Weeklong strict restrictions imposed in Khulna

Strict restrictions have been imposed in at least four upazilas of Khulna for a week to curb the sudden surge in Covid-19 cases in the district.

According to the District Committee on Coronavirus Prevention, the restrictions will continue till 10 June.

All shops, markets and shopping malls will remain closed in Rupsha, Khulna Sadar, Sonadanga and Khalishpur upazilas to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.

Local administration officials and police personnel have been deployed on all the major roads of the district to ensure people maintain the health guidelines.

UNB correspondent found that many people were visiting the busy marketplaces without wearing masks and none of them were adhering to health rules.

Khulna deputy commissioner Mohammad Helal Hossain on Wednesday decided to impose restrictions in the four upazilas, after a meeting with the District Committee on Coronavirus Prevention in the presence of Khulna Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleq.

The city mayor said that no gathering would be allowed in the corporation areas after dark. All city residents have been instructed to adhere to Covid-safety protocols.

Moreover, all shops, markets and restaurants will remain closed, except for grocery stores and pharmacies. This is to allow people to buy their daily essentials and medicines from their local grocers and chemists, respectively.

The rate of coronavirus infection in Rupsha upazila is 4.18%, while it’s about one percent in the other upazilas. Besides, the infection rate in Khulna, Khalishpur and Sonadanga is 35per cent, 25 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively. Infection rates are declining elsewhere.

Lockdown in districts

Due to the recent rise in Covid infections in the bordering districts, district administrations have imposed lockdowns in Rajshahi, Khulna, Satkhira and parts of Naogaon districts to break the transmission of the deadly virus.

District administrations have been given the authority to enforce lockdown in their areas if the Covid-19 situation deteriorates there.