RANGPUR, Sept 15, 2020 (BSS) – Twenty-five more people were tested positive today for coronavirus (COVID-19) in the division after diagnosing 188 samples at Rangpur Medical College (RpMC) COVID-19 laboratory in the city.
Talking to BSS, Chief of Divisional Coronavirus Service and Prevention Task Force and Principal of RpMC Professor Dr. AKM Nurunnabi Lyzu said the rate of daily COVID-19 infections in the division decreases in the last two consecutive weeks.
“The 25 new infected cases were reported today after diagnosing 188 samples collected from Rangpur, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Dinajpur districts at the infection rate of 13.29 percent,” he said.
“Among the newly infected patients, 10 of Rangpur, two of Gaibandha, three of Kurigram, eight of Lalmonirhat and two of Dinajpur districts,” Dr. Lyzu added.
Meanwhile, testing of samples remained suspended for the 14th consecutive day today at M Abdur Rahim Medical College (MARMC) COVID-19 laboratory in Dinajpur due to technical problems.
Experts from the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in Dhaka are currently conducting necessary repairs of the PCR machine and testing systems at the laboratory.
“We are hoping to resume the process of testing samples here at the earliest possible time as the repairing works are continuing in full swing,” said Principal of MARMC Prof Dr Syed Nazir Hossain.
Talking to BSS at 6:50 pm, Focal Person of COVID-19 and Assistant Director (Health) for Rangpur division Dr. ZA Siddiqui said the total number of coronavirus patients rose to 11,289 in the division as 25 new cases were reported today.
“The district-wise break-up of the 11,289 patients stands at 2,680 in Rangpur, 557 in Panchagarh, 993 in Nilphamari, 815 in Lalmonirhat, 864 in Kurigram, 1,032 in Thakurgaon, 3,242 in Dinajpur and 1,106 Gaibandha,” Dr. Siddiqui added.