Bahrain has adopted the yellow traffic light level of Covid-19 as a precautionary measure, a top medic said.
The new Omicron variant has not spread in the kingdom, Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea added.
“As a precaution and as a proactive measure to preserve the progress achieved by national efforts in combating the coronavirus, it has been decided to move to the yellow level in accordance with the traffic light mechanism, from Sunday,” he said.
“We urge everyone to adhere to the procedures, as announced earlier.
“All qualified people who meet the conditions of the booster dose can go directly to the health centres to take the jab of their choice,” he added.
Dr Al Manea was speaking at a Press conference held remotely from the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research, Riffa. National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Monitoring Committee head Lieutenant Colonel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani was also present.
Dr Al Qahtani allayed fears over the spread of the Omicron variant, asserting that Bahrain was following up on global developments.
“Medical studies and research are being conducted in this regard, and the decision to move to the yellow level is subject to review in light of the results of these studies,” he said.
“National and international indicators have proven the effectiveness of the booster dose in raising the body’s immunity.
“Booster dose is no less important than the first and second doses. It enhances the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing the severity of symptoms associated with the virus when infected.”
Dr Al Qahtani urged everyone to continue adhering to precautionary measures to protect society and its members from the virus .
Parents have also been urged to take the initiative to vaccinate their children.
“It is important to protect children and those around them from the coronavirus,” senior taskforce member and Salmaniya Medical Complex Infectious and Internal Diseases consultant Dr Jameela Al Salman said.
“We stress the importance of the booster dose in raising the body’s immune response and alleviating symptoms and complications associated with the virus.”
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