France has donated another 2.12 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Bangladesh through the global sharing platform -- COVAX -- as a gesture of solidarity to its people in their fight against Covid-19 pandemic.

Sixty-nine percent of Covid-19 positive people have been infected with the Omicron variant in Dhaka city during the first two weeks of this month, according to icddr,b.

The Omicron variant can survive longer than earlier versions of the coronavirus on plastic surfaces and human skin, Japanese researchers found in laboratory tests.

The Covid situation in Bangladesh is fast taking an ominous turn with the infection rate spiralling tenfold in three weeks.

The consular section of the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka will temporarily remain closed until further notice as some of its staff members have tested positive for Covid-19.

People who aren’t vaccinated against Covid-19 are no longer allowed in France’s restaurants, bars, tourist sites and sports venues unless they recently recovered from the virus.

Fifteen children died of pneumonia at hospitals in Khagrachhari, Rangamati and Bandarban in the last two weeks, said doctors.

At least 14,828 new infections were recorded and 15 people died from Covid-19 in 24 hours till 8:00 am today, said a press release issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Sixty-two-year-old Anwar Hossain, a resident of Hazaribagh in Old Dhaka, had tested positive for Covid-19 four days back. He was receiving treatment at home.

A fourth dose of Covid-19 vaccine given to people over 60 in Israel made them three times more resistant to serious illness than thrice-vaccinated people in the same age group, Israel's Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Community transmission of the quick-spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus is now occurring in Bangladesh, said health officials yesterday -- in an acknowledgement that forebodes an unprecedented surge in cases in the days ahead.

The government today issued more directives to be observed from January 24 till February 6 in a bid to curb the Covid-19 transmission across the country.

At least 10,906 new infections were recorded and 14 people died from Covid-19 in 24 hours till 8:00 am today, said a press release issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) spokesperson, Prof Dr Nazmul Islam, today said that the Omicron variant is gradually taking the place of Delta variant of Covid-19.

Pfizer Inc Chief Executive Albert Bourla said on Saturday that an annual Covid-19 vaccine would be preferable to more frequent booster shots in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Deaths caused by the coronavirus infection have doubled in a week as daily new cases and the positivity rate continue to soar.

The number of Covid-19 cases has been surging rapidly in Rangamati district.

Seventeen people died from Covid-19 in 24 hours till 8am today, said a press release issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

India’s cumulative cases of Omicron went past the 10,000 mark (10,050) today, reinforcing public health experts' view that the fast-spreading Covid-19 variant has become the dominant strain replacing Delta which had devastated the country last year.

At least 11,434 new infections were recorded and 12 people died from Covid-19 in 24 hours till 8:00 am today, said a press release issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).