DHAKA: Amid a surge in new Covid-19 cases, the Bangladeshi government on Monday issued a fresh set of directives for a nationwide "full lockdown" from Wednesday, April 14,  onwards. The Cabinet Division has issued a circular with the directives to be effective from 6 a.m. on Wednesday to midnight of April 21, as per reports

In line with the directives, all government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will be closed. But the ban will not be applicable to airports, land ports and maritime ports and their offices.

Earlier, The Bangladesh government decided to impose a week-long nationwide lockdown from Monday as COVID-19 cases and deaths spiraled up across the country.

The new lockdown imposed with stricter rules demands the closure of markets and shopping malls, but allows restaurants and hotels to remain open from morning to evening but only for takeaway or online services. No one will be allowed to go outside except for trips for the absolute necessity such as medicine and daily essentials, medical treatment, and burial or funeral.

According to the directives, all public transport services will be suspended, but goods-laden vehicles, production system and emergency services will not come under the purview of the lockdown.

On Sunday the Bangladeshi government extended an ongoing coronavirus lockdown by two more days to April 13, a day ahead of the new "full lockdown" to be imposed nationwide.

Easing restrictions, Greece opens to tourists on May 14: Minister

Bangladesh imposes seven-day lockdown, air travel ban from Monday

Security forces Ethiopia’s Oromia state kill 119 suspected rebels