Bangladesh: Authorities restrict all forms of transport starting March 24 /update 4

Event

Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader declared a ban on passenger travel via sea, rail, and air routes effective Tuesday, March 24, while public transportation on roads will be suspended from Thursday, March 26 , through Saturday, April 4, to prevent further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Bangladesh previously announced that it will temporarily suspend most of its international passenger fights, except routes with the UK, China, Hong Kong and Thailand, from Sunday, March 22, through Tuesday, March 31. Transportation of goods and emergency services will be exempted from the travel bans.

The closure of all educational institutions has been extended to Thursday, April 9, and all non-essential businesses have been shut.

As of Wednesday, March 25, there have been 39 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bangladesh, including five fatalities and seven recoveries. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.  

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.