Number of Covid patients, deaths might rise significantly in 5-7 days: Health Minister

The number of Covid-19 patients and deaths might rise significantly within the next five-seven days, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said today.

"Already the number of patients has increased manifolds," Zahid Maleque said while addressing an event at Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) in Dhaka this afternoon.

He also said that the increased number of patients would create a pressure on the hospitals.

"If the number of patients rises to 40,000 or one lakh, where would we accommodate them?" -- the minister said, mentioning that there are around 20,000 beds in hospitals for Covid-19 patients.

He urged people to take Covid-19 vaccine and strictly follow health safety rules.

"As part of the implementation of new measures, anyone outside without a mask will be fined starting tomorrow," the minister added.