Reports from Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia find the countries in various stages of preparedness in managing the effect of the pandemic on the region before prevention campaigns can begin within each country.
Bahrain, where 29 per cent of the 900 cases tested were reported positive on September 9, has ordered the closure of two wards in a state-run hospital in Manama where three patients of other diseases contracted the H1N1 virus.
Health ministry spokesman Adel Abdullah, stating that the situation was under control, told Khaleej Times on Thursday, “We are expecting to deal with various situations.”
In Bahrain, where three deaths have already been reported and two patients are described as critical, the greater challenge is managing schools. Three private schools have been closed and more may follow suit after Eid when around 200 are scheduled to open.
Education minister Majeed Al Nuaimi said he had instructed all schools and universities to close for a week if 10 per cent of student body showed symptoms of even ordinary flu. For kindergarten the percentage is at a more cautious five.
Oman, where 18 have died of H1N1 affliction, has cancelled leave in government health establishments and announced that state-run hospitals will work round-the-clock during the Eid holidays and at least one health centre will remain open in each district.
“There is no need to panic,” health under-secretary Ahmed Al Saidi said. “We are doing everything possible.”
