COVID-19 Alert Level Traffic Light System updates

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

In line with the latest developments on COVID-19 epidemiological data, and following the Government Executive Committee's approval, the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19), announced an update to the Kingdom of Bahrain's COVID-19 Alert Level Traffic Light System.

Starting from 31 October 2021, the alert level will change depending on the rolling average of positive cases within intensive care, as follows:

Green Alert Level: If the rolling average of positive cases in intensive care units is 50 or less for 14 days.

Yellow Alert Level: If the rolling average of positive cases within intensive care units is 51-100 cases for 7 days. 

Orange Alert Level: If the rolling average of positive cases within intensive care units is 101-200 for 4 days. 

Red Alert Level: If the rolling average for positive cases within intensive care units is 201 or more for 3 days. 

The Taskforce stated that deescalating from one level to the level below requires the same level to be maintained for a period of no less than a week. However, escalating from a lower alert level to a higher one can take place with immediate effect. Moving directly from the Green Alert Level to the Red Alert Level is possible without going through the yellow and orange levels.

The Taskforce further stated that moving to an alert level can be recommended based on various emergency developments and that some dates may be designated a higher alert level in the interest of public health and safety. 

The Taskforce noted that the criteria for each level are subject to change in accordance with the latest epidemiological data and developments.

The Taskforce stated that the Guidelines for the COVID-19 Alert Level Traffic Light System will be updated and published on the Ministry of Health's website on: //healthalert.gov.bh/. 

The Taskforce also announced that based on this update, obligatory temperature checks and registration of information will no longer be required for non-vaccinated individuals when entering a facility, with waiting areas to be re-opened. However, the Taskforce stressed the need to adhere to the wearing of masks when visiting indoor facilities, continuing with sterilization procedures, encouraging pre-booking and electronic payment, in addition to following all precautionary measures to limit the spread of the virus. 

The Taskforce stressed the need for everyone to adhere to the procedures relating to the current COVID-19 Alert Level at any given time, and to continue to work together to preserve public health and save lives.