Bahrain has done a sterling job in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and the current number of infections bears testimony to the success of the large take up of the vaccine programme. Bahrain has – or is fast approaching – herd immunity. What has happened to the lost words from our childhood? Words have gone as fast as the buggy whip. It’s sad really. We were in like Flynn and living the life of Riley, and even a regular guy couldn’t accuse us of being a knucklehead, a nincompoop or a pill. Not for all the tea in China!
So the question is why are there still so many PCR tests required upon arrival to Bahrain?
I believe that these tests are a major disincentive to travelling out of Bahrain.
Currently, Bahrain requires three tests upon arrival: at the airport, on day five and then on day 10. This is irrespective of vaccination status. These tests were rightfully introduced during the summer when active cases were in their thousands. However, they are now in double figures.
The three tests cost BD36 which means that for the average travelling family of four, an additional BD144 is incurred in extra travel costs. In addition, I’m not even mentioning the major inconvenience of taking the time out to visit a testing centre and undergoing the mini-trauma of taking the test itself.
I feel particularly sorry for the labour classes who visit their families back home after some years and upon returning to Bahrain have to expend a substantial part of their monthly salary on tests.
My request to the authorities would be that fully-vaccinated passengers only take a test on day two of arrival. Even the day two PCR test can be replaced with an Antigen test which is cheaper and provides much quicker results. The full complement of PCR tests should continue to be applied to those unwise enough to remain unvaccinated.
The winter holiday season is fast approaching and this would be a welcome gesture to travellers as well as having the effect of increasing air traffic through Bahrain International Airport.
&uuid=(email))