GCC health ministers discuss reopening borders, return to regular activities

TDT | Manama

Measures to reopen borders, and plans for gradual restoration of regular activities and businesses in each GCC country, were among issues discussed in a meeting between health ministers from GCC states yesterday, attended by Bahrain’s Minister of Health Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh. Border reopening and restoration of normal life would be phased, it was reported.

Planning and preparing for an appropriate response to future pandemics was also tackled, along with all developments related to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis and ways to enhance cooperation in mitigation efforts.

Al Saleh praised the great efforts led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to combat the coronavirus within a team spirit that has contributed to preserving the health and safety of citizens and residents in Bahrain.

The ministers assigned committees to follow up on the pandemic status and its evolution, and maintain contacts at this level via the joint operations room. In addition, they expressed gratitude to the GCC countries’ top leaders for their keenness on citizens’ health, their limitless support for the health sector in the shadow of the virus crisis, and underlined praise by international agencies, namely the World Health Organization, for the GCC countries’ efforts against the outbreak.