‘Rapid Covid-19 transmission if safety measures not implemented’
The National Technical Advisory Committee for Covid-19 has warned of the possibility of a rapid rise in coronavirus cases if health and safety measures are not implemented properly and strictly.
The committee said this in a press statement issued yesterday, undersigned by its Chairperson Prof Dr Mohammad Shahidullah and Member Secretary Meerjady Sabrina Flora.
Terming Covid-19 a contagious disease that spreads through sneezing, coughing and contact, the committee said crowds and public gatherings enhance transmission of the disease.
Based on the experiences of other countries, if normal activity resumes before the rate of transmission has lowered significantly, the risk of even higher transmission rates remains, the committee said in the release.
It mentioned that it had previously advised in this regard on May 7.
The committee also noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a directive regarding health risks associated with use of hydroxychloroquine for Covid-19 treatment.
It advised authorities not to keep the aforementioned medicine in the treatment guideline for Covid-19, and also recommended not to use ivermectin, convalescent plasma therapy, and other unapproved medicine for treatment beyond the approved clinical trials.
The committee also advised for the aforementioned medicines and therapy not to be used by general people for treatment or prevention of the disease.
The technical body further said it agrees with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's directive to treat all Covid-19 and non-Covid patients separately in the same hospital.
It however noted that this requires special preparation regarding administration, management, manpower and equipment.
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