The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has advised Bangladeshi citizens to refrain from traveling to India and other countries experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases unless absolutely necessary.
The cautionary notice comes in response to the rapid spread of several new subvariants of the coronavirus, particularly in neighboring India.
According to a directive issued on Monday and signed by Professor Dr Halimur Rashid, director of the DGHS’s Communicable Disease Control (CDC) wing, variants such as Omicron LF 7, XFG, JN-1, and NB 1.8.1 have been increasingly detected in nearby countries.
The notice emphasizes that heightened surveillance is essential at all entry points into Bangladesh to prevent a possible outbreak triggered by international travelers.
“All land, sea, and airports must enhance screening at IHR (International Health Regulations) desks and closely monitor passengers traveling to and from high-risk countries,” the notice reads.
It also calls for immediate implementation of precautionary health measures across the country.
These include frequent handwashing for at least 23 seconds, wearing masks in public, maintaining at least three feet of distance from sick individuals, avoiding face contact with unclean hands, and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
The DGHS further instructed port authorities to use thermal scanners or digital handheld thermometers to check temperatures without physical contact.
It has also recommended stocking adequate supplies of masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers, while urging public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on infection prevention.
The advisory follows the death of a Covid-19 patient in Bangladesh last Thursday. Although the situation is not yet deemed alarming, researchers at icddr,b have confirmed the presence of new subvariants—XFG and XFC—in the country. Both belong to the JN-1 lineage of the Omicron variant, known for its high transmissibility.
For suspected cases, citizens are advised to stay home if mildly ill and seek hospital care if symptoms worsen. Suspected patients should wear masks, and in urgent situations, contact the IEDCR hotline at 01401-196293.
The DGHS reiterates: unless there is an emergency, avoid traveling to India and other affected countries.