Retail outlets to be shut for two weeks

ALL retail outlets will be closed for two weeks starting from Thursday as part of Bahrain’s efforts to limit the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19).

Hypermarkets, cold stores, bakeries, pharmacies and banks have been exempted from the temporary shutdown, which will continue until April 9.

While restaurants and cafes will continue to provide delivery and takeaway services.

The decision was announced last night by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani during a Press briefing broadcast live on YouTube.

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He was speaking alongside Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh, Public Security chief Lieutenant General Tariq Al Hassan, Covid-19 Control and Monitoring Committee head Lieutenant Colonel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani and Covid-19 Task Force head Dr Jameela Salman.

“Commercial outlets will be closed from March 26 until April 9,” said Mr Alzayani.

“All hypermarkets, cold stores, bakeries, pharmacies and banks will remain open.

“The temporary closure is part of measures to combat the spread of Covid-19.

“Restaurants will continue delivery and takeaway services.”

Mr Alzayani added that all retail stores will reopen from April 9 to April 23.

Mr Alzayani also reassured the public of food security in the country and the availability of medication and medical supplies, urging people not to “stock up”.

“Thanks to the directives of the Crown Prince and the support from the private sector, we assure everyone that sufficient food stock is available, so there is no need to purchase extra,” he said.

“Also, pharmaceutical and health items – you don’t need to store them.

“Hypermarkets, bakeries and mini markets will be open as usual and they have responded quickly by taking initiatives on delivery services.

“All these moves are in line with the efforts to contain and stop the spread of the virus, so please don’t go out unless when needed.”

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/787388/Retail-outlets-to-be-shut-for-two-weeks