Covid refuses to slow down in Bangladesh; 199 more die

As the Coronavirus is spreading in Bangladesh faster than ever, the country logged record-high 11,651 cases and 199 deaths in 24 hours till Thursday morning.

This grim number of cases came after the test of 36,850 samples during the period, which puts the country’s case positivity rate at peak 31.62%, according to a handout provided by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The new numbers took the country’s death toll to 15,792 while the caseload stood at 989, 219.

Just a day before, the country counted the highest-ever 201 deaths from Covid-19 and record-high 11,525 cases on Tuesday.

During the period, the country’s fatality rate remained static at 1.60% as of Wednesday’s, said the DGHS.

So far, 856, 346 people have recovered from the disease putting the recovery rate at 86.57%, which is declining unlike other indicators.

Of the deceased, 107 were above the age of 60, 47 between 51 and 60, 28 between 41 and 50, six between 31 and 40, nine between 21 and 30, and two between 11 and 20.

Sixty-five of the 199 deaths were reported today in Dhaka division while Khulna division saw 55 deaths and Chattogram 37. Besides, 15 people died in Rajshahi division, 10 in Mymensingh, nine in Rangpur, five in Sylhet and three in Rangpur divisions.

The first eight days of July have been the deadliest ones in the current pandemic, with the country registering 1,289 deaths and 75,961 cases as it struggles with a catastrophic second wave of the virus.

The country’s 7-day moving average of deaths also remained above 150.

PMO for increased oxygen supply, Corona beds

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Thursday directed the authorities concerned to increase oxygen supply and corona beds in hospitals across the country to ensure the treatment of Covid-19 patients.

The PMO also urged those who are showing Covid-19 symptoms to stay home and directed the local administration to make sure that the patients with corona symptoms are kept in isolation.

The PMO issued the directives at a time when Bangladesh is struggling with a catastrophic second wave of the Coronavirus leaving hospitals across the country overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients.

On July 5, at least four patients in Covid-19 ward of Pabna General Hospital have died from the virus allegedly due to a shortage of oxygen.

On July 1, Satkhira Medical College and Hospital saw seven Covid patients die allegedly due to a crisis in the hospital’s central oxygen supply.

Meanwhile, Khulna and Jhenaidah hospitals, including many others, were reported to be overwhelmed with Covid patients and dwindling oxygen supply.

Source: United News of Bangladesh