Seven of the eight upazila in Chandpur have been infected with the coronavirus. But not a single corona was identified in Matlab South Upazila till Tuesday. There have been very few sample tests in this upazila. In the last one and a half months, only 14 people have been tested.
According to the Chandpur Civil Surgeon’s Office, a total of 48 corona were identified in 8 upazilas of the district from March to Monday. Of these, coronavirus was detected in 26 people in Chandpur Sadar Upazila, 5 in Matlab North, 4 in Hajiganj, 2 in Kachua, 2 in Haimchar, 2 in Shahrasti and 7 in Faridganj.
Seven of the eight upazilas in Chandpur have been infected with the coronavirus. But not a single corona was identified in Matlab Dakshin Upazila till Tuesday. There have been very few sample tests in this upazila. In the last one and a half months, only 14 people have been tested.
According to the Chandpur Civil Surgeon’s Office, a total of 48 corona were identified in 7 upazilas of the district from March to Monday. Of these, coronavirus was detected in 26 people in Chandpur Sadar Upazila, 5 in Matlab North, 4 in Hajiganj, 2 in Kachua, 2 in Haimchar, 2 in Shahrasti and 6 in Faridganj.
According to the Upazila Health Complex, an average of one sample is tested every three days in Matlab South. Sample collection started from 2nd April. So far 14 samples have been tested. Everything comes out negative. The population of this upazila is now about four lakhs. If only 14 of them are tested, it is not enough at all. Besides, 2,197 people have returned to the upazila from abroad since March. 149 people came from Narayanganj and Dhaka. Of these, 858 were placed in home and institutional quarantine.
Matlab Government College teacher Ashok Kumar Roy commented that the people of the area are somewhat relieved as there is no coronavirus infection in the upazila so far. This has been made possible by the activities of the administration, police, army, doctors, public representatives and health workers. However, there is nothing to be excited about. It will be difficult to maintain this condition if you are not careful. He said samples have been tested in a handful of people in about a month and a half. Most people with or without symptoms need to be tested. Otherwise the real picture cannot be understood.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Golam Kausar claimed that doctors and health workers at hospitals and community clinics were working diligently to prevent corona infection. In addition to collecting samples, he is going door to door to make the locals aware about Corona. He is also instructing to maintain physical distance and follow other hygiene rules. Samples have been collected from people who came to his hospital with symptoms. The number of sample tests is also less as the suspects are not available. His hospital does not have the necessary kits or manpower to test the samples by pouring.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Fahmida Haque and Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Matlab South Police Station Swapan Kumar Aich claimed that strict action has been taken to ensure quarantine of returnees from abroad, Dhaka and Narayanganj in the upazila. People have been miking to wear masks and mantain physical distance. The Upazila Health Complex authorities have been directed to expedite the rate of sample testing.
Matlab South Correspondent, May 13,2020