‘Confidence due to Ignorance is the biggest risk to community health’

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The virus does not rest, and so the Kingdom of Bahrain is intensifying its efforts to prevent its spread.

Ministry of Health Undersecretary Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea stressed the importance of continued and full adherence to public health measures to keep the community safe.

Also a member of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Dr Al Manea warned that complacency is the biggest risk to community health.

He was speaking during the taskforce’s press conference held yesterday at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research at the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital.

The Kingdom has witnessed a 43 per cent increase in active cases between 1 and 18 January from the period between 14 and 30 December last year. Significantly, 18 per cent of cases registered during that period are of children 17 years and below.

Dr Al Manea said the “spike” in the number of active cases this month is a direct consequence of individuals not following public health measures.

The Ministry of Health will continue to conduct inspections, in coordination with relevant authorities, on restaurants, cafes, beauty salons, barbershops and gyms, to ensure that all health measures are followed.

Administrative and legal action, Dr Al Manea emphasised, will be taken against those who will commit violations in industrial or commercial establishments.

Mobile vaccination units have been launched to provide vaccinations to the elderly and those with special needs in the comfort of their homes. Dr Al Manea noted that social distancing remains an important measure to be followed at all times.

Gatherings should also be limited to members of the same household or close social circle, and outdoor open spaces should be utilised rather than closed places.

Currently, the capacity of the Kingdom’s isolation and treatment centres is 5,202 beds, of which 2,241 are occupied, representing 43.1% of the capacity.

Taskforce member Lt. Col. Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, Infectious Disease Consultant & Microbiologist at the BDF, highlighted the importance of vaccinations, which protect the community from diseases and reduce infection rates.

Another task force member, Dr Jameela Al Salman, reiterated the importance of adhering to all preventative measures aimed at combating the COVID-19.