In many ways, it may appear that things are back to normal.
There is traffic on the roads again, there are people crowding the streets, and shops, restaurants, and establishments are all open for business. The government too is looking to transition back to normal activity, lifting restrictions on movement and activities for the public. Public transport is now allowed to operate at full capacity.
However, despite the appearance of normality, the fact remains that the Covid-19 pandemic has not gone anywhere, and in fact, the number of infections and deaths clearly indicates that it remains as potent a threat as ever. Nothing has changed on that front.
Therefore, the government’s decisions to open up appear to be premature, and while the discussion of life vs livelihood has essentially compelled several decisions regarding the opening of the economy, there is no scope for throwing caution to the wind, particularly at a time when Bangladesh continues to record significant numbers in terms of infections and death due to Covid-19.
As such, this is the time for the people of Bangladesh to exercise their individual responsibility. There remains the very real and credible threat of a pandemic out there, and unless absolutely necessary, people should remain cautious and remain indoors in the safety of their homes, and not venture out into public spaces and risk infection. If there is a need to get out, masks must be worn at all times.
Responsible behaviour has remained absolutely vital to curbing the spread of this virus, and not much has changed in that regard. Regular hand-washing, wearing masks in public, and maintaining a safe distance continue to be the three most important things to do. Let us not forget them now that there is an appearance of normalcy.
