Covid curbs extended till February 21

The government has extended the coronavirus restrictions to February 21 as over 10,000 cases were detected every day for the last 10 days.

In-person classes at schools, colleges and equivalent educational institutions were also ordered to be suspended until February 21.

Despite restrictions on public gatherings and movement, Bangla Academy is holding the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela from February 15, said Jalal Ahmed, member secretary of the book fair management committee. He added that the health safety guidelines would be followed at the fair.

Health officials yesterday reported 11,596 new cases of Covid-19 and 33 dead from the disease. The positivity rate was 25.86 percent, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new cases were detected after testing 44,843 individuals.

The Cabinet Division in a notification yesterday banned gatherings of more than 100 people in social, political, religious and state events.

Besides, anyone participating in such an event must have a Covid vaccination certificate or a Covid-negative report of a PCR test done not more than 24 hours before the event.

The number of deaths confirmed to be caused by Covid-19 was 28,494 as of yesterday.

Of the 33 reported dead yesterday, 22 were male and 11 were female. One was aged between 21 and 30, one between 31 and 40, two between 41 and 50, four between 51 and 60, and the rest are above 60, said a DGHS release.

Bangladesh has so far confirmed 18,35,776 cases of the coronavirus.

The new restrictions were announced as the Omicron variant of coronavirus caused major spikes in the number of daily new cases.

Bangladesh detected its first Omicron case on December 10 last year. A month later, the government had issued an 11-point restriction amid rising number of infections.

Classrooms of schools and colleges were closed on January 21.

BANGLA ACADEMY

Everyone concerned with the Mela must possess Covid-19 vaccine certificates, the academy said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina agreed to inaugurate the fair, said Jalal Ahmed, adding that all preparations were taken at the Suhrawardy Udyan.

The fair that was set to begin on February 1 was postponed for two weeks amid rising new cases.

Earlier, Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Nurul Huda said the academy has contacted the DGHS to establish a Covid-19 vaccine booth. "They agreed that they will provide necessary support."