Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque said Bangladeshi expatriates should not return home at this moment as Omicron, the new variant of coronavirus, has posed threat across the world.
He made the remarks after visiting the under construction building of Bangladesh Institute of Health Management in Savar on Sunday.
The minister said, “Those who are living abroad should not come to the country now. They should not come to the country as there is a high risk of spreading the infection.”
He advised them to stay at those places where they have been staying now in order to keep their families and the country safe.
He further said that Covid-19 tests and quarantine arrangements have been strengthened.
“The death rate can be brought down to zero through awareness if the victims are treated quickly. Being vaccinated will increase immunity among the people. He also put emphasis on maintaining the health guidelines properly. During the district level visit, we have sent letters to various offices asking them to be prepared to fight against coronavirus. They were instructed to arrange quarantine if anyone comes from outside of the country. Some 8,000 nurses have already been recruited. The vaccination program has also been accelerated.”
The minister also mentioned that around 7 crore people have received the first dose and 4 crore of them have received the second dose.
“Vaccination is a must to prevent Omicron among other preventive measure,” he added.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman, Director General of Health Department Prof Dr Abul Bashar Mohammed Khurshid Alam, Senior Secretary of Health Services Department Lokman Hossain Miah, Additional Secretary Md Saidur Rahman, Additional Director General of Health Department (Planning and Development) Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora, Savar Municipality Mayor Haji Abdul Gani; Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mazharul Islam, and Savar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Sayemul Huda and others were present there.
