Existing cases dropped 88% in Bahrain: Dr Al Manea

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain witnessed an encouraging dip in active Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the past few weeks, thanks to the tough new restrictions and vaccination efforts, said a top task force official.

“There is an 88% dip in the active COVID-19 cases from 26,883 on 27th May 2021 to 3,188 on 30th June 2021,” said Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health and Member of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus.

“The credit for this goes to additional restrictions and decision to administer booster dose,” he added.

He was addressing a press conference held at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research, Bahrain Defence Force Hospital on the latest COVID-19 developments along with other members Lt Col Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, Infectious Disease Consultant & Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital, and Dr Jamila Al-Salman, Consultant of Infectious and Internal Diseases at Salmaniya Medical Complex.

He, however, reminded all not to fall into a false sense of security and laxity, to cause the infection to spike again.

Continue adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures, irrespective of whether “we are in red, yellow, orange or green levels.”

Maintaining the green level, he said, is a shared responsibility, which all the citizens and residents in the Kingdom should take care of. “Opening up some of the sectors does not mean that we had overcome the virus.”

Sotrofimab effective

On the drug Sotrofimab, Lt Col Dr Manaf Al Qahtani said Bahrain is pursuing all effective mechanisms and latest treatments to reduce the risk of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Health Regulatory Authority approved “Sotrofimab” by GlaxoSmithKline for emergency use earlier in June for COVID-19 treatment. Sotrovimab-VIR-7831 by GSK and Vir Biotechnology is an investigational single-dose monoclonal antibody.

It is for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and paediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalisation or death.

Dr Al Qahtani said Bahrain used the drug to treat more than 223 COVID-19 patients, and all of them recovered and returned to their life activities. “Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that mimic the ability of the human immune system to fight viruses, which attacks the spike of the virus to bar entry into human cells in about 60 minutes,” said Dr Al Qahtani.

He also cautioned that the coronavirus is constantly evolving, and the only way out is adhering strictly to preventive measures, taking vaccination and booster dose. “We should also ensure vaccination of children to ensure their safety.”

Booster dose essential

On booster dose, Dr Jameela Al-Salman said the authorities would contact all those who are registered to receive the booster dose six months after taking the second dose of Sinopharm vaccine.

She said it is vital for all senior citizens to register for the booster dose to avoid complications.

Dr Al Salman further said that they witnessed a remarkable turnout of parents registering their children for vaccination.

“49% of the children between 12 and 17 years of the age had received their jabs,” she said. “No complications of severe side effects observed among people in the age group 12 to 17,” the doctor said.

Dr Al Salman also warned that the Delta variant produces high risks for people in all age groups, especially children.

“Vaccination is the only way to protect them.”