His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa chaired the regular weekly Cabinet session, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, at the Al-Sakhir Palace today.

HM the King asserted that the citizens are the nation’s ‘assets’ in facing all challenges thanks to their awareness and civilisational dealing with various global developments, thus reflecting the authentic Bahraini spirit proved by the firm stances showcased by Bahrainis throughout history, a post-statement by the Cabinet Secretary-General, Dr. Yasser bin Isa Al-Nasser, said.

HM King Hamad stressed that Bahrain will remain, as it has always been, a land of love, where everybody enjoys security and harmony, noting that “overcoming the Coronavirus (COVID-19 is not only a challenge that we face locally, but it also a crisis that the entire world is confronting. We are fully confident that the Kingdom of Bahrain, with the solidarity of its citizens, is capable of overcoming this challenge.”

HM the King was informed, through a presentation, about the efforts being exerted in the kingdom to address COVID-19.

The presentation revealed that during the ongoing medical tests, a total of 2225 individuals had tested negative, while only two cases tested positive, to whom HM the King wished speedy recovery and wellness.

HM King commended the close endeavours, as well as the national, humanitarian and noble efforts, led by HRH the Crown Prince and with the spirit of the united Bahrain team, including the Executive, the Legislature, the private sector institutions, the citizens and residents, to combat the virus.

HM the King emphasised that the Bahrain team has proved its worth and outstanding ability to overcome the challenges faced by the kingdom, which consolidates the dedicated efforts that would preserve the health and safety of everyone, adding that he is looking forward to the continuity of HRH the Crown Prince’s efforts in order to achieve the expected goals.

HM King Hamad expressed thanks and appreciation to the Bahrain Defence Force, Interior Ministry, Health Ministry, Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry, Information Affairs Ministry, the two endowment directorates, and whoever contributes to ensuring the safety of Bahrain and the health of its citizens and residents, as well as places the interests of the nation and its citizens above everything else.

In another context, HM the King expressed Bahrain’s full support for the temporary precautionary measures taken by sisterly Saudi Arabia to protect Umrah pilgrims and visitors of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)’s Mosque and prevent the spread of Coronavirus, calling for intensifying cooperation and coordination at the GCC, Arab and regional levels to take more efficient measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

HM King Hamad expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to Saudi Arabia, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, for its constant support for Bahrain.

HM the King stressed the importance of the continuity of the state’s action march and programmes without delay due to the on-going global problem.

HM King Hamad indicated that the general health situation in the kingdom is stable, noting that the nation will carry on undertaking its efforts, at all levels, to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, and expressing hope that it will be contained soon.

HM the King gave directives to increase the capacity of treatment facilities, provide maximum comfort requirements and put in place the highest standards of quality health care for those receiving treatment so that they recover soon, praising the efficiency of the precautionary and preventive measures taken to fight COVID-19.

HRH the Crown Prince extended deepest thanks and appreciation to HM King Hamad for his unwavering keenness on following up on the government’s work, as well as on the measures it has taken to preserve the health and safety of the citizens and residents, through the efforts of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

HRH the Crown Prince affirmed that the capacity of treatment facilities will be raised immediately by the relevant sides, and that efforts will be doubled, as required by national interests, to overcome all challenges and achieve national goals.