Due to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases across the country, Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque said today that all schools, colleges, and institutions will be closed for the next two weeks.
“We decided to shut down all schools, colleges and universities for next two weeks (January 21 to February 6) after discussion with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the spread of coronavirus has increased sharply,” he told a press conference at Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) here.
The news conference was attended by DGHS Director General Prof Dr Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, as well as senior officials from related organizations.
The health minister said, “After monitoring the overall situation of coronavirus till the next two weeks, we will take a decision about the re-opening of educational institutions.”
He stated that Bangladesh recorded about 10,900 coronavirus positive cases on January 20 (yesterday) and that the rising trend of coronavirus infection has remained for the past few weeks.
“With combined efforts of all, we have to restrict the rein of COVID-19 to safeguard the public from the deadly disease,” Maleque added, describing the rising trend of coronavirus infection as frightening.
To avoid the spread of COVID-19, he advised everyone to follow health guidelines, including wearing facemasks in public places.
The Cabinet Division today ordered five-point new limits to contain the deadly COVID-19 virus, which has seen a dramatic surge in cases in recent weeks.
To combat the coronavirus outbreak, the government issued 11-point restrictions on January 10.
