Zone-wise lockdown likely from next week

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) expects enforcement of zone-wise lockdown from next week as per the proposal of the public health expert committee to the cabinet division after finalising the zones by DG health and a2i.

But the criteria of red, yellow and green zones are yet to be finalised. A meeting on finalisation of zoning, lockdown and responsibility of various ministries, city corporations and departments will be held today (Friday). DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam confirmed this to the FE.

"The government may declare red zone if the number of coronavirus cases in any area ranges between 20 and 40. The yellow zone will be declared if the number of cases ranges between one and 19. But nothing has yet been finalised," said Mayor Atiq.

He said the city corporation will not lock down the whole city rather some buildings or a particular area, giving priority to the economic activities so that the GDP growth, people's life and livelihood are not hampered. "We will boost GDP and impose confinement at the same time. If any area is locked down, we will provide relief for the poor people and arrange necessary items through e-commerce-based kitchen market services for the well-off," he said.