Flights to 10 countries suspended

The government has suspended air communications with 10 countries from yesterday noon until March 31 as precautionary measure to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Passenger flights to and from Bangladesh with Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore and India will remain suspended, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said.

However, air communications with the UK, China, Hong Kong and Thailand will remain open, the minister told reporters at the state guesthouse Padma.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman yesterday at a press briefing said air communications with the four countries could be suspended anytime if the regulatory authority "thinks risk factor regarding Covid-19 with those countries increase."

So far, the authorities have found the existing routes not risky, he added.

He also said if necessary the authorities would shut down the country's all three international airports.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended its flights to 15 out of the 17 international destinations it serves. The two existing routes are Dhaka-London and Dhaka-Manchester.

The national flag carrier incurred a loss of around Tk 300 crore in the last one and half months, said Tahera Khandaker, deputy general manager, public relations of Biman.

Talking to reporters at the state guesthouse, the foreign minister said the government would take required measure if any foreign mission official working in Bangladesh wishes to leave the country amid the outbreak.

"There are certain openings. You can take the opportunity," he said.

The government would also take steps to bring back expatriate Bangladeshis if they are found in a precarious condition abroad, the minister said, responding to a query.

He asked all to make sure that the Bangladeshi expatriates who have returned from abroad stay indoors for 14 days.

Anyone who finds a returnee not being quarantined should notify local administration, he said.

"We are putting stamp with inerasable ink on each returnee's hand so that they can be traced easily," he said, urging relatives to remain cautious.

China has been successful in reducing the virus' spread by applying effective measures, the minister said.

He said his ministry has directed chiefs of Bangladesh missions abroad to notify expatriate Bangladeshis to delay their homecoming.

"There is a crisis all over the world, not only in our country," he added.

He urged expatriate Bangladeshis to remain careful abroad and follow local laws and regulations.

The ministry has talked to different foreign missions about expiry of their visas. They have assured the government about visa extension and suggested not to worry, he added.

TESTING KITS AND PPE

The minister said the government would soon import 10,000 testing kits and as many personal protective equipment (PPE) from China to fight the spread of coronavirus.

"The kits and equipment are ready. Those will be brought in by a chartered flight soon," he said.

Some private companies are also working to import such kits and equipment. If required the government would arrange chartered flights for them, he added.

He said the government cancelled the leave of all government officials involved in essential services, including the health and foreign ministry, police and field-level administration.

Pointing to the low number of reported cases of infection, he said, "If we can take protective measures, then it will not spread [in Bangladesh]."

Joint effort, from the government and the people, is required to fight the disease, he said.