As the World Health Organization (WHO) issued the highest level of alarm across the world over coronavirus, the Bangladesh government said it had all the preparations and capacity required to prevent the virus.
The government has already taken certain measures after coronavirus patients were detected in the country, but risks still prevail as Bangladesh is a densely populated country.
Health experts advised to avoid crowds, but it’s actually impossible to avoid crowd in such a densely populated country. Hundreds of thousands of people use mass transport for commuting -- regular financial and business works. What is the way to decrease the risks in this backdrop? The secretary of the health department said the situation does not warrant closing schools. There are ample reasons to consider mass transport and educational institutions the most dangerous regarding health risks.
Almost all the mass transports are unhygienic. The buses, trains and launches load passengers in hordes. The seats, roofs and floors of the transports are highly unclean particular. Bugs, flies and mosquitoes often make journeys hazardous and uncomfortable. Atmosphere at bus and launch terminals and train stations too is unhealthy. Though this calls for sticking to a specific guideline for the mass transports, no such instruction has yet appeared. So fears still prevail as crowding in the mass transports continue.
Across the world, cautionary measures are being taken in mass transports to prevent COVID19. Here, the drivers and transport workers can be regularly screened as well as disinfectants can be sprayed at public transports. Thermal scanners can be used to screen passengers before they ride the vehicles. Clear directions from the concerned ministries or authorities are required in this regard.
The same applies to educational institutions. As the government considers the situation, still it does not warrant closing educational institutions, certain guidelines should be followed there too. The risk of infection is high in classrooms as students have to sit close. Directives are essential for educational institutions to adhere to the health code when panic must not be spread. The school authorities and the teachers should be prepared too in this regard. Extra caution is required at the dormitories.
It is encouraging that anyone was not infected after three persons including two Italy-returnees were detected coronavirus-infected in the country. Two among the three are recovering. The spread of the virus can be contained if the government undertakes essential measures and the citizens are aware. Personal hygiene is crucial in this regard. Things will be easier if awareness is there. The government should provide a guideline and be proactive. It should also ensure that everyone abide by the directives.