News

Large-Scale Ramadan Iftars and Gatherings Banned and Shops to Shut in Light of Coronavirus Measures

by BTM

Tue, 21 April 2020

Large-Scale Ramadan Iftars and Gatherings Banned and Shops to Shut in Light of Coronavirus Measures

Following a meeting of the Government’s Executive Committee, held remotely, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, has issued new measures to cover the Holy Month of Ramadan. According to a report from Bahrain News Agency:

  • Iftar (breaking fast) will be limited to small family gatherings
  • Refraining from organising and/or attending Ramadan Majlises and Ghabgas
  • Refraining from hosting public Iftar banquets
  • Refraining from Gerga’oun and Weda’ gatherings
  • Refraining from the public distribution of iftar packages
  • Zakat Al-Fitr kiosks will be replaced with electronic platforms and applications for the collection and distribution of Zakat Al-Fitr.

His Royal Highness highlighted that safeguarding the health of citizens and residents remains the Kingdom’s top priority and said non-essential shops will close from 7pm on Thursday evening for two weeks until May 7. The following will continue to operate as normal: 

  • Hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, butchers, as well as stores that sell vegetables, fish or meat;
  • All forms of bakeries;
  • All petrol/gas stations;
  • Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and opticians;
  • Banks and money exchange agencies;
  • Factories and manufacturing enterprises;
  • Administrative offices of enterprises whose activities do not involve direct interaction with customers;
  • Enterprises that export, import or distribute goods;
  • Automotive workshops and garages, and shops that sell spare parts;
  • Enterprises in the construction and maintenance sector.

Movie theatres, commercial sports gymnasiums, fitness studios, swimming pools and centres for recreational activities will remain closed;

Shisha Cafés, and services offered by these cafés, are limited to takeout and delivery of food only;

Salons, restaurants, tourist facilities and locations serving food are to remain limited to external orders and delivery services;

All non-essential medical services provided by private health clinics are to remain suspended;

Public gatherings are to remain limited to five individuals or fewer. Individuals are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, and only leave home when necessary;

Face masks are to be worn by all citizens and residents when in public;

Commercial and industrial enterprises providing goods or services directly to customers are to be limited to online sales and deliveries;

Telecom service centres will provide customer services under necessary circumstances, while abiding by social distancing measures.

Further guidelines may be issued at a later date.

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