All government and private offices will be closed from March 26 to April 4 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said today.

Government offices, except those involved in emergency services such as law enforcement agencies and hospitals, have been declared closed.

People have been asked to practice social distancing and stay in their homes as much as possible. Local administration around the country have been asked to encourage social distancing among people and armed forces will help them in this regard.

Kitchen markets will stay open during this period. People have been asked not to leave their homes, except to collect emergency supplies and daily necessities.

This announcement comes in the wake of three deaths and 33 infections -- including six new cases -- in connection with coronavirus in the country.

Public transport will remain limited and people have been asked to avoid using them as well to prevent spread of the virus.

Banking services have also been limited and the country's central bank -- Bangladesh Bank -- will give necessary directives in this regard.

Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, principal secretary to the prime minister, said a monitoring cell at Prime Minister's Office will remain open 24 hours.