COVID-19 fight surges on

TDT | Manama

Bahrain’s rapid containment of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has helped prevent a steep increase in registered cases, as compared to other countries around the world. This was declared yesterday by Lt. Col. Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, Infectious Diseases Consultant and Microbiologist at Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Hospital, who is also a member of the National Taskforce for Combating COVID-19.

He was speaking at the National Taskforce’s press conference highlighting updates on the national efforts and strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It was held at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research at BDF Hospital.

Dr Al Qahtani presented a case registration index of the first 100 active COVID-19 cases in comparison to other countries. This showed a gradual increase in Bahrain and a steep increase for other countries worldwide.

Dr Al Qahtani explained that this is due to the high quality of care and the rapid manner authorities are responding to containing the coronavirus amongst those who test positive.

He added that it can also be attributed to the precautionary measures issued by the government in combating the disease, including social distancing measures, the closure of non-essential retail businesses, and the encouragement of remote working, among others.

Dr Al Qahtani emphasised the tremendous efforts of Bahrain’s medical workforce, which continues to provide the necessary care in line with protocols issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO). He also noted that the current strategy to contain the COVID-19 spread is “The Triple Ts”, namely Trace, Test and Treat, which ensures a comprehensive approach of care under specialised medical teams.

Also in attendance at yesterday’s conference were Ministry of Health undersecretary Dr Waleed Al Manea, Infectious and Internal Diseases consultant at Salmaniya Medical Complex Dr Jameela Al Salman and Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) chief executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed.

Dr Al Manea highlighted the Kingdom’s precise and carefully studied decisions made to contain the COVID-19, beginning with the establishment of an operations room as well as the provision of transparent facts and statistics.

He noted the high level of awareness and social responsibility exhibited by the Kingdom’s citizens and residents, which has contributed to the success of efforts to contain the virus. He emphasised that the Ministry of Health has recently begun random medical tests, via mobile testing units, across the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Dr Al Salman reiterated that the health of citizens and residents remains a top priority and emphasised the importance of all continued joint efforts in combating the COVID-19 and the observation of guidelines issued by the authorities.

On his part, Al Qaed highlighted that the “BeAware” app has been officially launched following the success of its beta version, which has been tested by patients and volunteers across the Kingdom. He said that 60,000 users have downloaded the app so far.

Al Qaed explained that it is a mandatory download for individuals undergoing treatment and observation, as it provides the relevant authorities with the opportunity to follow up with patients under treatment or self-isolation.

He explained that it utilises location data to alert individuals in the event they approach an active case or a location that an active case has visited, while providing health guidelines and recommendations plus local and global COVID-19 developments.

Al Qaed emphasised the iGA’s continued commitment to supporting relevant entities in working remotely, and said that 60 per cent of government services are now online, and that the iGA is working hard to reach 90 per cent.