Bahrain strategy working wonders to control spread of Covid-19

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s expansive contact tracing, testing and quarantining have reduced the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The “trace, test and treat” strategy has significantly reduced the infection cases and the country’s death rate remains one of the lowest in the world.

According to the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the decision announced on 27 May to close non-essential businesses for two weeks has proved to be effective.

By 8 June, the number of cases had decreased to 19,238, down from 28,798 cases registered on 29 May. The Taskforce said that after 25 June, various sectors will be gradually reopened, in compliance with necessary precautionary measures.

Taskforce member Lt. Col. Dr Manaf Al Qahtani stressed the importance of receiving a booster shot when required, as every vaccination has a finite period of effectiveness.

He explained that those who are vaccinated with the Sinopharm vaccine can choose from two options for their booster dose, either a booster of Sinopharm or of Pfizer-BioNTech.

All other vaccines will eventually require a booster dose, with timings to be announced at a future date. Highlighting the effectiveness of all vaccines, Dr Al Qahtani noted that the percentage of vaccinated people with active COVID-19 is very small, ranging from 1% to 2%.

Individuals who have received a Sinopharm vaccine, and are considered high-risk, will be eligible for a booster dose after three months from receiving their second dose.

A six-month interval will apply to all those not considered high risk. Dr Al Qahtani said that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 in 2020, and who have received two doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, are eligible for a booster dose 3 months from recovery.

Those recovering in 2021, who have received two vaccination doses, do not require a booster dose. Starting yesterday, active cases subject to home isolation, and in need of medical care can directly head to the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Center.

Meanwhile, the Health and Foreign Affairs Ministries are coordinating with Bahraini embassies abroad to ensure all citizens living abroad would be fully vaccinated.