Bahrain registered its seventh death from the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) yesterday, along with 167 new cases.
The deceased, a 60-year-old Bahraini man, suffered from underlying chronic illnesses before contracting the virus, according to the Health Ministry.
“The deceased male, a contact of an active case, was placed in isolation and received extensive 24-hour treatment from a specialised medical team,” said the ministry.
It added that except for three all other Covid-19 cases remain stable, with patients continuing to receive treatment from a specialised medical team as per guidelines provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
So far, Bahrain has recorded 1,528 cases with 873 active cases, including three critical, and 648 recoveries.
There have been seven deaths, all Bahrainis.
Of the 167 new cases reported yesterday, 156 were among migrant workers, three cases contracted the virus after coming in contact with a positive case, two arrived from abroad, and the remaining six were unspecified.
The new cases among labourers were detected as part of 3,581 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, added the ministry.
It also announced 57 recoveries yesterday.
Meanwhile, at least three drivers operating public buses have tested positive, it has emerged.
The infection among the staff members from Bahrain Public Transport Company (BPTC) was found following random tests conducted at their labour camp in Askar on Saturday.
According to an internal letter, a copy of which the GDN has obtained, the men were in good health and in quarantine while contact tracing was ongoing.
All the drivers have been urged to follow all health guidelines as they “do their duty of transporting” people.
On Monday, the company also announced a change in its bus timetable and withdrawal of a few services.
BPTC officials could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Meanwhile, in a public service announcement posted on its website the Health Ministry said containing the spread of the virus is in the hands of the people.
Public Health assistant under-secretary Dr Maryam Al Hajeri urged people to stay at home and practise social distancing.
“Most important measures to be followed are: Do not hold gatherings, practise social distancing, do not shake hands, do not touch surfaces that are not sterilised, do not touch your face, do not leave the house except in case of extreme necessity, and follow personal hygiene – wash hands with soap and water regularly and use hand sanitisers frequently.”
While in public, she urged people to follow coughing etiquette, and wear face masks.
Anyone with symptoms must contact health hotline 444.
National Institution for Human Rights chairwoman Maria Khoury in a letter to Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh, commended the services of the healthcare workers and the efficiency at the Covid-19 facilities.
raji@gdn.com.bh
© Copyright 2019 www.gdnonline.com
Copyright 2020 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
