Bahrain: Authorities to implement revised quarantine procedures for all arrivals from August 21 /update 16

Event

The Bahraini government announced on Wednesday, August 19, that it would implement revised quarantine procedures for all arrivals from Friday, August 21, amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Under the new procedures, arrivals will undergo two tests for COVID-19, one on arrival and another ten days after; however, they will not be required to continue self-isolation if the first test produces a negative result. Previously, those arriving in Bahrain were required to undergo ten days of self-isolation regardless of their test results.

Several preventative measures remain in place in Bahrain, with schools and universities closed and gatherings of more than five people banned. Although Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is open for transiting passengers, entry to the kingdom limited to citizens and residents, with few exceptions. Social distancing measures are in place, and face masks are mandatory in public.

As of Thursday, August 20, there have been 47,950 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bahrain, including 178 deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized. 

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.