Manama, Jan. 6 (BNA) The National Medical Task Force to Combat Coronavirus (Covid-19) today held a press conference at the Crown Prince Medical Training and Research Center at the Bahrain Defense Force Hospital to highlight the updated procedures and tests. Protocols taken to mitigate COVID-19.
Following approval by the Government Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the following updates to the COVID-19 protocols will be implemented, effective Sunday, January 9, 2022.
1- Increase PCR testing for individuals with symptoms of COVID-19, which may include high temperature, cough and shortness of breath, for those who have had a positive rapid antigen test, and for those who have been in close contact with active COVID-19 cases.
2- Increasing the speed of COVID-19 testing for employees across vital sectors in the Kingdom.
3- The following COVID-19 protocol updates will be implemented for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals arriving in the Kingdom of Bahrain:
All arrivals must present a negative PCR certificate issued at least 72 hours prior to their arrival in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
One PCR test must be done on arrival at a reduced cost of BHD 12.
Unvaccinated individuals aged 12 years and over must complete a 10-day quarantine at their place of residence or residence.
4- The national campaign for immunization will continue at the same pace.
5- The isolation and treatment centers will continue to operate with their current capacities.
6- Citizens and residents who show symptoms are encouraged to undergo the examination as soon as possible.
7. Unvaccinated individuals and those who have not yet received a booster dose are encouraged to do so to protect public health.
The working group indicated that the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain to address the epidemic have proven effective. This can be attributed to the proactive implementation of risk mitigation plans and protocols.
The task force also noted that the traffic light system at the COVID-19 alert level is based on the daily average number of cases in intensive care. Previously, the system relied on the total number of active cases at any one time.
The task force has highlighted the importance of remaining vigil given the increasing cases and emergence of the Omicron variant. However, at present, the number of patients requiring treatment in hospital or intensive care units is low. This reflects the success of the national vaccination campaign and other measures taken to protect public health.
The review of health protocols was based on:
– Latest international developments and data related to COVID-19.
The success of the national vaccination campaign, with 94% of eligible individuals receiving two doses of the vaccine, and 83% of eligible individuals receiving a booster dose. The high vaccination rate is reflected in the decrease in the number of patients receiving treatment in hospitals and intensive care units.
National studies have found Omicron symptoms to be less severe than previous variants of COVID-19 among vaccinated individuals and those who received a booster dose.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 rapid tests.
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