Will go for lockdown if necessary: Quader
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said lockdown may be enforced to prevent further spread of coronavirus.
"Lockdown will be enforced where necessary. People must be saved first. We'll do everything for that," he said.
Quader, also Awami League general secretary, was replying to a query from reporters whether Bangladesh is ready if it is to be locked down like other countries to handle the coronavirus situation. He was speaking at his ministry office.
He also said the operation of inter-district buses will be halted, if necessary.
"Number of bus passengers has already declined due to the prevailing situation. We'll take steps [to stop bus operation] even after that," he said.
As the chief of the World Health Organization put highest emphasis on testing, the minister said they will go forward following this.
About the screening of passengers at airports, he said there is chaos even in developed country like the USA.
"We have no prior experience in this regard. However, we're taking lessons from mistakes. Everything will be done to tackle the situation," he said.
Quader also sought suggestions from media in this regard.
He urged all political parties to come forward to fight the disease instead of "doing politics" over the issue.
Bangladesh has so far reported 10 coronavirus cases.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the coronavirus has climbed to 7,987 globally as of today.
It has so far infected 198,426 people around the world, according to Worldometer.
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