Health Desk – 01 Apr, 2021: Authorities have announced a two-week closure of the Kuakata tourist spot following an alarming spike in the spread of Covid-19 across the country.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Patuakhali Matiul Islam Chowdhury made the announcement yesterday evening. The order will remain in force from April 1 to April 15.
Following the directive, all residential hotels and motels in Kuakata have cancelled their advance bookings. All food shops have also been instructed to remain closed.
Earlier yesterday, the DC exchanged views with senior officials of all the departments concerned in the district for the implementation of the 18-point directives announced by the government to curb Covid-19 infection.
With coronavirus infections on the rise in the second wave across the country, the government has instructed for the highest alert at the tourist spots since tourists come here from different parts of the country, DC Matiul Islam said.
Considering that, it has been decided to keep the tourist centre in Kuakata closed for two weeks, he said.
Soon after the announcement of the district administration, tourist police in Kuakata began miking in different areas including the beach at night.
Tourists have been requested to leave Kuakata immediately.
Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abu Hasnat Md Shahidul Haque said all concerned including the hotel and motel authorities of Kuakata have been asked to strictly follow the instructions of the district administration.
“We have already informed the owners of all the hotels here about the government’s announcement,” said Abdul Motaleb Sharif, general secretary of the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association.
“All advance bookings have been cancelled while many tourists have already left Kuakata,” he added.
