Man works, travels home for Eid after testing Covid-19 positive

Despite testing positive for Covid-19, a man in Tangail rejoined his workplace and worked for six days before returning to his village to celebrate Eid with family. 

He finally sought medical help today, 15 days after learning about his infection. 

The 43-year-old Covid-19 patient, hailing from Sadar upazila and a garment worker by profession, was admitted to Tangail General Hospital today, reports our district correspondent. 

Dr Shafiqul Islam Sajib, a resident medical officer of the hospital, told The Daily Star that he was sent to the hospital's dedicated Corona unit at 9:00am. 

Citing the patient, RMO Sajib said, "The patient worked in Body Fashion Limited, a garments factory in Gazipur. His sample was collected at Gazipur Sadar Upazila Health Complex after he got admitted there with coronavirus-like symptoms. 

"On May 16, he was informed that his report came positive. Even then, he continued working till May 22. On May 23, he returned to his village to celebrate Eid," the doctor said, adding that the patient had hidden information of his diagnosis from everyone and continued interacting with family and friends. 

"Today, after 15 days, he suddenly sought medical attention and came for treatment," Dr Sajib said. 

"We admitted him to the Corona unit. His condition is stable," he said, adding that the local administration had been informed and necessary steps, including lockdown of the patient's house and contact-tracing, would be taken.  

Dr Sajib further said the patient had been in contact with many people over the last two weeks. 

He also stressed on the importance of not hiding information or diagnosis so as to keep everyone safe.