Virus deaths peak as Bangladesh set to ease lockdown

Government urges public to follow safety guidelines as Covid-19 fatalities cross 600, cases near 45,000

DHAKA: Coronavirus fatalities in Bangladesh peaked again on Saturday, just a day before the country plans to start easing restrictions.

According to the latest figures by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 28 Covid-19 patients died in the country over the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 610.

The figure is the highest single-day fatality count in Bangladesh and was reported just once before on May 24.

Overall cases in the country moved up to 44,608 after 1,764 tested positive for Covid-19 over the past 24 hours.

As per the DGHS data, 360 more recoveries pushed the total number to 9,375.

Over 24,000 of the overall cases and more than 300 deaths have been recorded in the past two weeks.



Despite the increasing numbers, coronavirus restrictions in the country of over 165 million are set to be eased from Sunday onwards.

The government plans to lift the nationwide lockdown on a limited scale to resume the country’s economic activities.

The lockdown has been in force since March 26 and was due to end on Saturday after several extensions.

Trade centres, markets, and government offices are now set to reopen, while public transport services will also resume across the country.

The decision has garnered criticism within Bangladesh, but officials insist it is in the country’s interest.

In a statement on Saturday, the Health Ministry said all offices and businesses must ensure implementation of Covid-19 safety guidelines.

“All public transports and offices must be kept 100% virus-free through antiseptic spray and employees have to maintain social distancing and other health rules everywhere,” said the notice.