Stars in home-quarantine upon returning from abroad

With shootings and stage programmes pushed back due to concerns over the rapidly spreading coronavirus, many artistes in Bangladesh are trying their best to raise awareness on the pandemic over social media from their homes. Recently, few stars came back from abroad and have been in self-quarantine, for the safety of their families and loved ones. They are also urging their fans to stay home.

Arefin Shuvoo returned to Bangladesh on March 13 after shooting a commercial for a mobile brand. "I travelled to Dubai, Mumbai and Kolkata before returning to Dhaka," says the actor. "When I reached, I was already aware of the situation and took all the necessary precautions.  I already knew that all of my projects have been postponed."

Shuvoo is now spending his quarantined time with his family, reading books and working out at home. "I am maintaining the social distance and enjoying some time alone," he says. "The pandemic is spreading like Tsunami. We have to protect our self from the infection and prevent it from spreading it any further.  I would like to request everyone to stay at home, maintain cleanliness on all grounds, and spend some quality time with their loved ones, which has become rare these days."

Meanwhile, Nusraat Faria landed in Dhaka from Mumbai on March 10. "After landing in Dhaka, I went to a different home and isolated myself from everyone, as this was the primary step for returnees," she says. "Although with the grace of the Almighty, I was doing fine, I had to follow the instructions, so that there is no chance of putting someone else into danger."

The actor performed in open air stage shows in Mumbai and before that, she was in Kolkata. "I have completed my 14 days of quarantine yesterday. I have spent my time by working out at home, reading books, watching YouTube shows."

Another promising artiste, Zahara Mitu, was shooting for the Shamim Ahmed Roni directorial, Commando, opposite Dev, in Kolkata. It is a Bangladeshi movie. She returned to Dhaka on March 18 from Kolkata. According to Mitu, the day she came back, there was not a single case of coronavirus detected in Kolkata. "Yet, I was fully aware of the situation. I travelled by plane with people from different countries.  So, I did not take any risks," she explains.  After landing, she isolated herself and will remain quarantined at home until two weeks of her return. "I am doing absolutely fine. Nonetheless, I can't put the health of my family members and loved ones at risk. Subsequently, I am staying at a different home. My family is providing me with daily meals in disposable boxes and we are taking all possible precautions," she says. "It was my sister's birthday on March 22 and I couldn't do anything special for her.  I could not even hug her! However, I know it is just for the time being, and this will pass."