Speaking at a discussion at a city hotel, he, however, said they will be able to tackle it well even if the country witnesses the second wave of the deadly virus.
“I don’t know when the second wave of coronavirus will hit. If everyone properly follows the health rules, there’ll be no second wave.”
Bangladesh Private Medical College Association arranged the programme on the preparation for the second wave of the virus.
The health minister also said they are still not sure when the first wave of the virus may end.
He said people usually gather at various programmes, including wedding ceremonies, during the winter which may cause the rise in the corona infection rate. “But we’re ready to contain it.”
Zahid Maleque said the coronavirus tests are now being conducted at 107 laboratories, but the number of suspected corona patients coming for the tests at the labs has declined.
He urged people having the symptoms of the virus to undergo tests and infected ones to go to hospitals as there are 20,000 beds for providing them treatment.
Also read: Prepare for Covid’s second wave in winter: PM to admin
About vaccines, the minister said no corona vaccine has so far been developed. “We’re in touch with all the relevant agencies and we’ll get it if one hits the market.”
He also said they are working to collect the vaccine as per the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman was present at the programme as a special guest held with Bangladesh Private Medical College Association president MA Mubin Khan in the chair.
Also read: Possible winter wave of Covid: What measures experts suggest to tackle it