We've suggested partial lockdown, other measures to govt: health minister

Health minister Zahid Maleque today said the government may announce new measures to tackle coronavirus transmission within days.

"Health ministry has made suggestions to the government [Prime Minister's Office] to impose partial lockdown in areas with higher transmission of coronavirus. We have submitted a list of suggestions recently. There will be a decision within one or two days hopefully," Zahid Maleque said while speaking at an event of National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Hospital, joining online.

A health ministry source said the Prime Minister's Office has already prepared a circular giving 18-point directives to curb the virus transmission. It will be effective for next two weeks from the date of publishing.

This newspaper has obtained a draft copy of the circular. The directives include limiting all political, social or religious gatherings everywhere and ban in the areas with higher transmission of coronavirus, reducing passengers in public transport by 50 percent and maintain health safety guidelines, ensuring 14-day quarantine for all incoming passengers from abroad, no roaming outside after 10pm, ensuring work from home for 50 percent employees of all private and public organisations except emergency services, reducing clients by 50 percent in restaurants, etc.

The health minister said, we have suggested that the government close or limit crowds in the tourist spots, reduce the number of passengers in public transports and in offices etc.

About vaccine supply chain, the minister said, "We have not received the installment of vaccine this month (March) yet… We will have to wait until May-June for vaccines from COVAX. So, we have to plan an alternative if there is any delay to get vaccines."