Deaths from coronavirus exceed 100 in Bangladesh

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - The death toll in Bangladesh from the new coronavirus passed 100 on Monday with 10 fresh fatalities in the last 24 hours, said a health official on Monday.

Prof. Nasima Sultana, a senior official at the Directorate General of Health Services, confirmed during a regular online briefing that 492 new infections were recorded after 2,779 samples were tested across the country.

So far, the virus has killed 101 people and infected 2,948 in the country, she said.

The Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research, an authority under the Health Ministry, tested 26,604 samples out of a population of 160 million people until Monday.

Meanwhile, the virus infection among doctors and healthcare personnel has been spreading rapidly raising deep concern. At least 57 nurses have been infected while 270 others are in quarantine across the country. One physician has died and at least 170 doctors have been infected as of Monday, as well.

Dr. Md. Shahed Rafi Pavel, chairman of Bangladesh Doctors’ Foundation, told Anadolu Agency that at least 80 doctors got infected with COVID-19 in just three days.

“We don’t have proper protective equipment as assured by the government. And, we have yet to receive standard face mask and personal protection equipment (PPE) in line with the guidance of the World Health Organization. The quality of the face mask and PPE are substandard in quality condition.”

Pavel complained that they could not find quality protection equipment anywhere although talking to local hospitals and hospitals dedicated to COVID-19 treatment.

He urged the government to take prompt action to ensure the safety of healthcare workers.

The chairman also ruled out the statement by the Health Ministry during the briefing of providing quality face mask and PPE to health workers.