Coronavirus: Bangladesh records 21 deaths, 2199 new cases

Coronavirus: Bangladesh records 21 deaths, 2199 new cases

The health authorities reported 21 new deaths from coronavirus and 2199 new cases on Saturday as the country celebrates Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest festival of Muslims.

Bangladesh’s death tally has gone up to 3,132, while the total cases now stands at 239860.

The country reported its first cases on March 8 and the first death on March 18.

Although the number of tests has come down in recent weeks, the number of cases continues to rise.

In the last 24 hours, labs tested 8802 samples, Prof Dr Nasima Sultana, Additional Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), said at a regular briefing.

On Friday, the fatality rate was 1.31 percent.

There are fears that there will be a spike in coronavirus cases in the weeks following the Eid-ul-Azha when thousands of people went home to celebrate the festival of sacrifice.

Hygiene issues and social distancing guidelines were grossly overlooked by the commuters as Eid joy apparently conquered the fears of the highly contagious virus.