FORTY-ONE new cases of Covid-19 were registered in Bahrain in the last 24 hours, reports the GDN's Raji Unnikrishnan.

Statistics revealed by the Health Ministry showed that the number of active cases has reached 211, with three remaining in critical condition.

“Twenty of the new cases (from Monday) were those from abroad, while another 21 cases were through contact,” explained the ministry on its Twitter account last night.

The ministry’s website dedicated to the coronavirus disease also showed that 15 people were discharged from treatment and isolation facilities yesterday, taking the number of recovered cases to 164.

Meanwhile, tests for the virus have been conducted on 25,169 people so far.

Bahrain recorded its second Covid-19 death on Sunday. The Bahraini woman, aged 51, had underlying chronic health conditions and was among the group of Bahrainis who were evacuated from Iran earlier this month. A 65-year-old Bahraini woman, who died last Monday becoming the country’s first Covid-19 fatality, also had chronic health conditions. She contracted the virus while in Iran.

The ministry’s website also revealed yesterday that an Omani and an Egyptian are on the list of cases tested positive for Covid-19.

Both men were tested positive upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport.

The 51-year-old Omani arrived from Dubai on March 12, while the 30-year-old Egyptian came from the US the following day.

Neither of them has come in contact with anyone in the country, stated the ministry’s Covid-19 website.

Meanwhile, officials yesterday toured the new inspection facility set up at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC), which will facilitate screening, testing and initial treatment for Covid-19.

Supreme Council for Health chairman Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa along with Covid-19 Control and Monitoring Committee Head Lieutenant Colonel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani and Health Ministry officials visited the centre, which will be operational soon.

The GDN yesterday reported that the integrated facility in Sanabis has been divided into a reception and classification area, three halls, a pharmacy and rapid treatment area.

Anyone who contacts the dedicated Covid-19 hotline, 444, can visit the facility to get tested.

Section A of the centre has been dedicated for testing purposes for contacts of active Covid-19 cases who are asymptomatic, with 400 seats available in the waiting area.

Section B will be a testing hall for contacts of active Covid-19 cases who are experiencing symptoms and will provide more than 400 seats in the waiting area, along with 250 beds as well as resting areas.

Section C will be allocated for testing individuals arriving at Bahrain International Airport, and provides more than 400 seats, 250 beds, as well as a dining area.

And Section D has been turned into a dedicated isolation facility.

Meanwhile, police patrols were deployed on public roads last night to ensure public gatherings are limited to five people or less.

The Interior Ministry said security personnel will take legal measures against any violators.

Anyone who violates the ban on public gatherings of more than five people could face fines between BD1,000 and BD10,000. 

Article 121 of the Public Health Law establishes punishments for any person who refuses to implement any measures to prevent the spread of a disease.

The punishment for violating the law also carries a jail sentence of no less than three months.

The ban on gatherings of no more than five people has been implemented at public places, including, but not limited to markets, public parks and public beaches.

People have also been asked to leave at least a metre between individuals in any group in order to ensure everyone’s safety.