Covid-19 restriction period extended by two hours in Rajshahi

Authorities in Rajshahi have extended the period of strict restrictions by two more hours in the wake of a surge in Covid-19 infections in the district.

As per the new instructions, movement of people and vehicles will be restricted in the city from 5pm instead of 7pm and all kinds of shops have to be closed by this time. 

The decision came during an emergency meeting on prevention of Covid-19 transmission at the conference room of the district commissioner today.

Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor Kamruzzaman Liton participated in the meeting, which was presided over by deputy commissioner Abdul Jalil. 

Markets will remain closed and public movement will be restricted from 5pm to 6am starting from Monday, mayor Liton briefed reporters after the meeting. 

Apart from this, campaigns encouraging people to adhere to the health guidelines would be strengthened, he added.

Opining against a full lockdown, he said, "We have to take care of the livelihoods of the people as well. The number of affected people will only increase if everything is kept closed. Mainly the mango farmers will incur huge losses." 

However, the Covid-19 situation in Rajshahi will be observed for three to five more days. If the situation does not improve by that time, a strict lockdown will be enforced in the district, said the mayor.