Advisory committee recommends extending lockdown for one week
The Covid-19 National Technical Advisory Committee has recommended extending ongoing strict lockdown for one more week.
Further decision on lockdown can be taken after observing situation following end of the extended period, the committee said in a meeting last night.
The meeting discussed about the current situation of country's coronavirus pandemic and the steps taken to tackle it.
Grave concern was raised in the meeting over the high infection and the growing number of deaths across the country.
Earlier, the committee recommended a complete lockdown for at least two weeks, the release said.
The government has already announced a one-week lockdown from April 14. The committee expressed satisfaction over this. However, effective results cannot be expected in less than two weeks of lockdown.
The committee realised the need to keep the industries open in the interest of keeping the country's economy afloat. But private offices, banks being kept open, increasing number of private car on streets, unwanted and unnecessary extra crowds at the Iftar market have made the success of the lockdown uncertain.
The meeting also drew the attention of policy makers to the issue of social equality.
It also suggested shutting down everything except health, fire service and other emergency services.
The committee also requested to publish the list of emergency services. Otherwise, there will be risk of adverse situation.
In addition, the committee has proposed to fix open spaces for Kitchen markets.
The decision can be made again considering the rate of infection before the end of the next week.
The committee has also advised to keep ready exit plan before the end of lockdown week.
The committee also thanked to government for opening country's largest Covid-19 hospital in Mohakhali.
Emphasis has been given on rapid capacity building measures as there is extra pressure on patient admissions.
In order to make the sample test easily available, the committee has already suggested making the official sample test free. As the price of PCR test kits has come down significantly, it is suggested to re-determine the price of sample tests in private laboratories.
This measure will increase the number of tests, as well as bring it within the reach of the general public and can be tested at an affordable price. The pressure on government laboratories will be somewhat reduced. This will ensure isolation by providing tests and reports to patients quickly, which is important for infection control.
According to the government decision, all government and private hospitals and clinics are requested to ensure the medical care of pregnant and non-pregnant mothers.
Covid-19 dedicated Hospitals must ensure the services to pregnant mothers.
Each hospital will follow to the chain of reference system according to its own capabilities.
Telemedicine services need to be continued to ensure treatment from the home of all mild Covid-19 patients.
The committee also mentioned that regular monitoring of telemedicine services needs to be strengthened to ensure quality services.
Earlier last week, the committee recommended two-week strict lockdown as the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country harder in recent weeks.
Following the instruction, the government initially enforced weeklong stricter lockdown measures from 14-21 April.
Meanwhile, a senior official in the cabinet division Sunday hinted that the lockdown could be extended for another week as the Covid-19 infection rate still remains alarming in the country.
A decision regarding the extension will be taken in a lockdown review meeting today.
Bangladesh reported more than 100 fatalities in last three consecutive days. On Saturday, single day highest 102 deaths were reported. The Covid-19 death toll reached 10,385 in the country. Meanwhile, total caseload now stands at 718,950.