MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: 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.
During the briefing on Wednesday, the members of the National Task Force on Combating the COVID-19 revealed that on the basis of data collected between May 13 to June 9, 2020, the ratio among citizens of possible virus transmission stands at 1:83, means each hundred carrier of virus can potentially infect 183 others. However, the ratio is lower among the residents, which includes the expat labour as well those living generally in appalling and unhygienic conditions, stood at 1:53.
The data suggests that the deliberate non-compliance of the guidelines by citizens which include social distancing, compulsory use of face masks, no family or social gatherings, and sanitization etc. pushed the infection ratio higher.
The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) held a press conference at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research at the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital to highlight latest COVID-19 developments. Present were Dr Waleed Al Manea, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Jameela Al Salman, Consultant of Infectious Diseases at Salmaniya Medical Complex.
The compliance of the guidelines is obligatory for each individual of the society and there is no reason to defy the set guidelines, stresses Dr Waleed Al Manea, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health.
All should adhere to the guidelines of the health and safety to overcome this challenge of combating COVID-19. Do not go reckless if we go reckless then we won’t be able to over this crisis, Dr Waleed warns.
The provision of self-isolation at home is one of steps announced by the Ministry of Health should not be seen as if there was no enough space or quarantine capacity. There are 8511 beds out 5061 are occupied for isolation and for quarantine the capacity stands at 3410, and less than one third is currently being utilized for this purpose, he explains by warding off rumours about the capacity.
Health of every one is our priority, we call upon on everyone in the Kingdom of Bahrain to be a part of the national initiative to combat COVID-19 effectively and objectively, he adds.
This is also the duty of each individual that if you have any of symptoms announced in the guidelines for the COVID-19 you need to call the Hotline 444 as early detection of the virus helps in treatment. In the last one week 85000 calls were received by the hotline and total 445000 calls had been received since the establishment of the 444 hot-line by the Ministry in addition the resources such the Ministry of Health Website and app are available 24X7, he adds.
