The Covid-19 pandemic is spreading more widely across the world. Concerns are growing over the issue of surging human infections and deaths in Bangladesh as well. Now, it is urgent to make a concerted and vigorous effort to deal with this crisis. Reports about health management during the time of ongoing lockdown in Bangladesh are not consistent with the current coronavirus situation in the country. According to media reports, bazaars and garment factories are not observing hygiene rules at all. In many cases, people are seen walking in markets without putting masks on their faces. And the country’s bazaars have been developed in such a fashion that there is no way to follow the hygiene rules. But according to public health experts, markets pose the highest risk of coronavirus infection. The local government institutions can create a safe market system for citizens. In this case, the local administration must also come forward in cooperation.
The entire government mechanism needs to be active to deal with this ongoing crisis. All the branches of the government, including ministries, will have to identify what they need to do in their respective fields. It is true that the health division alone cannot handle it. However, in various cases, it has been observed that the health division has not been able to perform its duties efficiently.
Nevertheless, we have noticed good activities of departments concerned, including the field administration and law enforcement agencies, in the implementation of the ‘strict’ lockdown countrywide. But health rules have been breached at markets and industries, creating fear that coronavirus infections could spread rapidly from these places. During the strict lockdown period, garment factories were supposed to ensure that their workers maintain physical distancing at workplaces but it had not been possible. Again, they had not arranged for the transportation of the workers. With all these examples of infringement of health protocols in sight, there are doubts about reaping the benefits of the lockdown.
Public health experts say the lockdown will reduce the rate of infection within the next week. But what is more needed now is healthcare management. Adequate quarantine and isolation facilities should be provided to Covid-19 patients during this period. Along with it, the capacity of high-flow nasal oxygen cannula at the district level should be ensured. Experts opine the success of the lockdown depends on a proper health management.
The nationwide field administration, mobile courts and police patrols are being strengthened to implement the lockdown, but the benefits will only come when the citizens will be involved into the process. With the current upsurge in infections, it is impossible to deal with the risks with a relaxed or severe lockdown unless the people are made aware of its effects. There is no denying that the way the mass media were used last year in raising awareness against Covid-19 is seen little this year. The campaign on health risks during the pandemic needs to be speeded up. Even if a tough decision like a lockdown is taken to save a life, everyone should keep a watchful eye so that it does not fail due to the negligence of the health system.
