Following the detection of coronavirus cases in Bangladesh, the government has shut down all educational institutions across the country until March 31. (File photo for representation: Reuters)

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in Bangladesh confirmed on Monday that three more people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 infection in the country, taking the total tally to eight.

IEDCR Director, Prof Meerjady Sabrina Flora, gave the latest data at a regular media briefing on Monday noon. She said that new patients include a woman and two children. They are family members of one of the two patients detected on Sunday night.

On March 8, the IEDCR announced for the first time the detection of three Covid-19 patients in Bangladesh. Of them, two were Italy returnees while the other one was the wife of one of them. On March 14, IEDCR confirmed two more coronavirus cases were detected in Bangladesh.

"We have decided that no more samples will be collected at the IEDCR," Sabrina Flora said.

She added that now samples will be collected from home. "Now, no one comes here [IEDCR] to give a sample. When anyone contacts the hotline numbers that we have, our members will go and collect samples from home. The sample collection service will not be offered to anyone at the IEDCR," she said.

Government closes all educational institutions

Following the detection of coronavirus cases in Bangladesh, the government has shut down all educational institutions across the country until March 31. This decision will be active from March 17.

Informing the decision on Monday, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury said: "An order will be issued in this regard today [Monday] afternoon".

Meanwhile, Dhaka University authorities have also decided to close the varsity from March 18 to 28 over coronavirus fears. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Secretary Akram al Hossain also told media that an official announcement on closure of all primary schools will come soon.

However, no decision has been made on the closure of the HSC exam. Dr Dipu Moni, the education minister, said this at an emergency press conference at the Secretariat on Monday.

Dipu Moni also said that all educational institutions in the country have been declared closed till March 31. The decision was made to avoid coronary infection.

"But, if the students go out of the room, this decision will not work. They have to make sure they are kept in the house. This decision is part of a precautionary measure. This holiday will be co-ordinated with summer holidays and daily holidays if needed." she said.