PM Issues 31-Point Directive

Prime Minister Sheik Hasina urged people to contact doctors if they had any symptoms of coronavirus and not to follow any rumours regarding the virus as she released a 31-point guideline last night in the light of the outbreak of COVID-19.

Sheik Hasina also warned that no corruption will be tolerated in the delivery of relief and advised not to allow complete use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

"The prime minister has given the 31-point instruction in the wake of the novel coronavirus [COVID-19] situation in the country," PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told BSS.

The directives of the prime minister are as follows:

1) Treatment measures relevant to coronavirus will have to be taken and awareness-raising campaigns on this topic will have to be implemented.

2) There is no need for concealment; rather, go to physicians if symptoms of coronavirus surfaces.

3) There is no requirement for general usage of PPE for anyone; rather, all participating with the care process need to wear PPE and take precautionary precautions to maintain all medical devices, including PPE and masks, safe from the virus and in the event of their removal.

4) Special attention will be provided to all doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, cleaners, ambulance drivers who are interested in the care of COVID-I9.

5) Those who are in-home quarantine or isolation should be treated humanely.

6) To regularly follow the health code, including washing hands, using masks and maintaining social distance.

7) Naval ambulances should be provided in the riverbank districts.

8) Proper health checkups and medical care for other patients should be continued.

9) Ensure cleanliness, and all the city corporations, municipalities and Upazila Parishad across the country will have to strengthen their cleanliness activities.

10) Attention will be given to law and order, so all elected authorities, including the Human Services Division, the administration, law enforcement agencies, and the Armed Forces Division, will have to continue their attempts to ensure good cooperation in these tough periods throughout the country.

11) No corruption will be tolerated in relief activities.

12) Assistance will have to be given to day-laborers, workers, and peasants so that they will not stay unfed, and a different list of disadvantaged employees will have to be enlisted.

13) Social safety activities will continue.

14) Proper attention will have to be paid so that economic activities don't stagnate.

15) The system of food processing will have to proceed and a larger range of crops will have to be produced. Anything is required for food protection, it will have to be achieved and no land can be left uncultivated.

16) Supply system should be maintained.

17) General activities will continue and the prices of essentials will have to be kept under control.

18) All celebration programmes of the Bangla New Year should be suspended to avoid public gatherings. The celebration should be done digitally while staying at home.

19) Local public representatives, political leaders, people of all stages of the society will have to work together. The administration will have to work engaging all the people.

20) Alongside the Government, affluent individuals and organizations of the Community may carry out their relief and health care operations, ensuring cooperation with the Deputy Commissions and Upazila Nirbahi Officers.

21) The public representatives and Upazila administration will distribute food among the distressed people by preparing a ward-based list.

22) Unique consideration will have to be paid to the most vulnerable citizens, such as field employees, day laborers, rickshaw-and van-pullers, transport staff, beggars, street girls, women deserted by their husbands, widows and the 'hijra' society, and they will have to be supported.

23) Necessary arrangements will have to be made for senior citizens and children.

24) All government employees and volunteer organisations will have to follow the standing orders (SOD) regard disasters.

25) Necessary arrangements will have to be made for monitoring on production, supply and regular marketing of the essential goods.

26) Don't buy excessive products after being panicked as there is adequate stock of all necessary goods including food grains.

27) The farmers will continue cultivation regularly, and in this case, government incentives will go on.

28) All industry owners, business people and individuals will keep their own industries, business establishments and houses clean.

29) The owners of industries will continue production through discussion with the workers and ensuring their safety.

30) Media workers have an important part to play in building social knowledge, so in this situation, a keen focus will have to be held such that no one may confuse viewers by circulating numerous myths so false information.

31) Spreading rumors will have to be stopped.  There are numerous stories being circulated. Don't pay attention to the gossip and don't think about it.