Lockdown to start in Red Zones in Jashore from tomorrow

Jashore district has been divided into three zones. It has been decided to lockdown the entire red zone starting from tomorrow. The yellow zone will have a partial lockdown. All will be normal in the green zone provided people follow the hygiene rules.

A public notice was issued in this regard on Monday afternoon. It was jointly signed by Deputy Commissioner and District Committee on Coronavirus Control and Prevention Mohammad Shafiul Arif and Civil Surgeon Dr. Sheikh Abu Shaheen. Areas under Red Zone are Ward No. 3 (Ghop) of Jashore Municipality, New Upa-Shahar and Shahartali,  Arabpur Union.

Wards No 2, 4, 5, 6 and 9 of Nawapara town of Eracha Abhaynagar, Ward No 6 of Chaugachha town, Ward No 2 of Benapole municipality, Wards No 2 and 3 of Jhikargachha municipality and Ward No 1 of Keshabpur municipality have been included in the red zone.

Among the villages, Chalishia, Payra and Bagutia Unions of Abhaynagar Upazila and Sharsha Sadar Union are in the red zone. Red zone areas are considered high risk. In the last two weeks, up to 20 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in these areas.

Earlier, the decision was taken at a meeting of the district committee on coronavirus control and prevention held at the deputy commissioner's office at noon yesterday. Civil Surgeon Sheikh Abu Shaheen confirmed this information. Jashore Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shafiul Arif presided over the meeting. Jashore Superintendent of Police Muhammad Ashraf Hossain, Civil Surgeon Sheikh Abu Shaheen, Press Club President Zahid Hasan Tukun among others were present.

A public statement issued at the end of the meeting said, "Currently, coronavirus (Covid-19) is in the fourth stage of the epidemic in Bangladesh. Therefore, the Department of Health (COVID-19) has formulated strategies and guidelines for the implementation of zonal control measures considering the risk of infection. According to the guideline, Jashore district has been divided into Union and Municipality (Ward Based) Red, Yellow and Green Zones to prevent infection."

The general rules for zone-based observance were included, including a complete lockdown for the red zone and a partial lockdown for the yellow zone. The order will remain in force from Tuesday, June 16, until further notice, the statement said.

The notification also gives details of what can and cannot be done in any zone. There are 11 guidelines for red zones.

The guidelines are: Agriculture can be done in extended shifts in compliance with hygiene rules; Work can be done in factories and agricultural production factories in compliance with hygiene rules. But the city will be all closed; Office work can be done from home; No rallies can be held. Only sick people can go to the hospital; People can leave their house only in case of emergency.

Only home delivery service will be available in restaurants and food stores. People can go to the market only if they need to. However, shopping malls, cinema halls, gyms / sports complexes, recreation centers will be closed; Financial transaction activities such as deposit / withdrawal have to comply with hygiene rules. Patients in the area need to have adequate tests done. 

Identified patients will be in isolation (at home / isolation center); Only duty bearers (employees) will participate in the mosque / place of worship.