Public awareness is a must in tackling coronavirus

The response to the news of coronavirus cases being reported in Bangladesh has been one of widespread panic. According to a report by The Daily Star, the news has been greeted with panic-buying and hoarding of face masks, hand sanitisers and antiseptic liquids as protection against a potential spread of the virus, which has globally infected over 100,000 people and killed at least 4,028 so far. In Dhaka, a number of pharmacies and superstores have reported a shortage of these items, thanks to coronavirus fears leading to stockpiling. Even the demand for tissue paper, which is not known for offering special protection against the virus, has almost doubled overnight, according to some retailers. The risks associated with such a buying frenzy are well-known: it can, for one, deprive those who might need them. If left unchecked, the effects of panic-buying and hoarding of such items may eventually extend to daily essentials resulting in total chaos in the market, which is anything but desirable at this stage.  

Experts have offered some explanations for the panic: that people are resorting to extremes because of the unpredictability of the disease and the mysteries surrounding it; that they are reacting to the lack of a clear direction as well as the lack of preparedness from health officials, etc. Whatever the reason, the government must find a way to address it. Public awareness and clear communication are of the essence if we want to limit the damage of this pandemic with any degree of success. There are two sides to the public engagement issue: first, people should be made aware that responsible behaviour on their part would be of enormous help. This means, no panic-buying. Families of persons coming from abroad, in particular, who may have passed the initial screening but start showing symptoms later, must report such cases to the authorities. Those trying to profit from hoarding should be strongly dealt with. Secondly, health officials and those in charge of tackling the crisis should make available clear guidelines on what to do and undertake daily awareness campaigns using electronic, print and social media.

One of the advantages of the coronavirus entering late in Bangladesh is that we can learn from global best practices. In Kerala, for example, they have formed a cell to counter the spread of misinformation. In Singapore, they have mounted a massive cleaning campaign and even reportedly employed the army to pack masks in their millions to be distributed freely to every single household in the country. These are but a few examples we can learn from. Nothing, however, will be of much use if citizens do not behave responsibly and the authorities do not undertake programmes consistent with the gravity of the situation.