The Ministry of Health has announced the temporary closure of a treatment ward at Salmaniya Medical Complex, as a precautionary measure, after a resident doctor had tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Ministry noted that the resident doctor was in direct contact with her mother, who returned from abroad and was registered as testing positive for COVID-19.

The Ministry emphasised that the health and safety of patients and medical staff remains a priority, and added that the ward has been completely sterilized and disinfected. Arrangements have been made to re-open the ward tomorrow, and resume work as normal with other medical teams.

The Ministry highlighted that the resident doctor has been transferred for isolation and treatment under a specialised medical team, following international guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization.

The Ministry has taken measures to ensure all those in contact with the resident doctor have been tested, with all tests returning negative results, and have been urged to isolate themselves at home for 14 days, with paid medical leave.