What's the government response timeline for Bahrain?

Health Ministry monitoring coronavirus developments. The ministry has also coordinated with the Bahrain International Airport and taken pre-emptive measures, in addition to supplying passengers with health tips, tips on the importance of taking health precautions during or after travel, urging passengers to seek medical attention and inform health care providers of the places they had had visited in care they develop symptoms of respiratory diseases. The ministry said that it is closely and continuously following up with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the GCC countries developments of the coronavirus outbreak in China, adding that immediate measures would be taken based on the WHO instructions. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3790

The Cabinet reviewed the precautionary measures taken by the Ministry of Health to prevent the Novel Coronavirus from reaching the Kingdom. In this regard, HRH the Crown Prince directed the swift provision of early screening devices to be used to detect the virus, as well as to provide the necessary equipment needed to ensure preventive control of the disease. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3792

Based on the recommendations of the Government’s Executive Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, the Cabinet on January 27 decided that the Government will absorb the cost of the payable VAT incurred on water and electricity, without changing the current price of the tariffs for all users, effective from February 2020. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3792

(Not sure when this started being implemented) "She explained that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the confirmed cases should be isolated, and the suspected cases are applied to the isolation until the laboratory results appear, and if the suspect is confirmed to be infected, the isolation is performed, and if the result is negative, the patient is given instructions to stay at home for 14 days." https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3799

Interior Ministry announces total ban on all travelers who have visited China within 14 days of their arrival in Bahrain. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3801

A multilingual national campaign to combat the novel Covel Cornonavirus (COVID-19) has been launched in the Kingdom of Bahrain to enhance public awareness and beef up prevention measures. Health Minister Faeqa bint Saed Al-Saleh announced the plan in lined with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. The wide-ranging campaign would be channeled through the social media, the press, Radio Bahrain and TV, the health centres, labour camps and in cooperation with the Labour and Social Development Minister and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3805

The Kingdom of Bahrain has urged citizens to avoid traveling to China, Iran, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea due to the outbreak of COVID19. Strict entry restrictions have been introduced to limit movement from these countries. Bahraini citizens and residents, as well as GCC citizens, who have travelled from or transited through any part of infected countries, will be required to undergo medical examinations recommended by the WHO. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3811

Bahrain records first case and starts extensive contact tracing as per press release. Bahrain later issues database of all positive cases and lists the contact tracing undertaken, usually up to the point "all known contacts traced"; https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3753; https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/ContactsTracing

The Cabinet further reviewed strategies designed to ensure the virus remains contained, and decided to temporarily close the Ibn Al Nafees Primary School for Boys, the Sitra Intermediate School for Girls, and the Al Qamar Kindergarten, located in Sitra, for a period of 14 days. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure, as the infected patient, a school bus driver, was transporting students to the schools. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3813

The Cabinet affirmed that Bahraini, and GCC citizens and residents who have visited the countries infected by COVID-19 within 14 days of arriving in Bahrain will be subject to quarantine and enhanced testing procedures, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3813

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kingdom of Bahrain temporarily bars citizens from travelling to Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3823

Ministry of Education announced the suspension of studies in public and private schools and kindergartens for a period of two weeks starting tomorrow, Wednesday, February 26 2020. All tertiary institutions were also suspended. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3879 https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3874

Anyone returning from Iran is tested even if they do not present symptoms (which is stronger than "1-Symptomatic AND eligible") SOURCE: https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3788 (see note from March 3rd as well

The presentation revealed that during the ongoing medical tests, a total of 2225 individuals had tested negative, while only two cases tested positive, to whom HM the King wished speedy recovery and wellness. The number indicates a more widespread policy that 1, hence 2 should be maintained as coding as the most likely correct fit; https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3899

Not sure when this came into force exactly. Anyone returning from Iran is tested even if they do not present symptoms (which is stronger than "1-Symptomatic AND eligible") SOURCE: https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3772

All educational institutions to be closed for an additional two weeks (until March 29); https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3895

The Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health, Dr. Mariam Al-Hajeri, highlighted that the medical mobile testing units have tested a total of 2,062 individuals returning from Iran during the month of February, before Iran has announced the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in its cities. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3903

Incoming flights to Bahrain reduced and visa on-arrival suspended until further notice. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3956

"Domestically, gatherings of over 20 people have been banned and restaurants are now required to offer takeout and delivery services exclusively. Businesses closures were also announced, including gyms and cinemas, though retail and grocery stores remain open given that social distancing recommendations are implemented." https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/324051/bahrain-entry-and-domestic-restrictions-implemented-amid-covid-19-outbreak-march-17-update-8

All public (and private) events with more than 20 people banned; https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3967

Public gathering <20 https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3967; https://twitter.com/MOH_Bahrain/status/1239965533153284096

Bahrain recommends "staying at home as much as possible, and go out for necessity only." https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3967; https://twitter.com/MOH_Bahrain/status/1239965533153284096

Encourage avoiding non-essential travelling across the country. Arguably, given Bahrain's size, this includes restrictions on movement between the few cities the country has. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3967; https://twitter.com/MOH_Bahrain/status/1239965533153284096

On March 15th it was announced that arrival visas to Bahrain would be suspended indefinitely, effective on March 18th. The restrictions do not apply to airline crew, military personnel, residents of Bahrain, nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. All passengers arriving in Bahrain will immediately be tested and be subject to quarantine. https://www.bna.bh/en/IncomingflightstoBahrainreducedandvisaonarrivalsuspendeduntilfurthernotice.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2bDvGBKilRmrqHTsGLEj0HW6s%3d (not archivable)

The payment of loan installments are to be delayed by six months for Bahraini nationals. “All retails banks, finance and micro-finance firms have to grant citizens a six-month waiver without fees, interest-on-interest (compound interest) or increase in the profit or interest rate”, said Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) Governor Rashid Mohammed Al-Maraj. The directive applies also to credit due to credit cards, already deducted from the credit card limit as of March 19, 202. The above-mentioned directive does not include inter-bank deposits or borrowings. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3997

Bahrain launches Coronavirus tracking app; https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4001

Any public gathering with more than 5 people banned; https://www.moh.gov.bh/Content/Upload/File/637205444806738000-COVID19---Press-Conference-(22-Mar-2020)-EN-copy.pdf

Any gathering with more than 5 people banned; https://www.moh.gov.bh/Content/Upload/File/637205444806738000-COVID19---Press-Conference-(22-Mar-2020)-EN-copy.pdf

No restrictions on internal movement as long as social distancing is observed. https://twitter.com/MOH_Bahrain/status/1242697231263809542

Following the directives issued by the Government Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, First Deputy Prime Minister, and in line with the decision to temporarily close non-essential businesses, from Thursday 26 March to 09 April 2020, whilst hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, bakeries, pharmacies, and banks remain open and restaurants continue to provide services via take away or delivery only, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism issued a notice 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. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4036 https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4014

HE Al Zayani went on to urge all citizens and residents to remain at home as much as possible, and leave only for urgent matters if needed. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4014

New measures have been introduced on public transport in Bahrain in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), reducing the number of seats available. https://www.timeoutbahrain.com/travel/437857-new-measures-on-public-transport-in-bahrain-to-combat-coronavirus

The Ministry highlighted that a specialised medical team, along with a group of volunteers participating in the Kingdom’s Public Awareness Campaign to Combat Coronavirus, have organised the campaign to obtain random medical samples, from the elderly, individuals who are susceptible to COVID-19, owners of hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold-stores, bakeries and pharmacies, in order to safeguard the community. The Ministry added that additional precautionary measures will be determined for each of the Kingdom’s areas, based on data and indicators received. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4057

Dr. Al Manea emphasized that the Ministry of Health has recently begun random medical tests, via mobile testing units, across the Kingdom. Dr. Al Manea further extended gratitude to all the authorities collaborating with the Ministry of Health to contain the spread of COVID-19, and in particular the Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Civil Defence, who have disinfected various areas and provided awareness campaigns across the Kingdom. Since this presupposes general availability, upgraded to 3; https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4068

Under the leadership of HM the King and under the direction of HRH the Crown Prince, the ministers announced an eight-point economic package that commits the government to: 1. Referring a draft law concerning paying the salaries of all private sector employees for three months from April 2020 from the unemployment fund, following constitutional procedures and in line with the Social Insurance Law. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3969

Under the leadership of HM the King and under the direction of HRH the Crown Prince, the ministers announced an eight-point economic package that commits the government to: 2. Paying individuals’ and businesses’ Electricity and Water Authority utility bills for three months from April 2020 (up to the costs incurred during the same period in 2019), whilst also restructuring government administrative costs to offset additional costs incurred by the government. 3. Exempting all individuals and businesses from municipal fees for three months from April 2020 4. Exempting all businesses from industrial land rental fees for three months from April 2020 5. Exempting all tourism-related industry from tourism levies for three months from April 2020 https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/3969

Foreigners who have been in Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Iraq, South Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States in the past 14 days are not allowed to transit and enter Bahrain. Passengers who have been in Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand in the past 14 days must have a valid visa prior to arrival. The restrictions do not apply to airline crew, military personnel, residents of Bahrain, *nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.* (hence not a 4 in the coding) https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-travel-restrictions-border-shutdowns-country-200318091505922.html

Covid-19: Bahrain govt to pay salaries of citizens in private sector; https://www.khaleejtimes.com/region/bahrain/covid-19-bahrain-govt-to-pay-salaries-of-citizens-in-private-sector

https://www.bna.bh/en/WorksMinistrytostopcollectingrentsfromalltenantsofmunicipalpropertiesforthreemonths.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDo%2FOhRnruNG9W0ofEC3qIEw%3D (not archivable)

Some businesses reopen, but: · Movie theatres are to remain closed · All commercial sports gymnasiums, fitness studios, swimming pools and recreational activities are to remain closed · The activities of all restaurants, tourist facilities and places for serving food and beverages are to remain limited to external orders and delivery services · Shisha Cafes are to remain closed. Services offered by these cafes are to remain limited to takeout and delivery of food and beverages only · Salons are to remain closed · All non-essential medical services provided by private health clinics are to remain suspended. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4101

Public gatherings are to remain limited to 5 individuals or fewer. https://www.moh.gov.bh/Content/Upload/File/637219559437288000-EN-Infographic---New-decisions-(7-April-2020).pdf.pdf

Individuals are encouraged to stay at home, only going out for necessities https://www.moh.gov.bh/Content/Upload/File/637219559437288000-EN-Infographic---New-decisions-(7-April-2020).pdf.pdf

Ministry of Health launches a COVID-19 drive-through testing centre at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4116

More info on current testing capacity and execution (>3000 tests a day); https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4138

Gatherings will remain limited to a maximum of five individuals and face masks are to be worn by all citizens and residents in public. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/bahrain/bahrain-extends-covid-19-preventive-measures-to-ramadan-1.71110617

4.7 It also said commercial and industrial businesses providing goods or services directly to customers can resume work under certain strict conditions. http://www.tradearabia.com/news/MISC_366383.html 4.22 Social restrictions included refraining from organising or attending Ramadan Majlises and Ghabgas (the late dinner hosted by families, companies and institutions) and from holding celebratory events such as Garagoon. Gatherings will remain limited to a maximum of five individuals and face masks are to be worn by all citizens and residents in public. The committee said that people should to stay at home as long as possible and should leave home only when necessary. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/bahrain/bahrain-extends-covid-19-preventive-measures-to-ramadan-1.71110617

HE the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism also underlined that effective from 19h00 on 23 April 2020 until 07 May 2020, the following will be implemented: - Movie theatres, commercial sports gymnasiums, fitness studios, swimming pools, and centres for recreational activities and Salons will remain closed; - Shisha Cafes, and services offered by these cafes, are limited to takeout and delivery of food only; - 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; - The first hour of grocery store openings remains dedicated to the elderly and pregnant women; - Public gatherings are to remain limited to 5 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. https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4169

• Iftar (breaking fast) should be limited to small family gatherings • Refraining from organising and/or attending Ramadan Majlises and Ghabga’s • Refraining from hosting public Iftar banquets • Refraining from Gerga’oun and Weda’ gatherings • Refrain 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 https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4169

Shops and industrial enterprises in Bahrain can open from Thursday while restaurants will stay closed to in-house diners, the Health Ministry said, as the Gulf state eases restrictions designed to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1670561/middle-east

Al-Dosari further added the following: • All commercial sports gymnasiums, fitness studios, swimming pools, and centres for recreational activities are to remain closed. • Restaurants, tourist facilities and places serving food are to remain limited to delivery and take-out only https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4220

Guidelines for no more than 5 people at one time still in place; https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4220

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1697356/business-economy Bahrain pays 50% of the salaries of workers in the private sector.

Schools remain closed. Source: http://archive.fo/R3pI3

Syms and sports halls, outdoor sports fields, and swimming pools, will re-open as of 06 August 2020. Source: http://archive.vn/lkbOc

only outdoor cinemas reported as open. Source: http://archive.fo/wip/jsirS

Gatherings of more than five people are prohibited. Source: http://archive.fo/wip/jsirS

It is now mandatory to wear face masks in public, including on all public transport and while travelling in taxis, with fines of 5 Bahraini Dinars for failure to do so. But no reports of public transport operating at significantly reduced volume/route/means of transport available. Source: http://archive.fo/gUlDg

Entry to Bahrain is restricted to Bahraini citizens, residents, and some other categories. Source: http://archive.fo/gUlDg

Public awareness campaign to combat covid 19. Source: http://archive.vn/yu61q

No changes to testing policy was found.

Comprehensive contact tracing ongoing. Source: http://archive.fo/Otbbq

Bahrain has said that mosques will remain closed for congregation prayers until a “required drop” in COVID-19 cases is achieved. Link: https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/bahrain/covid-19-bahrain-keeps-mosques-closed-1.72883146

Policies remain the same. https://www.meed.com/covid-19-cases-cross-124-million-mark-in-mena

Policies remain the same. https://www.meed.com/covid-19-cases-cross-124-million-mark-in-mena

As of August 6th, “gyms and sports halls, outdoor sports fields, and swimming pools” re-opened in Bahrain. See Bahrain News Agency website, archived: https://www.bna.bh/en/HRHPremierissuedEdict33/HMKingissuesdecrees50,51,52/HRHtheCrownPrinceThenextphaseofcombatingCOVID19callsforcontinueddetermination.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDtwvEPGzSUbU2cillExCncM%3D However, other workplaces remain closed, including sheesha cafés and training institutes. Also, restaurants and cafes are currently restricted to only deliveries or takeout, but “The Government Executive Committee said outdoor dining at restaurants and cafés would be allowed from September 3”. See ZAWYA website, archived: https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/legal/story/Restaurants_sheesha_cafs_in_Bahrain_to_reopen_in_September-SNG_180805283/

On August 12th, The Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Health released a Covid-19 news update: “Prayers at mosques, collective worship and religious assemblies will remain suspended, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has said. The suspension will be maintained until the rate of the coronavirus (COVID-19) will decrease to the levels set by the competent authorities.” See website, archived: https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4322

“Gatherings of more than five individuals on roads, yards, public beaches, parks, and other public places are prohibited, including religious gatherings.” See Covid-19 information on the US Embassy in Bahrain website, archived: https://bh.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Bahrain’s public transport is still operating without significantly reduced volume/ route/ means of transport available, and it remains mandatory for all individuals to wear a face mask while using public transportation and practice social distancing. See Covid-19 information on the US Embassy in Bahrain website, archived: https://bh.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

On August 10th, the Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Health released a Covid-19 news update, which included “stepping out only when necessary” being one of the “crucial preventive measures with which people should comply fully and with committed determination”. See website, archived: https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4316

On August 10th, the Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Health released a Covid-19 news update, which included “stepping out only when necessary” being one of the “crucial preventive measures with which people should comply fully and with committed determination”. See website, archived: https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4316

Entry to Bahrain remains “restricted to Bahraini citizens, residents, and some other categories”. See UK Government website, archived: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bahrain

The Bahrain government paid the salaries of Bahraini citizens working in the private sector for April, May and June, 2020. https://youth.moh.gov.bh/News/Details/3982 On July 11th, The Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, “explained the government’s [additional] commitment to paying 50% of the salaries of insured Bahrainis in the most adversely affected enterprises in the private sector for a period of three months, starting from July 2020, from the Unemployment Insurance Fund.” See Bahrain News Agency website, archived: https://www.bna.bh/en/LabourMinistryannouncescriteriafor50paymentofBahrainiprivatesectorworkers.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDruu3Yio84ebkJBheG2qYL0%3D

The Bahrain government paid the electricity and water bills for Bahraini individuals and companies for April, May, and June. On June 29th, authorities approved new measures to “extend the payment of electricity and water bills for Bahrainis for a further three months starting in July 2020”. Also, at end-July 2020 the authorities approved a new measure “exempting households from paying municipality fees on their first residence for three months”. Furthermore, on March 17th, the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) requested “banks to offer a six-month deferral of repayments without interest or penalty and to refrain from blocking customers’ accounts if a customer has lost his or her employment”. This sixth-month deferral period is still current. See IMF website, archived: https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

The Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Health website homepage, and social media accounts, remain focused on their “Public Awareness Campaign to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19)”. See Ministry of Health website, archived: https://www.moh.gov.bh/?lang=en

Bahrain is still running open public testing, including via. drive-through. On August 20th Bahrain’s “Ministry of Health reported that the Kingdom had conducted over one million COVID-19 PCR diagnostic tests. In an update on the Kingdom’s COVID-19 response, Bahrain’s Minister of Health Faeqa bint Saeed Alsaleh, confirmed the milestone figure had been reached as part of the ‘Trace, Test, Treat’ strategy that has involved proactive testing on a scale well above many other countries. The Minister highlighted this strategy has resulted in Bahrain conducting 675 tests per 1,000 people, one of the highest rates in the world.” See Ministry of Health website, archived: https://www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19/Details/4341

Comprehensive contact tracing is ongoing, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior. https://www.moh.gov.bh/?lang=en See the Ministry of Health’s contact tracing update for the 13th-19th August 2020, archived: https://www.moh.gov.bh/Covid19/ContactTracing1

Schools are currently closed in Bahrain but will be reopening in September. On August 17, the Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Education released statements that “administrative and teaching staff will resume work on September 6 as previously announced” and “students would return to schools on September 16”. However, “parents will still have the option to choose between school attendance or online learning.” See Bahrain News Agency website, archived:  https://www.bna.bh/en/EducationMinistryschoolyeartostartinSeptember.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDuOWje6BIKfuUp%2FcbourquE%3D