Bahrain Health Ministry issues new guidelines to fight COVID

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Health Minister Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh has issued a decision regarding health requirements that must be applied when holding events to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

As per the new guidelines, the number of attendees should not exceed 50% of the capacity indoors, allowing live performances to take place while adhering to social distancing measures, and prohibiting the establishment of buffets and self-service.

The decision indicated that all attendees must wear face masks during entry and exit to and from the facility, and those who do not comply with this condition are not permitted to enter.

Workers must wear masks at all times, and hand sanitisers must be distributed and placed in prominent places. The temperature of all workers and attendance must be measured before entering the facility using a thermometer, and those whose temperature is 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher or who exhibit symptoms related to the virus must be asked to leave and call 444.

Attendance at events is restricted to those who have been vaccinated against the virus or who are recovering from it. The Ministry also issued a decision on amending some health requirements that must be applied in restaurants and cafes.

According to the decision, a maximum of 50% of the customers’ capacity are allowed to sit inside restaurants and cafes. For special event reservations, no more than 20 people are allowed per group. Keeping the attendee’s contact information will be the responsibility of the person making the reservation.

The service inside the restaurant or cafe shall be limited to those who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID. Children under the age of 12 shall be allowed to enter the premises but should be accompanied by an adult who has been vaccinated.

New requirements that must be applied to cinemas include the following: tickets must be booked in advance whenever possible, and separate entrances and exits are set, with organisers placed at the doors to ensure the entry and exit process of visitors, prevent crowding, and ensure the existence of social distancing distances.

Movie-goers and all workers must adhere to wearing a mask at all times and not to take it off except when eating or drinking. The capacity of cinemas must be reduced by at least 50% of the total capacity and leaving two chairs between each group to ensure the required social distancing distance.

The requirements indicated the necessity of changing adequate supplies of personal hygiene supplies such as soap, hand sanitiser, tissue paper and garbage containers.