NEARLY 2,300 random tests are conducted for the coronavirus (Covid-19) infection every day by mobile units, an official has revealed.
The Health Ministry’s mobile testing units visit seven to eight sites across Bahrain every day, conducting an average of between 300 and 400 tests, according to Covid-19 Mobile Units Officer Dr Taghreed Ajoor.
Locations visited include gyms, health centres, and local markets.
The mobile testing units are equipped in accordance with internationally approved medical standards with qualified staff, and tests are conducted on citizens and residents around Bahrain, said Dr Ajoor.
The intensified efforts form part of a nation-wide strategy to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, she added.
The GDN reported in April that a number of public transport buses have been converted into mobile Covid-19 testing units to conduct random tests across the kingdom.
The testing units are equipped with the latest internationally approved medical standards, Dr Ajoor highlighted in a statement yesterday.
“The medical team, which is highly trained and qualified, conduct the field visits to carry out the random tests, register medical details of all citizens and residents in heavily populated areas,” she said.
“The aim of the random screening campaigns is to register active cases that don’t exhibit any symptoms or those whom contact tracing doesn’t apply to in order to speed up treatment thereby achieving a faster recovery.
“These campaigns also aim to raise awareness by communicating with the public by answering enquiries while emphasising the importance of adhering to precautionary measures in place to limit the spread.”
She highlighted that those who undergo random screening are provided with detailed instructions regarding precautionary measures including the importance of social distancing, continuously washing hands and avoiding large gatherings.
She also stated that the mobile testing units also conduct contact tracing to those randomly tested who are then instructed to undergo tests at the integrated treatment centre at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) in Sanabis.
“The units conduct daily visits to around seven or eight locations such as health centres, gyms and markets with tests ranging from 300 to 400 per location accumulating to a total of 2,000 to 2,300 per day,” she added.
“The success of these campaigns comes as a result of co-ordination and collaboration with the Interior Ministry and the Civil Defence along with continuous efforts to disinfect public and field visit locations to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Solidarity
She praised the valiant efforts and qualifications of Bahrain’s medical teams which have responded promptly and immediately to changes emerging as the pandemic spread and evolved.
She highlighted that all precautionary and preventive measures were implemented while praising the solidarity of the effective community partnership that has contributed to protecting all citizens and residents.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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