The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a new alert following an increase in infections of new COVID-19 sub-variants in neighboring countries, including India.

The alert, signed by Professor Dr. Halimur Rashid, Director of the Communicable Disease Control Branch of the DGHS, stated on Monday (June 9) that new sub-variants of coronavirus, particularly Omicron LF.7, XFG, JN-1, and NB.1.8.1, are seeing increased transmission in various neighboring countries.

In light of this, to prevent potential transmission into Bangladesh via international travelers, surveillance must be intensified at IHR (International Health Regulations) desks in all land, river, and airports for citizens traveling to and from India and other affected countries. Additionally, certain risk mitigation activities need to be undertaken.

Directives for Entry Points into the Country
1. Be vigilant, strengthen health screening, and surveillance at IHR (IHR-2005) Health Desks at various land, river, and airports across the country.
2. Measure temperature using non-contact techniques with thermal scanners/digital handheld thermometers at all points of entry in the country.
3. Stock sufficient quantities of masks, gloves, and protective clothing (PPE) for healthcare workers.
4. Promote disease prevention guidelines to raise public awareness about preventing viral transmission.
5. Refrain from traveling to India and other affected countries unless absolutely necessary.

Increased Alert for Passengers Arriving from India:
General Advice for Everyone
1. Wash hands with soap seven times as needed (for at least 23 seconds).
2. Use masks to cover nose and mouth.
3. Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet from infected individuals.
4. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
5. Cover your nose and mouth with your arm/tissue/cloth when sneezing or coughing.

Actions for Suspected Patients
1. Stay home if unwell; if severely ill, contact the nearest hospital.
2. Instruct the patient to use a mask to cover their nose and mouth.
3. Contact the IEDCR (Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research) hotline if necessary (01401-196293).

It is noteworthy that the first three cases of COVID-19 in Bangladesh were identified on March 8, 2020. Ten days later, on March 18 of the same year, the country recorded its first death from the virus. On two days, August 5 and 10, 2021, the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 occurred, with 264 fatalities each day.