A couple who returned from Saudi Arabia early Tuesday was sent to a hospital with ‘respiratory problem’ after their arrival at Hazrat Shahajalal International Airport.

Shahriar Sazzad, health officer-in-charge of Health Centre at Hazrat Shahajalal International Airport said the couple was sent to the Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital as they complained of respiratory problems.

A son of the couple, who recently visited China, returned with them but he was allowed to go home from the airport, he said.

Earlier, two Bangladeshis, who recently returned from Italy, were tested positive for COVID-19. A third person was infected after coming in contact with one of the returnees. 

On Monday, two other Italy-returnees were sent to Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital with the ‘symptoms of coronavirus ‘ after their arrival at Hazrat Shahajalal International Airport.

Besides, another Italy-returnee Bangladeshi was hospitalised with fever on Monday and kept in an isolation ward at Matlab Uttar Upazila Health Complex in Chandpur district. 

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Director Prof Dr Meerjady Sabrina Flora on Tuesday said the condition of the  three patients diagnosed with COVID-19 is stable.

Eight people have so far been quarantined, she said at a regular press briefing at IEDCR, Mohakhali. 

People also asked to contact four hotline numbers -01937110011, 01937000911, 01927711784 and 01927711785 – to solve any type of confusion or support.

The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak that began in China climbed to 3,830 till Monday. It has infected 110,071 people globally while 62,280 patients made recovery.

BK