Hotels turned into isolation facilities

SEVERAL hotels across Bahrain have been converted into quarantine facilities for coronavirus (Covid-19) cases, the GDN has learnt.

The move is part of the government’s contingency plans to tie up with the private healthcare sector to ensure home isolation regulations are being strictly adhered to.

People entering the country via Bahrain International Airport (BIA) will now have to choose between free government quarantine facilities and paid hotel rooms.

Informed sources told the GDN that four private hospitals have assigned specific hotels for the purpose.

The American Mission Hospital (AMH) has the Elite Resort and Spa on Shaikh Hamad Causeway, while the Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH) will have The Grove Hotel in Amwaj Islands.

Arrangements

The Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH) will set up its facility at the Novotel Al Dana Resort, also on Shaikh Hamad Causeway, while the Middle East Hospital has two quarantine facilities – at Best Western Olive and Taj Plaza in Juffair.

“The government has made arrangements with at least four private hospitals to ensure there is sufficient space for mandatory quarantine for those entering the country,” the source told the GDN.

Bahrain had imposed 14-day self isolation for all international arrivals since March 18, as part of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Individuals instructed to remain in home quarantine were asked not to leave their residences for any reason, except fire.

However, a number of cases have been reported of people violating the regulations, including a doctor, a prominent lawyer and a businessman.

They were referred to the Public Prosecution and the former two were ordered to remain under house arrest pending the referral of the case to trial, while the Bahraini businessman was fined BD2,000.

“People (coming into Bahrain) will now have a choice between free government quarantine facilities and paid hotel rooms,” explained the source.

“They will be provided nursing assistance and regular check-ups and medical care.

“Those who opt for hotels will have to pay for the rooms, while the hotels will pay the hospitals, with the costs being obviously recovered from the guests.

“This is a contingency plan which the government has put in place as it anticipates more than 3,000 people to enter Bahrain by the end of May.”

More hotels and hospitals may be added to the scheme should the need arise.

The GDN reported on Sunday that the Park Regis Lotus Hotel in Juffair will be turned into a coronavirus treatment and isolation facility, which will be run by the Middle East Hospital, as announced by the National Health Regulatory Authority.

Sources told the GDN that there are two people currently being treated at the Park Regis, while two others were discharged.

“Best Western Olive and Taj Plaza in Juffair which have been approved as quarantine facilities have around 260 beds, while Park Regis has 140 beds.”

“People can come in only through 444 (the Health Ministry’s Covid-19 hotline) and those at the other hotels, if tested Covid-19 positive, will be moved to an isolation facility – the government facility or the Park Regis.

“Currently, Park Regis Lotus Hotel is the only isolation and treatment facility in the private healthcare sector.”

Sources also added that the quarantine facilities were charged around BD50 per day for services including accommodation, food and medical assistance, while it is BD100 per day at the Park Regis (isolation).

Meanwhile National Health Regulatory Authority chief executive Dr Maryam Jalahma said last night the authority endorsed the private healthcare sector participation to combat the Covid-19 crisis.

Treatment

She reiterated the decision of the Supreme Council for Health that people who wish to seek treatment at private facilities could do that both for quarantine and treatment.

“A number of hotels have been permitted to treat/quarantine people who are coming from infected countries or have been in contact with existing cases,” said Dr Al Jalahma.

“The Middle East Hospital has been granted permission to treat Covid-19 patients at the Park Regis Lotus Hotel in Juffair, which is a care facility supervised by qualified hospital staff with a capacity of 172 beds.

“BSH medical staff will oversee Novotel Al Dana Resort which is a quarantine facility with 160 beds.

“Additionally, the Middle East Hospital will also oversee the Best Western Olive and Taj Plaza in Juffair, both quarantine facilities with 260 beds in total.

“Work is underway to grant permission to other hotels in the coming days.”

This is in line with the directives of the Government’s Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

Provision

The licence also regulates the provision of private quarantine services for those arriving from abroad or those who have been in contact with active cases and have not yet tested positive, based on individuals’ desire and at their own expense.

Dr Al Jalahma noted that even though private sector hospitals have been licensed to treat active asymptomatic cases and oversee quarantine facilities, citizens, residents and visitors are still entitled to receive free Covid-19 treatment at the treatment and quarantine centres run by the Health Ministry.

She added the ministry’s treatment and quarantine centres will remain open to meet surge capacity with current treatment centre capacity standing at 1,667 beds of which 232 beds are occupied and current quarantine centre capacity standing at 2,504 beds of which 215 beds are occupied.

Additionally, the compartmentalised structure of the ministry’s quarantine centres allows for quick conversion to treatment centres, if required, she said.

Dr Al Jalahma highlighted that active cases who are asymptomatic and wish to be admitted and treated at a private hospital should call 444.

She emphasised that the medical treatment provided at these facilities will follow guidelines and standards approved by the World Health Organisation.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/788415/Hotels-turned-into-isolation-facilities