'One dose of vaccine must for students above 12 to attend schools'

The students, aged above 12, must receive at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine to attend schools and colleges, said cabinet secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam on Thursday, reports UNB.

"The ministry of education has already given instructions that no one can come to schools without getting vaccinated. The issue was discussed at an inter-ministerial meeting on 3 January and it was confirmed today," he said while briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the virtual cabinet meeting, joining it from her official residence Ganobhaban, while others concerned got connected from the Bangladesh secretariat.

Replying to a question over the explanation of that decision, the cabinet secretary said the students, aged above 12, will have to receive at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to attend schools and colleges.

"So, an emphasis was given on carrying out a motivational campaign so that students receive vaccines," he said, adding that the vaccines are available in rural areas, too.

Anwarul Islam said the cabinet meeting discussed how to fight Omicron, the new Covid variant alongside scheduled agenda.

He said the people will have to show Covid-19 vaccination certificates to dine at restaurants, travel by trains and aeroplanes, and visit shopping malls and the international trade fair as well as other public places.

The decision would be enforced after a certain period based on the opinion of the national technical committee, he said.

Talking about other decisions to fight Omicron, the Cabinet Secretary said wearing face masks is a must outside homes.