Covid cases and deaths were in steady decline in February, showing that the Omicron threat has subsided to a meaningful degree, and normal life can resume again, which in reality had reverted to normal despite restrictions.
It will be a relief for those worried about possible disruption in their businesses or activities by health-related restrictions. Figures recorded by health authorities are very optimistic, at least in relative terms.
The difference between cases in the first week of February and the last is huge: Over 72,000 in the first and just over 8,000 in the final week.
The daily infection rate also decreased steadily, dropping to 3.65% in the last week, compared to 21.07% in the first week. The data clearly indicate that Bangladesh -- whether because of the restrictions or the nature of the variant -- has averted serious damage from the Omicron strand.
In either case, it was the right move to be cautious and use standard restrictions, even though they could have been more pragmatic.
It could very well be the case that vaccines played a big role in keeping the deaths and serious illnesses in check. The ongoing vaccination drive should continue at full pace, as there is high certainty that complete vaccine coverage might actually fully neutralize any further threat from any spread by making serious cases sparse.
If that happens then Bangladesh will truly enter the end of the pandemic phase, which experts now believe is very achievable and not a distant possibility either.
The administration should not lose sight of this necessity, and it is good to see that vaccination has been getting the appropriate importance it should.