Bahrain can handle challenges amid sudden spike in number of COVID-19 cases: Dr Cheriyan

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Amid increasing panic following a rise in the number of COVID-19 patients, a renowned authority in medicine and leading doctor in the Kingdom has dismissed fears of progress in the fight against the pandemic getting undone.

Dr George Cheriyan, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of American Mission Hospital said the outright battle against COVID-19 in the Kingdom remains a success although there are challenges to be addressed frequently.

Dr Cheriyan’s views attain immense significance in light of new daily cases exceeding 300.

As of now, the Kingdom has a little over 2,000 active cases.

“The scientific world has made great progress in their fight against the COVID-19.

The medical community has established tracing and tracking methodologies along with treatment modalities, which are well in place.

There is no starting again from square one.

“This time, the physicians are very well positioned to handle the challenges.

They are well-equipped to provide a range of treatment services.”

Speaking on the emergence of new variants, Dr Cheriyan said booster shots are the only remedy.

“COVID-19 booster shots have proved to be the most effective way to stop severe Omicron variant symptoms in South Africa and the United Kingdom, where a maximum number of cases were reported.”

Dr Cheriyan said fully-fledged research is ongoing to put standard drug therapies in place.

“Treatment with Sotrovimab has been found to decrease the risk of disease progression for high-risk patients suffering from mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection.”

Sotrovimab binds the spike protein in turn blocking the virus from getting attached before entering human cells.

The process stops the virus from replicating in the body.