Public Security Chief highlights Bahrain’s efforts to combat COVID-19

Manama, May 6(BNA): Public Security Chief Lt-General Tariq Al Hassan participated in an online meeting for the Police Chiefs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region who are members in the INTERPOL. The Chief delivered a speech, in which he conveyed the greetings of the Minister of the Interior, and his wishes for the success of the meeting that comes within exceptional circumstances in the world, due to the coronavirus outbreak. He highlighted the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and proactive steps and preventative measures which enabled Bahrain to to tackle this global challenge before it reached the country. The measures we took early in this crisis played a crucial role in controlling the spread of the virus among citizens and residents and has reduced the number of fatalities, he added. He hailed the Team Bahrain, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, hailing its a central role in tackling this challenge. “I would like to express appreciation and gratitude to His Royal Highness for all his efforts to place Bahrain ahead of facing the pandemic”, he said, stressing Bahrain’s clear policy and vision that protects the community, based on respecting, promoting and implementing the principles of human rights. He noted that the approach has involved; dealing with citizens and residents equally, in terms of the efficiency of healthcare and provision of full, free COVID-19 medical services, over 150,000 free COVID-19 tests have been conducted to detect active cases and identify their contacts, including proactive testing campaigns at suspected locations, a rate of 882 tests per 10,000 individuals. Bahrain has not closed its borders with neighbouring countries and has established measures and regulations to ensure the continued transportation and availability of food and other necessities, he revealed. Bahrain has also taken the remarkable step of launching an economic stimulus package that includes paying the salaries of citizens in the private sector for three months and paying the electricity and water bills for all subscribers for the same period. These measures are in place alongside a series of exemptions and the rescheduling of loans in cooperation with banks and financial institutions. The Chief said that the Ministry of Interior has been performing its duties with full dedication and in an integrated and coordinated framework. Some examples of this work include the formation of a specialised security team to detect active cases, carry out contact tracing efforts and assist the relevant authorities in adopting recommended precautionary measures. The National Disaster Management Committee remains in a permanent session to follow up on all aspects of the National Disaster Management Plan. Security patrols implement the decisions of the Government Executive Committee, including obliging citizens and residents to wear face masks at markets and crowded areas and maintaining social distancing regulations of not less than 1.5 meters between individuals in public places. Assisting labourers who have lost their jobs by offering meals, providing them with temporary accommodation to reduce overcrowded labour camps and offering them full medical care. Cooperating with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and hygiene of shared accommodations. The formation of a specialised team to deal with hazardous substances and support civil defence by conducting disinfection operations at all roads and vital utilities, in addition to training thousands of volunteers to participate in fieldwork. Following up with cases undergoing home quarantine, through the BeAware Bahrain app and electronic bracelet tracking programm. The Chief asserted that Bahrain's experience in combating the COVID-19 comes as part of international efforts aimed at confronting this invisible enemy that has struck the world. However, the exchange of successful experiences between countries will contribute to reduce the effects of this crisis and help usher in the recovery phase. It is vital that we redouble efforts to develop proactive plans, as we would in responding to any crisis or disaster. He concluded by highlighting role of the International Criminal Police Organisation and its successes worldwide, whether by exchanging information, helping to establish best practices, or raising capacities. He paid tribute to the role of the organisation and its affiliates, led by the Secretary-General, for their commendable efforts, and express our aspiration to broaden joint cooperation and the exchange of experiences. He expressed confidence in enhancing international cooperation in combating crime and help maintain international peace and security.