Daily deaths, infections lowest in 3 weeks

The health directorate yesterday reported 178 deaths from Covid-19 and 6,885 new cases, the lowest numbers in three weeks.

On July 23, the number of deaths reported was 166 and on July 24, there were 6,780 confirmed cases. The numbers steadily rose afterwards and started falling on August 2.

"The lockdown was lifted in the interest of maintaining livelihood and avoiding an economic decline," Health Minister Zahid Maleque told a discussion on the National Mourning Day at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the capital. The countrywide lockdown was enforced from July 23-August 11.

About the current vaccination campaign, the minister said, "We will get six crore doses from China by November. Vaccines are coming from other sources as well. Mass inoculation will accelerate if vaccine supplies remain stable.

"However, everyone must continue to follow the health guidelines like wearing masks and maintaining social distance."

As of yesterday, 23,988 confirmed patients of Covid-19 had died since the first cases were reported and the total number of officially acknowledged cases was 14,12,218.

In tests done during the 24 hours preceding 8:00am, 20.66 percent turned out to be positive, said a statement from the Directorate General of Health Services.

Meanwhile, the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19 urged the government on Friday to reconsider its decision of  lifting most of the coronavirus restrictions from Wednesday.

NTAC chief Mohammad Shahidullah in a press release said if the lockdown could continue for another couple weeks, the benefits of the prior lockdown could be fully reaped.

The NTAC recommended that meetings, gatherings, social events, tourist attractions, and community centres be restricted for longer.

It also recommended restaurants to sell takeouts only and public transport to operate with half the seats empty.

The committee also urged continuing working from home where possible and recommended the drug administration to ensure that the three-layer fabric masks are produced maintaining the standard.

The NTAC recommended reopening classes for certain medical students maintaining the health safety protocols.