A press conference was organised this evening by the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), at the Crown Prince Center for Training and Medical Research at the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, to provide updates on the precautionary measures taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain to combat COVID-19 and safeguard the health of citizens and residents.

During the conference, Infectious Diseases Consultant & Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital and Member of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Manaf Al Qahtani, highlighted the following points:

•       The Kingdom’s efforts and comprehensive strategy to combat COVID-19, led by HRH the Crown Prince, is designed to ensure citizens and residents health remains the top priority.

•       The Kingdom has taken all preparatory measures to combat COVID-19, in line with international guidelines. The recent WHO report commending Bahrain is testimony to the global recognition of the Kingdom’s efforts.

•       The Kingdom’s commitment to combating the spread of the virus has set a good example to other countries. Health professionals, a crucial component of Team Bahrain, should be commended for their tireless work to ensure the health and safety of citizens and residents is safeguarded. 

•       The surge in active COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours have been cases flagged at Bahrain’s entry points. There remain no local cases (community) in Bahrain.

•       Four cases have been identified among individuals in direct contact with active COVID-19 patients. These four cases have been transferred for direct isolation and treatment, in line with international medical guidelines.

•       A total of 7131 individuals have been tested so far, of which 79 have tested positive and 75 of the 79 cases are from individuals arriving from abroad.

•       Four cases out of the total 79 active cases are among individuals who have interacted with active COVID-19 patients arriving from abroad.

•       To date, ten patients have been treated successfully, discharged, and are being monitored by a specialised medical team to ensure they remain healthy. An additional 68 individuals who had been quarantined have been discharged after, testing negative for the COVID-19, and completing the 14 day quarantine period.

•       All individuals returning from Iran during February before the country announced the current outbreak of COVID-19, have been tested by mobile testing units. The individuals tested had scheduled their medical examinations via contacting the hotline no. 444 or through visiting the Ministry of Health’s website.

•       Nine individuals from those returning from Iran before the country declared the COVID-19 outbreak have tested positive for COVID-19, of which are four that have interacted with individuals that have tested positive. All indviduals have been transferred for isolation and treatment.

•       All individuals returning from Italy, South Korea, Egypt or Lebanon during the past two weeks are urged to isolate themselves for 14 days, avoid contact with others, and schedule their medical examination by contacting hotline no 444 or visiting the Ministry of Health’s website.

The Consultant of Infectious and Internal Diseases at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Dr. Jameela Al Salman concluded by providing a summary on all active cases, which include 78 stable cases and one critical case. Dr. Al Salman added that there are further patients that have received successful treatment and will be discharged soon.

Dr. Al Salman concluded by reiterating the importance of abiding by guidelines to ensure the safety and health of community, particularly with regards to self-isolation.