Bangladesh in worst-hit list despite less virus tests

By Md. Kamruzzaman

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) – Despite falling coronavirus test numbers, Bangladesh remains among the 20 worst-hit countries in the world, according to the US’ Johns Hopkins University’s data.

COVID-19 testing has reduced due to the impact of the devastating floods in the country, which have claimed 93 lives in various areas since June 30.

As of Thursday, nearly 3 million people have been affected by flooding in 21 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts, according to government data.

Over 1.08 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country so far, but daily tests are down from over 17,000 to around 12,000 now, with 12,398 samples tested over the past 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry.

Of these, 2,856 were positive for the virus, raising the country’s total number of cases to 216,110.

With the new additions, Bangladesh has now passed France’s tally and is placed 17th among the top 20 countries with most coronavirus cases.

The death toll in the country increased by 50 over the past day to reach 2,801, while recoveries stand at 119,208, according to the latest data.