The recent uptick in Covid-19 cases in the country, as reported by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), is a stark reminder that while the worst of the pandemic is behind us, the need for vigilance and caution never stops.
While in absolute numbers, the new infections being confirmed appear to be modest and nothing to fear, we must not dismiss them and rather treat them as the warning they are.
The rainy season in Bangladesh has always been a crucible for diseases. Waterborne and vector-borne illnesses like dengue and typhoid thrive in the damp, crowded conditions that monsoon brings. Now, with Covid-19 potentially resurging, the risks are compounded.
The Ministry of Health has already urged citizens -- especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses -- to avoid crowded places and to wear masks in public. We are encouraged to see this pro-active approach to public awareness, and it is one we hope the people heed and not ignore.
History has shown us the consequences of complacency. In the early months of the pandemic, Bangladesh saw its cases surge when we failed to understand the severity of the virus’s relentless spread. The lessons learned then must guide us now. Vigilance, not fatigue, must define our response.
During monsoon, additional precautions are vital. Community leaders and local authorities must therefore double down on public awareness campaigns, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us are not left without support and measures to prevent their diseases.
We as a nation have and will continue to weather myriad challenges. With that said, the convergence of Covid-19 and monsoon-borne diseases demands unity and resolve. Vigilance and preparedness today will ensure the future health and safety of our families and nation.
