Covid BF.7: All Hospitals Advised To Be Prepared

Due to the effect of Omicron's new sub-variant BF.7, the coronavirus infection is increasing again at an alarming rate in various countries including China, India. In this situation, the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19 has advised all the hospitals in the country to be ready to provide treatment, including the Covid-dedicated hospitals.

Today, Monday (December 26), the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19 has delivered these suggestions to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

According to the National Technical Advisory Committee, the new strain of Omicron is highly contagious. Recently, a new type of coronavirus infection has appeared in different countries of the world including China, India. Through genome sequence testing, it has been revealed that infections due to Omicron type BF.7 sub-variants have increased in these countries. If infection increases in neighboring countries, there is a risk of infection in Bangladesh.

According to the advice of the committee, a meeting was held on the ongoing covid infection under the chairmanship of Professor Dr Mohammad Sahidulla, President of the National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 last December 24 night. The meeting decided to make the following recommendations.

1. The Technical Committee is constantly reviewing the global situation of Covid-19 and presenting its views and suggestions to the Government.
2. Front-liners, 18 years and above with comorbid diseases (multiple diseases) and all above 60 years of age should make arrangements to intensify all kinds of public relations, and publicity campaigns to bring awareness of the ongoing campaign of the 2nd booster dose/ 4th dose of vaccine.
3. Pfizer has notified extending the validity of their 9-month vaccine to 12 months and 12-month vaccine to 15 months, which the committee feels is complying with all existing norms in the country.
4. Critically ill persons and all those suffering from comorbid diseases must follow all hygiene measures of Covid-19 such as wearing masks, hand sanitization, etc.
5. At ports of entry, passengers with symptoms of infection, especially from China, Japan, Korea, India and the United States, should be screened.
6. All the covid dedicated hospitals and other hospitals in the country should be instructed by the directorate to be ready to treat covid-19.