Bangladesh has announced a plan to shut public transports for nine days in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus during Eid-ul-Azha.

The shutdown will continue for five days prior and three days after the Eid-ul-Azha and the Eid day, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said on Wednesday, citing a letter from the Cabinet Division.

The government has taken the decision to suspend the operation of public transport five days before and three days after Eid due to the coronavirus situation, he said adding, “We will take steps regarding the decision.”

“Those who want to go to their village homes to celebrate Eid will have to go five days before Eid and those who want to return home will have to return three days after Eid,” said Khalid.

Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader also sent a letter to the chairman of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority for taking steps in this regard.