Maleque for concerted efforts to contain spread of COVID-19

Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque today laid emphasis on concerted efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 as the whole world is battling against the coronavirus pandemic to protect the mankind from the fatal disease.

"I am discouraging non-essential movement of people….people should avoid any gathering to protect themselves from the infection of coronavirus," he made the comments while visiting dedicated corona beds at Kurmitola General Hospital here, said an official release here today.

Secretary of Health Service Division Ashadul Islam, Secretary of Health Education Division Ali Nur, General Secretary of Bangladesh Medicine Society Ahmedul Kabir, physicians and officials among others, were present on the occasion.

Maleque said if the people need to go out from home, they must wear a mask to protest themselves from the deadly virus.

As part of the precautionary measures, he advised the people to follow social distancing alongside maintaining individual hygienic habits to limit the spread of the COVID-19.

The minister also called upon the people to strictly follow the directives, particularly to 'stay at home', given by the organizations concerned to check the spread of the disease.

Maleque urged the authorities of private hospitals and clinics to continue their healthcare services to the people. If they (private hospitals and clinics) do not provide health services, the government will take stern action including cancellation of licenses, he added.