As China gets battered with the new Omicron sub-variant of the Covid-19 known as BF.7 and cases of the same variant have been detected in different countries including Japan, South Korea and our close neighbour India, it is now a cause of serious concern for Bangladesh. Cautioning that the new variant is more contagious, health experts say this variant has a smaller incubation period compared with previous variants and one person infected with the variant might infect 18 others. Its infectivity capacity is also much higher compared with the average infection capacity of the Omicron.
Just yesterday, The New Nation reported that four Chinese citizens who came from China to Bangladesh were detected with coronavirus during health screening at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Of the total of 105 passengers on the flight, these four Chinese nationals were identified as corona infected. The measures to test rapid antigen are being conducted at the airport and other land ports due to the recent outbreak of the sub-variant in different countries. From now on every inbound passenger will have to cross the thermal gate for a temperature check.
The people who assumed coronavirus is no longer a threat have been proven wrong as people in different countries have recently been contracted with the new sub-variant. According to the latest report of the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 149,674 new patients were detected in China in the last one week (from December 12 to 18). Of them, 337 people died during this time. More people were infected in Japan and South Korea, the report said; adding as many as 1,130 people have been newly infected in India. Meanwhile, the fourth dose of corona vaccination has started in the country. As of 22 December, 47,106 people had received the fourth dose of vaccination. Total 88 per cent of the total population of Bangladesh received the first dose of corona vaccine while 74 and 38 per cent of people received the second and third doses, respectively. Health experts say the vaccine dose is effective for up to one year. In that case, those who have taken the third dose, they must take the fourth dose.
Though the infection rate is still low in the country, there is no reason for us to be complacent. Corona is a disease that spreads rapidly from one place to another, from one country to another. We must take necessary preparations to deal with the emerging situation if infections rise. Otherwise, it may bring serious consequences.
