The National Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 has advised people to follow health rules, including wearing masks, in the wake of the spread of a new variant of coronavirus JN.1 that has emerged in different countries across the globe.
A press release, signed by Professor Dr. Mohammad Shahidullah, Chairman of the National Technical Advisory Committee, in this regard hit the news houses on Tuesday night.
The press release referred to the 65th meeting of the National Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 that was held in the capital and the following decisions were taken:
1) People visit high-risk places such as hospitals/medical centers and high-risk individuals with low immunity are advised to use masks as a precaution. The committee thinks it will help prevent other health problems besides COVID-19.
2) The IEDCR has been advised to review global reports and strengthen surveillance in the country to monitor the situation of this infectious virus. It has been recommended to keep all preparations for rapid treatment, including Covid tests and ICU facilities if the infection increases in the future. Passengers arriving from abroad have been advised to remain prepared for screening.
3) It has been recommended to make decisions on COVID-19 vaccines based on regular scientific data analysis. According to the advice of the World Health Organization, high-risk people have been advised to take the fourth dose of the vaccine.
4) The meeting discussed the need for COVID testing before treatment of surgery or any other disease. The committee has recommended getting a COVID test done only if there are signs/symptoms of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has already called it a 'variant of interest'. According to the agency, this variant is spreading very fast.
Health experts say the subvariant of Omicron is JN.1. JN.1 is much more aggressive in evading the immune system. As a result, its infection rate is high. However, the risk is low.
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