No plan to impose lockdown now, says health minister

Health Minister Zahid Maleque said, “The government is not planning to impose lockdown now, as Omicron variant has not reached its peak"

The health minister made the remarks after a high-level inter-ministerial meeting on the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, on Monday (January 3).

When enquired if there was any discussion in the meeting regarding imposing lockdown, the health minister said, "We have not recommended lockdown yet.  The situation to impose lockdown is not here yet."

"We have called the preparatory meeting so we do not have to enter a lockdown stage in the future. We are taking all necessary measures, let us see what happens," added the minister. 

The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary Khandaker Anwarul Islam, several secretaries and health department officials. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was the chief guest. 

Concerned government officials, including several divisional commissioners, civil surgeons, district commissioners and superintendents of police, attended the virtual meeting to review the situation in the country.