The coronavirus infection rate in the bordering district of Jessore stood at 52.74% on Monday.
The southwestern district recorded 152 new cases after testing 237 samples in the 24 hours to 8am, authorities at the Genome Centre laboratory of Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) said.
Among the new cases, Magura saw ten new infections after testing 41 samples and Narail saw eight cases after testing 53 samples, said Dr Shirin Nigar of JUST lab.
On Sunday, 10,906 new cases were reported across the country with a test positivity rate of 31.29%.
‘Omicron gradually replacing Delta’
Omicron is gradually replacing Delta through community transmission in Bangladesh, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said Sunday.
The variant is spreading at the community level, and its symptoms have similarities with that of seasonal flu, DGHS spokesperson Dr Md Nazmul Islam said.
At least 73% of patients who contracted the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have reported a runny nose, according to the senior health official.
Many Omicron patients also suffer from headaches, lethargy, tiredness and sneezing.
Headaches were reported among 68% of patients, while 64% reported feeling tired or lethargic.
At least 60%of patients are sneezing or have throat pain, while 44% have coughs.
“We must pay attention to these symptoms as they are similar to those of the seasonal flu. Therefore, we must consult doctors before getting any medical treatment,” he said.
If people keep disregarding hygiene rules, the number of Covid-19 patients will keep increasing, overwhelming the healthcare system, added Islam. “The Delta variant is still dominant in Bangladesh but the Omicron variant will gradually overtake it.”
According to the DGHS, at least 1.6 million coronavirus cases were reported across the country as of Saturday.