PEOPLE have expressed their outrage at the “careless behaviour” of some during Ramadan, blaming them for the surge in coronavirus cases in Bahrain, writes the GDN's Noor Zahra.

They have taken to social media, with many speaking to the GDN, to urge Bahrainis and residents to comply with health and safety procedures put in place to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Bahrain has witnessed a rise in cases in the last couple of weeks, reaching a shocking 4,410 active cases, as many have continued holding large family gatherings for iftar and Ramadan majlises, while others have not been following proper social distancing guidelines.

This has prompted authorities to reiterate the importance of strictly following the precautionary measures during the holy month, which includes limiting family gatherings and banning public iftars, ghabgas and majlises.

Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Waleed Al Manea even said last week that the increase in numbers was the outcome of “reckless non-compliance” of health guidelines.

The GDN has spoken with a number of Bahrainis and residents who have described the importance of people abiding by the preventive measures during these crucial times.

“Families should limit iftar gatherings because safety is very important for everyone,” said Bahraini Hussain Alhassan, aged 64.

“People who break the rules are affecting the whole of Bahrain. We are seeing a lot of cases now because several people simply don’t respect everyone’s safety and are taking the situation lightly.

“I don’t visit my sisters and brothers because of the importance of social distancing.

“It is tragic that we are seeing more than 30 people in one family being infected with the disease.”

Mohammed Abbas, an Egyptian resident, also urged people to change their traditions and habits, especially with Eid coming up.

“Some people are carelessly not paying attention to the guidelines and they are not keen on applying these measures,” said the 38-year-old.

“It is sad to see a lot of people getting the disease because of the reckless behaviour of others.

“My family and I used to have gatherings, iftar together and visit each other in Ramadan and Eid.

“However, we stopped, this is a new experience including having online iftars together.”

Even four-year-old Ahmed Obaid understands the consequences of breaking quarantine rules and health measures.

The Bahraini child told the GDN that he has stopped playing with his friends and has to regularly wash his hands.

“Because of coronavirus I have to stay home and wash my hands,” he said.

“I want to go out to play but I have to stay home because my mother told me it is not safe.

“I can only go to the cold store and come back home.”

Bahraini businessman Ebrahim Kamal said it was important to follow the rules in order to protect the community and the frontline workers, in addition to helping Team Bahrain combat Covid-19.

“Everyone should adhere to the rules to protect their loved ones and ensure the community stays healthy and safe,” said the 32-year-old.

“We saw a rise in the number of cases due to several people not sticking to the guidelines.

“If people follow the rules then this will help in containing the disease.”

The GDN previously reported that seven out of 16 members of a Bahraini family infected with Covid-19 are children.

Fifteen members of the family, including a 71-year-old woman, contracted the virus from a 40-year-old Bahraini woman (case 2930).

This was followed by another similar case on May 13 in which 33 members of a Bahraini family were found to have been infected from a common contact.