Bahrain introduced a series of contingency measures yesterday in light of developments in the regional security situation.
These include a remote working protocol in educational institutions and a 70 per cent work-from-home system in ministries and government entities.
In addition, the Interior Ministry advised all citizens and residents to use the main roads only when necessary, to maintain public safety and to allow the relevant authorities to use the roads efficiently.
The Civil Service Bureau said the remote working system excludes sectors where physical presence is essential or which have specific procedures in place for emergencies.
The new protocol will be implemented in line with public safety requirements, starting today and until further notice.
The Education Ministry has issued instructions to all public and private educational institutions, including kindergartens, schools and universities, to switch to at-distance learning and activate their digital platforms as a precautionary measure.
Any institution wishing to make enquiries or receive support in managing its operations can contact the ministry and the Higher Education Council through official communication channels.
The Indian School Bahrain admitted that it had received a ‘precautionary message’ from the ministry to switch to online learning.
“We received a message from the ministry instructing the school to transition to online learning for the remainder of the term,” said Riffa campus principal Pamela Xavier, in a circular to parents.
“Online classes will be held for grades nine to 12, while grades four to seven begin their summer holidays today. Grades nine to 12 break for summer holidays on Thursday,” said Isa Town campus principal V R Palaniswamy.
St Christopher’s School principal Simon Watson said that the school was transitioning to online learning, as per ministry instructions.
Iskcon Bahrain announced the cancellation of all gatherings until further notice.
“All scheduled programmes are now on hold,” it said yesterday.
Regular sevas (aarti and offering) will be carried out by the resident devotees while all Bhakti Vriksas have been moved online.
“Devotees are requested to keep chanting and pray for the quick resumption of the peace in the region,” added the statement.
Meanwhile, Government Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres said they will continue to provide all healthcare services across their facilities as normal.
This includes outpatient clinics, emergency departments, medical wards and specialised service centres within the Government Hospitals’ facilities, as well as general and specialised clinics, dental services, laboratory and radiology services, physiotherapy services and supporting facilities within the Primary Healthcare Centres. All will be adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety.
The BDF Hospital said that medical and nursing teams will continue to operate within an integrated system to ensure uninterrupted delivery of healthcare.
Health centres, Salmaniya Medical Complex, the Psychiatric Hospital as well as other specialised centres and affiliated hospitals, have reiterated their dedication to maintain the smooth flow of services and quality of performance across all departments.
Meanwhile, advisories were also issued by several embassies for their nationals residing in the kingdom.
The Indonesian Embassy urged its nationals to stay calm and follow instructions by the local authorities.
It also provided details of hotlines (38791650 and 39737478) to call in case of an emergency, encouraging Indonesians to download MyGov application for regular updates.
The British Embassy also released a statement on social media recommending Britons in Bahrain to closely monitor and follow the guidance issued by the kingdom’s authorities, and to sign up for the latest travel advice by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on www.gov.uk.
As for travellers, Bahrain International Airport has advised passengers to check directly with their respective airlines for the latest updates on closure of airspace in certain countries before heading to the airport.
There were also social media reports claiming that several residents living near the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Juffair were asked to temporarily evacuate to another location, though there was no official confirmation.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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