Covid on the rise again; hospitals preparing to tackle spread

 Covid-19 infections are once again on the rise in Bangladesh, following a similar trend in neighbouring India and other countries, driven by a new subvariant, Omicron NB.1.8.1.  

In response, the health ministry is taking comprehensive measures, including enhanced health screening and surveillance at all land and airports, procurement of testing kits, and keeping ICU facilities ready at hospitals.

According to the latest Covid-19 surveillance analysis by IEDCR, the infection rate in Bangladesh rose significantly in May this year. Of the 1,409 suspected cases tested in May, 134 were found positive – an infection rate of 9.51% – the highest between January 2023 and May 2025.

Data from tests conducted through IEDCR's National Influenza Surveillance and PHOs show that the infection rate previously exceeded 1.5% during May–August 2023 and January–August 2024. Genome sequencing of the latest samples has identified the Omicron BA.2.86 variant, which had been detected in the country earlier as well.

Professor Dr Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser for the health and family welfare ministry, told The Business Standard that the government is making all necessary preparations to tackle Covid. 

"Today we collected testing kits from the Red Crescent. More kits will be procured tomorrow. The World Health Organization has not yet issued an alert about the new variant, and there's no alarming situation anywhere, but since patient numbers are rising in neighbouring countries – and also here – we are urging people to remain cautious."

"There is no separate vaccine for the new variant. We will attempt to administer the existing vaccines again. Our committee will meet tonight to discuss the matter. The DNCC Covid-dedicated hospital in Dhaka and the Chattogram General Hospital are preparing ICU facilities. Meanwhile, testing labs are being reactivated and, starting tomorrow, no one will be turned away for testing," added Dr Rahman.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 13 new Covid-19 cases were confirmed in the 24 hours from Monday 8am to Tuesday 8am– up from five the previous day.

From the beginning of 2025 to 10 June, 2,385 samples were tested, and 215 cases were detected. Of these, 57 were confirmed in June so far, 50 in May, 23 in April, 24 in March, 27 in February, and 30 in January.

After nearly a year and a half, a person reportedly died of Covid-19 last Thursday at a private hospital in Dhaka, according to the health directorate.

Public health expert Dr M Mushtuq Husain told TBS, "Although the new subvariant is spreading fast, the rate of severe illness or death has not increased significantly yet. However, people with comorbidities remain at risk. 

"As a precaution, people must regularly wash their hands, wear masks, and get vaccinated. Awareness must begin at hospitals. All staff should wear masks and ensure that patients wash their hands with soap."

Covid-19 first emerged in Bangladesh on 8 March 2020, with the first death confirmed on 18 March. So far, the country has recorded 20 lakh 51 thousand and 747 infections and 29,500 deaths, while 20 lakh 19 thousand and 354 people have recovered.