Floating isolation unit sent mid-river in Patuakhali

The country's first floating quarantine unit for Covid-19 patients, MV AR Khan, has been sent to the middle of Payra River, from the dock, to avoid damage as cyclone Amphan lashes coastal Bangladesh. 

Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner Md Matiul Islam Chowdhury confirmed the matter to media. 

"According to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, no launch is allowed to remain docked at river ports when a cyclone hits the coast. Therefore, the water vessel dedicated for novel coronavirus patients has been sent to the middle of the river," he said. 

However, there is no individual suspected of having Covid-19, or patient, on the launch now. 

"All physicians, nurses and law enforcement were evacuated before the launch was floated to  the middle of the river," a senior official said.

The vessel will resume its quarantine service once the cyclone is over, officials said. 

On April 14, authorities announced the launch would serve as the country's first floating quarantine facility to tackle the novel coronavirus pandemic in the southern district. 

They authorities added, "People who sneak into the district amid the ongoing shutdown will be sent there for a mandatory 14 days in isolation."