Bahrain announced on Thursday that it would limit public places as much as possible to vaccinated people only, after coronavirus cases reached a record level.
Health Ministry Undersecretary Waleed Al Manea attributed the increase to large gatherings at home during the Ramadan and Eid holidays, as well as increased testing.
As of May 21, only people aged above 18 who have completed 14 days since their second vaccine dose or who have recovered from the virus will be allowed at commercial centres, with the exception of supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and hospitals.
The restrictions, which apply to the purchase of food in shopping malls, restaurants, salons and cinemas, as well as offices that offer government services, will last until June 3.
The island nation of 1.7 million people on Wednesday registered 2,354 new Covid-19 infections and eight deaths to bring its total to 206,878 cases with 773 deaths. On May 15, authorities had recorded around 1,300 infections.
“We urge society to get vaccinated and to comply with precautionary measures for the sake of Bahrain,” Manea said in remarks posted on the ministry’s Twitter account.
About 48 of the eligible population have completed 14 days since their second vaccine shot, a member of the national coronavirus committee, Dr. Manaf Al Qahtani, said, adding that this equates to about 37 of the total population.
Qahtani said only 1 to 2% of this category had the virus, although most had mild symptoms.
Among the eligible population, 75 have won a first dose of the 4 vaccines offered.
Bahrain and the UAE this week said they would offer a booster shot for China’s Sinopharm vaccine.
Saudi Arabia reopened its borders on May 17, including a highway linking the kingdom with Bahrain.
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