Many in Ctg not social distancing

Even though social distancing is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to coronavirus and slowing its spread locally and across the country, many in Chattogram are not following this important practice.

As a result the number of Covid-19 patients is on the rise in the district, said healthcare experts.

The first patient was detected in Chattogram on April 3; the number rose to 32 till April 15. So far, four have died. Some areas including Sagarika in the city and Satkania upazila emerged as clusters.

Among the patients, eight are from Satkania and five from Sagarika area, said Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, civil surgeon of Chattogram district. "We repeatedly request people not to go outside except for emergencies but many do not pay heed," he told The Daily Star.

Due to unawareness, community transmission of the virus can start and people need to be more alert, cautioned medical experts.

"The situation in Chattogram is still under control but it may deteriorate drastically if we are not conscious and do not maintain physical distancing," said the civil surgeon.

Rashed Ikbal, a lecturer at a college in port city, said many walk on roads without wearing masks and often engage in chit chat without a care. "They act as if nothing has happened...," said the teacher. "Whenever they see law enforcers they disperse and regroup again as soon as police leave the area," Rashed added.

Rita Dutta, a resident of Chawkbazar, said most people who are not maintaining social distancing fail to understand the consequence. "They need to be made aware… by any means," she stressed.

Prof Dr Shakil Ahmed, in-charge of the laboratory at Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (the only organisation trusted with testing in Chattogram), said, "We can still control the situation if we maintain social distancing strictly."

Contacted, Dr Hasan Shahriar Kabir, divisional director of Directorate General of Health Services, said, "We are trying to control the spread by locking down detected areas. Awareness is a must to control community transmission. We have to strictly follow the government instructions of staying home and maintaining social distancing."