Bahrain Health Ministry reports two more Covid deaths

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Ministry of Health (MoH) reported two Covid-19 deaths on Friday night, taking the number of deceased in the Kingdom to 1,397. As of now, there are 23 hospitalized cases. There were 1,515 new cases yesterday. The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) has already approved the emergency use of the oral COVID-19 antiviral, Paxlovid.

The medication has been authorised for individuals 18 years old and above who suffer from mild to moderate symptoms and are at an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 that may lead to mortality.

The decision follows the evaluation of data provided by the manufacturer Pfizer, carried out by the NHRA’s Pharmaceutical Products Regulation Department (PPR).

The NHRA noted that the Ministry of Health has begun importing procedures in accordance with the relevant standards and requirements, with the medication expected to arrive in January.

Paxlovid consists of two, co-packaged antiviral medicines (PF07321332 and Ritonavir) that are designed to stop the virus causing COVID-19 from multiplying in the body and therefore help those infected to overcome the viral infection. Earlier, the Health Ministry approved the emergency use of Sotrovimab as COVID-19 drug.

“Sotrovimab-VIR-7831 develops monoclonal antibodies. The drug will be used to treat infected adults and adolescents with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are at risk of their condition deteriorating and resulting in hospitalisation.”

Before this, the Health Ministry approved the use of regn-cov2 medicine, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc’s and Roche’s newly authorised COVID-19 antibody combination, as part of its coronavirus treatment protocol to treat existing cases with mild and moderate symptoms.

The National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which held a press conference on Thursday, announced the easing of entry rules for international arrivals. The Taskforce highlighted that border controls were not the remedy and the Covid solution remained in vaccinating as well as administering booster doses. Speaking on the Kingdom’s readiness, Taskforce member Lt Col Dr Manaf Al Qahtani said the country is prepared to handle any challenges. “We are prepared to handle any critical cases. Our ICUs are wellequipped and have enough beds for emergencies. We are monitoring the developments on a daily basis, in fact hourly basis.” “We have developed the best treatment procedures and the country has a success rate for providing vaccines and medicines.” Lt Col Dr Al Qahtani said the focus of treatment will be on those who are not vaccinated or lack immunity, while recommending citizens and residents to avoid unnecessary travels.