President of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Head of the National Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus (COVID-19), paid, in the presence of Health Minister Faeqa bint Said Al Saleh, an inspection visit to Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to get informed about the medical team’s readiness within the framework of medical preparations to host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 which is set to be held from March 26 to 28.
The SCH President commended the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to hold the major sporting event according to health protocols that are consistent with the requirements of the current phase regarding procedures to combat the coronavirus and ensure the safety of the public and the participating teams in the race.
The SCH President affirmed the national efforts of Bahrain taskforce, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in achieving success at various levels, notably the continuous hosting of the F1 race and BIC’s continuous distinction in organising it with national expertise that is a source of pride for all.
Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa listened to a detailed briefing by BIC Chief Executive, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, in the presence of the Health Minister, members of the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus, senior officials from the health sector and organisers of the race. He also listened to a briefing by the organisers and medical teams on preparations to host the major event. He got also updated on the medical centre, clinics, the checkup zone, the private clinics for the visitors, the rescue teams venues and the ambulances allocated for the circuit.
The SCH President visited the operation room and praised the efforts of the Interior Ministry to ensure strong cooperation with the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus and the organisers of the race to take all precautionary measures at all exits to ensure the safety of the organisers and the public. He pointed out the kingdom’s continuous success in hosting the F1 race amid the exceptional circumstances resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
The SCH President stressed the need to boost continuous cooperation and coordination with the medical and organising teams to ensure enforcement of the precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of all.
The BIC Chief Executive, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, expressed utmost appreciation and gratitude to the SCH President for visiting, alongside the Health Minister, BIC to follow up closely on its readiness to host the major sporting event.