Daily Covid deaths, cases continue to decline

The number of daily Covid-19 deaths witnessed a steep fall as the single-day toll dropped to 178 in 24 hours till Saturday 8am, a decline from 261 on the same day last week.

Bangladesh – for the second day in a row – reported below 200 daily deaths from the virus, with the latest toll being the lowest in 22 days.

Besides, the number of daily cases continues to fall as 6,885 people tested positive for the virus during the same period, which was 8,465 a day ago. With the latest additions, the Covid-19 death toll reached 23,988 and the case tally climbed to 14,12,218 in the country.

The health officials had tested 33,330 samples in 709 labs across the country. With the continuing downward trend in infections, the positivity rate stands at 20.60% in the 24-hour period, while the death rate increased to 1.70%.

'Restrictions lifted too soon'

The National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 (NTAC) says the government lifted the Covid-19 restrictions too soon and asked the authorities to reconsider the decision.

They also recommended keeping tourist spots and community centres closed for a few more days, restaurants to not allow dine-in, public transport to run with half capacity, and for people to maintain hygiene rules, says a press release issued after Friday midnight.

These recommendations came in the 44th virtual meeting held on the night of 12 August, presided over by NTAC's Chairman Professor Dr Mohammad Shahidullah.

The press release read, "Although the lockdown from 23 July to 10 August was not strictly observed, there was an improvement in the infection rate due to the closure of several important venues such as public gatherings.

"However, neither the rate of infection nor death is under control. Under this context, the meeting expresses concern over the recent decision of the government to immediately lift the restrictions."

The committee felt that the government was in a hurry to relax the restrictions. This could increase the risk of reinfection, putting the economy at greater risk.

Under such circumstances, the NTAC recommended reconsideration of the recent decision taken by the government, and thinks that another 1-2 weeks of lockdown will be fruitful.

At the meeting, the committee congratulated all authorities concerned, including the health department, for vaccinating more than 50 lakh people a week through the recent Mass Vaccination Campaign.

It also welcomed the decision to give Covid-19 vaccines to pregnant and lactating women.

In reply to a letter sent by the Health Education Department of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare seeking the opinion of the committee on reopening classes for the 2nd year and final year students of MBBS/BDS courses, the committee agreed on mandatory vaccination before classes and taking precautions, safety and hygienic measures.

The NTAC also asked the Department of Drug Administration to ensure proper production and sale of three-layered masks.

Bangladesh had been under strict lockdown since the beginning of July until 10 August with an eight-day break during Eid. Amid the restriction period, more than 200 deaths were recorded almost every day.

The World Health Organization (WHO) last month warned governments around the world against easing Covid-19 restrictions too soon, saying countries that did so risked paying a heavy price for rushing back to normality.