Coronavirus: Bangladesh not discouraging Singapore travel
Health
Bangladesh is not currently considering to limit travel to Singapore, despite the country having one of the highest coronavirus cases outside China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the virus infections in Singapore. Bangladesh is also monitoring the situation closely, said Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) at a press briefing on Sunday.
At the briefing, Director of the institute Prof Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora said, "We are discouraging travel to China. However, Bangladesh is not currently considering to adopt the same measure for Singapore."
She further said that medical teams are screening people at land ports and immigration check-posts.
"As many as 18,213 people have been screened so far, while we have collected samples from 54. However, none has been found to be infected as yet," said Dr Flora, adding, "The China returnee who has been admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital does not show symptoms of the coronavirus infection.
"The person neither had fever nor flu. He was suffering from breathing problems."
The IEDCR has put him under observation and collected medical samples. "We are yet to get the results. However, he is getting better," said Dr Flora.
Advising China returnees not to panic, she said, "If they do not show any symptoms after 14 days, it is completely okay. Otherwise, if any China returnee develops fever or flu within 14 days after returning home, he or she should contact the IEDCR hotline."
Responding to a query about when the media will be informed if anyone is diagnosed with a coronavirus infection, Dr Flora said, "There is a specific process for this. First, we will have to inform the World Health Organization as the coronavirus infection is a public health emergency now.
"Upon discussing with the organisation, we will decide how and when the media will be informed."
The IEDCR requested the media to be careful over covering news on suspected coronavirus cases.
"It is our duty not to disclose details of a person who is yet to be tested positive. Otherwise, people's social reputation can be damaged."
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