Partial curfew in Bahrain proposed

TDT | Manama

An urgent proposal was submitted yesterday for Bahrain to impose a partial curfew from 6pm to 5am, as part of efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The proposal was submitted by the Council of Representatives’ Public Utilities and Environment Committee head MP Hamad Al Kooheji and Financial and Economic Committee head MP Ahmed Al Saloom.

Their proposal comes after observing instances of disregard of government directives for Bahrain’s residents to remain at home as much as possible. The MPs said that these occurrences were seen mainly amongst expatriate communities, and they persist despite the announcement of strict measures to combat the further spread of the coronavirus, and even after extensive efforts to spread the message across the island in different languages.

They added that these groups of people continue to go about their daily routine irresponsibly as if everything was normal. The MPs noted that they wished the situation had not come to this stage, but they had no choice but to submit their proposal for the wellbeing of all.

They pointed out that partial curfews have been implemented by many countries around the world, including those in the region such as Kuwait and Jordan. They stressed that the curfew has become an urgent necessity in order to control the situation from further escalating, adding that prolonging the crisis will lead to bigger losses at all levels.

MP Al Kooheji and MP Al Saloom affirmed their great confidence that Bahrain will overcome this ordeal behind the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. They also said that Bahrain will come back to normalcy stronger, thanks to the solidarity of the people and their awareness and actions in light of the situation.

The MPs also called on the Ministry of Interior to intensify security patrols in order to monitor all public gatherings, in particular in residential neigh- MP Al Kooheji, left, and MP Al Saloom bourhoods and along beaches.