A CALL has gone out to people in Bahrain to curtail their Ramadan activities, especially during Iftar and family gatherings, to help contain the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).
In addition, authorities announced that all non-essential shops will be closed from 7pm tomorrow until 7pm on May 7.
During the holy month, expected to begin on Friday, no majlises, ghabgas, Iftars or gargaoun will be permitted, while distribution of Iftar packets on roads and setting up of donation kiosks in public places will be banned.
“We urge the public to support the efforts of the Health Ministry and all entities working to combat Covid-19 during the holy month,” said Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh.
“This will have a great impact and it is important to spread this awareness during the holy month as each individual is responsible to mitigate this virus by following the instructions issued by the authorities.
“Among the precautionary measures are to limit Iftar gatherings to close family members and not to engage in regular Ramadan gatherings.”
Behaviour
She was speaking at a virtual Press conference last night in the presence of Covid-19 Control and Monitoring Committee head Lieutenant Colonel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani, Interior Ministry’s Public Security chief Lieutenant General Tariq Al Hassan and Covid-19 Task Force member Dr Jameela Salman.
Ms Al Saleh also urged people to pay zakat (religious tax) online.
Dr Al Qahtani said it was imperative to change the social behaviour of people during Ramadan.
He said this year’s slogan for the holy month was: “Ramadan for the family”.
“As we enter the ninth week in combating the virus with determination to turn challenges into opportunities, we need to change certain social behaviour during this Ramadan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Alzayani said the closure of shops was based on decisions taken by the steering committee headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
Mr Alzayani said the pattern of closure will remain the same as the previous measures taken last month.
“The main objective of opening the shops was to stock up for the holy month and beyond in co-operation with the private sector,” he said.
“We have already received part of the stocks and we’ll have the rest in the coming days.”
Hypermarkets, cold stores, bakeries, pharmacies and banks are exempted from the closure while restaurants will continue to provide delivery and takeaway services.
“Outlets supporting the financial sector, factories and the firms which don’t have direct contact with the customers including working in retailing, garages, automobile repair shops and telecommunication centres will be open,” said Mr Alzayani.
“Cinemas, sports fitness centres, gyms, swimming pools, recreational activities, sheesha cafes and restaurants (limited to takeaway and delivery) and all non-essential medical services provided by the private healthcare sector will remain closed.”
He said the first hour at the markets will be dedicated to the elderly and pregnant women.
Mr Alzayani also reiterated the ban on public gathering of more than five people and urged people not to leave home unless necessary, while emphasising on wearing face masks in public places.
“All commercial and industrial businesses providing goods directly to customers must resort to online selling,” he added.
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