Highest 8,364 cases from record tests, 104 more deaths

Bangladesh saw a new highest for Covid-19 infections with 8,364 new cases identified within 24 hours till Monday 8am, following a record increase in testing.

The country also recorded 104 more deaths from the deadly virus in the same period – the single-day tally crossing the 100 mark for the straight second day.

The total death toll now stands at 14,276, according to data released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

A record 35,059 samples were tested in the past 24 hours as the government has sped up its testing programme following the increase in infections. Previously 34,968 people were tested on 12 April.

The massive increase in Covid-19 infection has also escalated hospitalisation, with 50% of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) beds in the capital already occupied, health officials said, warning there will be no vacant ICUs if the infection rate does not drop soon.

Bangladesh has been witnessing a continuous uptrend in recent months since the onset of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier on 7 April, the country reported 7,626 cases, the second-highest so far.

According to the latest figures, infections in Dhaka are rising alarmingly with 3,165 people diagnosed on Monday, an increase of over 2000 from the 1081 cases on Sunday.

The death toll is also higher in the bordering districts with high infection rates, according to health officials.

Meanwhile, the positivity rate also reached its peak this year on Monday at 23.86%, according to the latest DGHS bulletin. The highest daily infection rate since the virus hit the country was recorded at 24.87% on 4 August last year.

With the latest figures, the case tally reached 8,96,770 in the country.

Among the latest day's victims, 68 were men, and 36 were women. Of the victims, 97 died in different hospitals across the country while seven passed away at home.

The country's highest number of 35 deaths reported in the Khulna division followed Dhaka with 27 single-day deaths.

Moreover, 19 of the deceased hailed from the Chattogram division, nine from Ranpur, seven from Rajshahi, five from Mymensingh and two from the Barishal division.

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

50% ICU beds occupied in Dhaka

As Covid-19 continues to ravage through the country, hospitalisation in the capital is increasing rapidly. Experts are fearing the remaining ICU beds will soon be filled up if the upsurge continues.  

"The beds in the hospitals are filling up fast. The ICUs of several hospitals in the capital have already been occupied. About 50% of the ICU beds in the capital have been filled up," DGHS spokesperson Dr Robed Amin said during the regular coronavirus bulletin on Monday.  

"All the ICUs will be occupied quickly if the infection rate continues to be 21-22%," he added.

Dr Amin said hospitals are instructed to stop admitting non-Covid patients at emergency wards. Besides, hospitals with a high number of Covid-19 patients can be declared as Covid-dedicated.

Infections are on the rise due to not wearing masks and not following hygiene rules, though there are no public gatherings right now, the DGHS official said, adding that attempts are being made to increase antigen tests across the country as the rising coronavirus cases have turned 51 districts into risk zones.