Rising infections mean health guidelines are being ignored
It is of great concern that that many regions in the globe are having a second onslaught of Covid-19, belying predications and dashing hopes of the impending demise of the pandemic before the end of the year. Unfortunately, Europe has had to go back to closing down once again, and the US has been witnessing a quantitative rise, both in the number of new Covid-19 cases as well as deaths. The world is facing another prospect of an economic downturn. How is Bangladesh faring?
The situation in Bangladesh, regrettably, is not much different from what we are seeing in many other countries although in a smaller dimension, and India is faring the worst of the South Asian countries. Perhaps the warning of the prime minister of a second attack of the pandemic is starting to come to pass. The 24 hours ending on November 16 saw the highest number of infected cases—2,139. This was the highest reported in a single day in the last 70 days. This was also a big increase from 1,845 cases reported on Thursday. What is most worrisome is the positivity rate which is nearly 17 percent. While there is hope that effective vaccines are in the offing we do not know how long it will take before they will be available to Bangladesh. Thus the health guidelines as recommended by experts are the only way to combat a second wave.
Unfortunately in spite of the PM's warning, it seems that it is business as usual in Bangladesh. There is no serious effort to follow or enforce the guidelines. And the publicity and information machinery of the administration seems to have gone into hibernation. The government order of no-mask-no-service is being continuously disregarded which is a dangerous situation when infection rates are so high. This must be strictly enforced, not by sporadically fining a few transgressors but constant oversight and strict enforcement measures. The screening of incoming passengers at the international airport must continue. We suggest cheaper and more testing facilities be made available. Early detection and treatment can save many lives for which testing and quarantining those who test positive is so important. The government must also ensure that hospitals have the proper protective gear and life-saving facilities such as oxygen supply and ventilators for patients who need hospitalisation. We all have to remember that this is not the time to let our guard down.
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