Bangladesh imposes fresh Covid restrictions

Govt restrictions going into effect from Jan 13
Taking the sharp rise in Covid-19 cases and its new variant Omicron into consideration, the government has issued fresh restrictions on public gatherings — to be effective from January 13.
The restrictions are:
1. People must wear masks at all gatherings including at shops, shopping malls and restaurants. Otherwise, they will face legal action.
2. Everyone must wear masks when outside and also at offices and courts. Mobile courts will conduct drives to ensure that the directive is being followed.
3. To eat at restaurants and to check-in at hotels, people must show their Covid-19 vaccination certificates.
4. Students above 12 years of age will not be allowed (to attend school) without a Covid-19 vaccination certificate after the date set by the education ministry.
5. The screening number at land ports, seaports, and airports will have to be increased. Restrictions must be imposed on the ports’ crew members if they want to go outside. In the land ports, only truckers can stay inside. No assistants would be allowed. Visitors with outgoing passengers must be stopped at the airports.
6. Trains, buses and launches would allow passengers at half capacity. The concerned authorities will issue specific directives with the effective date. The drivers and their assistants of all types of vehicles must be vaccinated.
7. Incoming passengers from foreign countries must show Covid-19 vaccination certificates and conduct Rapid Antigen Test.
8. Imams will build awareness regarding wearing masks and following health guidelines at all the mosques. Deputy commissioners and upazila nirbahi officers will monitor this issue.
9. Health and Family Welfare ministry will take initiative and necessary steps to speed up the vaccination programme for all people including booster doses. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will assist regarding this.
10. All kinds of social, political, religious gatherings and rallies will remain suspended till further notice.
11. Local administration can take measures upon discussion if any unusual situation occurs in any area.