9 areas declared ‘red zones’ in Bogura

Nine areas under Bogura municipality have been declared "red zone" to stop the rapid rise of Covid-19 infection.

These areas -- Chelowpara, Nataipara, Naruli, Joleshwaritala, Sutrapur, Maltinagar, Thanthania, Haripara and Colony -- will be locked down from 5:00pm today, Bogura Deputy Commissioner Foyej Ahmed told our local correspondent.

The decision came after an emergency meeting between the district coronavirus control and prevention committee and the civil surgeon of Bogura, said a press release of the district administration.

According to the press release, everybody in these areas must stay home. All types of public gathering in these areas have been banned. All types of private-public vehicles will be restricted.

Non-government vehicles, servicing Covid-19 patients, should have permission from the district administration. The vehicles of doctors, journalists and ambulances will be out of the restrictions, it said.

All types of shops and markets except medicine shops, internet providers and mobile banking services will remain closed.

Inter-district vehicles and people's movement will be suspended in the locked down areas after 5:00pm today until further notice.

If anyone goes out, he or she has to wear mask and follow heath guidelines, said the press release.  

No one can distribute food or relief goods in a crowded place in these areas.

When asked how the people of these areas will collect food if needed, DC Foyej Ahmed said, "People can buy food or kitchen items online. The district administration will provide necessary food to the poor through the councillors of the respective areas."

Deputy civil surgeon Mostafizur Rahman Tuheen said, "Almost 1,000 people tested Covid-19 positive in Bogura Sadar upazila. Therefore, based on our statistical- data, we have decided to declare these areas as red zone."