Immunised US Navy personnel deployed offshore can now make a port call in Bahrain, according to the latest guidelines.
The move follows a Navy issued ‘Covid-19 Standing Guidance’ in response to the pandemic and despite the recent rise of positive cases in the kingdom.
However, there will not be much to entertain the crews in Juffair following the shutdown of lounges, cafes and restaurants until June 10 as part of precautionary measures just introduced in Bahrain ... but base facilities will be open.
Fifth Fleet deputy public deputy public affairs officer Lieutenant Commander Pete Pagano said Bahrain was listed as a ‘safe haven port’.
“Commanding officers may allow immunised individuals making port calls in overseas safe haven ports like Bahrain, Guam, Yokosuka, Rota or Sasebo to take advantage of base services.
“This includes gyms, laundry facilities, commissary access and other base amenities.”
The advisory revealed that none of the more than 230,000 fully immunised sailors and marines deployed overseas have been hospitalised to date for Covid-19, highlighting the operational importance of widespread vaccination.
“The science is pretty clear, vaccinations are key to best protecting our sailors,” said Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, deputy chief Vice Admiral Phillip Sawyer. “The more sailors that are vaccinated the better for them, their families, the navy and the nation.”
The GDN reported last week that fully vaccinated US Navy personnel no longer need to wear a face mask walking around the Fifth Fleet facility. However, once they step outside the base, they remain subject to Bahrain’s Covid-19 protocols and face a BD20 violation fine for not wearing one.
The base in Juffair is home to around 8,500 US military members and their dependents who have received the two-dose Moderna vaccine and the single-shot Johnson & Johnson on a voluntary basis since January.
More than 15,000 personnel are estimated to have been covered as part of the inoculation drive.
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