United News of Bangladesh

What happens if I get COVID-19 while traveling? Depending on your destination, it could result in an unexpected change in plans, such as being required to stay isolated in a hotel. It’s why the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you have backup plans ready if you’re traveling abroad. You might have to stay longer than planned if you test positive. In some places, you won’t be able to board flights until you test negative. In others, you might also be required to stay in a quarantine facility. Since results from a PCR test can remain positive for weeks after an infection, those who have had COVID-19 might have to get documentation from a doctor or health authorities saying they’ve recovered. Some travel only requires an antigen test. Read: US official: Russia plans to annex parts of eastern Ukraine If you end up needing medical treatment, check with your embassy for suggested health care providers. Keep in mind that some countries still have overwhelmed health care systems due to the pandemic. Plan time for recovery since some countries — including the U.S. — require a negative test for reentry. Exceptions to this policy may be granted on an “extremely limited” basis, such as in the event of an emergency medical evacuation or humanitarian crisis, says the CDC. It also helps to be financially prepared to pay unexpected bills. While it varies country to country, travelers are often responsible for costs associated with any isolation or medical treatments needed. Travel companies suggest getting insurance that will cover the cost of treatment, isolation or rescheduled travel plans. Some countries require that you have insurance before you’re allowed to enter.

District Civil Surgeon Dr Zahid Nazrul Chowdhury informed on Sunday that the infection rate of coronavirus is decreasing in Chapainawabganj, but it cannot be said with confidence that the situation has improved. According to results reported from the RT-PCR Lab in Rajshahi, 107 people came out positive in 188 tests carried out on Saturday night. That is an extremely high positivity rate of 59%. Dr Zahid said the samples were sent to the Rajshahi lab last Wednesday and Thursday. Additionally on Saturday, 453 people were tested using the rapid antigen test in the district, where 54 of them came out positive, for a positivity rate of 12%. The overall positivity rate (RT-PCR and antigen tests combined) stands at 25% (161/641). The RT-PCR test is the most sensitive type of test for the virus (sometimes too sensitive, as they can detect viral loads that are not expected to be harmful). The test actually detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even in those who have no symptoms. This makes it important in the pandemic to prevent asymptomatic spread.  However, the PCR test has a longer turnaround time, which is where the antigen test, frequently known as a rapid test, comes in. It is meant to detect protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. While the rapid test can get you results very quickly, the results may not always be accurate. The WHO recommends having a confirmation PCR test performed if you still have symptoms despite a negative antigen test. But whether that is at all happening in Chapainawabganj is not known. Meanwhile, the district observed the sixth day of its 'strict' lockdown on Sunday. Police are working in the field to implement the lockdown. Also read: Week-long lockdown to contain Covid in Chapainawabganj The district civil surgeon further said a decision on whether to extend the ongoing one-week lockdown in the district would be taken at a meeting of the district coronavirus prevention committee. Earlier on Tuesday, authorities in Chapainawabganj imposed a week-long lockdown to break the chain of Covid transmission. All intra-district and long-distance buses as well as private vehicles would stay off the roads during the lockdown. However, no such restrictions apply on the movement of vehicles ferrying goods. Train services to and from the district have also been suspended in the wake of the recent surge in Covid cases in Chapainawabganj. Moreover, all shops, markets and restaurants would remain closed, except for grocery stores and pharmacies. This would allow people to buy their daily essentials and medicines from their local grocers and chemists. Also read: 10 Covid patients die in one day at RMCH Officials of the local administration and police personnel have been deployed on all the major roads of the district to ensure strict compliance. Besides, as many as 27 checkpoints have been set up across the district to curb the movement of people, unless for specific reasons. "Cops will also patrol the streets of the district to make the lockdown a success," said an official.

Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal won the toss and opted to bat first in the three-match ODI series opener against Sri Lanka on Sunday at Mirpur.  Hours before the match takes the field, the Sri Lanka squad went through a Covid-19 scare. Three members of the Lankan squad tested positive for Covid-19 including two cricketers but the latest PCR test revealed only one of them is positive.  Read:Sri Lankan player Shiran Fernando tests positive for Covid-19 in latest test This series is a part of the World Cup Super League. Bangladesh has already played six matches of this event and won three of them. The top seven teams of this event will get a direct qualification to the World Cup 2023.  Sri Lanka, on the other hand, played three matches of the World Cup Super League and lost all.  With this series, Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman are back to the Bangladesh side after missing out on the Sri Lanka tour for a two-match Test series.  The remaining matches will take place on May 25 and 28 respectively at the same venue.  Read:Bangladesh and Sri Lanka all set to face off in an ODI Series Bangladesh playing XI: Tamim Iqbal (c), Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (w), Mohammad Mithun, Mhamudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman Sri Lanka playing XI: Kusal Perera(w/c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Ashen Bandara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lakshan Sandakan, Dushmantha Chameera    

Argentine President Alberto Fernández says he had an initial positive test for COVID-19, despite having been vaccinated in January. Fernández sent a tweet late Friday saying took a quick antigen test for the virus after feeling a headache and experiencing a fever of 37.3 Celsius (99.1 Fahrenheit). He said he otherwise has light symptoms, is isolating and is "physically well." He said he is awaiting a confirmation of the result using a more rigorous PCR test. Also read: Global Covid cases top 130 million The president received a dose of the Sputnik V vaccine on Jan. 21 and a second dose a few days later. The Russian Gamaleya Institute that produced the vaccine tweeted that it wished the president a quick recovery, and said the vaccine has a 91.6% rate of effectiveness against infection and 100% against critical cases. Also read: Incumbent president concedes defeat in Argentine presidential election "If the infection is confirmed and occurred, the vaccination assures a rapid recovery without severe symptoms," it said. Argentina recently tightened border restrictions due to an upsurge in cases. The nation of some 45 million people has recorded nearly 2.4 million infections, with 56,000 deaths. It has administed more than 4 million doses of vaccine against the disease.