Bangladesh warns against travel to neighboring countries as COVID cases surge

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - Bangladesh’s health authority issued a warning Monday for its citizens not to travel to India and other nearby countries unless absolutely necessary as COVID-19 cases are increasing in the region.

The cautionary measure comes in response to a surge of new Omicron subvariants in those countries which exposed fresh health threats, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The new subvariants are Omicron LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB.1.8.1, it added.

It also directed to tighten health screening and surveillance measures at all airports and land ports in the country to combat the risk of COVID.

“To prevent possible infection in Bangladesh through international travelers, surveillance must be strengthened at all land, sea and airports in the country for citizens traveling to India and other infectious countries,” said the DGHS circular.

According to India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there have been a total of 6,491 active cases and 65 deaths in India since January this year.

Last Friday, Bangladesh reported a death from a coronavirus infection.

Although not alarming, the outbreak of the disease in the country is increasing.

Bangladesh reported five new cases on Monday with no new fatalities.