Not all China-Singapore returnees have coronavirus: IEDCR

There is no reason to assume that anyone coming from China or Singapore are infected with the coronavirus, said Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora, director of Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).

"We are repeatedly saying that travellers returning from China or Singapore are not infected with the coronavirus. We are continuously saying this because those coming from China or Singapore are in a humiliating situation," Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora said in a press briefing at her office in the capital urging all not to spread fear in the country.

"There are more provinces in China where the virus has not spread. China and the World Health Organisation have also reported that the virus has spread to Hubei province and the surrounding provinces, where the number of patients is high. So it's not a fact that anyone from China will actually suffer from corona," she explained.

She further said, "The five Bangladeshis who were affected in Singapore worked at the same place. So those who are working in other parts of the country or travelling from Bangladesh, it is not that they are also affected."

"We do not need to be afraid of anyone returning from Singapore, the situation is not like that. Just as an added precaution, we are asking them to stay in the quarantine or in their residence.  There is no need to go out unless it is necessary. If you do go out, wear a mask and wash hands repeatedly. Then it will not spread," Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora added.

She also said, "The 312 returnees from China have completed their two weeks in quarantine. They have already returned to their homes. However, they were asked to remain alert for another 10 days."