14-day institutional quarantine is a must for UK returnees

The government has made 14-day institutional quarantine for the passengers arriving from UK mandatory in a bid to contain the spread of new strain of coronavirus in the country.

Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam conveyed the government decision to journalists in a press conference after ending the regular weekly meeting of the cabinet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

“If anyone comes home from London must stay in institutional quarantine for 14-day,” Anwarul Islam said adding that the government will ensure the quarantine facilities at Askona and Diabari Hajj camps to make the efforts a success.

A meeting with concerned officials will be held by this night and it will be made clear from when the decision will come into effect, the cabinet secretary said.

Prime Minister also President of the ruling Awami League chaired the meeting virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

The new strain of coronavirus has been detected in the UK and soon after the information at least 50 countries postponed air and water way communications with the country as part of efforts to contain the spread of the new strain of virus.

However, the UK returnees will have to bear all expenses, he said.  

Amid the situation, the cabinet discussed the matter in its regular meeting and decided not to stop flight operations to the country, Anwarul Islam said.