Coronavirus awareness campaign ‘in full swing’

TDT | Manama

The Ministry of Health has announced that there are no registered cases of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Kingdom, and all precautionary measures are being taken in to ensure the continued health and safety of Bahrain’s citizens and residents. 

The ministry confirmed in a statement that, within the past 24 hours, it has conducted tests on 19 travellers arriving from countries where COVID-19 is prevalent. All test results returned negative. The total number of tests conducted for suspected cases of the disease now stands at 74, all of which have returned negative. The ministry highlighted that it is co-ordinating with all necessary authorities to follow up on all potential cases that have been flagged at the Kingdom’s entry points.

The ministry further highlighted that it is following health guidelines outlined by the World Health Organisation, international health measures followed by international airports, and the unified precautionary measures followed by the GCC, when dealing with travellers arriving from countries were COVID-19 is prevalent.   It noted that all travellers entering Bahrain International Airport from countries that are experiencing active cases of COVID-19 are undergoing testing to ensure they are not infected. Travellers from these countries are also quarantined for a period of 14 days as a preventive measure in order to monitor their health. 

Meanwhile , The Ministry of Health has stepped up efforts to spread awareness about coronavirus as they urge residents and citizens to adopt ‘hygiene measures’. The ministry has urged citizens and residents to take various measures to protect themselves from coronavirus. The ministry sources said that educational campaigns are in full swing to create awareness in the public about the novel coronavirus. The modes used to create awareness include traditional media, social media and even SMS campaign, which was recently done. 

“Kindly be reminded to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus (Covid-19): Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly using soap and water. Use alcohol-based sanitisers,” the statement said. “Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces such as door handles. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used wipes properly. “Avoid contact with people experiencing a fever or suffering from a cough,” the ministry stated in a mass SMS campaign, which was sent out to Bahrainis and expatriates across the Kingdom.  

Meanwhile, foreign visitors from five countries have been banned from entering the Kingdom as Bahrain takes up strict measures to prevent coronavirus outbreak in the country. The authorities in Bahrain have decided to put in place three stringent steps to ensure that coronavirus is not spread in Bahrain. The steps include banning entry to all foreigners who have visited five countries including Iran, Thailand, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Malaysia and the Republic of South Korea.  “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Interior, has activated several procedures related to arrivals to the Kingdom in light of the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19),”  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement added. The steps include banning entry to all foreign visitors who have visited the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Malaysia and the Republic of South Korea within 14 days of their date of arrival in the Kingdom.

Bahraini citizens, GCC citizens and Bahraini residents who have visited Iran, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia or South Korea within 14 days of arriving in Bahrain will be subject to quarantine and enhanced testing procedures, recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The ministry has advised citizens and residents to follow WHO guidelines and avoid all but essential travel to areas, where coronavirus (COVID-19) has been detected.