Nationwide fresh lockdown begins, officer-goers in trouble

The fresh nationwide strict lockdown on a limited scale imposed by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus infection started across the country on Monday morning.

All public transports except goods carriers and rickshaws, markets and shops are remained shut to keep pace with the new lockdown.

Commuters, especially officer-goers, were seen taking rickshaws, private vehicles, office vehicles, CNG-run auto-rickshaw, or walking to their respective destinations as many of the offices operated their activities amid the lockdown instructions from the government.

However, many were seen facing severe problems while boarding vehicles as no public transports were operating and lack of other vehicles.

Earlier, the Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification on Sunday evening regarding the curb on public transport movement, adding some conditions and points to the ongoing restrictions and programs to restrain coronavirus transmission taking into account the current situation of COVID-19.

It said the restrictions would have to be implemented through regular patrolling by members of law enforcement agencies.

According to the notification, all shopping malls, markets, tourist spots, resorts, community and recreation centers remained closed.

Restaurants can sell foods only through takeaway or online services between 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Government and non-government institutions manage their own transportation for carrying the required numbers of officials and employees.  

Notably, the government imposed nationwide restrictions on public movement on April 5 and enforced ‘strict restrictions’ from April 14. The ‘strict restrictions’ were later extended several times.