Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has issued special instructions to safeguard against the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has caused alarm in neighbouring countries, including China.
HSIA Executive Director Kamrul Islam sent a letter to all domestic and international airlines and relevant airport stakeholders regarding the directives on Monday (13 January).
According to the airport authority’s special notice, based on the recent guidance from the Disease Control Branch of the Directorate General of Health Services, all airport personnel have been instructed to adopt precautionary measures against HMPV.
The notice reassured that there is no immediate cause for panic. Passengers, staff, and visitors are encouraged to wear masks and use hand sanitisers.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, indicative of HMPV, must promptly report to the airport’s health service.
The notice further emphasised that both domestic and international airlines operating flights to and from countries with reported HMPV cases must take preventive steps.
Should a passenger display HMPV symptoms during a flight, the airline crew must immediately notify the airport’s health service upon arrival.
Crew and passengers have been instructed on handling potential HMPV cases on flights, and adherence to seven specific health guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Health Services is mandated.
These guidelines include:
- Wearing masks to protect against respiratory diseases, particularly in winter.
- Cover the nose and mouth with the arm or a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
- Disposing of used tissues in covered bins and sanitising hands with hand sanitiser or soap and water.
- Avoiding contact with infected individuals and maintaining at least a three-foot distance.
- Frequent hand washing with soap, water, or hand sanitiser for at least 20 seconds.
- Refraining from touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands.
- Staying at home until recovery if experiencing fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, and contacting the nearest hospital if necessary.
These directives aim to bolster safety measures at the airport amidst the growing concern over the spread of HMPV in the region.
