Stores across Bahrain close temporarily as part of measures to combat COVID-19

TDT | Manama

Commercial stores across the Kingdom closed up shop at or before 7pm last night in compliance with government directives to help combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and ensure the safety of all in Bahrain.

These stores will remain closed until April 9, after which they will re-open until April 23.

Only a handful of essential businesses are to remain open, as approved by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. These include hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, grocery stores, butcher shops and fish shops; bakeries; natural gas-fuelling stations and liquid-fuelling stations; hospitals, medical centres, pharmacies and optical centres; banks and currency exchange bureaus; corporate administration offices of companies and organisations that conduct activities without direct engagement with customers; businesses that import, export and distribute goods; automotive garages and repair shops; businesses operating in the construction and maintenance industry; and manufacturers. Meanwhile, community police were deployed last night to help ensure that all concerned businesses adhered to the rules