Situation ‘is stable’

Manama

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday chaired the regular weekly Cabinet session, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, at the Al Sakhir Palace. HM the King asserted that the citizens are the nation’s ‘assets’ in facing all challenges thanks to their awareness and civilisational dealing with various global developments, thus reflecting the authentic Bahraini spirit proved by the firm stances showcased by Bahrainis throughout history, a post-statement by the Cabinet Secretary-General, Dr Yasser Al Nasser, said.

HM King Hamad stressed that Bahrain will remain, as it has always been, a land of love, where everybody enjoys security and harmony, noting that “overcoming the Coronavirus (COVID-19 is not only a challenge that we face locally, but it also a crisis that the entire world is confronting. We are fully confident that the Kingdom of Bahrain, with the solidarity of its citizens, is capable of overcoming this challenge.” HM the King was informed, through a presentation, about the efforts being exerted in the Kingdom to address COVID-19.

The presentation revealed that during the ongoing medical tests, a total of 2,225 individuals had tested negative, while only two cases tested positive, to whom HM the King wished speedy recovery and wellness. HM King commended the close endeavours, as well as the national, humanitarian and noble efforts, led by HRH the Crown Prince and with the spirit of the united Bahrain team, including the Executive, the Legislature, the private sector institutions, the citizens and residents, to combat the virus. HM the King emphasised that the Bahrain team has proved its worth and outstanding ability to overcome the challenges faced by the kingdom, which consolidates the dedicated efforts that would preserve the health and safety of everyone, adding that he is looking forward to the continuity of HRH the Crown Prince’s efforts in order to achieve the expected goals.

Saudi support vow

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held a phone call with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s support to the precautionary measures undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to prevent an outbreak of coronavirus and protect its citizens and residents, as well as those arrive to perform the Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed thanks and appreciation to HM the King, lauding Bahrain’s support to Saudi preventive measures against the virus.

Preventive measures

Lt Col Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, Infectious Diseases Consultant and Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital and Member of the National Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus (COVID-19), noted that the Kingdom’s preventive measures, which began before the identification of the first domestic case, are ensuring the continued safety and well-being of citizens and residents alike.

Green light to leave quarantine

The Ministry of Health announced that twelve individuals have been given the green light to leave quarantine after completing a preventative mandatory 14 day stay, having tested negative for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The ministry highlighted that the twelve individuals include ten Bahraini nationals returning from Iran, and one Bahraini and one Chinese national, both returning from China. The ministry further highlighted that the individuals had been monitored closely by a highly specialised medical team for the duration of their quarantine. The ministry affirmed that the measures taken within all quarantine centres are in line with established guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO), aimed at combating the spread of the virus and safeguarding the health of citizens and residents.