Gyms, indoor facilities closing to ward off virus

TDT | Manama

Bahrain has suspended the functioning of indoor sports and fitness facilities in the Kingdom as part of the ongoing effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), it has emerged.

The Ministry of Youth and sports affairs suspended all activities in fitness centres, gyms and sports clubs until further notice, Tribune has learnt. The decision also applies to all covered arenas, including swimming pools. However, the ban does not prevent sporting activities held in open areas.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports First Deputy Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa had earlier instructed authorities here to take all precautionary measures to prevent the spread of infection. Shaikh Khalid’s initiatives were praised by Bahrain Football Association Chairman Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

Salons

Meanwhile, the ministry also urged to enforce tight monitoring on salons. The southern municipality recently discussed the issue of hygiene and cleanliness and the risk of transmission of COVID19 from salons.

“Salon operators were given directions to take strict measures including using gloves and disinfectants to avoid the spread of coronavirus,” the council said. The council said it is concerned about the danger of barbershops and salons becoming a source of transmission of the coronavirus.