Coronavirus: ‘Govt considering temporary travel restrictions to China’

The government is likely to consider imposing a temporary suspension on travelling to and from China in the wake of the deadly Coronavirus outbreak.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque said this while addressing an important meeting at the Health Ministry on taking precautions to prevent the new virus from spreading in the country.

Talking at the meeting, Professor Dr Ahmedul Kabir, president of Bangladesh Society of Medicine, raised concern that the virus may not show symptoms of infection immediately.

"There are many Bangladeshi students studying in China. If they return home carrying the virus, it will become a matter of serious concern," he said.

Prof Dr Ahmedul Kabir requested the health minister to take steps to impose temporary suspension on travelling to and from China.

In response to the request, Minister Zahed Maleque said the matter will be considered with utmost importance in an inter-ministerial meeting scheduled to be held at 12noon on January 28.

Also mentioning the trade relationship between Bangladesh and China, the minister said many people travel between the two countries for business purposes.

"If this deadly virus enters the country somehow then it may cause severe damage," he said.

The minister also called upon the countrymen not to panic over the matter and assured that the Health and Family Welfare Ministry has taken all possible precautions to prevent outbreak of coronavirus in the country.