15 die from Covid-19 in record jump in mortality

NEWS DESK 

Bangladesh today confirmed single-day record 15 deaths from coronavirus and 266 new cases of infection in last 24 hours.

With this, the death toll has risen to 75 from the virus – and a total of 1,838 people have been infected so far.

"Some 2,190 samples were tested in the last 24 hours," Health Minister Zahid Maleque made the disclosure in a virtual press briefing today.

"Among the infected patients, 500 are getting treatment at different hospitals in the country and rest others are taking treatment staying at home," the minister said, adding, "Nine people have cured in last 24 hours, so far 58 people have recovered from this deadly virus in the country."

"Many people are still seen ignoring the social distancing rules. This negligence is putting everyone in danger," he said.

The minister also said, "People are not testing properly, some are hiding their symptoms, which is putting everyone around them in danger."

He requested people to do testing if there is any symptom of Covid-19. 

The minister urged media to telecast entertainment programmes so that people can enjoy their stay at home.

"Covid-19 has been spread to 40 districts across the country and most of the cases were contacted from the people who went there from Dhaka and Narayanganj," the minister said further.

During the briefing, the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control And Research (IEDCR) Director Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora said, "Among the total 1,838 confirmed cases 68% are male and 32% female. High rate of infection has been seen among the age group between 21-30 (21%), next age group 31-40 (19%) and age group 41-50 (15%)."

Dr Flora further said, "Location wise Dhaka has the highest number of confirmed cases which is 46%. In the capital, Mirpur is the most risky place with 11% infected patients, next Mohammadpur and Wari with 4% and Uttara and Dhanmondi have 3% infected patients."

"Outside of the capital, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Chattogram, Munshiganj have higher rate of infected patients," she added.

The IEDCR director said, "Among the infected patients - some 68% people are taking treatment staying at home and rest 32% have been admitted in different hospitals across the country."

About 2,160,170 people around the world have been infected with the deadly virus and 145,593 deaths were reported globally till date.