Staff Correspondent

The government has decided to impose a countrywide “lockdown” for a week from tomorrow in a desperate bid to contain the rising number of new cases of Covid-19 and deaths from it.

“Coronavirus is spreading rapidly. Infection and death are jumping up. In the given situation, Sheikh Hasina’s government has decided to impose a one-week lockdown across the country from Monday,” Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said yesterday.

Production facilities might be allowed to remain operational on certain conditions, he told a briefing from his official residence.

According to Quader, also the Awami League general secretary, the public administration ministry was to issue a circular detailing the new restrictions by yesterday evening. But it wasn’t issued until late last night.

State Minister for Public Administration Forhad Hossain also commented about the possibility of a “lockdown” and said organisations providing emergency services will not be restricted.

Employees will work in shifts and follow the health guidelines in the industries, he told reporters.