Mongla, Bagerhat June 14 (V7N) – Special precautionary measures have been implemented at Mongla Port following a recent increase in coronavirus infections across Bangladesh. The enhanced safety protocols, which began on Friday morning, aim to curb the spread of the virus within the critical port area.

Health testing equipment has been installed at the main gate of the port jetty. The use of masks has been made mandatory for all individuals, and thermal scanners are being used to measure the body temperatures of sailors arriving on foreign commercial ships, as well as port workers.

Md. Makruzzaman, Deputy Director (Board and Public Relations Department) of the Mongla Port Authority, confirmed the new measures. "Due to the recent increase in the spread of the coronavirus, special precautionary measures have been taken at Mongla Port," he stated. "The use of hand sanitizer, temperature checks, and masks have been made mandatory at the port jetty."

He added that with offices reopening on June 15, all personnel have been instructed to comply strictly with the new COVID-19 restrictions. An alert has also been issued from the port hospital, advising anyone exhibiting symptoms of the virus to contact two special helpline numbers provided by the hospital.

Despite the heightened alert, import and export activities at Mongla Port are currently operating normally. Loading and unloading of goods are proceeding at the jetty, and importers and exporters continue to visit the port for their cargo operations. The movement and transportation of goods by foreign commercial ships in various areas, including the port's fairway, also remain uninterrupted.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) recently issued an 11-point directive across Bangladesh in response to a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases and the detection of new sub-variants. This includes advisories to avoid public gatherings, wear masks, practice frequent handwashing, and maintain physical distancing. The DGHS has also instructed authorities to strengthen surveillance and hygiene compliance at all land, sea, and airports to prevent further spread of the virus, particularly from international travelers.

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