Bahrain's Covid-19 Situation: An Update

The COVID-19 pandemic in Bahrain was part of the worldwide pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus was confirmed to have reached Bahrain on 21 February 2020, with the first cases stemming from visits to Iran. The Bahraini government was quick to implement policies to restrict the spread of COVID-19, including closing schools and restricting travel to Iran and the Dubai International Airport. However, the country allowed shops to remain open and was one of the first nations to begin easing lockdown restrictions in early April 2020. Despite these efforts, COVID-19 continued to spread in Bahrain, with active cases and deaths persisting into 2021.

COVID-19 in Bahrain impacted migrant workers, with up to 90% of active cases in migrant camps

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on migrant workers in Bahrain, with crowded living conditions and a lack of resources contributing to high infection rates in migrant camps. As of April 2020, up to 90% of active COVID-19 cases in the country were in migrant work camps. This situation highlighted the vulnerabilities of migrant workers in Bahrain and the challenges faced by the Bahraini government in managing the pandemic.

Bahrain relies heavily on migrant labour, particularly from South and Southeast Asia, as well as East Africa, to support its economy. The migrant population in Bahrain is substantial, making up around 45% of the total population in 2019 and constituting 79% of the workforce. However, these migrant workers often face challenging living conditions, with overcrowded dormitories and limited access to resources.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issues in these migrant camps. With the slowdown of the Bahraini economy, many migrant workers lost their jobs and turned to charities for food, forming long lines that increased the risk of virus transmission. The dense population and inadequate resources in the camps created an ideal environment for the virus to spread rapidly.

In response to the situation, the Bahraini government implemented several measures to address the health and financial issues faced by migrant workers. They relocated 8,011 individuals from crowded camps to alternative accommodations, including closed schools, to reduce overcrowding. The government also urged employers to provide additional accommodations for their workers and waived all fines and residence fees for migrant workers.

Furthermore, the government recognised the importance of ensuring access to healthcare for this vulnerable population. They pledged to cover the medical expenses of migrant workers infected with COVID-19 and committed to distributing 30,000 hot meals daily to those in need. These steps were crucial in protecting the health and well-being of migrant workers during the pandemic.

The high prevalence of COVID-19 in migrant camps in Bahrain brought attention to the inadequate living conditions and the need for improved protections for migrant workers. A coalition of 16 NGOs and trade unions, including prominent organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, advocated for the Bahraini government to provide sufficient protections and healthcare for migrant workers, given their increased risk of infection.

Bahrain's economy was adversely affected by the pandemic, with a decrease in real gross domestic product (GDP) and an increase in unemployment

Bahrain's economy was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a decrease in real gross domestic product (GDP) and an increase in unemployment. The country's real GDP was expected to decrease by 3.59% from BHD 12.90 billion in 2019 to BHD 12.44 billion in 2020. The pandemic caused a rise in unemployment, with the official figures showing an increase of 0.9%. The sectors most affected by the pandemic included retail, restaurants, hotels, tourism, and transportation, which resulted in a drop in private investments and projects.

The Bahraini government implemented various policies to curb the spread of the virus and mitigate the economic impact. They closed schools, restricted travel to high-risk areas, and became one of the first nations to ease lockdown restrictions in early April 2020. Additionally, the government provided financial relief to migrant workers, who were particularly vulnerable due to their living conditions, by cancelling fines and residence fees and covering medical expenses related to COVID-19.

The pandemic disrupted many supply and demand relationships in Bahrain's economy. On the supply side, the lockdown decreased labour productivity in some sectors due to fear, travel restrictions, and other activities. The tourism, hospitality, and transportation sectors were among the most affected, while there was an increase in productivity and demand in sectors like IT, medical care, and pharmaceuticals. On the demand side, consumer spending decreased due to lockdown effects, leading to reduced prices in sectors like retail.

To support the economy during the pandemic, the Government of Bahrain launched a stimulus package worth 11.38 billion US dollars, equivalent to 29.6% of the country's annual GDP. The package aimed to mitigate the fall in GDP and the rise in unemployment caused by the pandemic. The Central Bank of Bahrain also lowered interest rates to increase aggregate spending and investment, though this could potentially lead to an increase in the money supply and impact raising prices.

Despite the challenges, Bahrain's economy showed signs of recovery in June and July 2020, with increases in consumer activity, exports, and real estate transactions. However, the long-term effects of the pandemic and the stimulus package on Bahrain's economy remain uncertain.

Bahrain's response to COVID-19 included closing schools and restricting travel to certain countries

Bahrain was quick to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing policies to restrict the spread of the virus. The country's initial cases were largely linked to visits to Iran, the regional epicentre of the virus, and the government acted swiftly to close schools and restrict travel to Iran and Dubai International Airport, a major travel hub outside of Bahrain. These measures were part of Bahrain's broader strategy to curb the spread of the virus, which also included suspending flights to and from affected areas and imposing a travel ban on Iran.

In addition to these travel restrictions, Bahrain also took steps to increase social distancing and reduce transmission within the country. On February 25, 2020, the government announced the suspension of all schools, nurseries, and universities for two weeks. This decision aimed to curb the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of students, staff, and the wider community. The closure of educational institutions was accompanied by the postponement of exams, ensuring that academic activities were temporarily halted to minimise the risk of infection.

The Bahraini government's response to the pandemic also included economic measures to support the country's citizens and businesses. On March 17, 2020, the government unveiled an $11.39 billion stimulus package to bolster the economy and provide relief to residents. This package included coverage of water and electricity bills for three months, recognising the financial strain that many individuals and businesses were facing due to the pandemic.

Furthermore, Bahrain's response to COVID-19 extended beyond its borders, as the country participated in international efforts to combat the virus. On March 22, Bahrain announced its involvement in the World Health Organization's SOLIDARITY trial, becoming the first Arab country to join this research initiative. This trial focused on developing new evidence-based treatment modalities for coronavirus, contributing to the global search for effective treatments.

Overall, Bahrain's response to COVID-19 included a range of measures such as closing schools, restricting travel to certain countries, implementing social distancing, and providing economic support. These actions reflected the government's efforts to protect the health and well-being of its citizens and slow the spread of the virus within the country and the region.

The Bahraini government provided support to migrant workers, such as covering medical expenses and providing meals

The Bahraini government has implemented several measures to support migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Firstly, it prioritised the protection of every citizen and resident, including migrant workers, who make up a significant proportion of the country's population and workforce. The government recognised the essential role that migrant workers play in driving Bahrain's diverse economy, including sectors such as nursing, construction and logistics.

To ensure the health and safety of migrant workers, the government established a comprehensive public health and social welfare protocol. This included directing employers to provide masks and conduct temperature checks at worksites. Additionally, employers were mandated to provide 10% additional accommodation capacity to support social distancing measures, and regular field visits were conducted by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to ensure that migrant worker housing met public health and social welfare standards.

The Bahraini government also addressed the financial challenges faced by migrant workers during the pandemic. It supported the private sector by mandating a three-month moratorium on work permit issuance and renewal fees, followed by an additional three months of reduced fees. This not only stimulated the economy but also provided new work opportunities for thousands of workers. Furthermore, the government pledged to cover the medical expenses of migrant workers related to COVID-19, ensuring that this vulnerable population received the necessary treatment without financial barriers.

In addition to covering medical expenses, the Bahraini government prioritised providing meals to migrant workers. Free hot meals were delivered daily to all foreign workers placed in government-mandated home quarantine, with over 250,000 meals provided. The government also vowed to distribute 30,000 hot meals a day to workers seeking food, ensuring that no one went hungry during the pandemic.

The measures taken by the Bahraini government to support migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate its commitment to protecting the health, safety and well-being of this vulnerable population. By addressing both the health and financial needs of migrant workers, Bahrain made significant strides in its COVID-19 response while also improving the quality of life for its most disenfranchised inhabitants.

High-risk groups for COVID-19 in Bahrain included those with immunocompromised conditions, lung disease, and hypertension

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Bahrain, with the country reporting its first cases in February 2020. Since then, Bahrain has implemented various measures to curb the spread of the virus, including travel restrictions, social distancing, and school closures.

One of the key focuses of Bahrain's response to the pandemic has been the protection of high-risk groups. Those with immunocompromised conditions, lung disease, and hypertension were identified as being at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. This is consistent with findings from other countries in the region, such as a study in Saudi Arabia that identified similar risk factors.

To protect these vulnerable groups, Bahrain implemented several strategies. The country's health ministry set up COVID-19 sampling stations in Manama, Durrat Al Bahrain, and Budaiya, specifically targeting at-risk populations, including elderly individuals and workers in essential sectors. Additionally, Bahrain's National Health Regulatory Authority designated specific hotels for asymptomatic patients, ensuring they received appropriate medical care.

The Bahraini government also recognised the unique challenges faced by migrant workers, who made up a significant portion of the country's population. Due to their living conditions, migrant workers were at an increased risk of infection. In response, the government relocated individuals out of crowded camps and into different buildings, such as closed schools, to reduce overcrowding. They also waived all fines and residence fees for migrant workers and pledged to cover their medical expenses related to COVID-19.

Through a combination of targeted interventions and collaboration with international partners, Bahrain has worked to protect its most vulnerable citizens and residents from the worst effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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