Covid cases keep rising in Barishal
With coronavirus infection rate increasing in Barishal every day, the district administration has instructed people to strictly follow health guidelines.
However, people seem to be oblivious to the risk, said officials.
Dr Basudeb Kumar Das, Barishal divisional health director of Directorate General of Health Services, said now 35-40 people are being infected every day. From the end of February to the first week of March, the infection rate was 2 to 3 percent in the division and currently it's 22 percent. The total number of patients on March 31 was 1,1267. Now the figure is 11,554.
A total of 204 people died of Covid-19 in the division till Sunday.
According to DGHS in Barishal, 77 people were infected in six districts of the division from March 13 to 19 while 226 were infected in seven days from March 20 to 26. On Saturday, 77 tested positive.
Meanwhile, doctors at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital said they do not have any empty ICU bed left at this major hospital.
SBMCH Indoor Doctors Association President Dr Sudip Haldar said as the ICU is overflowing with patients, many who are in critical condition are unable to receive required support.
He said only a week ago, the number of patients was only 14; but on Tuesday, it stood at 90.
Barishal Sadar Hospital sources said even 10 days ago, 14-15 people tested Covid-19 positive, now around 70 people are being infected every day.
Dr Mizanur Rahman of Barishal city, said, "Given the situation, many are receiving treatment at home while many are going to the capital."
Meanwhile, two magistrates of Barishal District Administration are operating mobile courts on a daily basis to carry out awareness programmes and take actions against those ignoring health directives.
Subrata Biswas, in-charge of public relations of Barishal District Administration, confirmed that 37 people and 5 organisations were fined Tk 9,200 in the last two days.
Deputy Commissioner Jasim Uddin Haider said people have to abide by health rules at this stage. "Mobile courts are ensuring that," he said.