Everything open from Aug 19
Govt decides to lift curbs on social gatherings, tourist spots
The government is lifting most of the coronavirus restrictions from August 19, even as the number of deaths reported daily from Covid-19 continues to be over 200.
Social gatherings will be allowed and tourist destinations will reopen on the condition that they operate at half their capacities.
The Cabinet Division in a circular yesterday said all public transport will be allowed to operate on the roads, railways and waterways maintaining health guidelines from August 19.
Transport companies are currently allowed to operate 50 percent of the buses on the roads.
From August 19, community centres, tourist attractions and recreational facilities will reopen and operate at half of their capacities.
However, the authorities have not specified how crowds will be controlled at places like sea beaches.
The decision was based on discussions at an inter-ministerial meeting on Covid-19 on August 3 and the overall situation of the country, the circular said.
It said everyone must wear a mask and follow the other health rules.
If any of the conditions are violated, the authorities concerned will be held responsible, it added.
Professor Muzaherul Huq, former adviser, South-East Asia region of the World Health Organization (WHO), said the government's decision was not based on science.
"The infection rate is dropping due to vaccination and the casual lockdown, but it may rise again," he said, adding that a lockdown can be considered successful when the infection rate of an area drops to five percent through proper contact tracing and isolation measures.
People are in the dark about the government's plan, he said, adding that the authorities should specify the sectors that will reopen after the infection rate drops below 20 percent and those that will reopen after it drops below 10 percent. This would also ensure people's participation.
At a programme yesterday, Health Minister Zahid Maleque urged people to avoid crowding while commuting. "The transmission has dropped a bit, but the death toll is still high. We must keep transmission under control. Travelling on crowded buses and trains will increase infection," he said.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said the government might impose another lockdown if the Covid situation deteriorates.
"If infections continue to rise and people do not follow health guidelines, the lockdown will be enforced once again. There is no alternative to it," he said.