Covid-19: Bahrain updates alert system, temperature checks to be stopped for unvaccinated

Bahrain has updated its ‘traffic light’ alert system for managing the Covid-19 situation in the country, the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus announced on Sunday.

Starting from Sunday, October 31, the alert level will change depending on the rolling average of positive cases within intensive care, as follows:

Green alert level: If the rolling average of positive cases in ICU units is 50 or less for 14 days.

Yellow alert level: If the rolling average of positive cases within intensive care units is 51-100 cases for 7 days.

Orange alert level: If the rolling average of positive cases within intensive care units is 101-200 for 4 days.

Red alert level: If the rolling average for positive cases within intensive care units is 201 or more for 3 days.

The taskforce stated that de-escalating to a level below requires the same numbers to be maintained for a period of at least one week, a statement said.

However, escalating from a lower alert level to a higher one can take place with immediate effect.

Moving directly from the green to the red alert level is possible without going through the yellow and orange levels, the statement added.

“Moving to an alert level can also be recommended based on various emergency developments and some dates may be designated a higher alert level in the interest of public health and safety,” the taskforce said.

The criteria for each level can change in accordance with the latest epidemiological data and developments.

COVID-19 Alert Level Traffic Light System updateshttps://t.co/TzIBMp4ptX#VACCINATEANDSTAYSAFE#TeamBahrain pic.twitter.com/0joIiaK4BP

— وزارة الصحة | مملكة البحرين ?? (@MOH_Bahrain) October 31, 2021

No temperature checks

Based on this update, obligatory temperature checks and registration of information will no longer be required for non-vaccinated individuals when entering a facility, with waiting areas to be re-opened, it stated.

However, the taskforce stressed the need to adhere to the wearing of masks when visiting indoor facilities, continuing with sterilisation procedures, encouraging pre-booking and electronic payment, in addition to following all precautionary measures to limit the spread of the virus.

Bahrain reported 35 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday, with the total number of active cases standing at 435 – including two in a critical condition.

It did not report any fatalities, with the total death toll standing at 1,393.