The government is set to announce a seven-day lockdown from Monday to stem the spread of coronavirus, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said Saturday.

In a media briefing at his residence, the Awami League general secretary urged the people to properly follow health guidelines to protect themselves from Covid-19.

“People must wear face masks and follow health guidelines amid a surge in coronavirus cases and deaths,” he said.

Bangladesh recorded over 6,000 new coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day on Friday (6,830). It was the fourth time in five days that the country reported its highest daily cases as the infection rate rose to 23.28 percent.

Quader said the government has already taken necessary preparation to tackle the second wave of Covid-19. “But many people are showing reluctance to maintain health rules, which may worsen the Covid-19 situation,” he warned.

Also read: Bangladesh records 6,000+ cases for 2nd straight day

Meanwhile, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said the decision for a countrywide lockdown for seven days would come within “two to three days”.

In a video message, he said the institutions providing emergency services would be open during the lockdown.

“Industries and factories will remain open too,” he said. “Workers will have to follow health guidelines and work in shifts (during that period).”

Bangladesh’s Covid situation

The country saw 6,469 coronavirus cases on Thursday, 5,358 on Wednesday, 5,042 on Tuesday and 5,181 on Monday.

A sudden spike in infections prompted the government to issue an 18-point directive and close down all entertainment centres.

The government is increasing the number of covid-designated hospitals and ICU beds to deal with the increasing number of patients.

Bangladesh has so far recorded 624,594 cases with 547,411 recoveries.

The first cases were reported on March 8 last year and the first death from the virus was announced 10 days later.

Meanwhile, the fatalities reached 9,155 with a mortality rate of 1.47 percent.

Bangladesh recorded 568 coronavirus-related deaths in January this year, 281 in February and 638 in March.