"Let me assure you that the Prime Minister and the Awami League government are beside you during this hour. Don’t panic. Be alert. Together, we’ll prevail," he said in a message shared on his verified Facebook page. 

Joy said Bangalees are a brave and resilient nation and they have seen through major disasters before. 

"If you follow the directions properly, we’ll successfully see this crisis through as well. It’s also important, now more than ever, to be vigilant against fake news and rumours," he said.

Joy, also son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said the government is holding regular briefings to update the country about all latest developments in this regard.   

He said the Covid-19 has emerged as a global public health crisis and around 180 countries have been affected by this novel virus, including Bangladesh. 

Since there are no specific drugs and/or vaccines for this virus yet, containing the spread of the virus is crucial, the Prime Minister’s adviser said. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League government are working tirelessly to ensure that the situation remains under control, he said. 

"We’ve stopped all international flights to Bangladesh except four. All incoming passengers are being thoroughly screened. Separate isolation facilities have been set up for those coming from abroad," Joy said.

He said home-quarantine is being strictly enforced by local administration and law enforcement agencies. "We’ve cut short our celebrations for Mujib Year. All educational institutions have been closed. We’ve restricted all social, religious and political gatherings. If need arises, we’ll go for further measures."

Joy said they are also working to ensure that health sector workers have the necessary personal protection and extending our testing capacity for the virus. 

Three designated hospitals are already receiving and treating patients suspected of carrying the virus in addition to the IEDCR, he mentioned. 

Facilities are being set up in other public medical institutions to keep patients showing symptoms separate from others, the Prime Minister’s adviser said.  

He, however, said there is a lot to be done on an individual level as well. "Please follow all necessary safety instructions provided by the WHO and the government of Bangladesh."

"Avoid large gatherings. Don’t go out of your house if you feel sick. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap or clean them with sanitiser. Do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes with your hands," Joy said.

He suggested avoiding hugging or shaking hands with others. 

"Cover your mouth during coughing and sneezing. If you use public transport, wear masks if available. Ensuring personal hygiene and social distancing are the two most effective measures you can contribute with," Joy said.