Screening tightened at Benapole border to prevent spread of new Covid variant
The authorities have intensified measures to check people who are returning home from India through Benapole land port, to halt spread of new variant of Covid-19.
Recently, there have been reported new cases of Covid in some states of India, forcing the government to take measures.
Visiting the Benapole Checkpost Immigration, it was found that officials designated for the medial desk were strictly examining immigrants who were returning home.
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Passenger Hari Das returning from India said, "I went to India for treatment ten days ago. I returned home today. Like Bangladesh, there has been no testing or examination for Covid anywhere in India."
Another passenger Monika Rani said, "I have returned home today after a month of treatment. I have not heard of any new spread of Covid in India. After coming back to the country, I see that they are conducting Corona tests."
Abdul Majid, sub-assistant medical officer of the Immigration Health Department at Benapole Checkpost, said through genetic sequencing tests in India, it has been found that a new strain Covid has spread in some areas of the country.
"To ensure that this variant does not spread in the country, we are conducting health checks on all returning passengers from India as a precautionary measure from the health department," he said.
There have been instructions if anyone shows symptoms of Covid-19, they should be kept in isolation at the upazila health complex, added the health official.
To check the infection, necessary steps have been taken to ensure health safety protocols, including screening, at all ports, land and international airports of the country.
On 4 June, the Director of the Disease Control Health Directorate issued directives in this regard.
India has reported a sudden rise in Covid cases, starting from late May, after more than five years after the virus was declared a global pandemic.
As of Thursday, there are 5,364 active cases in India, according to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
