Bangladesh: Government orders quarantine for all international arrivals March 16 /update 1

Event

Government officials on Monday, March 16, ordered all international arrivals to Bangladesh to undergo a 14-day home-quarantine to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Officials similarly advised individuals to limit gatherings; all educational institutions, sports, and many other domestic activities are suspended until at least Tuesday, March 31, including all Mujib Year celebrations. The closures of educational institutes is effective from Wednesday, March 18.

On Saturday, March 14, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen announced a 16-day entry ban on all foreign nationals and Bangladeshi nationals from Europe (excluding the UK), India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar effective March 16. Officials may deny entry to individuals traveling from countries significantly impacted by COVID-19. Authorities have also suspended visa on arrival from March 16-31, and suspended train services to and from India until further notice.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has reportedly suspended flight operations on 11 of its 18 international routes as of March 16. Further domestic and international flight disruptions are anticipated in the near term.

As of March 16, health officials have confirmed eight cases of COVID-19 nationwide after carrying out 142 tests. Further spread of the virus is expected in 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, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.