Bahrain's Lockdown: Battling Corona With Stringent Measures

Bahrain was one of the first countries in the Arabian Gulf to enforce strict lockdown restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country confirmed its first COVID-19 cases on February 21, 2020, and implemented a range of measures to curb the spread of the virus. This included closing cinemas, gyms, schools, nurseries, and universities, as well as suspending flights to and from certain countries. Bahrain also recommended solo exercising with physical distancing and advised people to stay at home unless going out for work, buying food, or seeking medical care.

Bahrain's lockdown rules and restrictions

The Kingdom of Bahrain was one of the first countries in the Arabian Gulf to enforce strict lockdown restrictions to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The country confirmed its first COVID-19 case on 21 February 2020. Bahrain has since been praised for its efficient management of the challenges presented by the global pandemic.

Rules and Restrictions

Commercial Enterprises

On 25 March 2020, the Bahraini government announced the closure of all non-essential commercial enterprises from 26 March until 9 April. Exceptions to this rule included supermarkets, banks, bakeries, and healthcare facilities. All businesses were allowed to reopen from 9 April to 23 April, provided that they followed hygiene guidelines.

Shopping Malls and Stores

On 9 April 2020, Bahrain reopened shopping malls and some stores. Shop workers and customers were required to wear masks, and retailers had to control the number of people in shops to prevent overcrowding and ensure regular disinfection of surfaces.

Social Distancing and Gatherings

The Bahraini government has consistently emphasised the importance of social distancing and urged people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Public gatherings of more than five people were prohibited, with gatherings in public parks and beaches strictly prohibited.

Travel

Bahrain suspended all flights from Dubai Airport and Sharjah Airport for 48 hours on 24 February 2020. It also announced a travel ban on Iran. On 26 February, the suspension of flights to and from Dubai International Airport was extended for another 48 hours, and flights to and from Iraq and Lebanon were suspended until further notice.

Schools and Universities

On 25 February 2020, Bahrain suspended all schools, nurseries, and universities for two weeks to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Exercise

The Bahraini authorities announced guidelines for exercising in public, recommending solo exercising with physical distancing. The Interior Ministry requested that children should not be brought along for exercising.

Eid Celebrations

Eid celebrations were limited to small family gatherings for those residing in the same household, with social distancing guidelines to be adhered to.

Face Masks

The wearing of face masks in public became mandatory, with violators facing fines of up to 10,000 Bahraini dinars and potential jail time.

Cinemas, Salons, and Sports

Outdoor cinemas were allowed to operate, provided that health and social distancing guidelines were followed. Indoor cinemas, however, remained closed. Salons and barber shops were permitted to reopen as of 27 May, while professional sports players could resume outdoor training, provided they followed health and social distancing protocols.

The country's stimulus package to support the economy

Bahrain was one of the first countries to enforce strict lockdown restrictions, including closing all movie theatres, gyms, public swimming pools, and theme parks on 18 March 2020. The Bahraini government also unveiled a stimulus package worth $11.39 billion to support the country's economy during the pandemic, which also covered water and electricity bills for three months.

On 8 April 2020, the government announced it would spend $570 million to pay the salaries of all Bahraini employees (approximately 100,000) working in the private sector from April to June 2020. The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) also pledged to contribute BHD 2.5 million towards the national campaign to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The NBB's contribution was directed towards the 'There is Good in Us' campaign, managed by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, which aimed to enhance the Kingdom's efforts to combat the pandemic and reduce its financial impact on the economy and community.

The Bahraini government's stimulus package and the NBB's contribution were important initiatives to support the country's economy and alleviate the financial burden on businesses and individuals during the pandemic. These measures were designed to provide relief and help Bahrain weather the storm of the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.

The impact of the lockdown on businesses

Bahrain was one of the first countries in the Arabian Gulf to enforce strict lockdown restrictions in March 2020. The country closed all movie theatres, gyms, public swimming pools, and theme parks, and urged citizens to stay at home unless it was absolutely necessary to go out. These measures were taken to curb the spread of COVID-19, which had been confirmed in the country on February 21, 2020.

The lockdown had a significant impact on businesses in Bahrain, with most companies facing financial and operational challenges. Here are some key ways in which the lockdown affected businesses:

Disruption to Operations

The lockdown restrictions forced many businesses to temporarily close their physical locations, disrupting their operations. This was particularly true for non-essential businesses, such as retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The closure of these businesses led to a halt in revenue and disrupted their ability to serve their customers. Some businesses were able to pivot to online models or offer delivery services to mitigate the impact, but many others had to cease operations entirely during the lockdown.

Financial Challenges

Many businesses in Bahrain experienced financial difficulties due to the lockdown. With their operations disrupted and revenue streams interrupted, some companies struggled to stay afloat. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were particularly vulnerable, as they often had limited financial reserves and access to capital. The loss of income during the lockdown period led to cash flow problems, making it challenging for businesses to meet their ongoing expenses, such as rent, salaries, and loan repayments.

Supply Chain Disruptions

The lockdown also impacted supply chains, as businesses faced challenges in procuring raw materials and supplies. With travel restrictions and reduced production in many countries, businesses in Bahrain had to navigate supply chain disruptions and delays. This was especially true for businesses that relied on imports or suppliers from heavily affected regions. As a result, some companies had to find alternative suppliers or deal with shortages of critical components or inventory.

Change in Consumer Behaviour

The lockdown and the economic uncertainty it caused led to a change in consumer behaviour. Many individuals reduced their discretionary spending and became more cautious in their purchasing decisions. This shift in consumer behaviour impacted businesses, particularly those in the retail, hospitality, and non-essential goods sectors. Consumers also increasingly embraced digital channels and contactless payment methods, accelerating the need for businesses to enhance their online presence and digital capabilities.

Workforce Management

Businesses also had to navigate challenges related to their workforce during the lockdown. Some companies had to reduce their workforce or implement salary cuts to manage their financial situation. Others had to adapt to remote work arrangements and figure out how to maintain productivity and team morale during a challenging period. Ensuring the health and safety of employees who continued to work onsite was also a priority, with businesses needing to implement new protocols and provide personal protective equipment (PPE).

Government Support and Initiatives

The Bahraini government recognised the impact of the lockdown on businesses and implemented several support measures. They unveiled an $11.39 billion stimulus package to support the economy during the pandemic and provided salary support for private-sector employees. Additionally, the government partnered with organisations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assess the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 and develop recovery strategies. These initiatives aimed to provide financial relief and help businesses navigate the challenges posed by the lockdown.

The public health measures and guidelines

Bahrain was one of the first countries in the Arabian Gulf to enforce strict restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. Here is an overview of the public health measures and guidelines implemented in the country:

Social Distancing and Self-Isolation

Bahrain authorities urged citizens to stay at home unless going out for essential work or buying food and medicine. Public gatherings of more than five people were prohibited, and social distancing was strongly advised. The government also encouraged solo exercising or exercising in pairs while maintaining physical distance.

Travel and Border Control

Bahrain suspended flights from specific countries, including Dubai Airport and Sharjah Airport, and implemented travel bans for high-risk areas. The country also mandated a 14-day self-isolation period for individuals arriving from infected countries.

Business Operations

All non-essential commercial enterprises, including movie theatres, gyms, public swimming pools, and theme parks, were closed. Essential businesses such as supermarkets, banks, bakeries, and healthcare facilities were allowed to remain open with specific guidelines. For instance, supermarkets and food stores designated the first opening hour for elderly and pregnant customers.

Education and Childcare

All schools, nurseries, and universities were suspended for two weeks, with online learning and remote education becoming the norm.

Face Masks and Personal Protective Equipment

The Ministry of Health mandated the use of face masks in public spaces, with violators facing fines or potential jail time.

Sanitation and Disinfection

Retailers and businesses were instructed to regularly disinfect surfaces and maintain proper hygiene standards. The Civil Defence conducted disinfection operations across the country, targeting public spaces and high-risk areas.

Contact Tracing and Case Identification

Bahrain introduced the BeAware Bahrain smartphone app to facilitate contact tracing and notify individuals of potential exposure to COVID-19 cases. The app utilised location tracking and cloud technologies to identify close contacts and send alerts.

Testing and Quarantine

The country designated specific testing centres for COVID-19, including drive-through facilities, and implemented random testing for high-risk populations. Individuals under home quarantine were monitored through electronic wristbands paired with their smartphones.

Vaccination and Booster Shots

Bahrain offered multiple vaccines, such as Pfizer–BioNTech, Sinopharm BIBP, and Oxford–AstraZeneca, to its citizens for free. The country also provided easy access to vaccination registration and certificate retrieval through the BeAware Bahrain app.

Economic Support

The Bahraini government unveiled an economic stimulus package worth $11.39 billion to support businesses and citizens during the pandemic. Additionally, the government spent $570 million to cover the salaries of private-sector employees.

The country's vaccination efforts and progress

Bahrain has made significant progress in its COVID-19 vaccination efforts. As of June 2021, the country had raised its daily vaccination capacity to 31,000 doses as part of its national campaign. This move was directed by the government executive committee chaired by Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and Health Minister Faeqa Saeed Al-Saleh. The Health Minister emphasised the importance of continuing to adapt Bahrain's strategic COVID-19 plans according to epidemiological developments.

The minister urged citizens and residents to register for a vaccine and a booster shot through the Ministry's website. She assured the public that all approved vaccinations within Bahrain are safe and effective against the virus and its variant strains. Additionally, the minister emphasised the importance of adhering to precautionary measures even after vaccination to reduce the risk of infection and protect others.

By January 2021, Bahrain had inoculated a significant portion of its population, ranking as the third most vaccinated country per 100 people worldwide at 8.4%. The country offered four types of vaccines free of charge to the general public: Pfizer–BioNTech, Sinopharm BIBP, Oxford–AstraZeneca, and Sputnik V. Bahrain's vaccination efforts were so successful that it temporarily employed 630 foreign health workers to assist in the campaign.

As of December 2022, Bahrain maintained high vaccination rates, with over 75% of its population fully vaccinated. This placed the country among the leaders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in inoculation efforts, along with other wealthy Gulf states like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. Bahrain's progress in vaccination has been instrumental in safeguarding the health of its citizens and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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