DHAKA, June 22, 2020 (BSS) – Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today stressed the need for strict enforcement of lockdown or general holiday in red zones announced by the government aiming to stop the spread of coronavirus.
“The government has announced general holiday again in specific areas of several districts and city corporations considering the high risk of coronavirus,” he said while addressing a medical equipment distribution ceremony in Noakhali through videoconferencing from his official residence here.
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, urged people of these red zones to strictly abide by the government instructions and health guidelines, and deal with the ongoing situation with patience.
He provided two ICU-ventilators from his personal fund for a COVID-19 hospital set up in Noakhali.
Quader handed over the two ICU-ventilators to Superintending Engineer of Health Engineering Department Abdul Hamid at his residence here.
Speaking on the occasion, Quader said despite having various limitations, the government is trying to increase the capacity of COVID-19 testing and ensure treatment for the COVID-19 patients.
“Samples are being tested at more than 60 testing centres and we must set up more testing centres too,” he added.
The AL general secretary said special measures had already been taken to procure medical equipment and other necessary safety gears.
But, he said, global experts have stressed creating mass awareness to fight the invisible virus, saying the best strategy to prevent coronavirus is to be aware of it.
“That’s why let’s build a wall of protection as an effective defence system…let’s build a fort of awareness,” he said.
Despite many limitations of the government, Quader said, the visiting Chinese team of experts praised the role of the country’s doctors and health workers in fighting COVID-19.
He said the team expressed its view that there were shortage of COVID-19 sample tests as well as lack of public awareness.
Calling upon all to abide by the health guidelines to prevent coronavirus transmission, the road transport and bridges minister said negligence in hand-washing may create health-risk.
He asked people not to hide COVID-19 symptoms and get tested at the nearest testing centres.
“Since many people are moving freely hiding their symptoms, the virus is spreading everywhere…many are following prescriptions found in various media, including Facebook, and are putting their lives at risk,” Quader said.
If necessary, he said, contact with the hotlines of the government and receive telemedicine services.
Noting that the government has taken an initiative to expand emergency services, including ICUs, and install necessary equipment at the district level hospitals, Quader said along with the government, private initiatives can come up with their efforts to tackle the ongoing crisis.
About an allegation of BNP, he said BNP secretary general MirzaFakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that BNP’s relief works were obstructed.
“I want to say clearly…make clear where you faced obstruction and give us the evidence. If the allegation is true, we will take action,” the AL general secretary added.