Bahrain tackling outbreak, despite Iran’s ‘biological aggression’

TDT | Manama

Bahrain is dealing successfully with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the Kingdom as well as in taking precautionary measures to get ready for the coming phases, said Interior Minister. “We succeeded in tackling the situation through joint efforts,” said General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa despite Iran committing serious violations by “not stamping the passports of Bahrainis while entering and leaving the country.”

“Iran, through such practices, allowed the transmission of this dangerous virus abroad, said Shaikh Rashid terming it as an “Internationally prohibited biological aggression” that risked the safety of others. The minister was speaking during a joint meeting of the executive and legislative to highlight the latest developments to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. “It is worth mentioning that we didn’t ban our citizens from travelling to Iran,” the minister asserted.

“We are responsible in front of HM the King and the nation to protect society and its safety. We care for our citizens inside Bahrain and won’t abandon our citizens abroad. There should be trust in the steps taken by the Health Ministry and the medical teams,” Shaikh Rashid stressed. The meeting was held as directed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister who is leading the national task force to combat Coronavirus. The “situation shouldn’t be politicised, and sectarianism isn’t accepted,” said Shaikh Rashid calling for joint efforts of the citizens to fight the outbreak.

The minister told the meeting: “We shouldn’t allow the situation to turn into a security matter, as we are dealing with a health situation.” Bahrain’s efforts, Minister said, had contributed to containing the virus and preventing its spread inside the Kingdom, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognising it as a role model in the fight.

He expressed thanks and appreciation to the medical team and military, security and medical personnel for their sincere work. “There are many national stories, and we are proud of citizens for carrying their duties and providing help,” the minister said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel Humaidan, Minister for Shura Council and House of Representatives Affairs Ghanim bin Fadhel Al Buainain, Minister of Health, Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh and Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani took part in the meeting. 

Foreign ministry work team, hotline

Foreign Minister hailed the efforts of the national team and their coordination with various authorities stressing that joint efforts, fast response and precautionary steps contributed to preventing the spreading of infection. He revealed that the Foreign Affairs Ministry had formed a work team to follow up on the development of the health crisis and coordinate with the national taskforce A follow-up office works round the clock to receive and answer inquiries, along with registering the details of citizens abroad.

A hotline 17227555 receives around 400 calls daily, as the office is in continuous contact with Bahrain embassies abroad. The Minister of Finance and National Economy said the efforts to fight the Coronavirus outbreak started in early stages as part of the vision and directives of HRH the Crown Prince. 

The situation of Bahrainis in Iran ‘unfortunate’: Labour Minister

Hailing the joint efforts to prevent the outbreak as a source of pride to all, the Minister of Labour and Social Development called the situation of Bahrainis in Iran as ‘unfortunate’. The minister accused the Iranians of failing to provide medical aid to Bahrainis while also announcing baseless allegations against Bahrain. “Bahrain will remain fine by its sincere children and their love for their leadership and nation,” the minister said. 

Iran regime lacks transparency: Health Minister

The Minister of Health said Bahrainis value their nation, as volunteers and retired individuals went back to work. “We are proud of our medics that work round the clock as part of the national efforts.”  “It is clear that the Iranian regime had failed for many reasons, including for lacking transparency and credibility to reveal the true numbers about the virus outbreaks in Iranian cities and areas.” The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism hailed the wisdom of HM the King and praised the follow up of HRH the Crown Prince to set mechanisms to ensure availability of food stocks.  He asserted the importance of supervision in such situations, in which the ministry carries inspection visits and take serious steps against violators.