The government has so far done a commendable job in ensuring that necessary steps are taken to prevent the novel coronavirus, or Covid-19, from spreading and causing mass panic, having already allocated Tk50 crore to buy new equipment and raise awareness among the public.
However, when it comes to the Rohingya camps, where people live in close quarters with much poorer hygiene, the potential for the virus to spread is much higher, and more stringent steps must be taken to ensure that the virus does not take root within.
So far, no one in the camps has tested positive. It is encouraging to note that the authorities have their priorities in order, and certain procedures have already been put into place.
For one, precautionary measures have already been taken in all 34 camps, with a few hundred staff being trained to ensure early detection, diagnosis, and reporting.
In addition to this, 250 clinical focal points have already been set up, where the UN’s epidemiology team is conducting trainings on early warning alert and response.
But the fact remains, and this is true for outside of the Rohingya camps as well, we are not equipped to test for the virus, as those suspected of having symptoms are isolated and then samples are sent to Dhaka for testing.
On top of raising awareness among the Rohingya to practice better hygiene and setting up facilities to help them do so, testing centres are essential at this point to ensure that we get the most efficient diagnosis and treatment in the camps.
It is only through remaining vigilant against the spread of the virus, both in the camps and outside, that we can make sure it does not take root in our country.
