The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a warning against Omicron, the new South African variant of the deadly coronavirus, and instructed all ports to take necessary steps to prevent the virus from entering the country.
At the same time, everyone has been instructed to wear masks, wash their hands and follow hygiene rules regularly.
DGHS Spokesperson, Dr Nazmul Islam gave the instructions in a virtual health bulletin of the Department of Health on Sunday.
He said that the new variant from South Africa, has been declared by the World Health Organization as a cause for concern.
“Already many countries around the world have taken remedial and preventive measures. We have also given instructions to all our ports of entrances,” he said.
He further added that there is no reason to be complacent in any situation as infection can increase at any time.
“Therefore, health guidelines must be followed to deal with the infection. Masks should be worn properly covering nose and mouth, and hands should be washed regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or more,” he said.
The National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19 also made some recommendations in a meeting on Sunday, including banning travelers from the countries, where the new coronavirus variant Omicron has been detected.
NTAC suggested a free Covid-19 test for all and said that travelers having a record of visiting the Omicron infected countries must stay in 14-day institutional quarantine and must be isolated if tested positive.