New measures adopted to combat COVID-19

TDT | Manama

New measures were announced yesterday to prevent the further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Bahrain. The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus held a press conference at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research at the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, to highlight updates on efforts made to contain COVID-19 and announce the new initiatives.

Speaking at the conference were Health Minister Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh; Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed R Al Zayani; Public Security Chief Tariq Al Hassan; COVID-19 Control and Monitoring Committee head Lieutenant Colonel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani; and COVID-19 Task Force head Dr Jameela Salman.

The Minister of Health commended His Majesty the King’s directives for mothers employed in the public sector to work from home, noting that this royal directive ensures the safety of citizens and the community.

Al Saleh highlighted that precautionary measures issued by the Government Executive Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, further safeguard citizens and residents. She added that these measures have been taken following extensive analysis of the data, statistics and wide-ranging indicators regarding the current situation in the Kingdom.

Al Saleh underlined that the additional measures introduced yesterday are intended to further support efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, and are designed to reinforce the importance of practicing social distancing, which has been proven to effectively mitigate the spread of the virus.

The Health Minister underscored the importance of staying at home and only leaving the house when necessary. On this note, Al Saleh reiterated the Ministry’s continued coordinated efforts with relevant authorities in further intensifying measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus.

Al Saleh also emphasised that the Ministry’s isolation and treatment capacities can accommodate all active cases, free of charge, for both citizens and residents. She added that the ministry, after requests from citizens and residents, is in cooperation with private hospitals to facilitate treatment for those who wish to receive medical care from a private medical provider based on the necessary standards and regulations.

The Minister outlined that it continues to cooperate with the private sector, whilst continuing to provide free COVID-19 treatment for all citizens and residents. Al Saleh recognised the noble efforts of the Kingdom’s medical staff, noting that their role is pivotal to containing the spread of COVID-19.

She said that the Kingdom’s united stance in combating COVID-19 is a source of great pride. Al Saleh further expressed gratitude to all those who applied for volunteering opportunities, praising their firm stance in the Kingdom’s fight against COVID-19, evidenced by the 30,000 applications received by the e-Volunteer platform.

Meanwhile, Al Zayani commended HM the King’s directives issuing a BD4.3billion economic stimulus package, which will ensure the Kingdom continues on its path of sustainable development.

Al Zayani highlighted that the Ministry continues to coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure goods and products are continually available in the local markets, and that hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores and bakeries continue to work normally.

Al Zayani went on to assure all that food and commodities in the Kingdom remain abundant, adding that there is no need to purchase large quantities of goods other than what is needed.

He further assured that all food stores are prepared to deliver products when required, and that the supply of medicine and food remains a priority. In line with the Kingdom’s efforts in containing the spread of COVID-19, Al Zayani noted that all retail stores will close temporarily, and only delivery services will be available from March 26 to April 9.

Al Zayani added that all retail stores open again from April 9 to April 23. Al Zayani reiterated that hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, bakeries, pharmacies, and banks will remain open and emphasised that restaurants will continue to provide services via take away or delivery only. He stressed that all changes are only temporary and due to the challenges faced by COVID-19.