As more time passes, the need for a concrete plan of action from the government becomes ever more urgent.
These are, after all, unprecedented challenges, and to that end, it is commendable that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently issued 31 directives in an effort to keep the coronavirus crisis in check. It is a comprehensive plan, and covers most essential areas, including treatment, awareness, food and essential goods production, and the economy, among others.
Aside from reiterating the importance of sufficient awareness, the 31-point set of instructions urges people to seek testing and treatment.
It especially prioritizes the well being of all health care professionals working on the frontlines to tackle the virus; among the numerous reports of inadequate PPEs being available to medical staff, a directive explicitly stating the importance of ensuring proper protective measures sheds some much needed light on the issue.
The plan also seeks to make sure that our economy does not come to a complete halt amidst the crisis and that food production stays unaffected -- while also ensuring that corruption does not contaminate relief activities.
In addition to the more conventional steps, the prime minister has also proposed that special care be given to the most economically and socially disadvantaged people in our society -- such as day labourers, beggars, and street children, who either depend on their daily earnings or cannot fare for themselves -- as well as marginalized communities who are likely to get hit hard.
Countries far richer than ours have struggled to contain the spread of this pandemic, and no doubt, Bangladesh faces a scenario that will test our resolve in the months ahead. This plan is a good start.
