Covid: 7 new deaths after zero-casualty-day

Bangladesh reported seven new deaths from Covid-19 in the last 24 hours till Sunday 8am, a day after casualties from the virus dropped to zero.

According to data released by the Directorate General of Health Services, the country also recorded 199 more fresh cases during the period.

With the latest count, the death toll in the country reached 27,953 and the case tally increased to 15,74,088.

The current positivity rate was reported at 1.16% with 17,135 samples were tested across the country.

Covid cases and deaths have been falling in recent days, suggesting an improved pandemic situation across the country. But officials have urged caution as the coronavirus continues to rage across Europe and other parts of the world.

Speaking at a programme on Sunday, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said "Death rates [from Covid-19] is still upward in many countries of the world including Russia. Many countries are imposing lockdowns. In such times, Bangladesh recorded zero deaths from coronavirus."

He said the health sector's planning, diligence, and initiatives taken by the Prime Minister has helped elevate the Covid-19 situation in the country.

However, he warned, "We must not indulge in complacency. We need to work towards preventing another big comeback of the virus."

Among the deaths reported on Sunday, five died in the Dhaka Division, and one each in Chattogram, and Khulna divisions.

Also, 192 patients were declared free of Covid-19 during the preceding 24 hours, with a 97.72% recovery rate.

A gender breakdown of the Covid-19 victims show that 17,893 of the total deceased across the country were men and 10,060 were women.

The country's maiden cases were reported on 8 March last year and the first death from the virus was reported on 18 March.