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At least 11 people tested positive for Covid-19 across the country in the last 24 hours until 8:00 am on Wednesday, sparking concerns over a possible resurgence of the deadly virus and prompting health authorities to reissue precautionary measures.
Of the total, 10 cases were detected out of 101 tests in Dhaka district, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Another case was reported in Chattogram, our correspondent confirmed.
After a prolonged interval, one Covid-related death was reported last Thursday.
Covid-19 was first detected in Bangladesh on March 8, 2020, with the initial fatality reported 10 days later, on March 18.
In response to the recent increase in infections both domestically and internationally -- along with the emergence of a new sub-variant -- the DGHS issued an 11-point directive on Wednesday aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
Citing the heightened risk of transmission through international travellers, the DGHS has stepped up monitoring at all land, sea, and air entry points via International Health Regulations (IHR) desks, enforcing strict public health protocols.
Amid the emergence of a new sub-variant of Covid-19 (not "COVID-119"), Director General of the DGHS Dr. Abu Jafor, at a press briefing at DGHS headquarters in Mohakhali on Wednesday, called for avoiding all forms of public gatherings and to resume health-conscious practices - including the use of face masks and frequent hand washing.
To raise public awareness and prevent further transmission, health authorities issued a set of guidelines for the general public.
People have been advised to avoid crowded places where possible and to wear masks when such gatherings are unavoidable.
The use of masks has also been recommended to protect against respiratory illnesses in general. People are urged to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or their arm while sneezing or coughing, and to dispose of used tissues immediately in covered bins.
Frequent handwashing with soap and water -- or using hand sanitiser for at least 20 seconds -- has been encouraged, along with avoiding touching the face, particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands.
The public has also been advised to maintain a minimum distance of three feet from anyone exhibiting symptoms of illness.
In cases where a Covid-19 infection is suspected, individuals experiencing fever, cough, or breathing difficulties are urged to stay home until they fully recover.
Patients are encouraged to wear masks to cover their mouth and nose, while caregivers are advised to do the same as a precautionary measure.
Those requiring medical attention are asked to seek help from the nearest hospital or to contact the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) by dialling 01401-196293, or the national health hotline at 16263.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in coordination with other ministries and agencies, has implemented extensive measures to tackle any potential resurgence of Covid-19.
These include continued RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen testing services, vaccination campaigns, and updated clinical management guidelines.
Authorities have also ensured the availability of essential medicines and medical-grade oxygen, and have readied necessary medical equipment such as high-flow nasal cannulas and ventilators.
Dedicated Covid-19 hospitals, equipped with Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and High Dependency Units (HDUs), remain operational.
Furthermore, healthcare workers are being provided with personal protective equipment -- including KN95 masks, PPE suits, and face shields -- to safeguard their health and ensure uninterrupted care.
UNB adds: Speaking on the ongoing vaccination campaign, Dr. Jafor said booster doses should be administered again to people over the age of 18, pregnant women, individuals above 60, and those who are immunocompromised -- depending on how the situation evolves.
Eligible individuals can receive their booster shots by visiting the nearest vaccination centre, he added.
The DG also requested political parties to refrain from organising rallies or large public gatherings under the current circumstances.
Regarding the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations, he said a decision would be made in coordination with the Ministry of Education.
Covid-19 tests will now be limited to patients showing symptoms or suffering from serious health complications, he added.
Despite the recent rise in infections, there is no need to test all hospital patients, according to Dr. Jafor.
Highlighting the evolving situation, the DGHS chief reiterated the need for additional vaccine doses for high-risk groups -- including pregnant women, individuals over 60, and people with underlying health conditions.
"There is an adequate supply of vaccines in government stock for these groups," he assured.
While acknowledging the rise in cases, Dr. Jafor urged the public not to panic.
"We've dealt with Covid-19 before and we can do it again -- all we need is vigilance," he said, urging the media to play a responsible role in raising awareness.
He further mentioned that new Covid-19 units are being reopened in several hospitals, and all healthcare facilities have been asked to remain on alert.
According to the DGHS report, 13 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday morning.
With this, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has risen to 2,051,760. The death toll remains unchanged at 29,500.
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