Three stages in Kingdom’s phased re-opening

TDT | Manama

Bahrain’s phased re-opening will include three stages. These were determined by the Government Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, during a meeting yesterday.

The phased re-opening follows the consideration of a report submitted by the National Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19). It will be dependent on several indicators, including the total number of positive results against the total number of daily COVID-19 tests, the number of cases requiring intensive care from the total active cases, and the occupancy rate in isolation and treatment facilities.

Based on these factors, the phased re-opening will be assessed on an ongoing basis. The first phase is scheduled to begin on August 6, with the re-opening of gyms, sports halls, outdoor sports fields, and swimming pools. The second is scheduled to commence on September 3, with the re-opening of outdoor dining at restaurants and coffee-shops, and the re-opening of training institutions.

The third phase of re-opening is scheduled to take place on September 24, with the re-opening of all dining services extended by restaurants and coffee-shops. It was also decided to allow the gradual re-opening of tourism restaurants, including those located in four-star and fivestar hotels, and those authorised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, in accordance with medical and preventive requirements, by allowing reservations for special occasions that do not exceed 20 people per group and provided that reservations are made one at a time. T

his is effective immediately ahead of preparations for restaurants and coffee-shops to resume all dining services. The Government Executive Committee highlighted that the level of adherence to all precautionary and preventive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 will be assessed, and according to data and results, decisions will be reviewed periodically to preserve the health and safety of all.

Meanwhile, HRH the Crown Prince outlined yesterday that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is tenaciously fighting the spread of COVID-19. HRH the Crown Prince expressed his appreciation for the efforts exerted by Team Bahrain in protecting the health and safety of citizens and residents.

HRH the Crown Prince noted that Bahrain’s strong sense of national solidarity and collective awareness has been instrumental in overcoming COVID-19 challenges so far, and expressed his confidence that health measures will continue to be observed during the Eid Al Adha break.

HRH the Crown Prince also expressed his appreciation to first responders, volunteers and their support network for their selfless actions, which are a central element that ensure the safety and well-being of the community. The Government Executive Committee wished all of Bahrain a blessed and safe Eid Al Adha.