ELEVEN measures will be introduced in Bahrain from today to limit the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19).

They will be enforced for a period of one month, subject to extension, under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

Public and private entities will continue to function but have been encouraged to work remotely when possible, while retail and grocery stores, and shopping complexes will operate within normal hours, taking into consideration the Health Ministry’s social distancing recommendations.

The activities of all restaurants, tourist facilities and places for serving food and beverages are limited to takeout and delivery.

Movie theatres will be closed from today, while all commercial sports gymnasiums, fitness studios, swimming pools and recreational activities will be closed.

Services offered by sheesha cafes will also be limited to takeout and delivery of food and beverages only, while the first hour of grocery store openings will be designated for the elderly and pregnant women to reduce interactions.

Public gatherings will also be limited to 20 people or fewer, while people have been urged to stay at home as much as possible and go out for necessity only.

Citizens and residents have been encouraged to avoid non-essential travel abroad, while all incoming passengers will be tested and obliged to undergo mandatory 14-day self-isolation.

It has also been decided, until further notice, to suspend studying in public and private schools, higher education institutions, and kindergartens.

Additionally, administrative and educational professionals will continue to work but are encouraged to work remotely whenever possible.

Education Ministry has been directed to take necessary measures to mitigate the impact on the education process where possible.

The measures were announced by the Crown Prince yesterday as he chaired a meeting of the Government Executive Committee.

The committee affirmed that these are precautionary measures introduced to safeguard the well-being of citizens and residents, noting the wide-ranging contributions of Team Bahrain.

“The measures, were taken based on a report submitted by the National Medical Taskforce to Combat Covid-19 headed by Supreme Council for Health chairman Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa,” it said.

The Covid-19 Task Force has urged the public to comply with all health guidelines issued.