The medical team for this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix is undertaking measures in line with the national plan to prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), a senior official has confirmed.
The 2020 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to be held at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), Sakhir from March 19 to 22.
However, one of the region’s biggest sporting and entertainment events will be a “participants-only” event, BIC said last week, in light of the global outbreak of the virus.
An awareness lecture has been held for the BIC staff and crew while steps are being taken to ensure the screening of teams upon arrival at the circuit, said Health Ministry’s F1 medical committee head Dr Raed Al Marzooq.
“As Formula One this year comes at a time of concern, we had to undertake certain measures and link them with the national plan put forward by the National Covid-19 Task Force,” Dr Al Marzooq told the GDN.
“Several meetings have been held between different organising sectors to ensure that the race goes ahead without risking infection among the participants.
“An awareness lecture has been held for the circuit’s staff and crew and we are putting plans to check all team members on arrival at BIC.
“Rooms and tents will be set up at the circuit for the isolation of suspected/symptomatic cases.
“We are also putting forward procedures for the transfer of patients to pre-determined isolation areas.”
The GDN earlier reported that a 180-member medical team was gearing up for the race. The team includes anaesthetists, plastic surgeons, vascular and neuro surgeons, emergency physicians, nurses, radiographer and pharmacists as well as ambulances and other necessary medical equipment.
Dr Al Marzooq, who is also SMC Accident and Emergency chairman, confirmed that 128 of the team members are staff members from the hospital.
“They include 30 doctors, 30 nurses, 55 emergency medical technicians, of whom 11 are on standby, one pharmacist, four technicians and six public health workers as well as two medical equipment.
“Nine ambulances will be placed at different posts around the circuit besides two ambulances in the spectators’ area and one air ambulance.
“There will be a medical centre to cover any accident at the circuit or team members in case medical help is needed.
“This centre will also provide medical help to all the marshals working at the circuit.”
The GDN reported earlier this month that the final assessment of the medical team will be done by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the motorsport’s governing body, on March 19.
“As there will be no spectators this year, we have closed clinics in that area, but we are planning to open few tents at the gates to screen team members arriving from abroad,” explained Dr Al Marzooq.
“As planned, we hope to conduct the medical drill next week and as usual it will be monitored by the FIA.
“We have an experienced medical team which has done many night races before.
“We have a team from the Public Health Department to monitor all meals distributed at the circuit.
“Instruction will be provided to all members who bring food from their homes regarding the type of food they can bring with them, and the way to store them.”
raji@gdn.com.bh
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