Bahrain’s Covid-19 curve in early stage of flattening
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Evidence of “flattening the curve” is starting to appear in the Kingdom, said a top health official yesterday, after an uptick in the active cases amid ongoing ‘tough’ new restrictions.
“But to take it further ahead, we need the commitment of all to COVID-19 preventive measures,” said Dr Jamila Al-Salman, a consultant in infectious and internal diseases at Salmaniya Medical Complex, during a press conference held by the National Task Force for combating Coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Walid Al-Manea, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Col. Hamad Al Khayat, the Director of Operations of the Presidency of Public Security, and Lt. Col. Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, the Infectious Disease Consultant & Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital, were present at the press conference held at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research at the Military Hospital.
Dr Jamila Al-Salman said that Bahrain is experiencing positive indicators to flattening the curve after adhering to new restrictions for a week. She also reiterated the need for adhering to preventive measures, the importance of getting inoculated and registering for booster dose to ensure immunity against the virus.
Report symptoms quickly
When asked about critical cases, Dr Al Salman blamed the delay in reporting symptoms to authorities for the sudden deterioration in the health of some of the patients. “All should report, especially elderly people, quickly, or got to examination and treatment centres, in the case of detecting a symptom.”
90% of deaths are unvaccinated people
Citing statistics, she said that 90% of the deaths, which amounts to 665, are unvaccinated people. “Only 10% of the vaccinated people succumbed to the virus, with 94% of them also having underlying chronic diseases.” “Those who are not adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures, or desist from taking vaccination or booster doses, are posing a grave risk to the entire nation, as vaccination contributes to reducing the spread and relieving symptoms in case of infection.”
On the steps to activate home isolations, she said instructions would reach people through text messages. There is no need to go to the diagnostic or treatment centres after appearing positive to PCR tests. “Those tested positive, and their contacts should download the BeAware Bahrain application and press start isolation.”
Automatic activation of home self-quarantine mode will be only for positive cases. “It is also important to upload photos when requested to ensure compliance with isolation.” “Those having acute symptoms, and adults aged 50 years and above, will be taken to a treatment centre for assessing their health status.”
Dr Al Salman also called for isolating immediately without waiting for authorities if found to be in contact with an existing case or feeling symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.
Sotrovimab
On the drug Sotrovimab, Dr Al Salman said the drug had reduced deaths from the complications of the COVID-19 virus by 85%. “The drug depends on monoclonal antibodies in treating existing cases who are aged 12 years and older, and who are having symptoms from mild to moderate, and at the risk of hospitalisation, or death.” She said that Bahrain granted emergency approval for the drug produced by Glasgow SmithKline based on ratification and approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.
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