Bahrain on right track to beat COVID-19 F

TDT | Manama

Bahrain is headed in the right direction in its fight to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the Kingdom. This was declared by Infectious Diseases Consultant and Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital and National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus member Lt. Col. Dr. Manaf Al Qahtani. He commended the self-discipline and civic responsibility citizens and residents have shown in adhering to preventive measures in combatting COVID-19.

Dr. Al Qahtani was speaking at a press briefing of the National Taskforce, where updates were given regarding the current state of efforts and future plans to prevent the further spread of the virus. Also in attendance were Minister of Health Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh and Salmaniya Medical Complex Infectious and Internal Diseases Consultant Dr. Jameela Al Salman. The conference was held at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research at the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Hospital. Dr. Al Qahtani underscored three phases of overcoming COVID-19: containment, mitigation and suppression. He explained that Bahrain, at present, has moved to the mitigation phase. He noted that this is a natural shift and underlined that no country can remain in the containment phase in light of the global outbreak of the virus. Dr. Al Qahtani added that as long as citizens and residents continue to adhere to the procedures and regulations outlined by the concerned authorities, the Kingdom can overcome the virus and avoid the suppression phase and its challenges. He noted that there has been a slight increase in the weekly average of active cases. It was seven during the first week, five during the second week, 19 during the third week, 17 during the fourth week and 21 during the fifth week.

These averages follow the registration of the first active case in the Kingdom. Meanwhile, the Health Minister underlined the comprehensive approach of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and First Deputy Prime Minister to stem the spread of COVID-19 by utilising tailored, effective and preventative strategies. She also emphasised that hospital beds remain available to meet surge capacity in active cases. Current treatment centres’ capacity stands at 1,667 beds, of which 249 beds are occupied, and current quarantine centres’ capacity is at 2,504 beds, of which 139 beds are occupied. Additionally, the compartmentalised structure of quarantine centres allows for quick conversion to treatment centres, if required. The Minister noted that Bahrain has conducted over 29,000 tests for COVID-19, with results now accessible via an online account at the Ministry of Health’s website for individuals that have taken the test. Additionally, contact tracing activities are underway to reduce COVID-19 transmission by identification, isolation and treatment.