House owners have asked their tenants not to go out from homes and are promoting awareness on loudspeakers and urging imams to discuss coronavirus after offering prayers.

Gates of various alleys and buildings had banners warning that outsiders were not allowed and some encouraged people to use sanitisers and masks.

All shops were seen shut except pharmacies and hotels.

Bangladesh has so far confirmed six coronavirus deaths and a total of 54 cases.

Ward councillors of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) said they urged the residents to abide by the government’s instructions.

Ward 65 Councillor Shamshuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan told UNB that he distributed relief materials among around 700 people in his area on Wednesday.    

“We’ll distribute 60-70 tonnes relief materials among the poor so that they survive since they can’t work now.  We urge residents to stay home. We’ll send food items to their homes,” he also said.

Another ward councillor Mohammad Mamun told UNB that they are spraying disinfectants regularly and urging people to stay indoors.

 “It’s a crisis moment and all of us need to work together,” he said.

Md Mohsin, a resident of Najirabazar Jamai Golli, said they installed a collapsible gate so that residents of the area cannot go out easily.

“We fixed a time when people can go out to purchase essentials. Those who’re coming back from villages must test for coronavirus,” he added.

Another resident of Old Dhaka Biplob Hossain said they are aware of the situation but some people are not realising how deadly the virus is.

“The government should take stern steps so that people can’t venture out of homes during holiday intended to prevent the spread of coronavirus,” he also said.