As Covid-19 cases and fatalities continue to rise alarmingly in Bangladesh, the government has taken all necessary preparations to bring some virus hotspots (Red Zone) under lockdown and declaring general holidays there to prevent entry to and exit from those areas.
"The areas where infection rate is high will be declared as 'Red Zone' and general holiday will be announced in those areas but countrywide general holidays will not be declared anymore," State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said.
"Offices will remain open as usual maintaining health guidelines even after June 15. Public transport movement will continue. We've taken decision in this regard. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will give final approval and an order will be issued soon in this regard after her approval," he said.
The government issued a gazette notification allowing limited operation of public transport and offices from May 31 to June 15 amid the coronavirus outbreak. But the coronavirus cases and deaths started to rise soon after reopening of offices and resumption of public transport movement.
The worst affected areas will be announced Red Zones for 14 to 21 days, he said adding that some faults were identified after brining East Rajabazar area under experimental lockdown and the experience will be applied for the next ones.
"Committees will be formed in locked down areas to monitor the areas," he added.
It is almost final which areas in Dhaka and other parts of the country to be declared as 'Red zone' and it will be announced soon, he added.
If the announcement is not made at a time, people of the Red Zones will travel to other areas, he said adding "A technique will be applied in this regard."
