Manama, Aug. 20 — (BBNA): Ministry of Health (MOH)’s Assistant Undersecretary for Primary and Public Healthcare Dr. Mariam Al-Jalahma affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is free from coronavirus the cause of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Dr. Mariam said that all 724 blood samples taken turned out to be negative (that means they are free from coronavirus). She added that all 46 samples of camel herders turned out to negative as well. She said that the total number of samples was 770.

She urged all health workers to comply with the rules of hygiene such as washing hands and wearing masks when examining patients. She also urged citizens and residents to obtain information from the relevant official sources and to avoid close contact with patients who show acute respiratory symptoms and to ensure personal cleanliness such as washing hands, covering nose and mouth when sneezing and disposing of tissue in the proper place. She also urged people to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to boost their immunity such as exercising, sufficient sleep and taking nutritious food. Anyone who shows acute or severe respiratory symptoms should visit the nearest health centre and comply with the rules of good personal hygiene in order to prevent the disease from spreading.

Coronavirus was first discovered in April 2012. Cases continued to be reported until the total number of cases reached 839, including 294 fatalities according to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Report dated 18 August 2014. (IY)

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BNA 1110 GMT 2014/08/20