Bangladesh Covid-19 Updates

In today´s world we are accustomed to socialising, going out and travelling. However, given our present circumstances, the world has been quarantined in their homes, to keep us and our loved ones safe. The Economic Matters, Youth & Sports and Education Committees would like to bring to you The World at Home. We have put together a Quarantine Lifestyle issue, to ease the time spent at home, seeking ways to somehow bring a sense of normality, ideas to reinvent ourselves, develop some skills, learn new languages or to keep us entertained in these extreme times. The link will be updated regularly with fresh resources. Our teams wish all the families and their loved ones safety, security and good health.

Link

Advisory on Post-Lockdown Measures for Employers

May 28, 2020

https://ijkcbd.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/NationalCouncilSharePoint/ERqegdrCxy...

Health & Safety Advisory on Post-Lockdown Measures

May 28, 2020

https://ijkcbd.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/NationalCouncilSharePoint/EdrYSVI3DX...

Translation of Part 1: For All Individuals

https://ijkcbd.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/NationalCouncilSharePoint/EQpQnJM047...

Translation of Part 2: For Individuals Required to Return to Work and Part 3: For Individuals Going to the Market

https://ijkcbd.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/NationalCouncilSharePoint/ETUdJQfNfx...

Translation of Part 4: For Individuals using Public Transport, CNGs, Rickshaws and Part 5: Steps to take when Returning Home

https://ijkcbd.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/NationalCouncilSharePoint/EQU5FdjkvU...

Translation of Part 6: Steps to take when ordering Food from Outside

https://ijkcbd.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/NationalCouncilSharePoint/EZnCheuUjm...

State of the Economy with Selim Barkat

May 22, 2020

https://ijkcbd.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/NationalCouncilSharePoint/EZ-fnUE6n3...

Guide to Staying Healthy At Home during Covid-19

May 22, 2020

https://ijkcbd.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/NationalCouncilSharePoint/EQG8WTm0_H...

Safety & Security Advisory

May 22, 2020

https://ijkcbd.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/NationalCouncilSharePoint/EZdN3k5oZl...

Getting A Job 101

May 04, 2020

Video

Advisory on Safe Ramadan Practices

April 30, 2020

Ya Ali Madad and Ramadan Kareem.

We hope the month of Ramadan is off to a positive start. During this holy month, we wanted to share some basic information about safe Ramadan practices, based on an advisory published by the World Health Organization.

1. There is no evidence that fasting is harmful to your health if you are healthy with no preexisting medical conditions, as long as you are drinking enough water during non-fasting hours.

2. Maintain physical distancing of 1.5 meters from others and wash your hands at all times.

3. Refrain from inviting friends and family members who do not live with you to your home to break your fast or to recite your prayers together.

4. Be mindful of how much food to buy. Purchase items you need in reasonable quantities to ensure that others have the ability to purchase the food they need.

5. Monitor your health. If you experience some tiredness or fatigue, this may be the result of your body adjusting to your new routine of fasting.

6. If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain, bluish lips or face and/or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, you should immediately self-isolate and seek medical help.

7. Over and above this information, it is important to remember the guidance issued by the Government of Bangladesh for the month of Ramadan. It may be a good idea to remind your staff and colleagues of these important considerations. Specifically:
a. Iftar mahfils are banned during the entire month of Ramadan.
b. Taraweeh prayers will be restricted to a maximum of 10 people.
c. The maximum number of people allowed for prayers in a mosque is 5 while Jummah (Friday) prayers will also be restricted to a maximum of 10 people.

We wish you a safe Ramadan.

Advisory on Use of Cleaning Products

April 28, 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we must remember to keep our houses disinfected and germ-free. COVID-19 has no space in a clean environment. Below are listed some of the ways you can keep your house disinfected (product names/prices are provided in the second page). Remember to first clean dirty surfaces before disinfecting. Please follow the safety instructions on the product’s label, and remember to seal the cleaning fluids and store out of sight and reach of young children. Of course, disinfectants should not be consumed for treating COVID-19.

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* Do not mix bleach with any other cleaning products and keep the room well ventilated when using bleach or other strong cleaning products

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Future Careers of Bangladesh

April 23, 2020

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Video

Home Quarantine Quick Reference Guide

April 21, 2020

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Health and Safety Advisory on Home Quarantine

April 21, 2020

Following our earlier advisory sent on March 24th, and as per the AKDN Guidelines received recently, we urge the Jamat to take note of the points below regarding Home Quarantine:

The symptoms of COVID-19 are:

Common cases: fever, tiredness (fatigue) and dry cough.
Severe cases: difficulty breathing, chest tightness/chest pain, uncontrolled fever, mental confusion, bluish lips or face, and/or persistent vomiting and diarrhea.

If you or your family member have any of the above symptoms:

Do not panic
Call the Government’s Hotline numbers: 10655 or 16263 or 333. All official numbers are also available here: https://corona.gov.bd/call_center. The agent will review your symptoms and provide advice on testing and treatment based on your symptoms.
Inform your Cluster Manager immediately:
- Joarsahara Housing: Hamida Budhani (01744214430), Al-Moeiz Laiwala (01713131452), Mukhi Madad Ali Virani (01711540461)
- Bashundhara (non-Joarsahara) & Uttara: Nurjahan Ajanee (01713 019261)
- Gulshan, Banani & Baridhara: Salim Jivani (01713 431003)
- Chittagong: Noureen Mansur Ali (01721 954794)
- Other Families in Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh: Zohra Shehzad (01776 087536)
Avoid all physical contact with others - do not leave your home for 14 days, unless to seek medical care if you develop severe symptoms.
- Rest in a well-ventilated room which is separate from other members of the household. If that is not possible, have your bed 6 feet away from others.
- Use a separate bathroom if possible. If not possible, it is advisable to disinfect toilets after being used by COVID-19 patients, and the toilet lid should be put down after use before flushing.
- Limit your movements within the home to avoid infecting others (for example, make special food serving arrangements so that you can eat in your room).
- Wear a disposable facemask that covers your nose and mouth completely when in close proximity to others in your household.
- Continue to wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
- Avoid sharing household items, like utensils, dishes, towels, and wash thoroughly with soap and water.
- Use household cleaning supplies to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces including kitchen counters, table tops, door handles, light switches, mobile phones regularly using normal cleaning products.
- Wash sick person’s clothes, towels, bed linens separately and thoroughly with household detergent.
- Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home.
Identify a specific single caregiver, preferably someone in good health without underlying chronic conditions
- The caregiver should also wear a facemask when in close contact, avoid touching his/her face, wash hands with soap and water after every interaction, for at least 20 seconds or in such a way that both the surfaces of the hands including the fingers, the finger gaps and the nail beds including the tip of the fingers are thoroughly cleaned.
- The caregiver should monitor their own health closely, particularly for signs of fever by checking temperature twice a day.
Take care of your health
- If you are experiencing mild symptoms, such as a low-grade fever (temperature of up to 38°C), a cough and/or a headache, medicines like paracetamol, cough syrups and throat lozenges can offer relief. Avoid ibuprofen or related non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
- Monitor your temperature twice a day.
- Drink adequate amounts of water and other fluids.
- Make sure you include fruits and vegetables in your diet and get at least 8 hours of sleep at night.
Seek medical help if your symptoms progress rapidly and/or you develop severe symptoms like those listed in point #1.
- Please contact your Cluster Manager if you need any assistance.
- Depending on the Government's measures to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be asked to go directly to a community quarantine or medical facility.
- If you are experiencing an emergency, call an ambulance service, emergency numbers are provided in the Appendix below.
- Wear a disposable mask that covers your nose and mouth completely before leaving your home.
- Limit the number of family members taking you to the hospital to just one individual.
Follow self-quarantine of 14 days for the entire household
- The entire family, including those not showing any symptoms, should avoid all physical contact with others, and avoid visitors in their home.
- Those who had symptoms can stop quarantining after 14 days if no signs of fever are seen for a period of 72 hours (three full days without the use of medicines) and other symptoms have improved.
- Please contact your Cluster Manager if you require any assistance with arranging supplies or with food preparation during the self-quarantine period.

Maintain recommended Home Quarantine supplies as provided in the chart below.

Recommended Home Quarantine Supplies for 1 month for a Family of 4 People

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Emergency Medical Numbers:

Dhaka

Kurmitola General Hospital: 02 55062201, 02 55062350, 02 55062349, 01769010200
Evercare (previously Apollo) Hospital: 10678, Ambulance: 01714090000
United Hospital: 10666, Ambulance: 01914001234
Shahjahan Ambulance: +8801720382537

Chattogram

Chattogram General Hospital: 01711971512, 01817738559, 031616786
Chattogram Medical College Hospital: 01769247568, 031630179, 031630176

Khulna: Khulna Diabetic Hospital: 041-762382, 041-721966
Mymensingh: Mymensingh Medical College Hospital: 01768-027115

Economic Matters Committee Business Advisory #3

April 7, 2020

As we move forward during this pandemic, Economic Matters Committee would like to share some economic insights on what to expect, how to prepare yourselves and what to avoid.

What to expect ahead?

Stock market will continue to be very volatile and highly risky
There may be very little income for businesses related to travel, tourism, hospitality, restaurants, transport, etc.
Chattogram sea port and most land port operations will be very slow and limited
Government is supporting local banks for providing low interest working capital loans for certain businesses (4% subsidized interest rate for SMEs, 4.5% subsidized interest rate for larger industries)
Government is injecting money to increase liquidity in the financial sector
Interest rates on deposits have fallen to 6% and may fall further
Real estate sector will also be hit with property prices likely to go down and better pricing may be available in the near future
Fortunately, enough food supplies are ensured by government and hence no food shortages are expected
Job losses and business losses may continue for the next few months
Businesses may struggle to collect payments from customers
Some competition may be wiped off and businesses with strong financial roots will survive
Salary cuts, job losses, and other cost cutting measures across organizations are likely to happen and finding new jobs will be very difficult
Zero increments, leave without pay, alternate rostering, etc. are likely to happen with many organizations
Very slow recovery expected in the next 6 to 9 months

How to prepare yourselves?

Build up savings and have enough cash reserves to take care of your family and business expenses for the next 6 months
Prepare for a worst case scenario in case of a job loss
Watch for market and business trends and prepare accordingly
Look for online-based models for your business where possible
Build your human capital through online learning, training and upskill ourselves. Try to acquire new skills in IT, Language, and where your passion lies.
Have a dialogue with your bank regarding your loan and how they can assist
Renegotiate contracts with suppliers, and your lease agreements for your home or shop, etc. where possible
Focus on your core business - become narrow and get deeper
Simplify everything as customers will mainly look for essentials
Ask yourself: what’s your strategy? How do we address this situation to cope better? What is it that I can do better, more efficiently?
Businessmen and Heads of families have to remain strong so that they can look after their families and their businesses
Take care of your emotional and mental health
Take tough decisions gently with care and empathy
Position yourself as a valuable contributor to your organization
Try to activate your network as much as possible

What to avoid?

It is not a good time for quick stock buying/trading, particularly with loans
Do not stock up too much on non-essential supplies
Try avoiding cash transactions and try to use electronic payment methods (such as debit cards or mobile wallets like bKash) as much as possible
Don’t take unnecessary loans or purchase goods that are not essential
Try to hang on to your current jobs and try to avoid job changeover
Finally, don’t panic!

Finally, follow the 3P approach - Positivity, Perseverance and Prayer

EMC is monitoring the overall economic situation and will continue to keep the Jamat informed of any further developments.

Coping Skills in Times of COVID-19

April 2, 2020

Presentation conducted by Farin Daulah, Founder and President of One Circle and Adjunct Faculty, North South University. Organized by Education and Youth & Sports Committee.

Video

Covid-19 Volunteer Support Sign Up Form

April 1, 2020

Click here to access the form.

Education Committee Update

March 24, 2020

Ya Ali Madad,

We hope this finds you in good health.

*** Government of Bangladesh announced today that the closure of all educational institutions, including coaching centres, will be extended until April 9, 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak***

On behalf of the Education Committee, we would like to extend our fullest support to all the parents and students as we go through these difficult times. We are in a very unique situation, which can become challenging if we do not prepare ourselves.

Below you will find some tips to cope with the upcoming days:

Create a routine for your children, including homework, chores, screen time, arts and crafts, Dua time, etc. It is important to have structure at a time like this to keep us stimulated.
Avoid going to tuitions. It is safest to stay at home and limit contact with others as much as possible. Discuss videotutoring (via WhatsApp calls, Skype, Zoom video conferencing, etc.) with your tutors for extra help.
Follow advice from your child's school by checking the learning information on the school website or speaking to your child's class teacher. Keep the lessons short.
Monitor screen time. It is very easy to lose track of how much time we are spending with devices. While your children are learning from home, it is ok to have children be on the screen but limit the use to 1 hour a day.
Develop a new hobby or skill! With the vast amount of resources available online, encourage your child or children (and yourself!) to explore new skills and hobbies! This can include learning how to sew, planting seeds, cooking, reading, etc.
Take this time to bond as a family. We rarely get the opportunity when the whole family is together at home. Look back at old pictures, play board games, have meals together, watch movies and make the most of it!

As mentioned, we will be sending out weekly activity packs to make sure your children don’t get bored. If there is anything you feel the Education Committee can provide support with, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Take care and stay safe!

Adiba S. Ajanee +8801714111004 / [email protected]
Hamida Saleh +8801730712601 / [email protected]
Karima Lakhani +8801720009904 / [email protected]
Naushad J. Husein +8801813235978 / [email protected]
Chattogram – Enarah Al-Wassouf +8801979170304 / [email protected]

Economic Matters Committee Business Advisory #2

March 24, 2020

Since the government has ordered all private offices to be closed from March 26 to April 4 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Jamat is advised to take some preparatory measures as follows:

Home office: Set up your home office in a quiet room that will allow for uninterrupted work. Choose a quiet and distraction-free working space with a good working desk and proper lighting.

Home office equipment: In order to work from home, you need to have the following:

Desktop or laptop computer with standardized software programs so that files are compatible and the collaboration on documents will be made possible.
Internet connection with good bandwidth
Mobile Phone with messaging and video conferencing apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.

Jamati businesses having factory/production: should try to find accommodation for key workers in or around the factory premise to minimize their movements. Furthermore, if factories are ordered for shutdown by government, necessary safety and security measures including fire safety, electric circuit breaker check, proper pest control etc. should be organized.

Bangladesh Bank has said all private and public banks will remain open from 10am to 1:30pm on regular working days. During the time, however, services will be limited and banks will only conduct cash transactions. The transactions will have to be made between 10am to 12pm. Jamat should plan accordingly.

Entrepreneurs can utilize this time for acquiring knowledge, enhancing their skills and making business plans for the future.

For those working from home, you can use the time productively to learn something new. There are plenty of online courses available, be it learning a new language, listening to your favourite audiobook or acquiring a new skill, there is no time like the present!

EMC is monitoring the overall economic situation and will continue to keep the Jamat informed of any further developments.

Health and Safety Advisory

March 24, 2020

As the reported cases of COVID-19 are gradually increasing in Bangladesh, we urge the Jamat to take note of the points below and take the necessary precautionary measures:

Please stay at home and limit your movements, as much as possible, especially if you are above the age of 60 or have underlying health conditions (such as asthma, lung disease, heart disease or diabetes). If you are not in this category, you may have a member in your household who falls into the above vulnerable category; please maintain special care to also avoid movements and bringing home the virus to your loved ones. We recommend using online grocery delivery services, bKash mobile cash payments and other services which can help limit your movement. The virus is highly infectious and can spread very easily.

As informed in our March 15 FAQs, please urgently take the following necessary measures if you have not done so already. If you need any volunteer's assistance, please contact the COVID-19 Response team numbers provided below:

Keep a stock of non-perishable food and other supplies available at home. We now suggest to maintain at least 1 month of supplies, if possible. Please note that shop owners have decided to shut markets and shopping malls from March 25 to 31. Kitchen markets will however remain open.
Ensure that you also have a good supply of your regular prescription medication and any medical supplies (eg. oxygen, dialysis, etc.). We now suggest to maintain at least
2 months of prescription medicine, if possible.
On March 22, the Government issued a circular for those who exhibit moderate symptoms of fever, cold, cough and sore throat, to avoid coming to the hospital, and has recommended the following over-the-counter (OTC) medication, which should also be kept in stock:
- Paracetamol (eg. Napa Extend 665 mg) (1 + 1 + 1, with full stomach) if you have fever
- Antihistamine (eg. Fenofex 120 mg) (0 + 0 + 1) – for 7 days
- Nasal Decongestant (eg. Afrin Nasal Drop) – 2 drops in both nostrils, 2-3 times a day, if nose is congested
- Vitamin C chewable tablet (eg. Ceevit DS) (1 + 0 + 1) – for 14 days
- In addition to the above, you may like to also keep stock of ORS Saline Solution, cough syrup and antibiotics (such as Cefixime, Amoxicillin, Azithromycin). Please use antibiotic medication as directed by medical professionals, and always read the label for dosage and allergies.

With the Government’s decision to close all public and private offices from March 26 to April 4, it is very important to start planning for a longer “lockdown” to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others, if possible.
Write down your medical condition(s) and make a list of the medications that you are currently taking, and keep important medical files within easy access in an emergency.
Take care of the emotional health of your household members, including yourself.

If you or your family member fall ill:

Rest in a room which is separate from other members of the household, and use a separate bathroom if possible.
Wear a facemask when in close proximity to others in your household, and have the caregiver also wear a facemask when in close contact.
Avoid sharing household items, and wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces including desks, door handles, kitchen worktops, mobile phones regularly using normal cleaning products.
Wash laundry thoroughly.
Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home.

Contact Details:

National Council COVID-19 Response Team
- Hamida Budhani: 01744214430
- Al-Moeiz Laiwala: 01713131452
- Chattogram - Noureen Mansoor Ali: 01721954794
Joar Shahara Cooperative Society
- Madad Ali Virani: 01711540461
Pharmacy
- Tamanna Pharmacy (Bashundhara): 01912000676
Hospital Emergency numbers (Dhaka)
- Apollo Hospital: 10678, Ambulance: 01714090000
- Kurmitola General Hospital: 02 55062201, 02 55062350, 02 55062349, 01769010200
- United Hospital: 10666, Ambulance: 01914001234
Hospital Emergency numbers (Chattogram)
- Chattogram Metropolitan Hospital: 031 654732
- Treatment Hospital Pvt Ltd.: 031 652652
- CSCR Hospital: 031 656565

Economic Matters Committee Business Advisory #1

March 18, 2020

From an economic standpoint, the COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in a period of significant uncertainty and volatility, with equity markets recently experiencing one of the sharpest declines. It is highly likely that economic growth will slow down in the coming months.

Looking at the context of Jamati businesses, the following factors should be considered:

Businesses dependent on import of raw materials from Europe, China and other affected regions will face delay in deliveries and increase in prices for the next few months, and are advised to look into diversifying their sources of procurement to be able to continue producing and managing their operational costs.
Products in the local market which are sourced from China and other affected countries may experience supply shortages and higher prices.
Business owners should consider developing a business continuity plan to protect employees, reviewing key business interests, operations, and avail insurance coverage.
Globally travel and tourism business will be impacted. Jamati members having any direct/indirect connection with the travel, hotel, hospitality, retail, entertainment, and restaurant industries should prepare for reduced demand for their services.
Most economists believe that situation may not be back to normal until the end of this year. Hence business owners should focus on cash flow as a priority, be financially prudent and consider operating with lower expenses until conditions improve.
Business owners should delay taking on any non-essential debt or making large capital investments, and avoid make new business commitments until the situation improves.
Each family is urged to maintain savings as a financial cushion against any unexpected losses or sudden increase in expenses, and avoid unnecessary spending at this time.
Households should keep some cash on hand for emergencies.
Individuals should be cautious of potential scams regarding COVID-19. Do not click on links or attachments from people you do not know and avoid giving out personal details over the phone. Be wary of misinformation.

EMC is monitoring the overall economic situation and will continue to keep the Jamat informed of any further developments.

Frequently Asked Questions

March 15, 2020

1. What is Coronavirus and COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause illnesses similar to the common cold or flu. COVID-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus and extreme measures are being taken globally to try to contain the spread of the virus.

2. How is the virus spread?

COVID-19 is thought to pass from person to person through cough droplets. The virus can also spread from touching objects including tabletops and door handles.

3. Who can get COVID-19?

Everyone is susceptible to it, and therefore, everyone should take the precautions listed below. Individuals who are over the age of 60 or have underlying health conditions, such as asthma, lung disease, heart disease or diabetes, are considered vulnerable and at a greater risk of developing more serious symptoms if they are infected with coronavirus.

4. What are the symptoms of this virus?

The symptoms can range from no symptoms to flu like symptoms. The most reported symptoms are a dry cough, a fever (temperature of more than 38° Celsius or 100° Fahrenheit) and shortness of breath. The vast majority of people will get cold or flu-like symptoms. Vulnerable people are at a higher risk to develop more serious symptoms including shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. The virus can be present for 14 days before symptoms occur and therefore you may have no symptoms but still be infected with the virus.

5. How do you treat COVID-19?

Treatment of this virus is to manage the symptoms. There is no specific proven antiviral medication and antibiotics will not help as they do not work against viruses. As per the World Health Organization’s research, data collected to date suggests that 80% of infections are mild, 15% are severe requiring oxygen, and 5% are critical requiring a ventilator. The majority of people with mild symptoms will recover without the need for specific treatment, just like the common cold or flu, with over the counter medication (eg. paracetamol or ibuprofen) to treat such symptoms. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, please take medical advice from a doctor.

6. How can I avoid catching or spreading germs?

Everyone is susceptible to this virus. Therefore, everyone should take precautions, even if you have no symptoms:

Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser gel if soap is not available.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before entering the Jamatkhana space. Hand sanitizer dispensers have also been installed in the shoe rooms.
Wash your hands when returning home, especially before and after preparing food and after using public transport.
Use a clean towel for drying hands and do not use the same towel for other purposes.
Avoid eating with used or shared plates and spoons or drinking from shared cups or glasses
Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a clean tissue rather than your bare hands. Throw the tissue in the bin immediately.
Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and a cough.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth unnecessarily.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces including desks, door handles, kitchen worktops and mobile phones regularly using normal cleaning products.
If you or a family member are an older adult or have underlying health issues, consider staying at home and away from crowds

7. Do I need a face mask?

A face mask will not protect you from catching the virus, so it is not necessary. A face mask might be beneficial for those already infected with the virus to prevent them spreading it.

8. What should I do if I have recently returned from travelling to another country?

As per the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), if you have recently returned from travelling to another country, you have to follow 14 days of home quarantine. If you are required to go out, then you must wear a mask and wash your hands often. If you develop symptoms of fever, cough or breathlessness during this time, then you must contact the IEDCR Hotline numbers provided at the end of this document.

9. What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

Stay at home and rest for 14 days to help reduce the possible spread of infection.
Take medication to ease your symptoms e.g. ibuprofen or paracetamol (use medication as directed). Always read the label for dosage and allergies to any medication.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Do not go to work, school or public places, or use public transport
Try to avoid visitors to your home
Do not hesitate to call your Doctor or the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Hotline (listed below) if you have any concerns about your health.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. In adults,
emergency warning signs include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
Follow the advice of healthcare professionals.

10. How can I prepare my household and family for COVID-19?

Have a stock of non-perishable food and other supplies available at home that will last for two weeks, in case you and your family are ill.
Maintain a good stock of a supply of Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Cough medicine, etc.
Ensure that you also have a good supply, ideally 30-days, of your regular prescription medication and any medical supplies (eg. oxygen, dialysis, etc.)
Discuss with your neighbors and know their preparation plan, and understand the hygiene policies and procedures defined by your building/society management.
Discuss practice of hand washing with household helpers (ayas, drivers, etc.) and develop protocol for visitors (guests, service providers, food delivery, etc.) and ensure they follow safe hygiene practice.
Create a list of resource people you and your household can contact in case you need healthcare services and support. A few contact details are provided at the bottom.
Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others, if possible.
Write down your medical condition(s) and make a list of the medications that you are currently taking, and keep important medical files within easy access in an emergency.
Take care of the emotional health of your household members, including yourself

11. What should I do if someone in my household is sick?

If possible, have them rest in a room which is separate from other members of the household, and use a separate bathroom if possible
Have them wear a facemask when in close proximity to others in your household, and have the caregiver also wear a facemask when in close contact
Avoid sharing household items, and wash thoroughly with soap and water
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces including desks, door handles, kitchen worktops and mobile phones regularly using normal cleaning products.
Wash laundry thoroughly
Monitor symptoms and track temperature
Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home.
Notify your child’s school if your child becomes sick
Notify your sick family member’s employer

12. Where can I get myself tested for COVID-19?

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), in Mohakhali is the central testing facility for COVID-19 in Bangladesh. Their hotline numbers are 01937000011, 01937110011, 01927711784, 01927711785, 01944333222, 01550064901-05.
Here is their location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zSUEaCUNRjWRpCtDA

13. Where can I go for more information and updates on the coronavirus?

14. Other Contact Details:

National Council COVID-19 Response Team
- Hamida Budhani: 01744214430
- Al-Moeiz Laiwala: 01713131452
- Chattogram - Noureen Mansoor Ali: 01721954794
Joar Shahara Cooperative Society
- Madad Ali Virani: 01711540461
Pharmacy
- Tamanna Pharmacy (Bashundhara): 01912000676
Hospital Emergency numbers (Dhaka)
- Apollo Hospital: 10678, Ambulance: 01714090000
- Kurmitola General Hospital: 02 55062201, 02 55062350, 02 55062349, 01769010200
- United Hospital: 10666, Ambulance: 01914001234
Hospital Emergency numbers (Chattogram)
- Chattogram Metropolitan Hospital: 031 654732
- Treatment Hospital Pvt Ltd.: 031 652652
- CSCR Hospital: 031 656565

Covid-19 Updates

Winners of the Low Touch Economy

Hamara Parivar, Hamari Zindagi

Guide to Staying Healthy At Home during Covid-19 (Part 2)

Post-Lockdown: How to Stay Safe

Learning at Home

The World At Home

Advisory on Post-Lockdown Measures for Employers

Health & Safety Advisory on Post-Lockdown Measures

State of the Economy with Selim Barkat

Guide to Staying Healthy At Home during Covid-19

Safety & Security Advisory

Getting A Job 101

Advisory on Safe Ramadan Practices

Advisory on Use of Cleaning Products

Future Careers of Bangladesh

Home Quarantine Quick Reference Guide

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