Manama, Aug5(BNA)Bahrain is stepping up preventive efforts to avert any potential outbreak of coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Ebola virus disease (EVD). Deputy Premier Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa directed the ministry of municipalities affairs and urban Planning and the ministry of health to monitor the fast-spreading Coronavirus and Ebola viruses.
He instructed the two ministries to undertake all necessary preventive measures to avert any outbreak of the viruses and provide medication and vaccines.
This came as he chaired, at Gudaibiya Palace, the meeting of the committee which was set up by the Cabinet to combat any potential outbreak of the diseases and enforces the necessary preventive measures. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Follow-up Affairs Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Mutawa, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Dr. Jumaa bin Ahmed Al-Kaabi, Health Minister Sadiq bin Abdelkarim Al-Shehabi and other officials.
Interior Ministry Assistant-Undersecretary for Entry Points, Search and Follow-up at the General Directorate for Nationality, Passports and Resident Affairs Brigadier Yusuf bin Ahmed Al-Ghatam was also present. Deputy Premier Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa the decision to stop issuing entry visas for visitors from Ebola-hit countries would only be temporary to contain the disease and avert any (EVD) outbreak in Bahrain.
“All precautionary efforts are being stepped up to protect citizens and residents from getting infected with Ebola virus”, said Deputy Premier Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, also head of the ministerial committee social services affairs, information, transportation and telecommunications. The Deputy Premier urged all air, maritime and land entry points to be on the alert and take maximum measures in monitoring visiting coming from Corona and Ebola-hit countries.
He underscored the importance of intensifying media campaigns in coordination with relevant government departments and civil society institutions to enhance people’s awareness and promote prevention. Chairing the session, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa urged all preparations to be undertaken at hospitals and health centres so as to deal with suspected cases of corona and ebola infections. He stressed the necessity of consolidating cooperation with relevant authorities, government departments and non-governmental institutions so as to draw up an efficient workplan to combat any potential outbreak of the of the infectious diseases in Bahrain.
Meanwhile, the health authorities have today announced Bahrain free from any suspected or confirmed cases of the deadly Ebola virus.Health Minister Sadiq bin Abdelkarim Al-Shehabi said that all precautionary measures had been taken to avert any outbreak of the virus. He pointed out continuous contacts with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be updated on the developments of the epidemic in the world. Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Dr. Jumaa bin Ahmed Al-Kaabi also said that all camels are examined routinely to ensure that they are not infected with Coronavirus, also known as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
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BNA 1913 GMT 2014/08/05