Health Minister Zahid Maleque today said only the education ministry can decide to close schools and colleges, and they [health ministry] can simply give advice on the matter.

Health Secretary Md Ashadul Islam -- at the same meeting in health ministry -- said that globally children are the least susceptible to coronavirus infection and that is why parents and guardians should not panic.

However, he did say he understood the panic amongst guardians and said he himself was worried.

The health minister and health secretary made the comments following a secretary-level meeting of all ministries this afternoon.

The religious affairs ministry was also advised by the health ministry to scale down all religious gatherings for the time being.