The Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health and member of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus (COVID-19), Dr. Waleed Al Manea, today highlighted that Team Bahrain, led by HRH the Crown Prince, continues its determined effort in safeguarding the health of the Kingdom’s citizens and residents. 

Dr. Al Manea further highlighted the importance, as a national and individual responsibility, of vigilantly following all precautionary health guidelines and measures, in order to safeguard yourself, your family and the community. 

Dr. Al Manea added that responsibly following guidelines ensures frontline workers, first responders and medical staff are supported and protected at this time. 

Dr Al Manea outlined the decision made by the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19), headed by the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, HE Lieutenant-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, to reduce the home quarantine period from 14 days to 10 days for travellers and the contacts of active cases. 

Dr. Al Manea noted that this decision was made after a broad study conducted by the task force, who continue to make medical recommendations based on local and global health updates as well as wide-ranging indicators measuring the spread of the virus in the community.

Dr. Al Manea reiterated that the Ministry of Health continues to expand its daily COVID-19 testing capacities, to ensure efficiency when isolating and treating cases at an early stage, adding that daily laboratory testing has reached more than 554,000 COVID-19 tests to date.

Dr. Al Manea explained that the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) has granted private hospitals a license to conduct COVID-19 testing for patients who wish to do so of their own initiative, with a fee determined by the hospital.  

Dr. Al Manea added that testing can be done for those who are asymptomatic, with specimens sent to the Ministry of Health’s laboratories and results displayed on the Ministry website or on the “BeAware” app. 

Turning to registered cases receiving free treatment within isolation, Dr. Al Manea outlined that current isolation and treatment capability is at 8,303 beds, of which 3,433 beds are occupied. 1,904 active asymptomatic cases meeting the required criteria are following optional home self-isolation measures.

Dr. Al Manea then provided statistics on recovered cases within the Kingdom, noting that the recovery rate has reached 78.81%, with a death rate of 0.33%.

Dr. Al Manea further indicated that out of 5,337 active cases, 86 cases require treatment, of which 48 are critical, whilst 5,289 cases are stable.  21,331 individuals have recovered and have been discharged from isolation and quarantine centres.

On this note, Dr. Al Manea reiterated the importance for all to continue wearing face masks when in public settings, including during outdoor recreation, as well as when in close proximity of individuals with underlying health conditions or when in close proximity to elder family members. 

This decision does not extend to when driving cars or participating in strenuous activities, such as running, swimming or cycling. Dr. Al Manea further emphasised the importance of adhering to social distancing guidelines and limiting family gatherings.

Dr. Al Manea emphasised the importance of continuing to wash hands regularly using water and soap, using alcohol-based hand sanitisers, frequently disinfecting surfaces and objects that are used regularly, covering the mouth when coughing, immediately disposing of used napkins and tissues, and avoiding direct contact with anyone with a fever or a cough.

Dr. Al Manea concluded by noting that individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should contact the 444 hotline number and follow the guidelines provided.