Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Wednesday said Gazipur, Mymensingh, and Keraniganj should be put under strict lockdown as coronavirus infection level in these areas is similar to Narayanganj.
“The situation in Gazipur, Mymensingh and Keraniganj is bad. These areas need to be locked down strictly," he added.
According to UNB, the minister came up with the statement at the daily briefing of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).
So far, 53 COVID-19 cases were detected in Gazipur, 21 in Mymensingh, and 27 in Keraniganj.
Maleque also emphasised increasing the number of tests and asked everyone to stay indoors to help the country prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“If there are symptoms, then tests should be done. There are enough kits and more are being brought. When the number of tests will increase, coronavirus patients will be detected and it’ll be possible to prevent its spread,” he said.
The minister urged people not to conceal their symptoms and come forward for tests. Already 14,886 samples have been tested. In the last 24 hours, 1,740 samples were tested.
Bangladesh on Wednesday announced four more coronavirus deaths, including that of a doctor, and 219 new cases. So far, the country has confirmed 1,231 cases and 50 deaths.
“The death of a physician is a matter of deep sorrow,” Maleque said, adding that the prime minister has offered condolences.
Dr Moyeen Uddin, assistant professor of MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, died at Kurmitola General Hospital in the morning. He was diagnosed with coronavirus on April 5 – the first case in Sylhet.