The Directorate General of Health Services on Wednesday issued an 11-point directive, including the avoidance of public gatherings, for people amid a rise in infections caused by new omicron sub-variants of the Covid virus in Bangladesh and a surge in Covid infections in neighbouring India.
The directives also include reintroducing health-conscious practices, including the use of face masks and frequent hand washing, among others.
DGHS director general Md Abu Jafor read out the guidelines at a press conference held at his office in the capital Dhaka, where he also briefed the media on the current Covid situation in Bangladesh.
鈥業nfections caused by the Covid-19 virus have been rising, and several new Covid sub-variants have been detected,鈥� said Jafor.
He advised receiving the booster doses of the virus for the people over the age of 18 years, pregnant women, individuals above 60 years and those who are immunocompromised, depending on the evolving situation.
Those eligible can receive their booster shots by visiting the nearest vaccination centre, he added.
According to the DGHS, in the past 24 hours until 8:00am on Wednesday, 10 of 107 tested samples were positive, resulting in a 9.35 per cent positivity rate.
As of June 11, Bangladesh鈥檚 cumulative caseload stood at 20,51,770, with 29,500 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, according to the DGHS.
Jafor said that to prevent the spread of the virus through international travellers, all land, sea, and air ports have been instructed to reinforce surveillance at their international health regulations desks and to ensure compliance with health guidelines.
Public health experts suggested that the government should prepare testing facilities as well as treatment facilities in advance to fight any untoward situation.
According to sources in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, there are currently 3.1 million vaccine doses in stock while the hospitals are not still ready to deal with Covid patients.
Jafor said that preparations were already underway across the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other relevant government departments to respond to any potential spike in Covid cases.
These include ensuring availability of RT-PCR and rapid antigen testing, vaccines, updated treatment guidelines, essential medicines, medical-grade oxygen, high-flow nasal cannulas, ventilators, ICU and HDU beds, and dedicated Covid hospitals.
Though the DGHS reported that 885 facilities across the countries were available for testing coronavirus responsible for Covid infections, but officials said that testing kit was not available everywhere.
The DGHS chief also mentioned that protective equipment such as KN95 masks, PPE, and face shields was being stockpiled for healthcare providers.
He said that they would provide further updates on readiness through another press briefing very soon.
Amid the spread of the new sub-variants, the DGHS has placed requisitions for one lakh RT-PCR kits and five lakh rapid antigen test kits, said Halimur Rashid, the line director of the DGHS鈥檚 communicable disease control wing.
抖阴精品 staff correspondent in Chattogram reported that Chattogram City Corporation mayor Shahadat Hossain urged residents to stay vigilant against a potential resurgence of Covid infections following the confirmation of four new local cases on Wednesday.
Speaking at a preparatory meeting with health and medical representatives from different institutions, he emphasised that three of the infected individuals contracted the virus locally, signalling a risk of community transmission.
To combat the threat, RT-PCR and rapid antigen testing will continue across several centres, including CCC-run hospitals. Preparations are underway to ready Chattogram General Hospital and Memon-2 Hospital as dedicated Covid treatment facilities. A CCC Covid service centre will be launched to provide assistance and information, he said.
抖阴精品 correspondent in Satkhira reported that the Bhomra land port authority tightened scrutiny at the port following the DGHS directions.
Md Moniruzzaman, as assistant to the medical team at the port, said that they had completed medical test to at least 60 people at the port on Wednesday as the number of visitors was now significantly lower due to Indian visa issues and Eid holidays.