Covid-19: No lockdown for now in Rajshahi despite health dept recommendation

Despite the recommendations of the health department, no decision was taken to impose a lockdown in Rajshahi after today's special meeting held at the deputy commissioner's office to assess the overall Covid-19 scenario of the city.

However, the nightly curfew has been extended by two hours from 5:00pm, Rajshahi City Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton told journalists after the meeting today, reports our Rajshahi staff correspondent.

"Although the statistics of Covid-19 infection in Rajshahi looked alarming, we could not decide on the lockdown at the moment, considering the livelihoods of the people. However, as an alternative, restrictions have been tightened and the situation will be monitored," he said.

"In addition, Covid-19 tests will be conducted at various points in the city. Arrangements will be made to identify infected patients and prevent them from roaming around the city," added the mayor.

"We have to save people's lives. Mango business worth thousands of crores of taka is going on. The livelihood of the common people is involved there. We would like to observe one more week in alternative ways. If the situation does not change, then we will have no choice but to put Rajshahi on lockdown," Liton further said.

Top government officials and political leaders of Rajshahi were present in the meeting.

Earlier in the day, health authorities in Rajshahi started random rapid antigen tests at five points in the city. The five points are Shaheb Bazar Zero Point, Haragram Bazar, C&B intersection, Laxmipur intersection, and Talaimari.

A total of 297 samples were collected from these points and of them 27 tested positive for Covid-19. The infection rate is nine percent at the moment.

Meanwhile, six more died at the coronavirus unit of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in 24 hours till 8:00am today. Two of them, who were from Chapainawabganj, were Covid-19 positive.