COVID-19 cases
India sees new record of 184,372 COVID-19 cases in 24 hrs
A record number of 184,372 new COVID-19 cases, and 1,027 deaths due to the pandemic were registered across India in the past 24 hours, said the latest data released by the federal health ministry on Wednesday.
The new figures took the total tally to 13,873,825 and the total death toll to 172,085.
The single-day spike in the number of new COVID-19 cases is the highest in the country so far, while the number of deaths in a single day is the highest this year.
This is the ninth time within this month, and the eighth consecutive day, when more than 100,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in India.
There are still 1,365,704 active cases in the country, while 12,336,036 people have been discharged so far from hospitals after medical treatment.
Also Read: India records highest spike of daily COVID-19 cases this year
In January the number of daily cases in the country had come down to below-10,000. As many as 9,102 new cases were reported between January 25-26, which was the lowest in the previous 237 days. Prior to that the lowest number of daily new cases were 9,304 registered on June 4, 2020.
January 16 was a crucial day in India's fight against the pandemic as the nationwide vaccination drive was kicked off from the day. So far over 111 million people (111,179,578) have been vaccinated across the country.
Meanwhile, the federal government has ramped up COVID-19 testing facilities across the country, while over 260 million tests have been conducted so far.
As many as 260,618,866 tests have been conducted by Tuesday, out of which 1,411,758 tests were conducted on Tuesday alone, said the latest data issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Wednesday.
Also Read: India's COVID-19 tally rises to 11,599,130 with nearly 44,000 new cases .
The national capital Delhi, which has been one of the most COVID-19 affected places in the country, witnessed over 13,468 new cases and 81 deaths through Tuesday. The single-day deaths in Delhi are said to be the highest in over four months.
So far 11,436 people have died in the national capital due to COVID-19, confirmed the Delhi's health department.
Two types of vaccines are being administered to the people in India.
Bangladesh set to go under complete lockdown from Apr 14; notification Sunday
As the spread of Coronavirus has sparked alarm across the country, the government is set to issue a notification on Saturday over enforcing a fresh nationwide lockdown from April 14 in its desperate bid to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
A fresh lockdown is coming with tougher measures as the virus keeps spreading fast in the country, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said while talking to UNB about the lockdown notification.
“The country saw the highest death from Covid-19 today. The situation will get out of hand if we don’t take tougher measures. So, we’ve decided to go for an all-out lockdown from April 14,” he said.
Also read: Bangladesh again breaks daily Covid death record with 77
Replying to a question whether there would be any restriction for April 12 and 13 after the ongoing 7-day lockdown tomorrow (Sunday), the state minister said there would be directives regarding these two days in tomorrow’s (Sunday’s) notification.
Everything except emergency services will be closed this time, said Farhad Hossain adding, “Garment factories, transport movement and all the offices except those of emergency services will remain shut.”
Worsening Covid crisis: Bangladesh resorting to full lockdown
The government is adopting extreme measures to tackle the growing covid infections as people are still reluctant to adhere to health guidelines, putting themselves and others at risk.
“Everything except emergency services will remain shut from April 14. A complete lockdown is coming from April 14 to 20 April,” State Minister of Public Administration Farhad Hossain told UNB on Friday.
Covid infections rose sharply this year in Bangladesh after a dip, prompting the government to issue an 18-point directive for people. But that did not work, forcing the government to go for a seven-day lockdown. People moved on as usual and businesses protested against the lockdown, forcing the government to permit operation of businesses and public transport partially.
Also read: Govt considering complete lockdown from April 14: Quader
Covid-19: Bangladesh records 7000+ cases for fifth day
Bangladesh on Friday recorded more than 7,000 coronavirus cases for the fifth time in six days even as the country undergoes a weeklong lockdown to contain the virus’ transmission.
In a 24-hour period until the morning, 7,462 new cases were registered with the infection rate jumping to 23.57 percent.
The number of cases was 6,854 on Thursday. On April 4, the country recorded 7,087 covid cases and 7,075 the next day. On April 6, the number was 7,213, followed by 7,626 the next day.
On Friday, 63 covid-related deaths were confirmed by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a day after the country recorded 74 deaths, its highest.
The local fatalities stand at 9,584 while the mortality rate dropped to 1.42 percent.
During this 24-hour period, 3,511 patients recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 568,541.
Also read: Govt considering complete lockdown from April 14: Quader
A sharp rise in both infections and deaths prompted the government to issue an 18-point directive before imposing a weeklong lockdown. But people defied the restrictions and carried on as usual. Shops have been reopened and public transport are being allowed to operate in city corporation areas.
‘Loose’ lockdown causes sufferings to commuters
Bangladesh passed off its second day of the weeklong ‘loose’ lockdown on Tuesday with the daily Covid-19 cases and its fatalities reaching a new high.
But commuters said they suffered a lot on the streets on their way to offices and other destinations, and their way back home for lack of public transport. They had to endure the same sufferings on the first day of the lockdown on Monday.
As government offices and private firms and different factories remained open, office-goers were seen struggling to manage transports in the city to go to their workplaces and return homes. As part of the shutdown, public transports went off the roads.
Many of them were forced to hire rickshaws and auto-rickshaws paying excessive fares while some others reached offices walking on foot.
As the government’s restrictions were not enforced strictly, many city dwellers continued to show apathy to the health safety rules, including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
Alongside private cars, rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, microbus and CNG-run auto-rickshaws and many ride-sharing services were seen operating in the capital as usual while people moving freely ignoring the risks of Covid-19 transmission.
Also read: Lockdown in Bangladesh enters day 2 amid public apathy
Shopping malls are closed as per the government instruction but shops were seen open in many areas.
Visiting many city areas, the UNB correspondent found shops in lanes and by-lanes open despite the lockdown.
Leaving before Lockdown
A large number of homebound people were seen gathering at railway station and bus terminals as the government announced 7-day countrywide lockdown from Monday.
Commuters fearing suspension of public transport crowding at the bus and launch terminals amid the risk of Coronavirus transmission.
Excessive pressure transports was seen on the highway causing long tailbacks.
Covid-19: Bangladesh records 7,087 cases, the highest-ever daily spike
Bangladesh recorded 7,087 fresh Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours until Sunday morning which is the highest number of infections since the pandemic began.
Besides, the coronavirus fatalities rose to 9,266 with 53 new deaths during the period. The mortality rate fell to 1.45 on Sunday from Saturday’s 1.46 percent.
Also read: Covid-19 vaccine not a 'silver bullet': WHO
Coronavirus claimed 568 lives in January this year, 281 in February and 638 in March.
The health authorities recorded over 5000 Covid cases on March 29, 30 and 31 and April 3 while over 6000 cases on April 1 and 2 showing an alarming rise in infections.
The infection rate slightly fell to 23.07 percent from 23.15 percent on Saturday.
Bangladesh has so far recorded 637,364 coronavirus cases, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The number of daily cases and infection rate dropped below 5 percent earlier this year but then infections continue to rise again amid people’s reluctance to maintain health safety rules.
Hospitals are struggling to provide treatment to the increasing number of coronavirus patients with their limited resources. The government is increasing the number of beds and Covid-designated hospitals to deal with the situation.
During the 24-hour period until Sunday morning, 2,707 patients recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 552,482.
Bangladesh reported its first cases on March 8 last year and confirmed the first death from the virus 10 days later.
Ekushey Book Fair to remain open from 12 to 5pm amid lockdown
The ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair will remain open from 12 to 5 pm every day amid the countrywide seven-day lockdown enforced by the government to fight the 2nd wave of Covid-19.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs issued a notice in this regard on Sunday.
It also instructed the authorities concerned to maintain the health guidelines strictly.
Also read: Boi Mela to be open for 3.5 hours a day due to COVID-19
Earlier the authorities reduced daily the operational hours of the book fair due to recent surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths.
On March 18, the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2021.
Also read: Nat’l committee for stopping Ekushey Book Fair as Covid cases surge
This year’s fair was dedicated to the memories of the martyrs of 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh. The main theme of the 2021 fair is “Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of Independence”.
Amid an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases, Bangladesh recorded 7,087 fresh cases and 53 deaths in the last 24 hours until Sunday morning.
Also read: Restriction on gatherings, quarantine rule among PMO’s 18-point directive to contain Covid surge
Global Covid cases hit 130.6 million
More than 130.6 million people have been infected with Covid-19 with 2.8 million fatalities on Sunday, according to data compiled by johns Hopkins University (JHU).
The total case count reached 130,659, 436 while the death tally mounted to 2, 845,012 as of Sunday morning, showed the university data.
The US has recorded 30,671,074 cases and the country’s death toll reached 554,789.
The US has surpassed the grim Covid milestone of 30 million cases on March 25.
Besides, deaths from COVID-19 in Brazil surpassed 330,000 on Saturday after 1,987 new fatalities registered, bringing the country's death toll to 330,193, the Ministry of Health reported.
Besides, 43,515 new cases were registered, bringing the national count to 12,953,597.
Brazil is currently the global epicenter of COVID-19, ranking second in terms of deaths and cases worldwide, after the United States.
India records highest spike in daily Covid-19 cases with 89,129 new cases, bringing the national tally to 12,392,260.
Besides, 714 deaths were registered, taking the death toll to 164,110.Both the number of new cases and deaths are the highest this year so far.
Also read: Global Covid cases top 130 million
Situation in Bangladesh
Amid an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases, Bangladesh recorded 5,683 fresh cases and 58 deaths in the last 24 hours until Saturday.
Bangladesh has so far recorded 630,277 coronavirus cases, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
During the 24-hour period until Saturday morning, 2,364 patients recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 549,775.
Bangladesh reported its first cases on March 8 last year and confirmed the first death from the virus 10 days later.
Meanwhile, the fatalities rose to 9,213 with the new deaths. The mortality rate fell to 1.46 on Saturday from Friday’s 1.47 percent.
Also read: Global Covid caseload tops 129 million
Govt set to impose ‘lockdown’
On Saturday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the government is set to announce a seven-day lockdown from Monday to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said the decision for a countrywide lockdown for seven days would come within “two to three days”.
In a video message, he said the institutions providing emergency services would be open during the lockdown.
“Industries and factories will remain open too,” he said. “Workers will have to follow health guidelines and work in shifts (during that period).”
Also read: Global Covid cases top 128 million
Govt strengthens protective steps
The daily surge prompted the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to issue an 18-point directive on March 29 to prevent the virus’ transmission.
On the same day, the Health Ministry proposed strict measures like partial lockdowns for some places with higher Covid-19 transmission rates.
Vaccination drive
The government launched a countrywide vaccination campaign on February 7 with doses received from the Serum Institute of India.
Bangladesh inked an agreement with Serum in December last year for 30 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Serum is supposed to supply the doses between January and June this year – 5 million each month.
Covid-19: Bangladesh sees 5,638 cases, 58 more deaths
Amid an alarming surge in Covid-19 cases, Bangladesh recorded 5,683 fresh cases and 58 deaths in the last 24 hours until Saturday morning.
The health authorities recorded over 5000 Covid cases on March 29, 30 and 31 while over 6000 cases on April 1 and 2.
The infection rate slightly fell to 23.15 percent from 23.28 percent on Friday when the country recorded 6,830 cases, the highest since the beginning of the pandemic.
On Thursday, the number of new cases was 6,469 and on Wednesday, the number was 5,358.
The number of daily cases and infection rate dropped below 5 percent earlier this year but then infections continue to rise again amid people’s reluctance to maintain health safety rules.
Hospitals are struggling to provide treatment to the increasing coronavirus patients with their limited resources. The government is increasing the number of beds and Covid-designated hospitals to deal with the situation.
Bangladesh has so far recorded 630,277 coronavirus cases, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
During the 24-hour period until Saturday morning, 2,364 patients recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 549,775.
Bangladesh reported its first cases on March 8 last year and confirmed the first death from the virus 10 days later.
The country has so far tested 4,752,661 samples, including 24,100 in the last 24 hours, the DGHS said.
Meanwhile, the fatalities rose to 9,213 with the new deaths. The mortality rate fell to 1.46 on Saturday from Friday’s 1.47 percent.
Coronavirus claimed 568 lives in January this year, 281 in February and 638 in March.
Among the latest victims, 39 died in Dhaka division, 12 in Chattogram, One each in Rangpur and Mymensingh, three in Khulna and two in Barishal division.
So far, 5,267 coronavirus patients died in Dhaka division, 1,664 in Chattogram, 508 in Rajshahi, 592 in Khulna, 276 in Barishal, 327 in Sylhet, 377 in Rangpur and 202 in Mymensingh divisions.
So far 6,925 men (75.17) and 2,288 women (24.83) died of Covid-19.
Also read: Govt to enforce 7-day lockdown from Monday: Quader
Govt set to impose ‘lockdown’
On Saturday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the government is set to announce a seven-day lockdown from Monday to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said the decision for a countrywide lockdown for seven days would come within “two to three days”.
In a video message, he said the institutions providing emergency services would be open during the lockdown.
“Industries and factories will remain open too,” he said. “Workers will have to follow health guidelines and work in shifts (during that period).”
Also read: Restriction on gatherings, quarantine rule among PMO’s 18-point directive to contain Covid surge
Govt strengthens protective steps
The daily surge prompted the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to issue an 18-point directive on March 29 to prevent the virus’ transmission.
On the same day, the Health Ministry proposed strict measures like partial lockdowns for some places with higher Covid-19 transmission rates.
Vaccination drive
The government launched a countrywide vaccination campaign on February 7 with doses received from the Serum Institute of India.
Bangladesh inked an agreement with Serum in December last year for 30 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Serum is supposed to supply the doses between January and June this year – 5 million each month.
Also read: Global Covid cases top 130 million
Global situation
Coronavirus cases were first reported in China in December 2019.
The world hit another grim Covid-19 milestone on Saturday, as the total caseload surpassed 130 million and 2.8 million deaths so far, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
A number of vaccines have been developed to fight the virus. Most notable of them are those made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca.