Caution at the Crossroads: Health Safety Measures Tightened at Dhaka Airport Amid Rising COVID Concerns
In response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities have implemented a series of preventive measures, in line with directives issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
As a key step, thermal screening using non-contact methods has been introduced through designated medical teams to measure the body temperatures of arriving passengers. “Efforts are being made to screen the body temperatures of incoming passengers,” said the airport authorities. In addition, staff members have begun wearing masks, and efforts are underway to implement all precautionary instructions to curb the spread of infection.
Passengers have also been instructed to wear face masks at all sensitive points within the terminal premises. To ensure frontline readiness, the airport has arranged an emergency stockpile of masks and gloves for health workers.
Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Ragib Samad, stated, “Measures have also been taken to disseminate disease prevention guidelines to raise public awareness among passengers against the risk of viral transmission.”
On June 4, the health department declared a health alert across all ports in the country. The move was followed by official instructions to ensure implementation of the safety protocols. Accordingly, Shahjalal International Airport began adopting heightened health precautions.
Authorities confirmed that instructions had already been provided to all land, sea, and air ports to strengthen surveillance at the International Health Regulation (IHR) desks and to enforce public health measures rigorously. As part of this, on Wednesday, June 11, the DGHS issued an 11-point guideline to enhance awareness and prevent the spread of coronavirus among the public.
The 11-point directive includes the following instructions:
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Avoid mass gatherings as much as possible and wear a mask if attending is unavoidable.
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Use masks to protect against respiratory infections.
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Cover your nose and mouth with your arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
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Dispose of used tissues immediately in a covered waste bin.
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Wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Maintain a distance of at least three feet from infected individuals.
For suspected cases, the directive advises:
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Stay home until fully recovered if experiencing fever, cough, or respiratory symptoms.
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Encourage patients to wear a mask to cover their nose and mouth.
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Caregivers should also wear masks as a precaution.
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If necessary, contact the nearest hospital, IEDCR at 01401-196293, or the national health helpline at 16263.
These measures aim to curb transmission risks, particularly from international travelers, and ensure that Bangladesh’s ports of entry remain vigilant in maintaining public health standards.
