DHAKA, Jun 10 (NNN-BSS) – Amid a fresh rise in COVID-19 infections in several neighbouring countries, the Bangladeshi interim government has asked people to refrain from travelling to those destinations, unless absolutely necessary.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), under the Ministry of Health, has also instructed the relevant authorities to enhance health screening and surveillance measures, at all ports, to contain the spread of the infection.
The directives, which were issued yesterday, stated that, new subvariants of the coronavirus are spreading in several neighbouring countries.
To prevent potential transmission of these variants into Bangladesh, it said, surveillance must be strengthened at International Health Regulations desks at all land, sea, and airports, for both inbound travellers from affected countries, and outbound travellers from Bangladesh to those destinations.
In line with the directives, people must wear masks at all gatherings, shopping malls and restaurants.
The DGHS asked the relevant authorities to use thermal scanners or digital handheld thermometers, with non-contact techniques to measure body temperature at all entry points, ensure an adequate stock of masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, and disseminate infection prevention guidelines to raise public awareness and prevent virus transmission.
Bangladesh on Thursday recorded its first COVID-19 fatality this year, when a man died from the infectious disease in the capital, Dhaka.– NNN-BSS
