Authorities at all the 12 land ports across the country have started using handheld infrared thermometers, to help prevent the entry of coronavirus.

The Centre for Disease Control at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) sent the thermometers to the ports on Wednesday, Dr Ayesha Akhtar, assistant director of the DGHS information centre, told The Daily Star.

“All the ports began the full-fledged use of the handheld infrared thermometers from today,” the doctor added.

“All the entry points into the country through land, waterways or air have been provided with these special thermometers, and they are using them,” said Dr Ayesha.