THE government has decided to reopen all shops and shopping malls from morning to dusk amid the ongoing countrywide shutdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. Though the World Health Organisation warned the countries that reopen the economy despite Coronavirus is looming public health danger. In Bangladesh, when on average 500+ people are being confirmed positive through a limited number of tests, the announcement may help to reach the pinnacle of the deadly infections.
The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification in this regard saying the decision was taken to continue trading on a limited scale during the month of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. According to the gazette, shops will remain open till 5:00 pm but have to maintain distance and follow health guidelines during buying and selling. Shopping malls will have to make arrangements for hand-washing at their entrances and will have to disinfect all vehicles coming in.
We know, people madly buy essential and new clothes ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and during Ramadan that must spread out COVID-19. The experience of reopening garments is not positive when we see most garments breach the regulations of 30 per cent workforce engagement and maintain hygiene at the workplace. The decision of garments without resuming public transport has spelt inhumane sufferings of the workers, while there is no monitoring whether the garments fulfil the compliance or not.
The necessity of reopening shops and shopping mall for surviving the economy and circulating money is undeniably high, but we most prefer people life than their livelihood and continue the relief. As our healthcare system is poor, testing facilities are limited in number and places, we have not understood the magnitude of COVID-19 infections — amid the situation maintain social distance in the shopping malls is unpractical. It is the duty of the government, law enforcers and citizens as well to oblige social distancing, ensure safety first and tame the deadly pandemic.
