The highly contagious Indian variant of coronavirus did not spread much in Bangladesh, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said Monday.
“This (Indian) variant has been found in a small number of patients in Bangladesh. It could not spread much as the border with the neighbouring country was closed in time," he said.
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In a briefing at his ministry, he advised keeping the border shut until India's situation stabilises.
Meanwhile, Maleque said that administering of Chinese Covid-19 vaccine will begin on May 25 or 26.
“Vaccine will be given to those who need it the most,” he said while responding to a question from reporters.
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‘Good news soon’
Minister Maleque said the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine will run out within seven to 10 days but the government is trying to get vaccines to continue the inoculation drive.
“We contacted the Indian High Commissioner, we talked to the UK authorities and the Prime Minister is also trying to get the vaccine doses,” he said.
Maleque said the government has taken some initiatives.
“We talked to the US, China, Russia and the UK and some progress has been made. Hopefully you will get a good news soon. As per contracts, we got only seven million doses out of 30 million. We’re also worried about the second dose of vaccine like you,” he added.