Bangladesh: Suspension of international and domestic flights extended to May 7 /update 9

Event

On Monday, April 27, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) extended the existing suspension of all international flights, except for China, until Thursday, May 7, due to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Arrivals from China will be required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. The suspension will apply to the following 16 countries: Bahrain, Bhutan, Hong Kong, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, and the UK. Additionally, all domestic flights will be suspended until the end of April; cargo flights and air ambulances are exempt from the suspension. The country's national flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has also suspended all its international and domestic flights until April 30.

A nationwide lockdown remains in place until Tuesday, May 5. The government also introduced a nighttime curfew on Friday, April 10, with effect from 18:00 to 06:00 (local time) daily. Anyone found violating the curfew may face prosecution. Under the lockdown, which has been in place since Thursday, March 26, travel via sea, rail, and air routes is banned, while public transportation on roads is suspended. All nonessential businesses and educational institutions are closed, except for pharmacies, food markets, and other necessities. Authorities have also advised the public to stay at home and to only travel outside if necessary. As of Thursday, April 9, some 29 of Dhaka's 50 districts (thanas) have been under some form of localized lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. Buildings, streets, and in certain cases whole neighborhoods have been placed under stringent lockdown by police, with residents forbidden to enter or exit. In some cases, authorities have delivered supplies to affected areas to reduce the need to leave. As of Thursday, April 9, some 29 of Dhaka's 50 districts (thanas) have been under some form of localized lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. Buildings, streets, and in certain cases whole neighborhoods have been placed under stringent lockdown by police, with residents forbidden to enter or exit. In some cases, authorities have delivered supplies to affected areas to reduce the need to leave.

Visas on arrival have been suspended for all nationalities, while passengers with a valid visa will need to present a medical certificate issued within 72 hours of departure to certify that they are not infected with COVID-19. As of March 31, foreign nationals who have visited Europe or Iran since March 1 will be prohibited from entering Bangladesh. In addition, individuals arriving from COVID-19-affected countries will be quarantined for 14 days.

As of April 27, Bangladeshi health authorities have confirmed 5913 cases of COVID-19 nationwide, including 152 fatalities and 131 recoveries. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

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 (Hubei province, 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 trouble 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 disease.