All educational institutions to remain closed for two weeks

Staff Correspondent: Dhaka, Jan-21,

Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque today said all schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed

for the next two weeks due to a surge of COVID-19 cases across the country.

“We decided to shut down all schools, colleges, and universities for next two weeks (January 21 to February 6) after discussion with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the spread of coronavirus has increased sharply,” he told a

press conference at Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) here.

DGHS Director General Prof Dr Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam and senior officials of relevant organizations, among others, were present at the press conference.

The health minister said, “After monitoring the overall situation of coronavirus till the next two weeks, we will make a decision about the re-opening of educational institutions.”Referring to yesterday’s COVID-19 positive cases, he said Bangladesh

reported nearly 10,900 coronavirus positive cases on January 20 (yesterday) and this rising trend of coronavirus infection continued for the past few weeks.

Describing the rising trend of coronavirus infection as alarming, Maleque said, “With concerted efforts of all, we have to control the rein of COVID-19 to protect the people from the deadly disease.”He urged all to maintain health rules including wearing facemasks at all public places to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  As the country witnessed a sharp rise of COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks, the Cabinet Division today issued five-point fresh restrictions to

contain the deadly virus. On January 10, the government imposed 11-point restrictions to control the

spike of coronavirus.

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