The National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19) today held a press conference at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research at the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital to highlight measures taken to mitigate COVID-19.

The Taskforce announced that, following the Government Executive Committee's approval, the Kingdom will adopt the Yellow Alert Level from Sunday 19 December 2021 until Monday 31 January 2022.

The Taskforce noted that the measure is precautionary, given the Omicron variant has not spread in Bahrain. The decision has been taken in line with the Kingdom’s prudent approach of prioritising public health through proactive planning and in accordance with international best practice.

The Taskforce emphasised the importance of following the precautionary measures within the Yellow Alert Level.

HE Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health and member of the National Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19), commended HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for receiving a COVID-19 booster shot and setting an example.

HE Dr Al Manea expressed his gratitude for Team Bahrain’s commitment to the Kingdom’s mitigation efforts.

HE Dr Al Manea urged eligible individuals to go to a health centre to get vaccinated and receive a booster shot, without the need to make an appointment.

HE Dr Al Manea noted that eligible individuals who have already received their booster shot can continue to follow the Green Alert Level's measures.

Lt Col Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, Infectious Disease Consultant and Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital and member of the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting COVID-19 highlighted that the Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the first countries to introduce a proactive precautionary measure to safeguard citizens and residents.  

Dr Al Qahtani noted that the adoption of the Yellow Alert will be reviewed as further information on the Omicron variant becomes available.

Dr Al Qahtani outlined that national and international statistics have proven the effectiveness of booster shots in raising immunity, adding that a booster shot is as important as the first and second vaccine doses in reducing the severity of symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Dr Al Qahtani Al-Qahtani stressed the importance of adhering to all precautionary and preventive measures to safeguard public health from COVID-19 and its variants.

Dr Jameela Al Salman, Consultant of Infectious Diseases and Internal Diseases at Salmaniya Medical Complex and Member of the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting COVID-19, highlighted that protecting public health is the Taskforce's priority when reviewing decisions or making recommendations.  

Dr Al Salman urged parents to take the initiative to vaccinate their children and expressed her thanks to those who have already done so.

Dr Al Salman indicated the importance of the booster shot in raising the body’s immunity and stressed the importance of adhering to precautionary measures to protect public health.