Some people making a big issue over coronavirus: IEDCR

The director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Prof Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora, said some over-excited people are making a big issue over coronavirus outbreak. 

"We all have to be alert over spreading unnecessary rumours about coronavirus," she said at a regular briefing on Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the IEDCR office in Dhaka on Saturday.

Professor Sabrina Flora said if someone comes from these countries, it doesn't mean that they are infected by COVID-19. There is an evil attempt at spreading rumours over COVID-19. A woman died after hearing a rumour that her son is infected with coronavirus.  

There have been reports of unexpected incidents, such as people returning from China, both Bangladeshis and Chinese, who are being barred from entering their rented homes, or are being rejected when they try to rent a flat.  All this is unacceptable, she added. 

Professor Sabrina Flora also said a government official at a land port had disclosed the personal details of a Bangladeshi person who was dubiously infected with COVID-19 and had returned from China.  It is a totally unacceptable attitude from a responsible official. Such over activity may badly affect the overall activities. 

"A Bangladeshi living in Abu Dhabi was infected with coronavirus, but he did not visit China. He came in contact with a China returnee. We are keeping contact with the foreign ministry and Bangladesh Embassy in United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a regular basis," said the IEDCR director.

Professor Sabrina Flora said the health of four Bangladeshis living in Singapore who are infected with coronavirus is stable. A Bangladeshi has been kept under close observation by doctors because his condition is critical. Besides, five more have been quarantined.  

The IEDCR said 273,573 passengers entered Bangladesh through land, air, sea and rail routes till February 22. The IEDCR has collected samples from 77 of them on the suspicion that they might have the coronavirus. However, no cases of coronavirus have been detected in Bangladesh yet.