Record new cases, tests

The country yesterday recorded 219 confirmed cases of Covid-19 -- the highest in a single day since the first case was reported more than a month ago -- with four more deaths from the viral disease.

Among the dead, a doctor from MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital in Sylhet died in Dhaka's Kurmitola General Hospital.

Meanwhile, seven more coronavirus patients have recovered, taking the tally to 49 so far.

Within five days since April 10, the number of detected patients has risen around three folds higher -- from 424 to 1231 -- after the authorities accelerated numbers of tests around the country.

In 24 hours till 2:30pm yesterday, 17 labs across the country tested samples of 1,740 individuals, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said in a bulletin.

"Tests for Covid-19 are being done in 20 labs now. Many are hiding their illness and do not want to be tested. Do tests and stay safe to protect your family," the minister said at an online media briefing at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) office in Dhaka.

"As the number of tests are being increased, we will increase the number of hospitals and beds for Covid-19 patients," he added.

Including a 2000-bed hospital in Bashundhara Convention Center, a total of 4,500 beds are being prepared in different hospitals in Dhaka, the minister informed.

Reiterating his call to maintain social distancing, the minister said, "Many people are gathering in markets breaking lockdown rules. It should not be. The more you go out, the higher the chances of the infection spreading, and it would be tough to give treatment to all."

About the lockdown, he said, "It is not possible to extend the lockdown again and again. You know, the lockdown will be enforced till April 25. It is urgent that we stay at home during this period."

DGHS Director General Prof Dr Abul Kalam Azad and Additional Director General (admin) Prof Nasima Sultana also addressed the online briefing.