To keep the wheels of the economy rolling during the ferocious second wave of the pandemic, the government Thursday allowed the resumption of all public transport services from August 19.

All tourist spots, community centres, resorts and recreation facilities can also reopen but with 50% capacity from August 19 and following all Covid-safety protocols, the Cabinet division said in a notification.

Read: Covid-19: Bangladesh announces new restriction rules

The latest directive will remain in force until further orders, according to the Cabinet division. 

Earlier, the government had allowed only half of the public transport vehicles to ply on the roads, following all health protocols. Moreover, it was silent on the reopening of the tourist spots and community centres.

According to the latest notification, all modes of public transport, including those of road, river and railways can restart operations following all health protocols.

Use of masks and social distancing will be mandatory everywhere. And legal action will be taken against violators, be it individuals or organisations, according to the government.
       
The authorities concerned have been asked to take necessary steps in this regard.  

Bangladesh was put under the “strict” lockdown on July 23 barring people from leaving their homes except for essential reasons.

Read: Bangladesh eases lockdown, but Delta variant ready to hit freedom

Scheduled to end on August 5, it was later extended to August 10.

The government, meanwhile, allowed reopening of all export-oriented factories from August 1 amid the nationwide lockdown.

Lockdown ease

On August 8, the government decided to ease the ongoing nationwide lockdown allowing shops, factories and offices to reopen from August 11.

Buses, trains and river vessels have been allowed to carry passengers in their full passenger capacities. However, in regard to road transport, local administrations (Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners) have been empowered to allow half of the public transport vehicles to move every day after consulting the relevant authorities and law enforcement agencies.

Shopping malls, markets and shops are allowed to reopen from 10 am to 8 pm following the health guidelines, while hotels and restaurants got the nod to operate from 8am to 10 pm at 50% capacity.

Covid-19 situation

Bangladesh on Wednesday reported 237 Covid-related deaths in 24 hours, a figure that shows how bad the situation is in the country. 

Read:Covid kills 237 more in Bangladesh as Delta strain raging

On August 5, the country reported 264 deaths shattering its previous single-day record of 258 Covid-related fatalities on July 27. On August 10 too, the country logged 268 deaths. 

Besides, 10,420 more people came out Covid positive during the period after testing 44,430 samples, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).