Two coronavirus patients are recovering: IEDCR

The Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) authorities tested samples of 10 patients and found those are free of coronavirus in last 24 hours.

"We received 3,225 calls to our hotlines and tested samples of 142 people so far," said IEDCR Director Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora at a press briefing in Dhaka today.

Dr Flora said, "Samples of two out of three coronavirus patients resulted negative in first test. According to the protocol of World Health Organisation (WHO), they will be released if second consecutive tests are found negative. They will be released after talking with experts."

"Two patients are recovering. They could be treated at home, but were hospitalised to ensure proper isolation. Meanwhile four others are in institutional quarantine," she added. 

Sighing with relief over lockdown in Italy over coronavirus, Dr Flora further said, "Our Embassy is in contact with the Bangladeshis living there. However, all expatriates will be tested for coronavirus upon arrival in Bangladesh." 

The country is going to have 11 thermal scanner, six to be purchased by the government and five will be gifted by Summit Group, Dr Flora told the media.

She again advised for home quarantine for those coming from the abroad.

Regarding five coronavirus infected Bangladeshis in Singapore, the IEDCR director said, "Four of them have been released from the hospital and one other is still in intensive care unit."

IEDCR has also opened a hunting number- 01944333222 as alternative as many people are calling to the existing hotlines. This number will be made toll-free soon.

"India, China and USA have assured us to help in fighting the novel coronavirus," the IEDCR director said further.