Public gatherings must be reduced to curb Covid infections: Health minister

In order to control the spread of Covid-19 infections, public gatherings and events must be reduced, said Health Minister Zahid Maleque.

"The number of cases has increased due to gathering in social events including tourism, picnics and religious ceremonies in public places. This has to be stopped and the public presence must be reduced," he said while addressing a press briefing at the Secretariat. 

The minister claimed that most of the newly infected people contracted the virus outdoors. "We have learned that most of the patients were on vacation in Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Kuakata or elsewhere," he said. 

Zahid Maleque noted that the ministry has circulated necessary guidelines and recommendations to different ministries and government divisions and they are acting accordingly to reduce the public gathering.

"We are seeing huge crowds in social events which must be stopped and the public gathering must be reduced. Mobile courts will conduct regular raids and fine if people do not follow the hygiene rules," he said.

During the briefing, the minister also noted that the health department and ministry have instructed a number of hospitals to add around 400 beds for treating Covid-19 patients in the capital. 

"We have recently turned several hospitals into Covid-dedicated ones. Additionally, we have asked for 100 more beds at Kurmitola Hospital, 100 beds at Mitford Hospital, 100 at Suhrawardy Hospital and 100 more at Red Crescent Hospital," he said. 

Outside of Dhaka, health authorities in Gazipur, Tongi and Keraniganj have also been instructed to increase the capacity of Covid-19 units. 

However, he also warned that if the rate of infection remains unchanged, the measures taken will deem insufficient. 

The minister reiterated that the vaccination does not ensure 100% safety against the Covid-19, rather it boosts immunity for fighting the infection. 

"Our misconception about vaccines was that only vaccination is enough to prevent the disease. But it boosts resistance, immunity and decreases the chances of infection. You can be infected even if you get vaccinated, so follow the hygiene rules," said the minister.

Earlier, Zahid Maleque announced that 55 examination centres have been set up across the country for the upcoming MBBS admission test to be held on 2 April. "If necessary, we will set up more," he said. 

He also said the centre authorities will ensure that everyone attending the test adheres to the hygiene rules. 

"The seats of the examinees will be arranged at a distance of 3 feet from each other. We will not allow anyone else to enter the venue. Alternative measures will be taken for the students' guardians during the exam," he said. 

The health minister also highlighted that a monitoring cell will see that no rumour or false news can be spread regarding the admission test.