New outbreaks of coronavirus infections have recently been reported in various parts of India.
At the Benapole Checkpost Immigration on Sunday morning, sub-assistant medical officers on duty at the medical desk were screening returnees from India for symptoms of coronavirus, reports Bangla Tribune.
Genetic sequencing tests have revealed that the surge in infections in various parts of India is due to sub-variants of the Omicron strain, specifically LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1.
When infections increase in neighboring countries, there is a heightened risk of transmission in Bangladesh as well.
To prevent such transmission, necessary health safety measures, including screening, have been implemented at all land, river, and international airports in the country.
An official order was issued on Wednesday, signed by Professor Dr Farhad Hossain, director of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Mohakhali.
Health advisories and intensive health checks have been requested for suspected passengers arriving from India and other affected countries, with the support of immigration and IHR health desks at the country’s land ports, seaports, and airports.
Paritosh Mondal, a passenger at Benapole Checkpost Immigration returning from India, said: “I went to India for treatment ten days ago. Today (Sunday) I returned home. Just like in Bangladesh, there was no testing for coronavirus or Omicron in India.”
Another passenger, Seema Rani, said: “After a month of treatment, I came back today (Sunday). I hadn’t heard of any new coronavirus outbreaks in India. But after returning home, I see they are conducting tests for coronavirus.”
Abdul Majid, sub-assistant medical officer at Benapole Immigration said: “Genetic sequencing tests in India have revealed a rise in infections in some areas due to new Omicron sub-variants. To prevent the spread of this strain in the country, the health department has instructed us to screen every returning passenger from India. Our director has directed us that if anyone is found to show symptoms of coronavirus or its sub-variants, they must be isolated at the Upazila Health Complex.”