Authorities in Bangladesh have confirmed the first three cases of Covid-19, a new strain of coronavirus that has killed over 3,600 people around the world. Two Bangladeshis have recently returned from Italy with the virus, which raised questions on the effectiveness of airport screening.
Though the virus is less deadly than other diseases such as ebola, it is however much more contagious. One of the reasons is that in many cases, the infected do not show symptoms in the beginning. Everyone coming to Bangladesh from any other country needs to go through WHO standard double check at all the entry points including the airports. However, despite efforts to ensure screening, the virus has now entered the country thereby creating panic among the people.
Reassurance on part of the
government is crucial in order to
prevent panic and chaos
The price of face masks, sanitizers and hand soaps has skyrocketed and there is already a shortage of supply in the market. Misinformation and rumor-mongering has also become prevalent amidst the outbreak. The government is on high alert and coordinating their efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a programme asked all to follow the directives of the health ministry instead of getting panicked about the coronavirus and she assured that the government has the capability to face it. Reassurance on part of the government is crucial in order to prevent panic and chaos. The government should raise awareness on the virus through campaigns and distribute face masks.
Moreover, authorities need to import essentials which are already running low in the stores and prevent dishonest businesses from taking advantage of the precarious situation. There is already a lot of information spreading on the disease and the government must take steps to ensure that accurate knowledge is being disseminated to prevent mass panic. Transparency on part of the government in handling the situation is needed to reassure the public.
