A passenger launch of the Patuakhali-Dhaka route was declared a "floating isolation unit" at Patuakhali river port today, to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

People, trying to reach the district from Dhaka and Narayanganj using the river route after violating the countrywide shutdown, will be kept at this isolation unit for 14 days, said Matiul Islam Chowdhury, deputy commissioner of Patuakhali.

The DC came up with the announcement after he inaugurated the AR Khan-1 launch as the isolation unit at Patuakhali river port this morning.

It is the first such isolation unit in the country, reports our Patuakhali correspondent.

DC Matiul said the floating unit would include doctors, magistrates and members of the law enforcement agencies.

Earlier, on April 12, the Patuakhali DC presented the matter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a video conference with the district officials of Khulna and Barishal divisions.

Meanwhile, Khawja Sadikur Rahman, assistant director of Patuakhali River Port, today said the launch has already been prepared after washing and cleaning it.

He also said that the AR Khan-1 launch has 38 double and 40 single cabins.