The government has already imposed multiple restrictions to slow down the transmission of Covid-19 as the number of infections continues to increase in Bangladesh, largely driven by the Omicron variant.
The directives that came into effect on January 13 include several components: mask wearing, emphasizing vaccination, expanding screening facilities, maintenance of social distancing norms, and creating awareness among people.
In regards to mask wearing, it advises mandatory wearing of masks in all public places, including shopping malls, markets, hotels, and restaurants, and outdoors including offices, to avoid penalty.
However, the fight against Covid-19 requires more than just restrictions. It needs proper enforcement, a mask mandate for all, wide vaccination coverage, and well-equipped medical facilities for critical patients.
Out of the three, the government is on the track to ramp up vaccination and expansion of medical facilities for future. But the first component - mask use by all - needs to be ramped up significantly.
While mobile courts deployed by the government, and the sermons announced by the Imams help, more is needed on mask wearing. People need to put more emphasis on mask use to keep themselves and their near and dear ones safe.
Effectiveness of mask use
In a country of over 16 million population, getting people to wear masks is not easy, particularly in the districts where enforcement is not as strict as Dhaka.
A randomized trial involving nearly 350,000 individuals in 600 villages in Bangladesh between November 2020 and April 2021 found that wearing masks reduces the chances of contracting Covid-19 up to 34%.
Dhaka TribuneThe study, titled "The Impact of Community Masking on Covid-19: A Cluster-Randomized Trial in Bangladesh," was conducted by researchers from Stanford Medicine School and Yale University.
Identifying mask-wearing as the single most effective public health measure at tackling Covid-19, a systematic review and meta-analysis titled “Effectiveness of public health measures in reducing the incidence of covid-19, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and covid-19 mortality” found that mask use was linked to a 53% fall in the incidence of Covid-19.
Mask use ignored, experts for free mask distribution
The government has put in place directives for mandatory use of face masks several times, but it remains largely ignored.
Many people are roaming around without masks every day. The scene is quite common in areas that draw crowds, such as rail stations, bus terminals, ferry terminals, public transports, and marketplaces.
Of the people who carry a mask, many keep it hanging under their chins. Such a situation was noticed at the ongoing Dhaka International Trade Fair as well.
The NTAC on January 19 recommended distribution of free of cost masks to contain transmission of Covid-19.
Eminent virologist and member of the National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 Prof Nazrul Islam stressed the need to wear masks, wash hands, and maintain social distancing.
“Mask use is important not only to protect yourself, but also to protect others,” he added.
Dr M Mushtuq Husain, adviser to Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, recommended that social welfare organizations work with the government by deploying volunteers to engage with people and encourage them to use masks, and maintain health advisory guidelines.