Virus cases likely to spike for opening RMG factories, malls: Minister

More people are likely to contract the novel coronavirus in Bangladesh due to the opening of readymade garments (RMG) factories and shopping malls, apprehended health minister Zahid Maleque on Tuesday.

The minister was addressing a media briefing following a meeting of the ministry’s national technical advisory committee on coronavirus.

Responding to a question, the minister said, “People are dying, I’m sorry for that, but the death rate is lower than the other countries. The infection rate has increased. Everyday about 400-500 people were detected in the last 8-10 days. Now it’s 700. Since the markets have been opened (the decision has been taken), garments factories have been opened, people are thronging to shops. Naturally we can assume the number of infected cases will increase. We’ve to try to keep it in control. Lives and livelihood both have to be saved. The health ministry will try so that the number of patients does not increase. Our mandate is to give treatment to the maximum number of patients.”

The export-oriented garments factories were opened on 26 April. On Monday, the government decided to open the markets and shopping malls, subject to a number of conditions. They may remain open from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

"We will convey the instructions of the technical committee in this regard to proper places. Then, works will be done following the directives of the government."

The technical committee has advised to ensure treatment to all kinds of patients at the hospitals. “Besides the COVID-19 patients, good treatment of all other patients also has to be ensured,” the minister said.

Saying that the committee has also asked to step-up test of more samples, Zahid Maleque said steps are being taken in this regard.

The technical committee also talked about infections of a large number of physicians. It asked to encourage the physicians more and resolve the problems they are facing. The committee also said about keeping a vigilant eye on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). It also will give advises on movement of physicians during the Eid-ul-Fitr.