25pc of Covid facilities ‘occupied’

ONLY 25 per cent of the capacity at Bahrain’s Covid-19 isolation and treatment facilities is occupied, which reflects national readiness to combat the spread of the coronavirus, it was revealed yesterday.

Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea, however, added that individuals must also commit to plans to “stay at home” to overcome the challenge.

Dr Al Manea was speaking at an online Press conference alongside National Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus members Lieutenant Colonel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, Tamkeen chief executive Dr Ibrahim Janahi and task force member Dr Jameela Al Salman.

“Absorptive capacity of the isolation and treatment centres is 8,357 beds, of which 2,083 are occupied, representing 25pc,” he said.

“Among existing cases, 1,649 asymptomatic ones have opted for home isolation conforming to specific conditions.”

Dr Al Manea said the rate of recovery in Bahrain was 89.65pc while death rate was 0.34pc, which has remained steady.

“We have to move forward with determination for which we have to co-operate,” he said.

“It is not only the plans of the ministry that matters, but also that of individuals, which should be to stay at home, wear face masks and maintain physical and social distancing. These are simple.”

Meanwhile, Dr Al Qahtani reiterated calls to those recovered to donate plasma.

“This has saved many lives and we urge people who recover to come forward to donate plasma,” he said.

The GDN reported earlier this month that an Italian medical delegation which came to Bahrain with the aim of exchanging expertise in combating Covid-19 was also assisting in finalising a study on plasma therapy conducted in the country.

Bahrain has received plasma from 200 donors. It has completed a clinical trial of plasma therapy on 40 patients and the results were being analysed by experts.

The country, in April, initiated the treatment which entails taking antibody-rich plasma donated by recovered Covid patients, and injecting it into those severely suffering from the disease.

Willing donors can approach the BDF blood bank. They must have recovered from Covid-19 and have no symptoms when donating plasma. They must also have completed the 14-day quarantine period post-recovery with a negative nasal swab result. The donor must weigh above 50kg and between 21 and 60 years of age. Men and women can donate, while women who were pregnant prior cannot.

Dr Al Salman, who reviewed the active cases and their status, also urged public to follow health guidelines to avoid increase in cases during Eid.

The Health Ministry continues to expand the scope and numbers of random checks with a view to early detection and treatment, she said.

“The rise in cases after Eid Al Fitr was due to gatherings during late Ramadan and Eid days, so we stress again the importance of not repeating this to preserve everyone’s safety,” she added.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/838336/25pc-of-Covid-facilities-‘occupied’