MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: There has been an increase in number of deaths from the COVOID-19 over the past many days with five new deaths reported in the past 24 hours taking the total number to 46, as per the official tally of deaths from the pandemic so far.
According to the statistics posted on the Ministry of Health Bahrain website, the total confirmed cases of Monday were 5302, stable cases 5286 and critical 16, while active cases receiving treatment were 140, total discharged cases 13197 and total deaths 46. Bahrain’s total number of tests for the COVID-19 showed a substantial increase in a day to 425192 from 418413 total tests conducted one day ago.
The spike in deaths and number of cases is largely attributable to a deliberate non-compliance of the health and safety guidelines developed and implemented by the authorities.
The non-compliance of precautionary measures issued by the Ministry of Health has enhanced the possibility of spreading of the virus among citizens at an alarming level.
The Ministry of Health stressed that it is the national responsibility of all to follow the precautionary health measures enacted by the government, which include vigilantly following social distancing guidelines, to ensure the mitigation of COVID-19 and the safety of the community.
The ministry highlighted that recent COVID-19 testing has indicated an increase in cases from contacts of active COVID-19 cases, particularly from family and social gatherings, leaving home for unnecessary reasons, and negligence when complying with the health measures and guidelines issued.
On this note, the ministry further highlighted that 91 individuals have been identified as contacts of one active COVID-19 case, of which 48.3% of the identified individuals are family members, 26.4% are work colleagues, and 25.3% are contacts who have interacted with the active case across different locations.
The ministry noted that out of the 91 contacts of this active COVID-19 case, 33 have tested positive and 58 have tested negative and are currently under home quarantine measures. In this regard, the ministry is utilising contact tracing methods to track all individuals exposed to the 33 additional active cases.
Furthermore, the ministry underscored the importance of limiting family gatherings to those only living in the same household, not leaving the house unless absolutely necessary and wearing face masks at all times when in public. Masks should also be worn when around elderly individuals or individuals with underlying health problems living in the same household. Individuals are not required to wear a face mask when driving vehicles, or when performing strenuous exercises, such as running, swimming or cycling.
