Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) in China, the government has stepped up its preparedness to open isolation units to prevent the virus across the country.
At the same time, the government has alerted all land and airport authorities to keep a strict vigil on travellers in view of the outbreak of the deadly virus.
Coronavirus is a kind of common virus that causes an infection in nose, sinuses, or upper throat. Most coronaviruses are not dangerous but can be prevented if proper preventive measures are in place.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the government has taken initiatives to check the nCoV in seven ports. It has issued high alert to prevent outbreak of the virus in all means.
Trainings are also being arranged for doctors and nurses about the treatment protocols of the viral infection while different awareness programmes have been undertaken public knowledge on the viral infection.
Director General of DGHS Professor Dr Abul Kalam Azad came up with the directives while addressing a videoconference with divisional heads and civil surgeons at its conference room in the capital on Monday.
“At present, we would open isolation units in all the districts hospitals and medical college hospitals situated in eight divisions of the country. However, so far there is no information of corona virus attack in the country,” said Dr Abul Kalam Azad.
He further informed that, passengers especially arriving from China have been screened at the country’s airport. While, special ward has been open to set up a ward at Kurmitola General Hospital as the hospital will be identified as referral hospital for the patients, affected by the virus.
Any passenger with recent history of fever and cough and history of travel any cities in China has to make self-declaration at the ports of arrival or to health authorities.
Besides, travelers who have visited the affected city and do not have any symptoms on arrival, but develop above mentioned symptoms within 28 days of arrival in Bangladesh, should visit the nearest hospital facility. The DGHS urged the passengers especially those traveling to Bangladesh from China or China to Bangladesh to use protective masks.
The coronavirus outbreak has already claimed the lives of 81 people till Monday and the administration has shut down the entire city of Wuhan to prevent the spreading of the virus.
Total confirmed cases nationwide rose sharply to 2,744, officials said as state media reported the first death in Hainan province: an 80-year-old woman. The disease has spread to other countries as well.
