

“Three designated hospitals are already receiving and treating patients suspected of carrying the virus in addition to the IEDCR.

“Facilities are being set up in other public medical institutions to keep patients showing symptoms separate from others.

“But there is a lot to be done on an individual level as well,” he said, giving some safety instructions.

Those include: Avoid large gatherings, do not go out of your house if you feel sick, wash your hands thoroughly with soap or clean them with sanitiser, do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes with your hands, and avoid hugging or shaking hands with others.

He also urged people to cover mouth during coughing and sneezing. “If you use public transport, wear masks if available. Ensuring personal hygiene and social distancing are the two most effective measures you can contribute with.”

“Bangalees are a brave and resilient nation,” he said. “We have seen through major disasters before. If you follow the directions properly, we will successfully see this crisis through as well.

“It is also important, now more than ever, to be vigilant against fake news and rumours,” he said, adding that the government is holding regular briefings to update the country about all latest developments in this regard.