AUTHORITIES are working to ensure proper measures are in place to prevent the potential transmission of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) within Bahrain.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa pledged yesterday that all internal safety procedures were being reviewed and upgraded to combat the spread of the virus, as the country has registered 33 positive cases of Covid-19.
The Bahraini and Saudi nationals who have tested positive for the virus arrived at Bahrain International Airport from Iran, via indirect flights.
All of them, except for the first one, a Bahraini man, were caught at the airport and immediately transferred to the dedicated isolation facility.
Shaikh Rashid said this showed the country was prepared and had tough precautionary measures in place, adding that procedures were also being implemented to ensure the virus does not spread internally.
He was speaking yesterday during a meeting attended by clergymen, businessmen, community leaders, journalists, and heads of youth societies and social clubs at the Officers Club in Gudaibiya.
“All efforts are being made to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country, with the issue being a priority in this period among those with national interests,” he said.
“Public health and welfare have to come first – ignorance and indifference is leading to the spread of the virus, but disciplined and educated societies reduce the dangers and the Bahraini society is a leader in this.
“Most cases have been caught at the entry point, but there are (suspected) cases within and we are developing our procedures.”
The minister stressed that the country was facing a situation that required reinforcement of national spirit and community partnership.
“The issue is more serious and bigger than any other challenges,” he said.
“The national spirit among Bahrainis of different segments aims to protect the safety of citizens, residents and visitors.
“Your national role today is to follow up the implementation of health instructions in the community, each according to his/her capability, speciality and responsibility.
“Bahrain, with its small size, makes the solution more comprehensive, and the procedures are firmer.
“Co-operation of all reduces the intensity of the problem.”
He also highlighted the need for changing some practices in society and to give priority to the general interest through the co-operation of all without exceptions.
He also discussed the need for unifying social, cultural and media efforts out of the sense of responsibility of society to deal with this danger, in addition to the required procedures during social and religious occasions.
“Mosques and ma’tams have taken the responsibility to raise awareness amongst worshippers, but there needs to be more cautions in religious gatherings and co-ordination with health authorities on mass occasions,” he said.
He also stressed that movement between borders have to follow certain guidelines to ensure the safety of the public.
“(Procedures have been placed at) the airport, the causeway and ports along with isolation and quarantine facilities, efforts from everyone have managed to live up to the challenge,” he said.
“With the introduction of a cure things will change but otherwise all we have is precaution.
“People should take responsibility to inform us about their presence in affected areas if we don’t know and others who know should do that too.”
Cameras
He said among the proposals that were being explored to tackle the spread of the virus within the country were installing cameras and thermometers at large gatherings.
“Installing cameras or thermometers at large gatherings is a good step towards preventing the spread of the virus and establishments and businesses have to take this up – I believe it is a good proposal,” added the minister.
“It is not about scaring people but we have to deal with the matter as the rest of the world.”
Jaffari Waqf (Endowments) Directorate board chairman Yousif Al Saleh said the proposal to have mobile thermometers at worship places has been approved in concept.
“We are studying having gun thermometers at entrances of all worship places to check if people entering have a fever,” he added.
Medics with gun thermometers were also present at the venue to check on the attendees before entry.
The flu-like disease is believed to have originated from wildlife in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, with more than 81,000 people infected and over 2,770 killed, spanning 30 countries.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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