Bangladesh ready to deal with Omicron: Health Minister

Health Minister Zahid Maleque today said that all necessary preparations have been made to deal with the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.

He was talking to reporters after visiting the newly built Nursing Institute in Savar this noon.

The minister said, "In preparation for the prevention of Omicron, we have already held an inter-ministerial meeting. Many decisions have been taken in that meeting. Anyone arriving in Bangladesh from South Africa or other countries, where Omicron cases have been reported, must be tested within 48 hours of the flight departure time and placed in quarantine for 14 days."

"We have enhanced the issue of testing, as well as the preparation of quarantine centres. In addition, we have advocated for the expansion of quarantine centres in all of the hospitals that we have previously used. Those arriving in the country will be able to stay in quarantine at their own expense," he said.

The minister mentioned that Dhaka airport's overall system has been strengthened, and that its screening system has recently been improved. In addition, the airport's testing lab has been expanded from 2,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet, he said.

Zahid Maleque went on to say, "Our hospitals are prepared. The intensive care units (ICUs) are ready. We've sent letters to various offices in all of our districts, requesting that they make preparations. We're ready to deal with the new variant."

When reporters asked if the country's borders would be closed to prevent transmission, the minister said that there were no immediate plans to do so. There is now a border inspection system, a screening system, a test system, and a quarantine system. There does not appear to be a need for border closure or lockdown at this time because the country is good and safe, reports our Savar correspondent. 

The health minister urged Bangladeshis living abroad, particularly those in African countries, that it is better if they did not come to the country right now. "Stay where you are if you want to keep your family and country safe," he said.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman; Director General of Health Department Prof Dr Abul Bashar Mohammed Khurshid Alam; Senior Secretary of Health Services Department Lokman Hossain Miah; Additional Secretary Md Saidur Rahman; Additional Director General of Health Department (Planning and Development) Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora; Savar Municipality Mayor Haji Abdul Gani; Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mazharul Islam; and Savar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Sayemul Huda, among others, were present.