Vaccine hopes raised

TDT | Manama

Bahrain will be one of the first countries to book a vaccine to guard against the coronavirus (COVID-19), if and when one will be ready, Ministry of Health undersecretary and National Taskforce for Combatting COVID-19 member Dr. Waleed Al Manea assured yesterday.

Dr. Al Manea was speaking during the National Taskforce’s press conference held at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research at Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Hospital, where measures being taken to mitigate the spread of COVD-19 were highlighted.

Also addressing the media were BDF Hospital Infectious Disease Consultant Lt. Col. Dr. Manaf Al Qahtani and Salmaniya Medical Complex Infectious and Internal Diseases Consultant Dr. Jameela Al Salman, both of whom are National Taskforce members.

When asked about the Kingdom’s plans to avail of a promising trial vaccine being developed by Oxford University, Dr. Al Manea said that once any vaccine is available and has proven to be effective, Bahrain will ensure that it will be among the first to receive a supply. He added that even before a vaccine’s release in the market, all measures are already being taken to be able to order a sufficient amount.

He said that this is part of the strategy of the GCC countries in their coronavirus fight, while noting that the authorities have been informed that, if all goes as planned, a vaccine could be ready as early as September. Meanwhile, Dr. Al Manea highlighted strengthened precautionary measures undertaken by the Health Ministry to protect frontline workers and provide safe working conditions.

Dr. Al Manea noted that safe working conditions are being provided by allocation of separate entrances and rooms for health workers, ensuring all front-liners have access to personal protective equipment (PPE), publishing updated guidelines, continuously disinfecting surfaces, and providing infection-control training.

Dr. Al Manea said that frontline workers undergo COVID-19 testing regularly in order to prevent the transmission of the virus amongst responders and expressed his appreciation for their dedication and commitment. Turning to patient outcome, Dr. Al Manea explained that the recovery rate is currently at 74.66 per cent with a 0.29 per cent death rate.

Isolation centre capacity stands at 8,303 beds, of which 3,811 beds were being occupied at the time of the conference, while 1,734 asymptotic cases were under optional home self-isolation after meeting the set criteria. Dr. Al Manea also revealed that plans are being studied to increase the capacity of the National Call Centre (444), as it continues to adapt to the large volume of calls it receives on a daily basis.

He noted that there have already been three changes implemented previously. On his part, Dr. Al Qahtani emphasised the protective steps individuals are encouraged to take if they test positive and are quarantining at home. These persons must self-isolate in a separate room and use a separate bathroom while refraining from contact with others.

In the event that it is absolutely necessary to be in contact with others, they must wear a facemask and gloves and maintain as much distance as possible with other people at home. They must also not share personal household items including plates, cups, towels, or bedding with other people, and regularly sanitise door handles and surfaces.

When coughing or sneezing, they must cover their nose and mouth with tissues and ensure that the used tissues are disposed of in a closed, touchless trash can. These must be designated trash bins that use double-layered bags to prevent any leakages. These individuals must wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitiser.

Dr. Al Qahtani pointed out that those who have tested positive will be contacted within 48-hours of testing by the Health Ministry, adding that those who are not contacted should follow up by calling 444. Additionally, Dr. Al Qahtani reiterated that those who experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing, should immediately contact 444 and seek medical attention.

For her part, Dr. Al Salman noted that the Health Ministry is continuously expanding COVID-19 testing capacity to identify, isolate and break chains of infection. Dr. Al Salman stressed that face masks must be worn at all times when in public settings, including during outdoor recreation, as well as when in close proximity to family members with underlying health conditions, or when in close proximity to elderly family members.