All transports, tourist centres to reopen amid concern of Corona deterioration

ALTHOUGH the death rate hovers above 22 per cent, daily deaths are more than 200 and hospitals are still overcrowded with Covid-19 patients badly needing ICU care, the government has decided to lift most of the pandemic restrictions from August 19 amid experts’ concern of further deterioration of the situation. According to media reports on Friday, movement of all transports — road, rail and water — will be allowed to resume services from next Thursday. Besides, tourist spots and recreation centres will be reopened on condition that they operate at half their capacities.
However, we observed that even during the recent ‘strict lockdowns’ such restrictions could not be implemented anywhere in the country. Even before and after the Eid-ul Azha festival thousands of people were seen crossing rivers on ferries and travelling on public transports without wearing facemasks, totally defying the health guidelines. Earlier, movement of all transports was restricted and shopping malls were closed until August 10, except for eight days of relaxation from July 15 to 22 due to celebrations of the Eid. The lockdown was again imposed from July 23 to August 5, and then extended to August 10.
According to health directorate data, out of the 17 Covid dedicated hospitals in Dhaka, ten had no intensive care unit (ICU) bed vacant on Thursday, while the Kurmitola General Hospital had more patients admitted than its capacity. When asked about this grave situation, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said lockdown would be imposed again if the state of the pandemic worsens. “We are at risk. We need to raise social awareness so that people wear face masks.”
Expressing concern, health experts said that in two weeks’ time, the reopening could meet with deadly consequences, and the infection rate cross 30 per cent by the last week of August. Reopening at this stage, they fear will end up infecting all, while many critical patients eventually would die. Even, the positivity rate may cross the 30 per cent-mark by month end. They however suggested adopting local level measures to rein in infections so that a nationwide lockdown can be averted. They also advised isolating covid cases; ensuring people wear facemasks and accelerating the mass inoculation programme.
At the end of the day, it is the government’s responsibility to see that people of all professions remain well and safe, and their livelihoods are protected.