Schools, colleges closed for two weeks

The government have decided to shut all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, across the country for two weeks due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque came up with the development at a press conference at the Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) on Friday.

He said, “We decided to shut down all educational institutions from January 21 to February 6 after discussion with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the spread of coronavirus has increased sharply.”

DGHS Director General Prof Dr Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam and senior officials of relevant organizations, among others, were present at the press conference.

The minister said that after monitoring the overall situation of coronavirus till the next two weeks, we will take a decision about re-opening of educational institutions.

The decision for universities has been laid to the respective authorities. However, universities can run their academic activities online, and dorms will remain open maintaining strict health guidelines.

He urged all to maintain health rules including wearing facemasks at all public places to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As the country witnessed a sharp rise of COVID-19 cases in the last few weeks, the Cabinet Division issued five-point fresh restrictions to contain the deadly virus.

On January 10, the government imposed 11-point restrictions to control the spike of coronavirus.

ARR