PUBLIC facilities that have resumed operations will be forced to shut doors if people do not strictly abide by Covid-19 restrictions.
The tough warning was issued yesterday as outdoor facilities including gyms, fitness centres and swimming pools reopened last week with the government easing restrictions enforced following the coronavirus outbreak.
Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea urged the public not to be reckless as it could force the government to close facilities.
“The decision is in your hands,” he said.
Dr Al Manea was speaking at an online Press conference alongside National Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus (Covid-19) monitoring committee head Lieutenant Colonel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani and taskforce member and Salmaniya Medical Complex Infectious and Internal Diseases consultant Dr Jameela Al Salman.
“We stress the importance of adhering to precautionary measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus,” Dr Al Manea said.
“Work continues, based on recommendations of the national medical team, to gradually reopen several sectors, for which specific factors are taken into account.”
The factors include the total number of positive cases out of the total number of daily tests; cases requiring intensive care among the existing cases; and the percentage of occupancy in isolation and treatment centres out of the total capacity.
“During the past week, gyms, sports halls, outdoor playgrounds and swimming pools were reopened, and the necessary decisions, instructions and directives were issued to the sectors concerned,” Dr Al Manea said.
“The decision is actually in your hands – to be not reckless, which would mean a gradual return to normal life.
“If reckless, we may again see the closure of these facilities.”
He stressed Bahrain’s continued efforts to combat the coronavirus – especially in the field of research and knowledge exchange, in co-operation with Gulf, regional and international partners.
Coexist
Lt Col Dr Al Qahtani also urged the public to be determined and adhere to all precautionary measures to limit the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Dr Al Salman advised people to learn to “coexist smartly” with the virus and avoid public gatherings, which she cited, has forced countries to go back to lockdowns after reopening.
“We are seeing that countries that have opened all places and allowed gatherings, have now begun to close them because the gatherings caused the transmission of the virus and an increase in existing cases.
“Bahrain has preserved freedom of movement and gatherings have been prevented to preserve the health of everyone, and we must continue to abide by these guidelines.
“With the gradual reopening of some sectors, we must coexist smartly with the current situation of the virus.
“This means adhering to precautionary measures and following guidelines while leading a normal life.”
Dr Al Salman highlighted the “Do It All” call in Geneva by the World Health Organisation last week, where director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “face masks should become a symbol of solidarity round the world”.
He said that there can never be a “silver bullet” for Covid-19 in the form of a perfect vaccine and that the road to normality would be long, with some countries requiring a reset of strategy.
Dr Al Salman reiterated the urgent need to strictly follow public health hygiene measures and etiquettes.
She reminded people to wear face masks outside the home at all times, except while driving, walking or during sport activities that require extreme physical effort such as running, swimming and cycling.
“It is also important to wear masks when meeting people with underlying health conditions or the elderly within the same family framework,” she said.
“Adhere to social distancing standards and avoid family gatherings. Continue washing hands with soap and water periodically. Use hand sanitiser, clean surfaces and things that are used frequently and sterilise them periodically,” she added.
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