People defying safety rules despite fear of corona second wave

Many people are still breaching health safety guidelines, like - wearing masks at shopping malls and other public places or in public transports, posing threat to further spread of Covid-19 infection despite fear of a second wave of the coronavirus outbreak.

Such reckless attitude may worsen the pandemic situation in Bangladesh, in a similar way some countries are now experiencing a second wave, experts warned.

They said many people are not aware of further risk and getting overconfident, since the figures of fatalities from Covid-19 and new infection cases have been static in recent days.

Analysis of data, available with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), revealed that on an average 19 people died and 1,574 got infected on each day during the last two weeks, which is almost half of the average figures recorded in June.

However, the Covid-19 infection rate has been showing an uptrend over the last few days, official figures revealed.

Since the situation worsened in some countries, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina warned of a possible second wave of pandemic in Bangladesh, and directed all to follow the health guidelines properly.

During visits to several shopping malls and markets in the city, including Bashundhara City and New Market, the FE correspondent found many people were reluctant to pay heed to the health guidelines.

Talking to the FE, Arifur Rahman, a shopper in the city's Elephant Road area, said he does not use any facemask, as it causes breathing problem.

"I used to wear mask earlier, but now it seems that the situation is not as critical as it was earlier," he opined.

Though some of the shopping malls were seen taking measures, like - setting up disinfectant tunnels, checking visitors' body temperature with thermometer, and providing hand sanitisation facility, a section of people were not using them.

Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity launched a 'no mask no service' campaign on the first day of this month to make people aware.

Hannan Azad, president of Bashundhara City Shopping Complex Shop Owners Association, said no one is allowed to enter the mall without wearing a mask, but some put it off inside.

"We are trying heart and soul to ensure safety of our consumers here, but we are not a law-enforcing agency to force them."

Especially young people wilfully breach the rule. The association will toughen their stance, he added.

Mushtaq Hossain, Advisor to Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), said a second wave may begin anytime, which none can say when.

"The possible second wave may begin tomorrow, or even after the winter concludes," he said, explaining the uncertain situation.

As long as community transmission is not brought under control through either raising awareness or providing any vaccine, another wave of the viral infection may emerge.

If the existing detection and fatality rates increase by one and half times, and that situation continues for four weeks, it will be considered the second wave, Mr Hossain also said.

But people are still mostly unaware of present fatality and infection rates, let alone the possible second wave.

"When a pandemic continues, it is usual for many people to show a fatalistic attitude."

There are still many issues to address to keep the virus outbreak under control. The country lacks a scientific or specialised approach to control the pandemic.

"There is a need for investment to mobilise the youths, so that they can contribute to fights against the virus at grassroots level, where the health guidelines are mostly breached."

There are no straight solutions to the problem, as they vary from person to person. For many people economic issues are vital, for others social dilemma is a barrier, Mr Hussain opined.

"A number of people don't go for Covid-19 test despite having symptoms, since they fear that they might be sacked from their job or cannot continue earnings."

A corona positive person or suspect has to stay in isolation for at least two weeks.

Underscoring the need for measures to support people at grassroots level with masks and other such protective gears, he added: "Nobody is safe, until everybody is safe."

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