Four die with Covid-19-like symptoms

At least four people died of coronavirus-like symptoms in four districts between Saturday morning and yesterday afternoon.

Administration officials have locked down 57 houses following the deaths.

In Noakhali's Sadar upazila, a 65-year-old fish seller who had fever and sore throat for the last seven-eight days died at Noakhali General Hospital yesterday afternoon.

He was rushed to the isolation ward of the hospital yesterday morning, said Dr Fariduddin Chowdhury, assistant director of Noakhali General Hospital.

His samples were collected to test for coronavirus, the doctor said.

In Jhalakati's Nalchity upazila, a garment worker with fever, breathing problems and chest pain died yesterday morning.

The 40-year-old man returned to the upazila three days ago, said Munibur Rahman Jewel, residential medical officer of Nalchity Upazila Health Complex.

His samples were also collected to test for coronavirus. The man was asked to get treatment from Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital but the family did not agree, the RMO added.

He eventually died in his home yesterday morning, the doctor said. Ten houses, including the deceased's house, were locked down after the death.

In Patuakhali's Kalapara Upazila, a 60-year-old village doctor died of coronavirus-like symptoms on Saturday evening while quarantined at his home.

His burial was completed that night after samples were collected, Dr Chinmoy Hawladar Kalapara, upazila health officer, confirmed.

Ten days ago, he returned to Gora Amkhola Para of Kuakata from Mathbaria in Pirojpur district and was quarantined at his house under the supervision of the local UP chairman, said the health officer.

At least 40 houses in the area have been locked down after his death, he said.

In Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur, a 65-year-old man died Saturday morning after suffering from fever, sore throat and breathing problems for several days.

The old man had reportedly returned in secret from Dhaka on May 12 with coronavirus-like symptoms, said Dr Md Jakir Hossain, upazila health officer of Raipur.

Being informed by the locals, health workers went to his house and collected his sample for Covid-19 test, he said.

He died at his house on Saturday morning before his results returned, the doctor said.

Seven houses, including that of the deceased's, were locked down after his death.

Our correspondents from Jhalakathi, Patuakhali and Noakhali contributed to the report.