Contact tracing is for COVID-19 control

TDT | Manama

The Ministry of Health yesterday refuted rumours circulating on social media platforms claiming that its ‘contact tracing mechanism’ is confined to certain villages only. In a statement, the Ministry of Health clarified that contact tracing is an internationally recommended method of safeguarding public health, which is open to all. The mechanism, the ministry said, is employed for tracking the contacts of active COVID-19 cases, to ensure health and safety of citizens and residents.

“It provides detailed information, including dates, times and locations of contacts of active COVID-19 cases to facilitate the Ministry’s role in ensuring the community is safe for all,” the statement said. The ministry welcomed citizens and residents to visit www.moh.gov.bh to ensure that they or their family members have not been in the same locations during the same date as contacts of active COVID-19 cases have been. All individuals who have been in the same location should immediately contact 444 and follow the instructions provided.

The Ministry of Health urged all business owners to review and follow the guidelines on the Ministry’s website to deal with suspected active COVID-19 cases without causing panic or affecting the workflow. The Ministry further reiterated the importance of social distancing, avoiding gatherings of more than 20 people and staying at home as much as possible, going out only when necessary.