DGHS issues emergency warning amid fresh coronavirus surge in India

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an emergency alert to prevent the infection after a fresh surge of new variants of coronavirus in neighbouring countries, including India.

The DGHS said that the new sub-variants of Omicron, such as LF.7, XFG, JN-1 and NB 1.8.1, are spreading rapidly in neighbouring countries. Amid the situation, these variants can spread in Bangladesh through international travellers.

The DGHS has issued the emergency alert, asking the authorities concerned to intensify vigilance at all land, air and sea ports in a bid to prevent the infection in Bangladesh.

The international health desks of all ports have been asked to strengthen surveillance, especially for the passengers arriving in Bangladesh from India and other infected countries and travelling to those countries from Bangladesh, it said.

Apart from these, the DGHS also urged the authorities concerned to strengthen the preparatory and preventive measures to face the challenges of the possible surge of the virus in Bangladesh.

The DGHS issues a five-point instruction, including strengthening vigilance, health screening and surveillance at IHR (IHR-2005) health desks at various land, sea and airports in the country.

Measure the temperature of travellers using a non-touch technique through thermal scanners and digital hand-held thermometers at all entry points of the country.

Ensure a sufficient stockpile of masks, gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE) for use by the healthcare workers.

Promote the virus prevention guidelines to increase public awareness to prevent transmission of the new variant and refrain from travelling to the infected countries without an emergency.