Non-essential businesses to remain closed till April 9 in Bahrain

MANAMA: All non-essential businesses in Bahrain will remain closed from 7pm tomorrow until 7pm on April 9, the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry announced last night.

It follows directives by the Government Executive Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince.

Hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, bakeries, pharmacies and banks will remain open and restaurants will continue to provide services via takeaway or delivery only, according to a notice issued by the ministry clarifying what is deemed non-essential.

“Under the decision, all retail and industrial enterprises will close temporarily, from 1900 on Thursday 26 March 2020 until 1900 on Thursday 9 April 2020. All retail and industrial enterprises will be open again from 09 April to 23 April,” it said.

According to the ministry notice, following types of business are excluded from these measures, and may continue to operate as usual:

1. Hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, grocery stores, butcher shops and fish shops

2. Bakeries

3. Natural gas fuelling stations and liquid fuelling stations

4. Hospitals, medical centres, pharmacies and optical centres

5. Banks and currency exchange bureaus

6. Corporate administration offices of companies and organisations that conduct activities without direct engagement with customers

7. Businesses that import, export and distribute goods

8. Automotive garages and repair shops

9. Businesses operating in the construction and maintenance industry

10. Manufacturers

Retail and industrial enterprises are allowed to engage in the sale of goods and services and their delivery by electronic means and social media platforms. Restaurants and food and beverage outlets are also permitted to operate through takeaway services and home delivery services.

The Health Ministry, meanwhile, said more than 5,800 people have volunteered to join a national awareness campaign on the e-awareness platform, launched on March 15, to tackle the virus.

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