Covid patients
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.
No alternative to increasing hospital capacity: Health Minister
Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said that there is no alternative to increasing the capacities of hospitals to tackle the surge in Covid-19 cases.
“There’s no alternative to increasing the number of hospital beds as Covid cases are increasing day by day. That’s why the government is increasing the number of beds at all covid-dedicated hospitals,” he said while inaugurating 10 ICU beds at Dhaka Medical College Hospital at an online event.
He said the number of covid-designated hospitals are also being increased.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records highest-ever daily cases, 59 deaths
Minister Maleque said that a market of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has been turned into a Covid-dedicated hospital with 1,250-bed capacity.
“There are 50 ICU beds and 200 SDO beds,” he said. “It also has 1,000 isolation beds.”
Maleque said the number of covid beds is being increased at government hospitals in the capital.
Also read: Avoid public gatherings, wear masks to fight Covid surge, PM urges all
In this regard, the minister said that 10 more ICU beds have been added to Dhaka Medical College Hospital today.
3,000 more hospital beds to be ready for Covid patients: Minister
Three thousand more beds will be added to hospitals across the country in the wake of sharp rise in coronavirus cases, said Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Wednesday.
The minister revealed this while responding to questions from reporters following a meeting on MBBS admission test at his ministry's conference room.
Also read: Remain alert as Covid-19 infection rising: Health Minister
“The number of Covid patients need to be reduced fast. If the current rate of virus infection continues, it won’t be possible to tackle the situation with the existing arrangements,” he said.
"We’ve turned some non-Covid hospitals into Corona dedicated hospitals. We’ve also issued instructions to increase beds at Lalkuthi Hospital, Mohanagar Hospital, Government Employees Hospital and Kurmitola Hospital," the minister said.
Outside Dhaka, the concerned authorities in Tongi, Gazipur and Tangail have also been asked to take necessary measures, he said, adding, “If we can do these, we’ll be able to create 3000 new beds.”
Airlines flights to face suspension for carrying Covid carriers
The government has decided to suspend the flight operation of airlines that will carry passengers without Covid-19 negative certificates as part of its initiative to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Covid patients receive surprise gift from Mayor Taposh
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh on Saturday surprised Covid-19 patients in the city’s locked down Wari area with the gift of fruit baskets.