ZCZC
BSS-06
COVID-SAMPLE-RAJSHAHI (with picture)
615 samples tested to detect coronavirus in Rajshahi
RAJSHAHI, April 15, 2020 (BSS)- A total of 615 samples have, so far, been
tested in the regional laboratory to detect coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
here till on Tuesday since its start on April 1.
“We have found four positive cases of coronavirus among the total tested
samples in the laboratory installed in the Department of Virology in Rajshahi
Medical College Hospital (RMCH) to detect coronavirus (COVID-19),” said Prof
Dr Sabera Gulnahar, head of the virology department and in-charge of the
laboratory.
She added that 86 samples were tested yesterday and 76 more samples were
collected from different districts of the division for testing today
(Wednesday).
A team of trained technologists is collecting samples under supervision of
all the authorities concerned including Surveillance Immunization Medical
Officers of the World Health Organisation.
Subsequently, the collected samples are being tested in the laboratory
here through using the PCR machine to get correct results and accordingly the
test results are being sent to the IEDCR in Dhaka every day, she added.
On the other hand, all the authorities concerned are working relentlessly
to handle the adverse situation being caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the
region. Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has provided
a bus for transporting doctors and nurses, who are engaged in treatment of
the patients suffering from COVID-19 and other relevant diseases in the
district.
“We have extended the bus for the frontline medical professionals so that
they don’t face any problem to deliver their services during the pandemic
situation,” said Prof Rafiqul Islam Sheikh, Pro-vice-chancellor of RUET.
He said the bus will carry the doctors and nurses to and from RMCH, which
is playing a pioneering role in handling the situation related to testing and
treatment at present.
Humayun Kabir Khandaker, Commissioner of Rajshahi Division, here today said
6,091.79 tonnes of rice were distributed among 5,66,768 families so far while
over Taka 2.51 crore cash among 2,85,259 families in the division. Another
2,246.46 more tonnes of rice and around Taka 1.23 crore in cash are in stock
for distribution.
He added 12,622 personal protective equipment (PPEs) have already been
distributed to protect the frontline medical professionals from being
infected with the virus. Around another 13,116 PPEs are in stock at present.
Apart from this, 17,669 face masks were distributed and another 10,429
remained stockpiled at present.
A total of 808 doctors and 1,512 nurses are working in 172 public and
private hospitals in the division. Around 1,876 beds among total 4,149 ones
were already prepared for treatment of the possible COVID-19 infected
patients to face any emergency situation.
Besides, there are arrangements of 620 beds in isolation units here and 17
ambulances for the purpose of transporting the infected patients for
emergency treatment.
BSS/AH/MMA/1440hrs