'Act responsibly to stem virus spike'

THE recent spike in coronavirus (Covid-19) infections is at a “dangerous turning point,” warned medics, who called for the highest levels of social responsibility to help the nation tide over the crisis.

Health Ministry experts said strict adherence to precautionary measures, especially in the next two weeks, was crucial to reduce the number of cases.

Bahrain witnessed a 75 per cent rise in new Covid-19 cases last week, which has stunned the community and worried health officials.

Senior medics at the helm of the National Taskforce to Combat Covid-19 have urged members of the public to stay at home unless absolutely necessary as the days ahead could prove crucial.

The ministry’s Health Promotion director Dr Wafa Al Sharbati said: “Thanks to God and Team Bahrain, we had succeeded in reducing the daily infection rates and started the gradual phase-wise reopening of facilities that had been closed to curb the spread of the pandemic.

“Life was about to return to normal when laxity of preventive measures by some people led to the spread of infection.”

She called on Bahrainis to act responsibly and stay away from large gatherings, adding that a two-fold increase in cases in recent days had doubled the burden on health personnel who chose to be on the frontline, at the expense of their comfort and health.

Health Ministry Ophthalmology department head Dr Muhammed Naeem also warned of possible health complications of being infected by the virus, including lung failure, stroke and heart failure.

“Complacency in precautionary measures is one of the main reasons for the spread of the virus,” he said. “But extreme caution is needed, especially for the elderly.

“There can be serious complications from Covid-19.”

The ministry’s research studies and production department head Dr Amal Daoud echoed the rallying cry for commonsense to be shown by all.

“We urge people to stay away from gatherings, especially during the next two weeks, to curb the spread of Covid-19.”

The ministry’s ENT department head Dr Samina Al Dossary highlighted the risk of the virus transmitting through droplets, saliva, or anything that may enter the mucous membranes.

More than 800 face mask violators were hit with fines last week as part of intensified inspections to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Community police and support staff are continuing to patrol the country to reinforce measures introduced to protect the public and encourage social distancing.

The latest figures indicate that more than 100 people have been fined BD5 daily across the country with a total of 24,543 face mask violations registered to date.

Health Ministry anaesthesia and pain therapy consultant Dr Mu’tasim Muhammad Hamid Bahrain also called for strict adherence to precautionary measures.

“The coronavirus transmits rapidly and is a real danger,” he said.

Health guidelines in the battle against the virus also include the need to regularly wash hands with soap and water or sterilise them with an alcohol-based sanitiser.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/872312/Act-responsibly-to-stem-virus-spike