Saudi Gazette report

MANAMA — Alarmed by the recent surge in new coronavirus cases, Bahrain has suspended all Indoor sports activities, including gyms, for two weeks, beginning on Sunday (Feb. 7), the Bahrain News Agency reported on Friday.

The new preventive measures, which were taken in response to recommendations made by the national coronavirus taskforce and will be in force until Jan. 20, are the following:

— Government entities and institutions to allow a maximum of 70 percent of employees to work from home

— Temporary closure of indoor gyms and sports halls, and swimming pools, while outdoor exercising for gyms and sports halls may continue with a maximum of 30 individuals

— Temporary suspension of indoor exercise classes

— The prohibition of all social gatherings or private events held at home, and private locations, with more than 30 individuals

The taskforce highlighted that these measures will further strengthen national efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard the health of the kingdom’s community.

In this regard, the taskforce reiterated that the health of all citizens and residents remains the kingdom’s top priority, adding that the responsibility is held by each member of society to ensure national mitigation efforts are implemented and understand the risks associated with complacency.

The taskforce further highlighted the importance of vigilantly following all precautionary and social distancing measures, stressing that legal action will be taken against individuals or facilities violating the new measures.