BAHRAIN has tested 160,000 people as part of a massive contact tracing programme aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.
Only 11 per cent of these tested positive.
This was revealed by National Taskforce to Combat Covid-19 monitoring committee head Dr Manaf Al Qahtani.
All positive cases, right from patient zero, were traced for contacts by a 250-member contact tracing team under the national task force, Dr Al Qahtani said.
The details were part of his presentation at a webinar on the Phylogenetic Analysis in Bahrain, alongside task force member Dr Jameela Al Salman.
The infection control specialist highlighted the lessons Bahrain learnt during Covid-19 while tracing the evolution of the virus in the country.
“Bahrain was an early adopter of an aggressive testing regime,” said Dr Al Qahtani.
“All entries into the kingdom were tested on arrival, whether by land, sea or air and this allowed us to significantly delay the incidence of local spread among the community.
“The contact tracing teams have tested 160,000 who have come in close contact with positive cases, of which 18,000 tested Covid-19 positive.”
Bahrain has till date tested 817,608 people, which is 48pc of the population.
The country is ranked third in the world in terms of total tests per 1,000 people as of July 26.
Dr Al Qahtani also highlighted the treatment protocol which depended on the needs of a patient.
“Asymptomatic patients may require no treatment, while symptomatic cases are given any, or any combination of treatments currently showing success in the fight against the virus at dedicated facilities.
“Both symptomatic and asymptomatic close contacts are then identified by contact tracing and are tested without fees.
“Close contacts are required to self-quarantine for a period 10 days since their last exposure and are tested without any fees prior to the end of their quarantine period.”
Bahrain’s BeAware mobile app has a feature that alerts users if they come in contact with a positive case and books them an appointment for testing.
Dr Al Qahtani underlined a three-pronged strategy adopted by the country which included admission, therapy and post discharge follow-up, which has proven efficient in the face of an increasing number of cases.
“The healthcare system has been able to absorb cases without sacrificing the quality of care or the rate of recovery.”
Bahrain has recorded a high recovery rate which stands at 91.6pc.
Mr Qahtani also noted that the country has set the target of 13,200 tests per day, adding that the laboratories are capable to do more tests, if needed.
Among the lesson learnt, Dr Al Qahtani included leadership, transparency, communication, need for unified responsiveness and training of healthcare workers among others.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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