Bahrain Ministry of Health Reports Two More Covid Deaths | THE DAILY TRIBUNE

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Ministry of Health (MoH) reported two deaths from Covid-19 on Friday evening, bringing the number of people who have died in the Kingdom to 1,397. To date, there are 23 hospitalized cases. There were 1,515 new cases yesterday. The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) has already approved emergency use of the COVID-19 oral antiviral, Paxlovid.

The drug has been approved for people 18 years of age and older who have mild to moderate symptoms and who are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 which can lead to death.

The decision follows an assessment of data provided by manufacturer Pfizer, conducted by the Pharmaceuticals Regulatory Service (PPR) of the NHRA.

The NHRA noted that the Department of Health has started importing procedures in accordance with relevant standards and requirements, with drugs due to arrive in January.

Paxlovid is made up of two co-packaged antiviral medicines (PF07321332 and Ritonavir) which are designed to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from multiplying in the body and thus help infected people overcome the viral infection. Previously, the Ministry of Health had approved the emergency use of Sotrovimab as a COVID-19 drug.

“Sotrovimab-VIR-7831 develops monoclonal antibodies. The medicine will be used to treat infected adults and adolescents with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 who are at risk of deteriorating their condition and leading to hospitalization. “

Prior to that, the Department of Health approved the use of the drug regn-cov2, the newly licensed COVID-19 antibody combination from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc and Roche, as part of its coronavirus treatment protocol to treat existing cases with mild and moderate symptoms.

The National Medical Working Group to Combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which held a press conference on Thursday, announced the relaxation of entry rules for international arrivals. The working group stressed that border controls were not the cure and the Covid solution remained in the vaccination as well as the administration of booster doses. Speaking on the Kingdom’s readiness, Lt. Col. Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, a member of the task force, said the country is ready to meet any challenges. “We are ready to handle all critical cases. Our intensive care units are well equipped and have enough beds for emergencies. We monitor developments on a daily basis, in fact hourly. “We have developed the best treatment procedures and the country has a success rate in providing vaccines and drugs. Lt. Col. Dr Al Qahtani said treatment will focus on those who are not vaccinated or lack immunity, while advising citizens and residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

Maria J. Book