MORE than 800 food suppliers and traders were checked for any signs of Covid-19 before an auction at the Manama Central Market, the GDN's Noor Zahra reported today.
The daily auction of fruit and vegetables took place between 1am and 6am, with traders restricted to entering via two gates only.
All of them had their temperatures checked with a with an infrared thermometer (temperature gun) with the help of policemen, according to Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) food wealth committee chairman Khalid Al Amin.
They were also urged to keep a distance of up to two meters from each other, said Mr Al Amin, adding that the central market was following strict health and safety measures to ensure the well-being of citizens and residents.
“We introduced specific measures to ensure that everyone is safe,” he told the GDN yesterday.
“More than 800 food suppliers and traders were examined for any signs of the coronavirus disease.
“The auction was held from 1am to 6am instead of the normal 3am to 8am.
“We did this with the help of the municipalities and Interior Ministry.
“Anyone who visits the market is checked.”
Mr Al Amin said the shipment of fruits and vegetables received yesterday would last more than a week.
“Prices of Bahraini tomatoes have been reduced but increases in prices of shipments brought from overseas is not within our control.”
He said that the prices of some fruits and vegetables from abroad have been on the rise which was expected in light of the current crisis.
However, he added authorities were trying to keep the prices down.
“At times of crises we should stand together and we are trying to reduce the prices and people should not panic.
“However, truckers have increased their prices from BD700 to BD1,200 per shipment.
“Also the shipping price per kilo from Egypt has doubled to 20 Egyptian pounds from 10 Egyptian pounds.
“The truck drivers are also requesting that their salaries be doubled because they are afraid.
“Yesterday we received three containers of Indian vegetables and fruits and meat, vegetables and fruits from Pakistan.
“In addition we received 23 trucks containing food products from Jordan, Syria, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
“We hope that everyone stops the rumours about food shortage,” said Mr Al Amin.
The GDN reported yesterday that new regulations had been imposed at the Manama Central Market to limit the size of gatherings.
The sale of goods on sidewalks will no longer be allowed and the market will remain open for customers from 4am to 2pm with limited entry points.