5 more Covid-19 cases logged, travel alert issued

With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,021,747, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,500 as no new fatalities were reported during this period.

The daily case test positivity rate was 12.20 percent as 41 samples were tested, said the DGHS.

The recovery and death rates stood at 98.42 percent and 1.44 per cent, respectively.

Manwhile, the DGHS has issued a warning advising people not to travel in neighboring India and several other countries unless absolutely necessary because of the rise in infections of a new variant of the coronavirus. 

This directive was issued by the Disease Control Branch of the organization. At the same time, instructions have been given to enhance health screening and surveillance at all land, sea, and airports in the country to tackle the risk of COVID-19.

These instructions were issued in a circular signed by Professor Dr. Halimur Rashid, Director of the Infectious Disease Control Branch of the DGHS, on Monday.

The directive states that new sub-variants of the coronavirus — particularly Omicron variants LF.7, XFG, JN-1, and NB 1.8.1 — are spreading in several neighboring countries. To prevent potential transmission into Bangladesh through international travelers, surveillance at International Health Regulations (IHR) desks in land, sea, and airports must be strengthened, both for travelers coming from India and other affected countries, as well as for Bangladeshis traveling to these destinations. Additional measures must also be taken to manage the risk.

Last Thursday, one person died from COVID-19 in Bangladesh. Although the situation is not yet alarming, the prevalence of the disease is increasing. Researchers from ICDDR,B have identified a new variant named XFG. In addition, the XFC variant has also been detected. Both of these are sub-variants of the strong Omicron variant JN-1.

Preventive guidelines from DGHS to reduce infection risk:

• Washing hands with soap as needed (for at least 23 seconds).

• Using mask to cover nose and mouth.

• Maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from infected individuals.

• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands.

• Covering nose and mouth with your elbow/tissue/cloth when coughing or sneezing.

Entry point instructions for the country:

• Stay alert at the IHR (2005) health desks in all land/sea/airports of the country and enhance health screening and surveillance.

• Use thermal scanners or digital hand-held thermometers at points of entry to measure body temperature using non-contact methods.

• Ensure an adequate supply of masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.

• Disseminate preventive guidelines to raise public awareness about the virus.

• Refrain from traveling to India and other affected countries unless it is absolutely necessary.

Steps to take for suspected patients:

• Stay home if sick; if seriously ill, visit the nearest hospital.

• Ask the patient to wear a mask to cover their nose and mouth.

• Contact the IEDCR hotline if necessary (01401-196293).