Bahrain Restricts Access for Unvaccinated

Customers shop for gold at a shop in Manama, Bahrain April 20, 2021. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Customers shop for gold at a shop in Manama, Bahrain April 20, 2021. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
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Bahrain Restricts Access for Unvaccinated

Customers shop for gold at a shop in Manama, Bahrain April 20, 2021. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
Customers shop for gold at a shop in Manama, Bahrain April 20, 2021. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Bahrain said on Thursday it would restrict access to most public venues to immunized people only after coronavirus cases hit a record high in the country.

Health Ministry Undersecretary Waleed Al Manea attributed the spike to large gatherings at home during 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 centers, with the exception of supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and hospitals.

The restrictions, which apply to shopping malls, restaurants, salons and cinemas as well as offices providing government services, will last until June 3.

The country on Wednesday registered 2,354 new COVID-19 infections and eight deaths to bring its total to 206,878 cases with 773 deaths.

"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.

Around 48% of the eligible population has completed 14 days since their second vaccine shot, said a member of the state coronavirus committee, Dr. Manaf Al Qahtani, adding this was equivalent to around 37% of the total population.

Qahtani said only between 1% to 2% of this category caught the virus but that the majority had mild symptoms.

Of the eligible population, 75% have received a first dose from among the four vaccines on offer.



Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund, in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund, in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Meets with Head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund, in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, meets with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund, in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held talks in Riyadh on Tuesday with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's Direct Investment Fund.

The meeting was held after talks between the US and Russia in Riyadh aimed at bolstering global security and peace.