Coronavirus In Bahrain: What You Need To Know

The coronavirus pandemic has affected countries worldwide, including Bahrain. The country has implemented various measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including testing and quarantine protocols. Bahrain's response to the pandemic has evolved over time, with the government imposing and easing restrictions on businesses and social activities. As of June 2021, Bahrain had 1,719 active cases, and the Ministry of Health had tested 141,809 individuals. The country also constructed an ICU Field Hospital in Sitra with a capacity of 152 beds to manage the outbreak.

Bahrain's coronavirus response included testing and quarantine protocols

Bahrain's response to the COVID-19 pandemic included testing and quarantine protocols. The country confirmed its first COVID-19 case on February 21, 2020, and implemented various measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Testing

Bahrain designated the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre as the main testing centre for COVID-19. The country also set up COVID-19 sampling stations in Manama, Durrat Al Bahrain, and Budaiya, targeting at-risk populations such as elderly citizens and workers in essential services. By April 1, 2020, Bahrain had tested over 34,159 people for the virus.

Quarantine and Isolation

Bahrain implemented quarantine protocols for individuals arriving from specific countries. In March 2020, the country asked individuals arriving from Lebanon, Egypt, Italy, or South Korea to self-quarantine for two weeks. Additionally, all arrivals to Bahrain aged seven years and above were required to undergo coronavirus testing and self-isolate until they received their test results. Those who tested positive were subject to further quarantine measures, offered free of charge, at hospitals or quarantine centres. Asymptomatic individuals who tested positive could be permitted to self-isolate at home or their hotel.

Other Measures

Bahrain also implemented other measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. The country suspended flights from certain countries, closed non-essential businesses, and encouraged physical distancing and the wearing of face masks. Bahrain's response to the pandemic included a combination of testing, quarantine, and other preventive measures to protect its citizens and residents from the virus.

The country's first case was confirmed on February 24, 2021

On February 24, 2021, Bahrain's first case of COVID-19 was confirmed. The country took swift action to prevent the spread of the virus, implementing various testing and quarantine protocols. An ICU Field Hospital was also constructed in Sitra in a record 14 days. This hospital was designed to accommodate 152 beds, equipped with respirators and an on-site medical laboratory, and staffed by a specialised medical team of 55 doctors and 250 nurses.

The Bahraini government's proactive response to the pandemic included the shuttering of non-essential shops and businesses in late March 2020. Notably, the country did not impose a curfew, unlike some other Gulf states. The Health Ministry announced in May 2020 that shops and industrial enterprises could reopen, while restaurants would remain closed to in-house diners. This easing of restrictions was accompanied by mandatory face mask requirements and physical distancing protocols.

As of June 12, 2021, Bahrain had 1719 active cases of COVID-19, with 1737 individuals successfully treated and discharged. The Ministry of Health had tested 141,809 individuals at that point, reflecting the country's proactive testing strategy.

Bahrain did not impose a curfew during the pandemic

Bahrain was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the virus reaching the country on 21 February 2020. The Bahraini government implemented various measures to curb the spread of the virus, including suspending flights from certain countries, banning public gatherings, and closing non-essential businesses. However, notably, Bahrain did not impose a curfew during the pandemic, setting it apart from some other Gulf states.

On 24 February 2020, Bahrain suspended all flights from Dubai Airport and Sharjah Airport for 48 hours after a Bahraini woman arriving from Iran via Dubai tested positive for COVID-19. The country also announced a travel ban on Iran. Bahrain continued to take proactive measures as the situation evolved, suspending all schools, nurseries, and universities for two weeks starting on 25 February.

As the number of cases increased, Bahrain took further actions. On 22 March, the country banned public gatherings of more than 5 individuals and imposed strict penalties for violators. The Bahraini government also unveiled an economic stimulus package worth $11.39 billion to support the country's economy and ease the financial burden on its citizens.

While Bahrain implemented stringent measures to control the spread of the virus, it notably refrained from imposing a curfew. Instead, the country focused on other strategies such as social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing, and the closure of non-essential businesses. This approach differed from some other Gulf states that opted for curfews and stricter lockdowns.

The decision to forgo a curfew in Bahrain was noteworthy, especially considering the country's relatively small size and high population density. By choosing targeted restrictions and focusing on public health measures, Bahrain managed the pandemic without resorting to more drastic measures like curfews or full lockdowns. This approach allowed for a balance between public health and economic considerations, as businesses were able to remain open, albeit with restrictions.

In conclusion, Bahrain's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its decision to not impose a curfew, showcases the country's adaptability and commitment to managing the crisis while considering the needs of its citizens and businesses.

Bahrain's coronavirus death toll reached 1488 by June 1, 2022

Yes, the coronavirus was present in Bahrain. By June 1, 2022, Bahrain's coronavirus death toll had reached 1,488. The small island state reported 3,720 infections and eight deaths from the virus in May 2020. To put this into perspective, as of July 13, 2022, there were over 557.8 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with a death toll exceeding 6.3 million.

Bahrain took measures to curb the spread of the virus. In March 2020, the country shuttered non-essential shops and businesses and barred entry to foreign visitors. However, unlike some other Gulf states, Bahrain did not impose a curfew. As of May 2020, shops and industrial enterprises were allowed to open, while restaurants remained closed to in-house diners. Face masks and physical distancing were mandated for employees and customers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected countries worldwide, and the methods used to count fatalities and report data vary. These differences can make it challenging to compare data across countries and territories accurately.

A 152-bed COVID-19 field hospital was opened in Sitra in May 2020

In May 2020, Bahrain was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with shops and non-essential businesses closed since late March. The small island state had reported 3,720 infections and eight deaths from the virus. In response to the outbreak, Bahrain opened a 152-bed COVID-19 field hospital in Sitra in May 2020. This was part of a plan to create 500 additional ICU beds for critical cases.

The field hospital was established on an empty piece of land in Sitra, Bahrain, to provide additional capacity for treating COVID-19 patients. The hospital was equipped with all the necessary critical care facilities, including ventilator-equipped beds, medical monitoring equipment, and a dedicated drug store. It is important to note that Bahrain was one of the few countries that initiated extensive contact tracing and isolated quarantine facilities for positive cases at an early stage of the disease's spread.

The Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services (BDF-RMS) played a crucial role in establishing the field hospital. They were responsible for setting up a fully equipped field intensive care unit (FICU) as part of the national plan to combat the outbreak. The FICU was constructed within the existing infrastructure, converting one floor of a multilevel car park building inside the hospital premises. This innovative approach allowed for the rapid establishment of the facility, ensuring it was well-connected and had adequate load-bearing capacity for medical equipment and human resource use.

The BDF-RMS also addressed the challenge of providing ICU facilities in a military hospital, ensuring separate unidirectional entry and exit points for patients and staff to minimize the risk of cross-infection. They implemented strict infection control measures, including the use of dedicated ambulances, separate pathways for clean and dirty linen, and proper biomedical waste disposal. The safety of both patients and healthcare providers was a top priority in the design and operation of the field hospital.

In summary, the opening of the 152-bed COVID-19 field hospital in Sitra, Bahrain, in May 2020, was a crucial response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. The field hospital provided additional capacity, ensuring that Bahrain had the necessary resources to treat critical cases effectively and safely. The establishment of the hospital demonstrates the country's proactive approach to managing the pandemic, including early contact tracing and isolation, as well as the innovative use of existing infrastructure to rapidly expand healthcare facilities.

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