‘Hospitalised Chinese man not suffering from coronavirus infection’

The Chinese citizen, who was admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka with a fever on Monday, has recovered.

"He is alright now, but his test results have not come out yet," said Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque in a press brief on Tuesday after an inter-ministerial meeting at the ministry.

"No patient has been found infected with the coronavirus in the country as yet. Still, the health ministry is ready to tackle any outbreak and we made all kinds of preparations," he added.

The minister further revealed that a guideline has been formulated as per the instruction of the World Health Organisation (WHO), but no cure or medicine has been invented for the disease so far.

Zahid Maleque has urged people not to panic over coronavirus, as the ministry has taken necessary preparations to prevent the virus from entering the country. 

During the last 15 days, 7,570 Chinese nationals have left Bangladesh for China, while 2,308 have arrived here. However, no suspected coronavirus infections have been found in the country so far.

Speaking about the 245 Bangladeshi students in Wuhan, the minister said, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had instructed us to bring them back. We had prepared a plane, but the Chinese government said they will not allow any foreigner to leave the city for the next 14 days. 

"Because, they will be kept under observation."

Since the outbreak in China around a week ago, Nepal has confirmed one coronavirus case, while India has quarantined four people for observation.

"We know that 100 people have died because of the new coronavirus infection, while 3,000 became infected and 5,000 are suspected of infection. But we are still safe in Bangladesh," said Zahid Maleque.

He continued, "The government has taken all precautionary measures so that the virus, which can be transmitted from human to human, does not enter Bangladesh. 

"All entry points have been brought under necessary screening, especially those through which people from China or countries with reported coronavirus cases enter Bangladesh. Please maintain good habits such as using masks, covering cough, and washing hands often."

Zahid Maleque called upon the Bangladeshi people not to travel to China until the coronavirus outbreak is contained.