Bangladesh to deploy more troops as virus deaths peak

DHAKA, Bangladesh

Bangladesh will boost army deployment to ensure stricter implementation of safety guidelines as coronavirus deaths hit a record high on Tuesday.

The Health Ministry recorded 53 fatalities over the past 24 hours, the highest daily count since the first casualty on March 18, raising the death toll to 1,262.

Daily virus transmission also remains high in the South Asian country, with 3,862 new cases bringing the overall count to 94,481.

Recoveries increased by 2,237 to 36,262, while 17,214 samples -- also the highest single-day figure yet -- were tested at 61 labs across the country, ministry official Nasima Sultana said at a regular online news conference.

COVID-19 cases have been on the rise ever since Bangladesh lifted its over two-month lockdown on May 31.

In a bid to stem the virus’ spread, army personnel will increase patrols in areas designated as red zones to enforce health guidelines and social distancing rules, the military’s media wing said in a statement.

Bangladesh has decided to impose a gradual, color-coded zone-based lockdown to stop the infection chain.

Red are high-risk zones, yellow are moderate, and green are low-risk areas.

According to officials, there will be a “general holiday” and curfew in red zones, and the government will provide all necessary support, including food, safety, and medical care.

Meanwhile, despite the rise in infections, Bangladesh resumed flight operations on two international routes -- Dhaka to Doha and Dhaka to London -- on Tuesday.