BAHRAINIS and residents recklessly ignoring precautionary guidelines has led to a dramatic increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country, it was stressed.
Some of the country’s most senior officials in the fight against the pandemic yesterday reiterated the need to follow social distancing rules and preventive measures.
Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea along with National Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus (Covid-19) monitoring committee head Lieutenant Colonel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani and SMC infectious and internal diseases consultant Dr Jameela Al Salman have called on the public to ensure a sense of responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
Bahrain has introduced a series of measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus including banning public gatherings of more than five people, stopping public iftars and ghabgas, banning Ramadan majlises and urging families to limit iftar gatherings.
“Reckless non-compliance (with the measures) has led to an increase in cases,” said Dr Al Manea.
“Cases have been reported in which the infection has been transmitted to co-workers and families including the elderly and children. They have further spread to others through contacts.
“We need to have the sense responsibility towards our families, relatives, friends, society and our country.
“The high number of existing cases from contacts is evidence of a failure to fully comply with the precautionary procedures and instructions issued by the relevant authorities.”
The GDN yesterday reported that 31 members of a Bahraini family contracted the virus because they failed to follow social distancing guidelines.
On Sunday another 16 members of a Bahraini family tested positive for Covid-19, which the ministry said spread due to a family member’s non-compliance with precautionary guidelines.
Dr Al Manea yesterday urged discipline from every member of the public to ensure everyone took the responsibility to abide by the regulations.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to follow guidelines as the result will not only impact on one’s self but also on our families,” he added.
“Due to the non-compliance – one of the cases was identified as spreading the virus to colleagues and family members.
“His Majesty King Hamad in his speech reminded us of the collective discipline – his address made us proud, while it also doubled the responsibility on us to continue the required discipline.
“We are working with proactive strategies to keep up with all scenarios of the virus, and the success of all efforts need the support and cooperation from all.”
However, he reassured that Bahrain was ready to manage the globally exceptional circumstances, cautioning of possible new decisions to suit the changes.
“Dealing with the virus as a global challenge requires many changes in the course of action, which we will be announced as needed,” he added.
“Our health system is efficient in dealing with the virus, and we do not want to overwhelm it with more cases.
“We can avoid this only by adhering to guidelines and together we can reduce the rate of the spread to less than zero, so that we can flatten the curve of the virus and eliminate it.
“Our team continues its efforts to adapt all precautionary plans to deal with it flexibly and efficiently to achieve more desired results.”
Dr Al Salman also reiterated on the need for strictly avoiding gatherings, especially during Ramadan.
Dr Al Qahtani, meanwhile, highlighted the need to adhere to the decisions and procedures to overcome this unprecedented challenge.
“We must change our customs and habits during Ramadan,” he said. “Iftar gatherings must be limited to close family and ghabgas must be avoided.
“Do not go out except for the utmost necessity, wear face masks and follow hygiene measures.
“Following instructions is a national responsibility.”
He also reviewed instructions for transferring existing or suspected cases of the virus in cars and buses, which has been detailed by the Health Ministry on its website.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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