Health Minister makes Eid appeal

TDT | Manama

Health Minister Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh has called on the public to continue with determination to adhere to precautionary and preventive measures during Eid Al Adha to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Health Ministry, in coordination and cooperation with all concerned parties, is continuing its efforts to confront the virus, which will contribute to preserving the health and safety of citizens and residents in Bahrain, she said.

Eid Al Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, will be marked over several days starting Friday. It traditionally involves the exchange of visits between families and friends and holding large gatherings. However, authorities have been urging citizens and residents to change their Eid habits exceptionally this year and exercise the highest levels of caution through social distancing and wearing face masks to help in the national fight to mitigate and confront COVID-19.

The Health Minister extended her best wishes to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, Bahrain and all Arab and Islamic nations on Eid Al Adha.

She stressed that national efforts led by HRH the Crown Prince are moving forward in a manner that preserves the health and safety of all citizens and residents. Everyone’s commitment to responsible behavior and approaches is an important pillar for the success of all plans, as it complements efforts, decisions and recommendations and contributes to achieving the set goals, she added.

The Health Minister stressed that the responsible commitment to precautionary and preventive measures is a national duty for every individual, in order to protect themselves, their families and their community, and to maintain public safety. It also reflects conscious societal behaviour in fighting the virus, she said.

The Health Minister called for suspending some customs and traditions associated with Eid Al Adha, especially family gatherings, to avoid the spike in contact cases that occurred during and after Eid Al Fitr in May.

Social visits and gatherings are deep rooted in Bahrain’s customs and traditions, but as exceptional circumstances call for exceptional measures, they should be avoided this year as they currently pose risks to public health and may significantly cause the transmission and spread of the virus, she said.

The Health Minister stressed the importance of wearing masks, social distancing and regular sanitisation to protect community members, especially the elderly and those who suffer from underlying health diseases.

Bahrain’s experience in responding to the pandemic and the large preparations it made have been of the highest standards and have been highly efficient, which contributed to making the Kingdom an outstanding model for enhancing health and safety. The community must preserve such achievements through active partnership for the sake of addressing the pandemic, she said.