The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) today held a press briefing to provide updates regarding the current state of efforts and future plans to contain the spread of COVID-19, at the Crown Prince Center for Training and Medical Research at the Bahrain Defense Hospital.

HE Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh, Minister of Health, underscored that all active cases in Bahrain are linked to international travel and no locally transmitted cases have been identified. She further explained that all active cases receive ongoing medical care, in line with the recommendations established by the World Health Organization (WHO)

HE stressed that if the Kingdom of Bahrain witnesses a rise in COVID-19 cases, hospital beds will be allocated to patients on a priority basis, reiterating that medical treatment will be available to citizens at all times and that the Ministry will introduce additional measures to ensure compliance with social distancing recommendations.

HE added that Bahrain witnessed the death of a 65-year-old female Bahraini national who was suffering from underlying and chronic health problems, and was registered as an active case of Coronavirus (COVID-19), expressing her sympathy to the family of the deceased. In light of this, she emphasized the importance of adhering to health guidelines and instructions.

Al Saleh also underlined the importance of only receiving information from official, verified sources and abstaining from circulating rumors between the community.

For his part, Lieutenant-General Tariq Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security, highlighted that Bahrain’s comprehensive approach to combat the spread of COVID-19 is supported by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and First Deputy Prime Minister

Al Hasan mentioned that Bahrain has maintained low-infection rates by introducing comprehensive testing for COVID-19, flight reductions, and strict epidemiological monitoring at all ports of entry. Al Hasan further added that the Kingdom will heighten its precautionary measures to include limiting public gatherings to 150 people, as instructed by the Cabinet, and introducing a contact tracing mechanism to inform citizens of the different routes of active cases.

The Chief of Public Security explained that citizens and residents who have had direct or indirect contact with an active case are required to self-isolate and call 444 to schedule their medical examination.

Al Hasan went on to note with pride that Bahrain has been identified as an example internationally for its approach to combatting COVID-19.

Al Hasan further noted that under the command of HE General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, the National Committee for Disaster Response has been activated and continues to monitor the situation nationally, regionally and internationally.

Speaking on the subject of essential food supplies, HE Zayed R. Al Zayani, Minister of Trade, commerce and Tourism, noted that reserves remain to ensure a sufficient supply of essential foods.

HE the Minister affirmed the Ministry will closely monitor consumption trends to certify supply continues to meet demand and ensure the availability and stable price of essential goods as the COVID-19 situation evolves. 

HE the Minister underlined the support Bahrain is extending to businesses to ensure they are not adversely affected by the decrease in demand caused by COVID-19, highlighting loan breaks extended by banks following the outcome of the Ministry’s meeting with Bahrain Chamber of Commerce.

Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Manaf Al Qahtani, Infectious Diseases Consultant & Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital and Member of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus, highlighted the summary of cases as follows:

• Bahrain has recorded 64 active cases, of which 62 are stable and 2 remain critical
• 85 active cases as part of The International COVID-19 Repatriation Programme (ICRP), all of which are stable
• 77 cases have been discharged after responding positively to treatment
• 147 individuals have discharged after completing the 14-day quarantine period

The Consultant of Infectious and Internal Diseases at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Dr. Jameela Al Salman highlighted the ongoing care patients continue to receive and stressed the importance of adhering to health guidelines introduced to reduce the spread of the virus.