Dhaka, Feb 14 – All Bangladeshis quarantined in the capital’s Ashkona Hajj Camp since February 1 will be released on Saturday afternoon after a complete assessment of their situation. Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora said that yesterday in her regular briefing on coronavirus. After a complete assessment of their condition, a decision will be taken, she said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister and President of Bangladesh Awami League, Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep shock at the loss of lives following the outbreak of ‘Coronavirus’ in Wuhan city and other places in China. The Prime Minister conveyed her sincere sympathy to the families of the victims.
She expects the presence of Chinese President in Bangladesh at the inauguration ceremony of Bangabandhu’s Birth Centenary during the ‘Mujib Year’ to be held on 17th March 2020.
In a message written to Xi Jinping, the President of China and General Secretary of CPC, Sheikh Hasina expressed her firm conviction that the Government of China will be able to face and stop the aggravation of the situation with utmost capacity and control.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Jahid Malik yesterday at a programme in Madaripur said that there is no coronary infected patient in the country. “Those who came from China have received treatment for the virus. They are all well now. The government has taken full measures to prevent coronavirus. Scanners have been deployed at the airports and even the medical team has been kept. Every day, 12,000 passengers arrive at the airport. The medical team is examining the passengers for 24 hours. If the virus is found in someone’s body, they are being treated separately. Those who spread rumours of the Coronavirus through social media do not wish the country’s well-being. It is not possible to spread the Coronavirus if everyone is aware,” he said.
The minister added, “The foreign ministry will decide on bringing back the students trapped in China. The Health Ministry will not be able to make a definitive decision on this.”
At IEDCR, Dr Meerjady said, “62 samples have been tested so far in the country. Of which, the presence of the Coronavirus has not yet been found and there is no patient with isolation at this time. Those who have been tested have been advised to go home and make their home as home quarantine.”
Asked about a query what equipment was sought from the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of the preparation of COVID-19, she said, “I have received the reagents required for laboratory tests for the capacities of the IEDCR and wanted more reagents from them. Earlier, It took about one and a half to two days to test the samples. However, with the new reagent now, it is possible to give results in two to three days.”
She said, “Ten thermal scanners and personal protective equipment have been sought to strengthen the screening system at the airport. Because it is not available in the open markets. Hand-held thermometers were purchased from the Director-General of Health Services. – Staff Reporter
