Homeward Bound

TDT | Manama

The second batch of Bahraini citizens repatriated from the Islamic Republic of Iran due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is scheduled to arrive today.

Ministry of Health undersecretary Dr. Walid Al Manea confirmed yesterday that work is underway to complete the procedures for their arrival on a chartered flight.

The evacuation procedures are in full accordance with medical and internationally approved measures, and are a part of the ministry’s evacuation plans in order to safeguard the well-being of its arriving citizens and their families.

Dr. Al Manea indicated that the ministry is continuing its efforts towards intensifying all precautionary and preventive measures to contain and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The ministry is requiring citizens, upon their arrival, to undergo laboratory tests under the supervision of a specialised medical team. Based on these results, they are to be transferred to a precautionary quarantine centre or to isolation and treatment centres, according to the guidelines and standards approved by the World Health Organisation.

Dr. Al Manea pointed out that the Ministry of Health continues to coordinate with the relevant authorities to evacuate all citizens still in Iran while ensuring that the highest levels of efficiency in health and treatment is provided to all who are arriving.

Earlier this month, the first group of repatriated Bahrainis from Iran returned to the Kingdom. A total of 165 individuals were in the batch, 77 of whom tested positive for the coronavirus.

Those infected were taken to an isolation and treatment centre, while the others were transferred to a precautionary quarantine centre. Bahrain’s programme to evacuate its citizens from Iran follows the suspension of air travel between the two countries.