COVID-19
National Zoo, Rangpur Zoo shut
A record surge in fresh Covid-19 infection in the country has forced the authorities concerned to close Bangladesh National Zoo in the capital’s Mirpur and Rangpur Zoo on Friday.
They will remain closed for visitors until further order, according to a decision taken by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
Fisheries Minister SM Rezaul Karim sought cooperation from all concerned parties in this regard, said a handout of his ministry.
"We’ve decided to keep the National Zoo and Rangpur Zoo, which are under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, closed from today (Friday, April 2) until further notice so that the coronavirus infection does not increase due to the gatherings of visitors," he said.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records 6,000+ cases for 2nd straight day
The government is taking all possible steps to prevent the spread of the virus, said the Minister.
Bangladesh recorded more than 6,000 new coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day on Friday. It was the fourth time in five days that the country reported its highest daily case count.
The health authorities confirmed 6,830 new infections in the afternoon. The infection rate rose to 23.28 percent from 22.94 on Thursday when the country recorded 6,469 cases, the highest since the beginning of the virus outbreak in the country in March last year.
Noting that the Prime Minister's Office has already issued an 18-point directive, Minister Karim urged the people to follow the directives of the government.
Also read: Fighting the Second Wave: Govt seeks stricter implementation of PMO directives
On March 20, 2020 the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock closed down the National Zoo and Rangpur Zoo for the first time amid the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent transmission of the virus.
Later, the National Zoo was reopened for the visitors on some conditions on November 1, 2020 considering the entertainment issue, physical and mental well-being of the Dhaka city dwellers as well as the government’s revenue loss, said the handout.
The PMO on March 29 issued the 18-point directives for the next two weeks in an effort to restrict the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Also read: National Zoo to reopen from Nov 1
The directives mostly are related to restriction on public gatherings, using masks, ensuring 14-day quarantine rule and maintaining other Covid-19 health protocols.
All the ministries, divisions, departments and agencies concerned were asked to take necessary measures to implement the directives.
Covid-19: Bangladesh records 6,000+ cases for 2nd straight day
Bangladesh has recorded more than 6,000 new coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day as the country ramps up efforts to contain the virus’ transmission.
It was the fourth time in five days that Bangladesh reported its highest daily coronavirus cases when the health authorities confirmed 6,830 new infections on Friday afternoon.
The infection rate rose to 23.28 percent from 22.94 of Thursday’s when the country recorded 6,469 cases, the highest in months.
On Wednesday, the number of new cases was 5,358. It was 5,042 on Tuesday and 5,181 on Monday.
The number of daily cases and infection rate dropped below 5 percent earlier this year but there was an unusual surge as people continue to flout health safety rules. The sudden spurt appears to have caught the health sector unawares.
Also read: Fighting the Second Wave: Govt seeks stricter implementation of PMO directives
There is hardly any bed available at hospitals treating coronavirus patients. The government is increasing the number of beds and covid-designated hospitals to deal with the situation.
Bangladesh has so far recorded 624,594 coronavirus cases, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Chattogram EC official dies of Covid-19
An official of the Chattogram Election Commission died at a hospital in Dhaka on Friday, three days after testing positive for Covid-19.
Ataur Rahman, 45, was an election officer with the Chattogram EC district office.
He died while undergoing treatment at the Dhaka hospital, said Md Kamrul Alam, the Additional Election Officer of Chattogram.
Ataur was flown to Dhaka for treatment on March 25 after he complained of breathing difficulties and had high fever and cold. And he tested positive for Covid on March 29, Kamrul Alam said.
Meanwhile, for the third time in four days, Bangladesh recorded its highest daily coronavirus cases as the health authorities confirmed 6,469 new infections on Thursday afternoon.
The infection rate jumped to 22.94 percent from 19.9 percent of Wednesday’s when the country recorded 5,358 cases, the highest in months.
On Tuesday, 5,042 cases were recorded and the number was 5,181 on Monday. The fatalities reached 9,105 with 59 new deaths.
DSCC’s drive to close shops by 8 pm
A special drive aimed at closing shops and markets in areas under Dhaka South City Corporation by 8 pm was conducted on Thursday night to contain the spread of Covid-19.
The drive was conducted in busy shopping hubs like Pir Yemeni Market, Khaddar Market, Gulistan Trade Center, Dhaka Trade Center, Nilkhet Book Market, Chandni Chawk and the New Market area.
DSCC’s executive magistrates Md Munirujjaman and AH Irfan Uddin Ahmed led the drive.
Also read: Building materials on roads: DSCC drive from Dec 1
Covid-19 situation
On Thursday afternoon, for the third time in four days, Bangladesh recorded its highest daily coronavirus cases as the health authorities confirmed 6,469 new infections.
The infection rate jumped to 22.94 percent from 19.9 percent of Wednesday’s when the country recorded 5,358 cases, the highest in months.
On Tuesday, 5,042 cases were recorded and the number was 5,181 on Monday.
Bangladesh had seen a sharp decline in cases and the daily infection rate dropped below 5 percent, but the sudden spurt appears to have caught the health authorities unawares.
There is hardly any bed available at hospitals treating coronavirus patients.
The country’s Covid caseload soared to 617,764 after it recorded its highest-ever single day case count, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Also read: DSCC gets down to work since taking charge of canals, culverts
Govt strengthens protective steps
The daily surge prompted the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to issue an 18-point directive on Monday to prevent the transmission of the virus.
On the same day, the Health Ministry proposed strict measures like partial lockdowns for some places with higher Covid-19 transmission rates.
Also read: DSCC starts drive to bring canals back to life
Other recommendations made by the ministry include closure of amusement centres and picnic spots, ban on religious gatherings, limiting wedding ceremonies, strengthening quarantine systems, limiting passengers in public transport, and limiting attendance in offices.
It also suggested strong enforcement of the ‘no mask, no service’ policy, increasing the number of mobile courts and slapping fines on health guideline violators.
Authorities in various districts have shut down amusement centres and are urging people to wear masks. But a large number of people are still reluctant to follow Covid protocols, putting themselves as well as others around them at risk.
Covid surge: All elections slated for Apr 11 postponed
The Election Commission (EC) has postponed all elections scheduled for April 11 amid a massive surge in Covid-19 cases in recent days.
“Considering the overall coronavirus situation, the Commission has postponed the Laxmipur-2 by-polls, first phase election to 371 Union Parishads and the sixth phase election to 11 municipalities, which were all scheduled slated for April 11,” EC’s Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath told reporters.
The decision came from a meeting in the afternoon at the Nirbachan Bhaban with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda in the chair.
Bangladesh has been recording more than 5,000 cases per day since Monday. On Thursday, the health authorities confirmed 6,469 cases, the highest-ever daily case count since the first ones were announced on March 20 last year.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records highest-ever daily cases, 59 deaths
Debnath said these elections would not be held until the covid situation improves. The parliamentary by-polls and elections to the local bodies would be held from the stage where they were postponed, he added.
He said the candidates will have to keep their campaign suspended until the fresh date is announced for balloting.
EC announced schedules for these elections on March 11.
The deadline for submission of nomination was March 18. The nomination papers were scrutinised on March 19 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature was March 24.
The countrywide Union Parishad elections were supposed to kick off with polls to 371 at 64 upazilas of 19 districts.
Meanwhile, the EC announced the sixth phase municipal election to 11 bodies. It has already held elections to some 230 municipalities in the first five phases between December 28 and February 28 last.
The Laxmipur-2 constituency fell vacant on January 28 after independent MP Mohammad Shahid Islam alias Kazi Papul was convicted by a Kuwait court for criminal offenses.
Abul Hayat tests positive for Covid-19
Prominent Bangladeshi actor Abul Hayat has tested positive for Covid-19.
His daughter Natasha Hayat on Thursday evening confirmed the news in her Facebook post.
‘Abbu, unfortunately, tested positive for Covid-19 and had to be hospitalized last night with mild symptoms,’ Natasha’s Facebook status said.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records highest-ever daily cases, 59 deaths
Abul Hayat is currently stable and under observation of the doctors, she confirmed.
She requested in her post to anyone who has recently recovered (3 weeks) from Covid-19 of A+Blood group for donating Convalescent Plasma to Abul Hayat.
Nat’l committee for stopping Ekushey Book Fair as Covid cases surge
The National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 has recommended to stop the ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair as the country is seeing a massive jump in daily cases.
It has also proposed to halt all types of social events and shut other recreational centres to curb the spread of coronavirus.
At its meeting, the committee also recommended increasing ICU and Covid-19 ward beds at Dhaka hospitals to deal with the increasing stream of patients.
Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records highest-ever daily cases, 59 deaths
It welcomed the 18-point directive issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and emphasised formulating a specific action plan in this regard.
Boi Mela hours curtailed
The surge in coronavirus cases forced the Book Fair management to cut short the daily operational hours.
Also read: Boi Mela to be open for 3.5 hours a day due to COVID-19
Currently, the fair remains open from 3pm to 6:30pm daily.
Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh
Bangladesh recorded its highest daily coronavirus cases on Thursday when the health authorities confirmed 6,469 new infections in the last 24 hours.
Also read: Restriction on gatherings, quarantine rule among PMO’s 18-point directive to contain Covid surge
The infection rate also jumped to 22.94 percent from 19.9 percent on Wednesday.
Covid-19: BCB postpones NCL after round 2
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Thursday decided to postpone the ongoing Bangabandhu National Cricket League (NCL), taking stock of the Covid-19 situation in the country.
Due to the recent surge in Covid-19 infections and fatalities, the BCB had decided to host NCL in only two venues – Cox's Bazar and BKSP.
But the Cox's Bazar authority imposed different restrictions including on the use of public transport. So, the board opted to postpone the league after the end of the two rounds.
Also read: NCL: Rajshahi pull off record win
"It's a precautionary step, and a temporary move," BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury told the media on Thursday. "NCL is a first-class event and eight teams are contesting in this league in more than one venue. So the things are more challenging here."
Nizamuddin also said the league would be resumed as soon as possible. He, however, did not mention any estimated time frame.
Also read: Zakir, Nazmul best performers of NCL 1st round
At least seven cricketers including Mohammad Ashraful, Alok Kapali, Shadman Islam and Akbar Ali tested positive for Covid-19 since the start of the league.
The Latest: Pfizer: Vaccine effective up to 6 months later
Pfizer says its vaccine continues to be effective against COVID-19 up to six months later.
Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech, announced updated results Thursday from their ongoing late-stage study of more than 44,000 volunteers.
Also read: Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine protects younger teens
The companies said the vaccine was 91% effective against symptomatic disease and was even more protective in preventing severe disease. Of 927 confirmed COVID-19 cases detected through March 13, 77 were among people who received the vaccine and 850 were among people who got dummy shots.
There were no serious safety concerns and the vaccine also appeared to work against a variant first detected in South Africa, the companies said.
Also read: Pfizer studying effects of 3rd vaccine dose
The U.K. and U.S. gave the emergency green light to roll out Pfizer’s vaccine late last year followed by many other countries. The vaccine is authorized for ages 16 and up.
This week, the companies said the vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12, based on a study of 2,260 U.S. volunteers.
Also read: Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine works well in big ‘real world’ test
Africa CDC says India vaccine woes could be 'catastrophic'
Africa is unlikely to meet its targets for vaccinating the continent against COVID-19 if supply delays from a key Indian manufacturer continue, the director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Thursday.
Dr. John Nkengasong told a press briefing that officials hope the problems at the Serum Institute of India will only be temporary otherwise “it would definitely impact our ability to continuously vaccinate people.”
"I really want to deliberately hope that it is a delay — not a ban — because that would be catastrophic,” he said.
Also read: German cities suspend AstraZeneca vaccine use for under-60s
More than half of the 29.1 million vaccine doses received by African nations so far have come through the global COVAX initiative, which aims to ensure that low- and middle-income countries have fair access to vaccines. COVAX has largely relied on distributing the AstraZeneca vaccine, because it is cheaper and only requires ordinary refrigeration.
But the Serum Institute of India recently announced that as many as 90 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine destined for COVAX worldwide will be delayed through the end of April as India’s government grapples with a spike in infections among the country's 1.4 billion people.
Nkengasong said it is not yet known what impact the uncertainty might have for scheduling second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in African countries.
“We are tracking that very, very closely,” he said Thursday. “I’m sure countries are still trying to finish vaccinating their first round of the vaccines that were received.”
Also read: Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine batch fails quality check
Nkengasong remained optimistic, though, that a deal announced on Monday for African countries to acquire the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine remains “an historic moment and a game-changer.”
The agreement with the African Union's African Vaccine Acquisition Trust calls for 220 million doses to be delivered by the third quarter of this year, with an option to acquire an additional 180 million doses through 2022.
If those 400 million people receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, it would represent more than half the continent's goal of 750 million, Nkengasong said.
Africa has confirmed more than 4.2 million cases and 112,000 deaths, but since most countries on the continent lack the means to track mortality data, it is not clear how many excess deaths have occurred since the pandemic began.
Also read: African expert warns of 'vaccine war' over access to jabs