Fear of second wave cannot be ruled out: Health minister

Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said fears of a second wave of novel coronavirus infections in the coming winter cannot be ruled out.

With that in mind, preparations are being made to deal with the second wave of infections, he said.

The health minister said this at a function organised at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in the capital on Wednesday on occasion of "Mujib Year".

He said people around the world are ignoring the coronavirus. "As a result, the second wave has started in many countries, including America and Europe."

Zahid said, "In our country, too, the fear that a second wave of infections will hit in winter cannot be ruled out. But we are now making all the preparations for what to do when the second wave starts.

"The country's health sector has already proven its ability to deal with coronavirus. Bangladesh holds a significant position in terms of the mortality rate against the number of Covid-19 cases. Even if a second wave starts, the country's health sector is prepared to deal with it in the same way."

The minister said many countries are currently working on a vaccine and nine companies are in the final stage of testing their vaccines.

"The government is in constant touch with at least five of these companies. From these vaccines, we want to get the right one at the right time. We will not sit idle if the vaccine is introduced in any country in the world."

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given all kinds of instructions to complete all other activities, including financial management, in this regard, added the health minister.