2 more infected with coronavirus, 150 ICU beds ready: IEDCR

Two more persons -- both men -- have been infected with novel coronavirus (Covid-19), raising the number of patients to 10, IEDCR Director Prof Meerjady Sabrina Flora said today.

One of the two has been infected with the virus after coming in contact with someone who had returned from abroad, she said while briefing reporters at IEDCR's Mohakhali office this noon. The infected person is undergoing treatment in a hospital, she said.

The other patient is in institutional quarantine, she added.

"So far, a total of 16 people have been kept in isolation and 43 remain in institutional quarantine," she informed.

She also said that 150 ICU beds -- in hospitals across the country -- are ready for Covid-19 patients.

Till today, IEDCR received 4,205 calls to the hotline numbers. Of them, 4,164 were coronavirus related.

While addressing the briefing, she also urged people who returned from abroad not to travel anywhere -- to prevent the spread of the virus.

"Those who think they are infected with the virus should not come to IEDCR office. Please call us, we will collect samples from your home," she urged.

When asked about risk at garments factories, she advised factory owners and authorities:" Do not allow any employee or anyone who has coronavirus-like symptoms. Give them leave with payment so that they are not worried in this regard."

She also urged people not to hold social programmes during this time of crisis.