Bangladesh has recorded its first death from coronavirus, which has killed over 7,800 people from across the world in a global pandemic.

Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Director Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora made the announcement in a media briefing in Dhaka on Wednesday (Mar 18).

Dr Flora said the deceased, who was more than 70 years old, got infected after being in contact with a person who just returned from abroad.

He was also suffering from cardiac problems, high-blood pressure, kidney diseases and diabetes.

She also said four new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed, taking the total number of confirmed coronavirus patients in Bangladesh to 14.

“As three of them have been released after full recovery and one person died, the remaining 10 patients are now undergoing treatment at hospitals while 6 others have been kept in isolation over suspected infection,” she added.

“A total of 42 people are now under institutional quarantine and 49 people have been tested in the last 24-hours. With this, the total number of people tested for coronavirus in the county stands at 341,” Dr Flora informed.

Earlier in the day, Gazipur Civil Surgeon Dr Khairuzzaman confirmed that one Italy returnee, who was quarantined in Gazipur before being sent to Dhaka for further examinations, has been tested positive for coronavirus.

The infected person, along with 7 other Italy returnees, were taken to the Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital in Dhaka after being held in quarantine at Meghdubi 20-bed Hospital in Gazipur's Pubail.

According to Worldometre on Wednesday, Covid-19, a new strain of coronavirus, has killed almost 7,800 people around the world. As of now, over 198,730 people across the world have been infected by the strain, which spread from China’s Wuhan city at the end of December last year.

Some areas to be put under lockdown, if needed

Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said if required, the government will lockdown some areas to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Quader, also the Awami League general secretary, said the government will get stricter against those who violate home quarantine guidelines and the use of public transport will be gradually decreased if the coronavirus situation gets worse.

If it is required, we will suspend all public transport, he added.

On Mar 14, the government prohibited all incoming flights from Europe, except the United Kingdom, till Mar 31.

Later, the government made 14-day home quarantine mandatory for anyone arriving here from abroad.

Biman suspends 7 daily flight routes

Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Wednesday suspended flights on seven daily routes, six local and one international, over the ongoing global coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

The routes which have been suspended include Dhaka-Jashore-Dhaka, Dhaka-Saidpur-Dhaka, Dhaka-Rajshahi–Dhaka, Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar-Dhaka, Dhaka-Chattogram-Dhaka, Dhaka-Sylhet–Dhaka, and Dhaka-Kathmandu-Dhaka.

Earlier, Biman suspended all flights to and from Kuala Lampur of Malaysia due to the global coronavirus outbreak. On Monday, Biman decided to suspend its flights to Oman as the country clamped a travel ban on all foreigners.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar suspended all flights with Bangladesh due to the pandemic.

No need for panic buying

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Wednesday has said there is no need for panic buying over the coronavirus pandemic as the country has 25% to 30% more in stock of daily essentials and other commodities compared to the same period last year.

25,000 Muslims perform 'Khatme Shifa' in Lakshmipur

At least 25,000 Muslim devotees held a prayer – Khatme Shifa or Ayat ash-Shifa (Six Quranic Verses of Healing) – to fight the containment of the pandemic Covid-19 at the Central Eidgah of Lakshmipur's Raipur area.

Islamic Foundation asks returnees, suspected Covid-19 patients to avoid visiting mosques

The Islamic Foundation has asked expatriates and people with symptoms of Covid-19 to refrain from visiting mosques, in an attempt to curb spread of coronavirus.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the foundation also urged those who have recently returned from abroad or are suffering from illnesses – especially, cough, cold and fever – to avoid going to mosques.

Muslim nations suspend gatherings at mosques

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday said mosques would no longer be open for the customary five daily prayers or Friday congregations, after coronavirus infected 171 people in the kingdom.

The US-allied Gulf Arab states registered more than 1,000 infections, many linked to travel to neighbouring Iran, which is an epicentre for the outbreak in the Middle East.

Earlier, Iran, Kuwait, and Singapore, among other countries, had cancelled Friday prayers amid the pandemic.