Actual number of Covid-infected more than detected: Health Minister

Health Minister Zahid Maleque today said the actual number of Coronavirus-infected people in Bangladesh is much higher than what's officially reported.

Everyone with symptoms is not going for Covid tests, the minister said at a press conference on Covid update at the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons in Dhaka today.

Since Omicron is milder, people are moving about nonchalantly, the minister said.

"Around 10,000 to 15,000 people are going for Covid tests. I believe, the number of infected is many times higher. We are roaming around carelessly and letting others get infected," he said.

"It's our responsibility to maintain health rules, protect our families and all of the country from Covid-19," he added.

The minister said, "We are giving vaccines and trying to make people aware. All of our efforts will be a success if people cooperate with us.... We will not be able to lower the infection and death rates if people do not follow the health guidelines."

"We should not take Omicron lightly, considering it a mild variant," the minister said.

"It's sad that when schools are closed (to curb infection), parents are going for vacation with their children," the minister said, adding, "The infection rate must be kept low. Otherwise, the death rate will jump."