Bangladesh intensifies screening at borders to block new Covid variant

Authorities have tightened screening for travellers entering from India through all land ports to prevent the spread of a new Covid-19 variant. Recent reports of rising cases in several Indian states have prompted these precautions.

At Benapole Check Post Immigration, a UNB correspondent observed rigorous health screenings for incoming travellers. 

Hari Das, a passenger returning from India, said, “I went for treatment 10 days ago and returned today. I saw no Covid testing in India, unlike here.” 

Another traveller, Monika Rani, noted, “After a month of treatment in India, I returned today. I hadn’t heard of a new Covid spread there, but they’re conducting tests here.”

Abdul Majid, a sub-assistant medical officer at Benapole’s Immigration Health Department, confirmed that genetic sequencing in India identified a new Covid strain in some regions. 

“To prevent its spread here, we’re screening all passengers from India as a health department precaution,” he said. 

Travelers showing Covid-19 symptoms are isolated at the upazila health complex.

Health safety protocols, including enhanced screening, have been enforced at all land and international entry points nationwide, following directives issued by the Director of Disease Control at the Directorate General of Health Services in June.

India has seen a surge in Covid cases since late May, over five years after the virus was declared a global pandemic. 

As of Thursday, India reported 5,364 active cases, according to its Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Source: UNB