BGMEA identifies 55 COVID-19 positive, suspected cases in factories

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has identified 55 cases of coronavirus including some suspected cases in different factories in Gazipur, Ashulia, Savar and Dhaka.

BGMEA on Tuesday said of the workers, 48 persons tested positive for COVID-19, five are yet to be tested, one of the workers is waiting for the result while another one has recovered.

Of the 55 workers, 43 are male while 12 are female.

BGMEA said COVID-19 patients are facing social problems from their neighbours.

Bangladesh’s thriving readymade garment sector is the second largest exporter of RMG goods after China and contributes to more than 80 per cent to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. The RMG sector employs more than four million people, mostly women.

Until 29 April, BGMEA reported suspension or cancellation of orders amounting to $3.18 billion, affecting an estimated 2.28 million workers.

Apparel factories were shut days after the government announced general holidays to curb the spread of coronavirus in late March.

Health experts criticised the government’s decision to reopen factories, saying the ‘premature’ move could trigger coronavirus outbreak in the labour-intensive sector.