COVID: DGHS urges crowd avoidance, resumes hospital testing
Amid a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases driven by a new sub-variant, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued urgent measures to curb the spread.
On Wednesday, DGHS Director General Dr. Abu Jafor voiced deep concerns at a press briefing, urging citizens to avoid all forms of public gatherings and reintroduce health practices like wearing face masks and frequent hand washing.
He also called on political parties to refrain from organising rallies and noted that a decision on the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations would be made with the Ministry of Education.
Dr Jafor emphasised the need for booster doses for people over 18, pregnant women, individuals above 60, and those who are immunocompromised, urging eligible citizens to visit nearby vaccination centres. The DGHS reported 13 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours (Monday 8:00am to Tuesday 8:00am), bringing the total confirmed cases to 20,51,760, with a daily positivity rate of 12.87% from 101 tested samples. The overall positivity rate is 13.05%, and the fatality rate remains at 1.44%, with no new deaths, keeping the toll at 29,500. Recoveries stand at 20,19,378, with two additional recoveries in the last 24 hours.
Concurrently, the Health Directorate has decided to resume COVID-19 testing in hospitals, starting with medical colleges and district hospitals equipped with RT-PCR labs, such as Dhaka Medical College, Mugda General Hospital, and facilities in Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet, and Mymensingh.
Professor Halimur Rashid, Director of Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, said that testing will initially be limited to symptomatic individuals, with kits being procured locally and imported via the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD).
Testing is expected to resume within 10 days, with plans to expand if infection rates rise.
The resurgence of cases, primarily in Dhaka, has raised concerns, especially as city dwellers return post-Eid holidays, potentially increasing public gatherings.
Health experts warn that infections could spike significantly in the capital if hygiene rules are not followed.
The DGHS has mandated mask-wearing, continued health screenings at entry points like airports, and advised those with symptoms to stay home.
On June 9, five cases were detected from 41 samples, indicating a rising trend, with all 13 cases reported on Tuesday from Dhaka.
The DGHS continues to stress public awareness and adherence to health protocols to prevent a large-scale outbreak, particularly as Dhaka becomes more active post-holiday.
