Rehab centres to return on Monday

TDT | Manama

Starting Monday, rehab centres in the Kingdom will resume their services with added safety measures. A circular issued call for enhanced environment cleaning protocols, screening for patients and staff and use of personal protective equipment per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. “The priority is for ensuring the safety and health and providing proper care to the differently-abled people,” said Jameel Humaidan, the Labour and Social Development Minister.

The ministry, he said, is keen on supporting civil society institutions in the Kingdom, especially those caring for persons with disabilities. “Strict adherence to precautionary measures are mandatory for these centres,” the minister said warning that any failure will lead to a closure of the facility and legal action.

Centres are required to disinfect and sterilise their facilities daily as per guidelines, and place sterilisers at the entrances and specific points inside, and should disinfect shared tools and equipment after each use. Toilets should be cleaned after each use, taking care to dispose of garbages safely. Patients and staff will be required to wear a mask, gloves and undergo temperature screening daily.

There will be no entry for those having a temperature of more than 37.5 degree Celsius. Centres are required to provide separate materials and equipment for beneficiaries, and the ministry forbids them from distribution of snacks. Any suspicious symptoms should be reported by calling 444, the circular insists. Other requirements include changing protective gearsmasks and gloves after each session.

Waiting areas and treatment areas should be adjusted to make room for social distancing. The circular, which encourages beneficiaries to take virtual session, clarifies that physical presence is not mandatory and is optional. Inspectors of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, to ensure strict adherence to preventive measures, will conduct random checks at all centres.

The reopening decision was as endorsed by the Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister and as recommended by the National Taskforce for Combating COVID-19 headed by the Supreme Council for Health (SCH) Lieutenant-General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa.