While it may be tempting to put Covid-19 behind us, the fact remains that, despite no longer being the fatal threat it was, the threat of the coronavirus is very much alive.
To that end, with China seeing an alarming rise in the number of daily cases due to a new variant of the coronavirus, and cases of the same variant having been detected in India, Bangladesh health officials have rightfully advised the public to once again take precautions against Covid-19.
Vaccination remains the most effective measure we have at our disposal in combating the virus; with the new variant thought to be even more virulent, it is vital for those who remain unvaccinated to get their shots, including the booster shots. We have done a tremendous job with our vaccine administration and there is no excuse for any citizen of Bangladesh to not be vaccinated at this stage.
The authorities concerned and relevant health professionals and stakeholders also have their role to play. To that end, it is good to see that the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research has been asked to conduct genome sequencing and the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19 have urged the government to start antigen tests at all ports so that infected people can be isolated. Furthermore, all hospitals in the country have been instructed to prepare Covid-19 isolation wards and be ready for patients.
With all of that in mind, the average citizen also has a part to play. Winters are notorious for increasing the spread of diseases, and with the potential threat of another wave of Covid, healthy habits such as hand washing and mask wearing should be prioritized. We have been caught unprepared before, let us not make the same mistake again.
