The risks of a coronavirus outbreak in Bangladesh cannot be denied, but people should not panic, noted physician ABM Abdullah said yesterday.

"The virus has spread across the world. However, in many countries the number of infected people is only one or two," Abdullah said while told The Daily Star.

"It's true that the number of infections is rising, and so is the death toll. We must take preventive measures. We are advising the government and the government is taking measures. We have told the government that no one should travel outside the country unless there are unavoidable circumstances. Also, there must be restrictions in issuance of visas to foreigners. Only those who are certified 'coronavirus free' can be issued visa."

The Ekushey Padak winner professor said enhanced virus screening at airports, and river, sea, and land ports should be ensured, especially since the number of coronavirus patients is rising in neighbouring India.

"The government is taking necessary measures. Stronger measures will be taken If anyone is found to be infected."

Abdullah, who is the personal physician of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said the capital's Kuwait Friendship Hospital with 200 beds had been prepared in case the virus is detected in a patient. They cannot be admitted to a general hospital.

Asked what other preparations have been taken for the rest of the country, he said, "The government has formed top level committees and there are district and upazila level committees. If an infection is suspected anywhere, there are ambulances to bring the patient to Dhaka.

"It is not possible to provide treatment all over the country. Also, doctors and nurses may get scared. Therefore, the facilities are being prepared in Dhaka."

He said many people wonder how Bangladesh would prevent an outbreak when a country like China had been struggling to contain the spread.

"I want to say, we would be able to tackle coronavirus because of the way we are taking preparations."

However, detecting a patient in a remote area would be difficult, he said.

"First of all, a cold or cough would not warrant medical tests. We are keeping contact details of those who are coming from abroad and asking them to quarantine themselves for 14 days. If they have a cold or cough within this time, then they are advised to call these numbers: 01927711784, 01927711785, 01937000011, and 01937110011.

"If they call, the team in the district or upazila will collect the person's sample and send it to IEDCR. It is neither wise nor possible to conduct the tests anywhere but IEDCR. If the situation changes drastically, then there would be a need to prepare specialised hospitals outside Dhaka. There are separate wards or beds kept at some places.

Asked about the country's ability to cope with an outbreak, he said, "If anyone is found infected, more enhanced measures will be taken. It is not possible to keep everything prepared beforehand. We did not have the virus detection kits before, now we have the kits. Masks and gowns are being readied. The government is capable, our doctors are capable.

The US State Department on Tuesday put Bangladesh and 24 other countries in a list of "high-priority countries" in the coronavirus fallout. It announced a commitment of $37 million to help those countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, South Africa, Indonesia, Iraq, the Philippines, and Zambia.

Referring to that, he said, "Since the virus has spread all over the world, they are saying this. The risks cannot be denied. We need to ensure proper screening. If something happens, measures will be taken accordingly."

He added that there was no shortage of medicines, kits, masks and gowns.

The professor also reminded people the mortality rate from coronavirus was low. "Only those who are aged and are suffering from other complications need to take extra precautions."

"Do not touch anything without washing your hands after returning home from outside. Do not eat anything without properly cooking them. In case of sneezing or coughing, use tissue papers and burn the papers after use. There are personal protections that need to be maintained. For taking care of domestic animals, one must wear gloves and a gown. If any animal is sick and feeble it has to be separated from the lot."