Manama: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: With Citizens account for 70per cent of new infections of the COVID-19, the contact tracing mechanism revealed that gatherings are one of the main reasons of transmission in Bahraini society, and the contact tracing data for the month of March showed that 91% of contacts were due to gatherings in homes and dwellings.
“Since the first of January this year, the infection rate has been 70% for citizens and 30% for expatriates, and we note the need to adhere to all instructions issued by the national medical team to deal with Corona virus and the concerned authorities to limit the spread of the virus,” Dr. Walid Al-Manea, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and the member of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) told the virtual Press conference on Sunday.
Reckless attitude towards health and safety guidelines and continuing hosting big gatherings has resulted in an unprecedented spike in the number of new cases with 1312 in a single day.
“Bahrain has recorded an increase in the number of existing cases with the numbers reaching 1,316 cases, and this increase requires a serious pause from everyone and awareness of the extent of the seriousness of the situation and not tolerating,” he said.
“In the month of March statistics show that 91 per cent contacts were gatherings of houses and gatherings in general which fuelled the spread 70% citizens and 30% residents,” “The capacity of the isolation and treatment centers is 5880 beds, of which 2749 beds are occupied, representing 46.8% of the total available capacity. The number of existing cases for which optional home health isolation was applied reached 6,935 cases for lack of symptoms and their conformity with the specified conditions, as for the percentage of people recovering from the total existing cases, it reached 93.09% of the existing cases, while the death rate was 0.36% of the existing cases,” he said.
“All decisions that are taken are based on the developments of the situation locally and internationally, and we note the need to adhere to and continue to adhere to the precautionary measures, decisions are subject to continuous evaluation regarding the continuation of work according to the requirements of the stage, and the vision for the optimal way to limit the spread of the virus,” he said.
“The National Task Force to Combat the Coronavirus continues to develop its plans and strategies and put them into practice, and the success of these plans depends on the extent of everyone’s commitment. We are doubling the capacity in the examination, treatment and vaccination centers and the various work paths means doubling the efforts exerted and the responsibility placed on our children in the front rows who work day and night,” he said.
“Everyone should realize that what we are facing is an exceptional global challenge that requires exceptional efforts, cooperation and solidarity from all segments of society. Since January 1 until today, there have been 175 deaths in Bahrain, and among these cases only one took two doses of vaccination, and she had underlying diseases and health conditions,” he said.
“It is important to increase the immunization of society, and we call on everyone to take the initiative to take the vaccination, especially the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and those suffering from obesity. The national campaign continues to intensify its efforts, and a vaccination center has been inaugurated in Sitra Mall, and an additional examination center has been inaugurated at Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club in Sakhir with the aim of doubling the capacity in conducting laboratory tests,” he said.
“We remind everyone that vaccination is immunization for you, your family and your community, so initiate and register now through the Ministry of Health website or through the application of a conscious community, as vaccination contributes to an increase in the number of antibodies in the body and thus reduces the severity of symptoms when infected.”
Dr. Walid Al-Manea, reaffirmed that efforts would continue to be intensified to limit the spread of the Coronavirus in a manner that preserves the health and safety of everyone and confirms that all decisions are subject to periodic reviews based on the developments of the Corona virus.
“It is important to realize the importance of societal awareness in assigning all the efforts exerted. The increase or decrease in the number of existing cases is a choice in your hand through the decisions and issued instructions that are adhered to. Commitment is a national responsibility that is obligatory for everyone,” he said.
“The holy month of Ramadan comes to us soon, God willing, we hope that we will witness a greater commitment to see a decrease in numbers, may God return it to everyone with goodness, health and wellness,” he said.
