Containing pandemic's contagion in border districts

If we want to avoid a situation like the one that India has faced recently, we must impose a strict lockdown in the border districts. Considering the risinginfection rate, we can say that the border districts including Chapainawabganj, Natore, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Khulna, Satkhira, Jashore, and Bagerhat are now highly susceptible to the Covid-19 transmission. The infection rates are reportedly alarmingly high in the districts bordering India, which are varying between 44.11 per cent in Natore and 18 per cent in Kushtia.

Besides a total lockdown, there should be a suspension on inter-district bus services from the higher infection areas. The administration must heighten the monitoring of health safety guidelines, for which the law can be amended. The restrictions will have to continue until the infection rate drops significantly.

Afroza Sheikh,

Dania, Dhaka,

[email protected]