*Only the fully vaccinated people or those who have recovered from infection can only enter cinemas, service centers
*Arrivals from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal need a negative PCR test certificate, 10-day quarantine
Bahrain has announced new rules to combat the virus, including restricting entry to malls and restaurants to only vaccinated people.
The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus announced the rules, which will remain in force from May 21 to June 3, after studying the latest Covid-19 data.
Individuals aged 18 and above who are vaccinated and completed 14 days after the second dose, and those who have recovered from Covid-19, only can enter shopping malls. Proof of both must be provided by presenting the green shield via the “BeAware” application.
Similar restrictions will apply for entry into cinemas, salons and retail shops except for supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and hospitals.
Only the individuals aged 18 and above who are vaccinated and have completed 14 days after the second dose, and those who have recovered from Covid-19 infection, can enter service centers and government offices. Private gatherings cannot exceed six individuals.
Also, holders of residence visas from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal will need to quarantine themselves for 10 days on arrival.
Such persons also need to present a certificate confirming a negative PCR test containing a QR Code, no more than 48 hours before their arrival.
All passengers are required to undergo a PCR test upon arrival. Those planning to stay in Bahrain for more than five days will need to undergo a second PCR test, while the persons planning to stay for more than 10 days will need a third PCR test.
Dr. Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, an undersecretary at the ministry of health and member of the Taskforce, said the country recorded 2,354 Covid-19 cases on Thursday.
Covid-19 data suggested that community transmission rather than outside sources had resulted in the highest number of cases, necessitating more tests and vigorous contact tracing, Al Manea said.
Al Manea said tight screening procedures were in place at the airport even though only 14 out of 2,354 new cases had come from abroad.
Dr. Manaf Al Qahtani, an infectious diseases consultant and member of the Taskforce, said about 75 percent of Bahrain’s eligible population has received at least the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. He said only 2 percent of those vaccinated with two doses and had completed the 14 days afterward had contracted the virus. None of them had required treatment.