In an effort to contain the Omicron sub-variant BF.7, the authorities concerned of Darshana border in Chuadanga district have taken steps to test passengers from the neighbouring country for Covid through rapid antigen test.

The authorities concerned of Darshana check-post have strengthened the measures following the directives from the Health Division on December 24.

Abu Naim, sub-inspector of Darshana Immigration, said some 150-200 people cross the Darshana Check-post every day and Dhaka-Kolkata Moitri Express and goods-laden trains also pass through the border.

The authorities  are checking the Covid negative report of the passengers and a rapid antigen test was made mandatory in case of Indian nationals, if he or she had not received the booster dose, he said.

Read more: 1st case of Omicron sub-variant BF.7 detected in Bangladesh

A total of 89 people have entered into the country from India till Tuesday afternoon, he added.

A patient infected with Omicron sub-variant BF.7 has been found in Bangladesh, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed on Sunday.

He is one of the four returnees from China who tested positive for Covid-19 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Monday and were then kept in isolation, said Prof. Dr Najmul Islam, director (diseases control) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Read more: Clinical guideline finalised to fight off Omicron

In the wake of the surge in the new sub-variant of Covid-19 infections, Omicron BF.7, in different countries including China and India, the government has asked all to take necessary steps in maintaining health guidelines in all airports, land ports and river ports across the country.