COVID-19: Bangladesh makes wearing masks compulsory

People walk wearing masks in DhakaProthom Alo file photo

The government on Tuesday asked its citizens to wear masks whenever they go out of homes to help limit the transmission of the novel coronavirus, reports news agency UNB.

A circular was issued by the health ministry in the afternoon.

Bangladesh has been recording a high number of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, even after the number of tests had gone down.

The country now has more than 200,000 officially confirmed cases and over 2,700 deaths.

Health experts suggest strictly maintaining hygiene rules and wearing masks as effective ways to stop the highly contagious virus from spreading.

The government order came only days before Muslims are scheduled to celebrate the Eid-ul-Azha.