Too many people, not enough masks in lanes and by-lanes
Although people have started wearing face masks on the main thoroughfares in the wake of actions, they are still ignoring the health guideline on the lanes and by-lanes in Chattogram city.
In this circumstance, health experts and civil society members stressed the need for stricter action and higher engagement of community leaders to prevent coronavirus.
Chattogram Civil Surgeon Sheikh Fazle Rabbi said a total of 242 people tested Covid-19 positive on November 22. Even a week before that, the daily cases were around 100 on an average, he said.
During a recent visit to the port city's Agrabad Badamtoli, Chawkbazar Gulzar and Kazir Dewri intersections, this correspondent found most people wearing face masks. He followed a total of 150 pedestrians at different times and found 102 of them wearing masks.
At various government establishments including post office and banks, The Daily Star also found a similar situation. Majority of service seekers were wearing masks and those ignoring the health guideline were being denied services.
However, the situation was completely different at the lanes and by-lanes of the city. Most of the people were not wearing face masks at Bakalia, Kala Miah Bazar, DC Road and KB Aman Ali Road.
On Hem Sen Lane in Jamal Khan, Chan Miah Munshi Lane in West Bakalia and Rahattarpool Chanda Pukur Par areas, around 104 people out of 150 were defying the health rule. Among the errants, many said they forgot to carry mask while many said they "should be" wearing it.
Contacted, SM Nazer Hossain, vice president of Consumers' Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said people are becoming aware of wearing masks thanks to government initiatives. But the action is not enough, he said.
Mobile court drives should be conducted on lanes and by-lanes too, he emphasised. "Besides, we urge the government to involve community leaders and local elite in a massive awareness campaign."
Talking about the proposal, Deputy Commissioner Elias Hossain said they are trying to do so. "As the city corporation election has remained postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic, there is no ward councillor to be engaged in the initiative," said the DC.
"Still, we are trying to involve other individuals concerned in campaign," he added.
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