AN urgent clampdown has been urged against hairdressers and masseurs who are violating regulations by providing home services at triple the price, writes the GDN's Mohammed Al A'Ali.

The call was made yesterday by a group of MPs and municipal councillors after receiving complaints from citizens who have been contacted for salon services.

They have asked for special judicial authorities to be given to inspectors during this period to ensure violators are held accountable.

Salons, massage parlours and fitness centres have been closed since March 26 under national measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19).

However, other commercial and industrial businesses providing goods or services directly to customers were allowed to reopen last Thursday under strict guidelines.

“Health and consumer protection inspectors, alongside the police, need to get judicial authority to enter homes or private properties in such circumstances to catch violators red-handed,” said MP Mamdooh Al Saleh who is the chairman of Parliament’s services committee.

“Also, they are providing basic services that used to cost, for example, BD5 for BD15 behind closed doors.

“There is also additional cost for using N95 protective masks and gloves.

“Such salon services have been stopped because it is dangerous and there is no social distancing involved.

“They could be risking the transmission of Covid-19, even in the case of using personal equipment, wearing masks and gloves or abiding by other rules – the basic rule of safe space is disregarded.”

The GDN reported on Monday that a woman will stand trial for providing beauty salon services illegally at a customer’s home.

She was arrested during a sting operation and released on BD500 bail pending trial.

A men’s salon in Sanabis was also closed down after it was found the Bangladeshi barber was also providing services inside while the shutter was closed.

MP Ahmed Al Demistani explained that monitoring such services, which violated existing Covid-19 guidelines, was difficult because of laws protecting private properties.

“The Public Prosecution or the judicial authority has to, as an exception to combat Covid-19, give a time-specific permission to inspectors and police to enter such properties,” he said.

“Every second counts here and people’s lives are at stake.

“Even if providers of these services are doing this because they have no other source of income they are still risking public health – there is no excuse.”

The GDN reported last week that a plea for financial support has been issued by owners of salons, massage parlours and fitness centres.

According to latest statistics, there are around 3,000 salons, massage parlours and fitness centres registered in Bahrain.

Muharraq Municipal Council member Fadhel Al Oud said they have been bombarded with phone calls from men and women in the profession who have been struggling to stay afloat.

“I don’t really differentiate, expats or Bahrainis, men or women, I have strictly told them not to break the law,” said the councillor who is the chairman of the services and public utilities committee.

“Their claim that they will die from hunger is unacceptable, plus, the government and philanthropists will not allow that to happen.

“This is an extreme disease and people are being infected in their hundreds and others are dying – for those who think life is a waste and are risking lives then their place is behind bars.”

Under government measures to combat the spread of Covid-19, salons, cinemas, gyms, fitness studios, swimming pools and recreational activities will remain closed until April 23.

Sheesha cafes will also remain closed, while services offered by these cafes and restaurants will be limited to takeout and delivery.