In the wake of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus, administrations in Chattogram division have taken precautionary measures to combat the possible spread of the deadly virus.

The new virus is spreading rapidly in China, raising the death toll to 170 and infecting around 8,000 people globally as of January 30.

Authorities estimate that around 18,000 Chinese nationals are working in different development projects and also in many factories in Chattogram city, reports our Chattogram staff correspondent.

Many of them went to China before January 15 to celebrate the Chinese New Year and will return to Bangladesh after January 31, said sources in the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Also, many Bangladeshi nationals visit China every month for business and training purposes.

Precautions have been taken to scan people coming from China to identify anyone infected with a virus, the sources said.

When contacted, Dr Hasan Shahriar Kabir, DGHS director for Chattogram division, said they do not want people to panic and that enough precautions have been taken to combat any situation.

“No direct flights operate from Chattogram airport to China but many people from China come every day to the city through transit routes,” Dr Kabir said.

“We have already made all the health desks at the airport and all the land ports in the division active with infrared thermal scanners and other equipment, including manual ones to scan the passengers.

“We held meetings with Chattogram Port Authorities and they have also begun scanning returnees on ships,” he said.

Five beds have been prepared at all district hospitals and at the health complexes in the upazilas where there are land ports, he added.

Logistical facilities, including isolated cabins, have been prepared at the Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) and Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Disease in Fouzderhat for coronavirus patients, respective authorities said.

All officials concerned have been instructed to take precautionary measures to combat any situation, said Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Ilias Hossain, adding that they are trying to make a list of people who have visited China in the last 15 days.