Human rights society urges expat communities to battle coronavirus

TDT | Manama

United efforts have been urged from expatriate communities in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19), as huge numbers of foreign labourers and low-income workers were seen crowding Manama, it has emerged.

All communities and nationalities in Bahrain “must unite as one” to tackle coronavirus in the Kingdom, said leading human rights organisation Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS).

United action from all nationalities is vital to defeat the pandemic, said BHRWS secretary general Faisal Fulad. He therefore urged embassies in the Kingdom to educate their nationals about the precautionary measures needed to combat the risks posed by coronavirus, especially following the circulation on social media of a video of crowds of expatriates in Manama.

“We humbly request your cooperation to inform your communities to stay at home, avoid unnecessary events, refrain from holding gatherings, maintain cleanliness around them, and value the importance of social distancing to prevent contagion,” said Fulad.

“Let us all cooperate and work together to end this horrible disease, which affects our lives and economy. “Help us make our country Bahrain workable to everyone.” Fulad noted that such actions would be in line with the ongoing efforts of Bahrain’s government in combating coronavirus, which he described as “the most serious global healthy security threat in decades.” “Many countries are imposing much-needed restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus to safeguard all people’s health, safety and well-being,” he explained.

“Let us all respond by taking the situation seriously, unite and disseminate quality information to all our communities to keep and obey our government’s precautionary health and safety measures and on the dated public announcements.” “Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by the outbreak, and we are deeply grateful to the thousands of healthcare workers who are on the front lines helping their communities.”