The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of Bangladesh says the new sub-variant, BF.7, of the Omicron variant of coronavirus is four times more transmissible than the previously-detected sub-variant.
"The new sub-variant, BF.7, of the Omicron already infected a large number of people in China while many people were detected with the new variant in India," Additional Director General of DGHS Professor Dr Ahmedul Kabir told reporters during an online press briefing organised by the DGHS, according to BSS.
“The new subvariant of Omicron is four times higher transmissible and the incubation period is shorter enabling it to infect many people at a time, Kabir added.
"The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research has been asked to conduct genome sequencing to detect if the variant is already in the country," he said.
Kabir said they (DGHS) have already instructed all hospitals countrywide to prepare the Covid-19 isolation wards. "The DNCC Covid-19 Hospital has also been kept ready to receive patients."
Prof Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, director general of the DGHS, conducted the briefing. He said, “The new variant is capable of infecting many people within a shorter period. So, taking a booster -- especially for those with vulnerability -- and wearing masks is a must.”
Last night, National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19 also held a meeting and urged the government to take precautionary measures.
Speaking at the briefing, Prof Mohammad Shahidullah, president of the NTAC, said, "We have recommended the government to arrange antigen tests at all ports for all suspected incoming people so that they can be isolated."
The committee has also recommended activating all Covid-19 related precautionary measures.
According to UNB, the DGHS has asked authorities concerned to take necessary steps in maintaining health guidelines in all airports, land ports and river ports across the country.
DGHS has instructed the authorities concerned to strengthen surveillance and screening of people coming to Bangladesh from countries including China, India, Japan, South Korea, the USA, France, Brazil and Germany.
It also asked the authorities concerned to take steps so that people, coming from those countries, go through tests and digital thermal scanners and thermometers in hand are used at the entry points of all districts. It also requested to strengthen the risk communication activities.