DHAKA,  – Minister for Health and Family Welfare Zahid Maleque today said the ministry is fully alert to prevent the deadly coronavirus in the country.

“There is no coronavirus detected in our country and health ministry is fully alert to prevent the virus. The government has already set up screening
machines at every land, sea and airports to tackle the situation,” he said.

The minister was speaking at a press briefing on coronavirus organised at the conference room of his secretariat office here. “On arrival visa for Chinese citizens coming from Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus, has been suspended as a safety measure,” he said.

In this regard, Japan government assured Bangladesh to provide 70 lakh masks free at cost soon, he said.

Urging people not to spread any kinds of rumor over it Malequ said, “There is nothing to be panicked about the coronavirus as no such patient has so far been detected in our country and people should not be spread any kinds of rumor over the virus.”

Director General (DG) for Health Services Professor Abul Kalam Azad, DG of Family Planning Kazi AKM Mohiul Islam, Additional Secretary M Habibur Rahman and Additional Secretary Sirajul Islam were present, among others.