The country has been going through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic for the last 10 months. Despite the deaths of several thousands of people, it can be said that given the size of the population and a fragile health system, the situation has so far not been as bad as many feared.
Of course, everyone needs to be mindful of the fact that dozens of people are still dying every day while thousands are being infected.
The situation could have been much better had the administration and the members of the public been more responsible.
The country did relatively well in the first few months after the first detection, mainly due to lockdown and the enforcement of social distancing and wearing masks.
However, with the withdrawal of the lockdown, the enforcement of maintaining social distancing and wearing masks all but disappeared, allowing people to move around in a manner as if the pandemic does not exist.
Several weeks ago, the government decided to impose a fine of Tk200 for not wearing a mask. After a few days of enforcement, that also has gone.
As of today, the everyday life on the streets seems like the days before March. No social distancing at all, less and improper use of masks are the facts of the day. Although, in countries like Bangladesh, social distancing and wearing masks are the only two tools to stay safe from the deadly virus. Failure to do so will result in a catastrophe.
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What has happened has happened. Learning from past mistakes, the country needs to be prepared for the future.
It is feared that the country will likely go through the peak of the second wave of coronavirus between late January and early February next year. And, the limited hospital spaces are shrinking in an alarming manner.
So, adequate preparations must be taken to face the second wave peak, which will surely be much more dangerous. Moreover, our health system is not ready to cope with a big surge in the number of cases.
In order to avoid the possible impact of the peak of the second wave, the administration must play a more proactive role. At the same time, the members of the public must be aware for their own good.
Based on the ground reality, lockdown does not seem to be an option now. So, social distancing is most unlikely to be ensured fully.
However, enforcement of wearing masks properly (not only hanging around the face) can be done with the help of a proactive role of the administration and awareness of the people; members of the public must realize that masks save lives and it is not a difficult thing to do.
While ensuring the wearing of masks and social distancing, the government must take all-out efforts to get vaccines as early as possible.