Airport authorities of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Shah Amanat International Airport have started screening process of passengers those are entering the country from China. The authorities have taken the initiative following the outbreak of Coronavirus in China to prevent the virus’s entry and spreading. The alert was issued by Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) to the airport authorities regarding Coronavirus.
Spreading of the virus raised widespread concern because of its deadly history. In 2002 and 2003 this virus is primarily responsible for killing nearly 650 people in China and Hong Kong. Additionally, more than 475 people had died in the Middle East in 2012. However, we welcome the well-timed decision taken by the airport authorities. At the same time it is also necessary to conduct the screening process of foreigners those are entering our country from china through our land and sea ports as well. Food for thought, the risk lies not only with Chinese travellers but also Bangladeshi expat workers entering the country from the Middle East and China.
Coronavirus is a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) like virus, killing at least four people in China recently. It was first identified in the 1960s, but its source is yet unknown. Most of the types of Coronaviruses are not dangerous but some types are. More to it, Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals. The point, however, the virus is transmitted from animals to humans. Fever, cough, cold, breathing difficulties and sore throat are the primary symptoms of the infection of this virus. The additional hazard, in terms of treating the infected patients is that there is no specific treatment of this disease and no vaccine has been invented to protect against this family of viruses. Symptoms usually go away automatically.
Awareness is the key. If you are sick and have a strong reason to believe it may be the Wuhan Coronavirus due to travel to the region or coming into contact with someone who has been there, you should immediately contact a doctor and seek treatment the soonest. Apart from conducting screening processes we recommend our aviation authorities to issue a general health warning to all passengers travelling to China and Hong Kong. All travellers should be appropriately informed about the Coronavirus symptoms and preventive measures in details.
