Bahrain ‘fully prepared for challenges in virus battle’

SIXTEEN per cent of beds allocated to isolate and treat patients infected with Covid-19 are occupied, according to latest data.

Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea said the country’s health capacity was more than enough to treat patients infected with the virus and those kept at quarantine facilities as a precautionary measure.

He was speaking yesterday while addressing a virtual Press conference from the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research.

“Bahrain is ready to deal with this situation and our healthcare services are capable to contain the spread of Covid-19,” said Dr Al Manea.

“The occupancy levels are low based on the statistics we have, which shows our current capacity (for public isolation centres) is 1,667 beds of which only 268 are occupied.”

He also said the total bed capacity in public quarantine facilities was 2,504 of which 277 were occupied.

However, the ministry released its latest statistics which showed that the 268 active cases dropped down to 247 active cases last night, with 21 patients discharged yesterday.

Dr Al Manae also said they have added additional private healthcare providers to provide services to the public.

The GDN yesterday reported that several hotels across Bahrain were converted into quarantine facilities as part of the government’s contingency plans to tie up with the private healthcare sector to ensure home isolation regulations are strictly adhered.

People entering the country via Bahrain International Airport can now choose between free government quarantine facilities and paid hotel rooms.

“There are many new services that will soon be introduced including stepping up random Covid-19 tests across locations where positive cases were detected,” said Dr Al Manea.

“So far, our teams have covered Manama and Budaiya Highway.

“I would stress that, despite the pandemic, daily life is not affected in Bahrain especially with essential services still available.”

He also said that the dedicated Covid-19 hotline, 444, was being flooded with calls which have led to delays, urging the public to visit the Health Ministry’s website for further information.

Also co-chairing the Press briefing was National Task Force for Combating Covid-19 control and monitoring committee head Lieutenant Colonel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, who said Bahrain’s plan to Trace, Test and Treat is working.

He explained that this has resulted in Bahrain being among the top countries in terms of high rate of testing and number of discharge cases.

“Bahrain’s experience is unique as we are able to conduct up to 2,000 tests daily and have high bed capacity at isolation and quarantine facilities,” said Lt Col Dr Al Qahtani.

“Our plan is robust and includes protection of our doctors and nurses, who care for active cases.

“They are tested regularly to ensure the result is negative, while on the other hand we are the first country to participate in a clinical trial in co-operation with the World Health Organisation to work out the best medication.”

He added that anyone who completes the 14-day self-isolation period will be tested again at the examination centre set up at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Sanabis.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/788573