SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2021 03 Carry PCR test result for entering Saudi Arabia through Causeway move is a welcoming decision to Dr Najat Abul-Fath, the Direc- Causeway to travellers across the GCC. tor of the Public Health Depart- • Many of them had termed the ment at the Ministry of Health, open on Monday decision as a “huge relief” for said that internal services are having relatives and businesses offered only to tourists showing PCR test results in the Kingdom. proof of vaccination or the green mandatory• both from Bahraini authorities earlier logo on the BeAware Bahrain Saudi and Bahrain side said that the Causeway opening app or other apps approved by would bring in $2.9 billion in the GCC countries. revenues this year, citing the Dr Fath also explained that Entry into Saudi spending in 2019. internal services are allowed Arabia• by the Saudis Reportedly, nearly 11 million for those under 18 years of age. does not require any visitors reached Bahrain in 2019, However, those under 12 years of additional procedures of which 9 million were tourists. age need a vaccinated or recov- Saudis accounted for 88% of the ered person with them. visitors to the Kingdom. Non-vaccinated individuals Tests should be taken are not welcome to internal ser- 72• hours before arrival Saudi is preparing to resume normal activities by lifting the suspension of travel and opening all ports, including the King Ready for influx vices of any of the facilities, in- Fahd Causeway. The 25-kilometre long Cause- cluding restaurants, cafes, pools, TDT | Manama suspension of travel and open- datory PCR tests and quarantine certificates ready on the Tawak- way connects the western termi- gyms, spas, hotels, etc. ing all ports, including the King for vaccinated and recovered kalna, the official Saudi Contact nus of the al-Khour neighbour- However, all groups of people Fahd Causeway. passengers upon arrival in the Tracing app, to gain entry,” he hood of Khobar, Saudi Arabia could enjoy external services olymerase chain reaction The authority in a tweet said Kingdom, starting Eid al-Fitr. said, adding that those coming and the eastern terminus of Al after ensuring masks, social dis- or PCR test results are that entry into Saudi Arabia by “The reopening will further from the Bahrain side should Jasra in Bahrain. tancing and other mandatory Pmandatory for entering the Saudis does not require any strengthen the socio-economic also present similar certificates Since 8 March 2020, the COVID-19 measures. Saudi Arabia through the King additional procedures, while ties and trade between the two on applications approved by the Causeway was temporarily Fatima Al-Sayrafi, Executive Fahd Causeway for non-Saudi negative PCR examination result countries,” said Imad Al-Mu- GCC countries. Travellers are closed to passenger traffic to Vice President of the Tourism citizens. is mandatory for non-Saudis. haisen, the CEO of the King Fahd also allowed to present negative stem the spread of the COV- Authority, said they are in con- The General Organisation for Bahrain also has similar re- Causeway Authority said. COVID-19 PCR test certificates ID-19 virus. On 23 July 2020, stant touch with all establish- the King Fahd Causeway said quirements in place for Saudi The authority, he said, also taken within 72 hours at the time the Causeway was reopened for ments in the tourism sector this ahead of reopening the citizens entering the Kingdom completed several projects dur- of arrival. allowing citizens to return with- to ensure strict adherence to Causeway on Monday after re- through the Causeway. Accord- ing the shutdown period on both However, the cancellation out prior permission. COVID-19 protocols. Al Sayrafi maining closed to non-commer- ingly, travellers entering the sides to best serve the travellers decision is not valid for those In light of the latest decision, said the authority is confident cial traffic from 10 September Kingdom should present a neg- and enhance hassle-free transit. falling in the age groups of 6 to the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibi- of the cooperation of the sector 2020 due to stem a surge in coro- ative PCR test result with a QR “Through intense coordina- 17 years and those who are not tions Authority had announced in overcoming these challenges. navirus (COVID-19) cases. code, taken within 72 hours of tion with departments on both vaccinated or recovered. taking all necessary measures to Sinan Ali Al-Jabri, Director of The Causeway authority also arrival. Authorities in Bahrain sides, the authority will apply Al-Muhaisen further called on handle the influx of travellers. the Tourism Facilities and Ser- said that the PCR test should will accept test results on any regulations and requirements all to follow the updates issued In a meeting with the own- vices Department at the Author- have been taken at least 72 hours official applications such as the stipulated by the health author- by the health authorities of both ers of tourist facilities, hotels, ity, said the commitment of the before crossing into Saudi Ara- “BeAware” app, “Tatamman”, ities of the Kingdoms for depart- Kingdoms regarding entry pro- restaurants and cafes, BTEA has tourism sector in ensuring COV- bia. “Sehhaty” and “Alhusen”, as well ing and arriving travellers.” cedures. conveyed all measures required ID-19 protocols are instrumental Saudi is preparingThe National to resume Medical as others. Taskforce “Those coming from the Sau- A gulf news report quoting to prevent the spread of the out- in strengthening the economy normal activitiesfor Combating by lifting the the Bahrain Coronavirus: had cancelled man- di side should have COVID-19 several travellers had said the break. and protecting the society. Updated passenger arrival procedures Precautionary measures to be applied in The reopening will Precautionary measures to mitigate the restaurants and cafes spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in home to mitigate the spread of coronavirus Vaccinated in a further strengthen (COVID-19) Vaccinated in country with mutual gatherings Bahrain or GCC the socio-economic recognition ties and trade Service inside restaurants and cafes shall be limited to: The number of attendees present must not Those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine or have recovered from the virus. ﺣﺎﺻﻞ ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﺘﻄﻌﻴﻢ COVID-19 between the two exceed 30 people when holding celebrations and Vaccinated No PCR testing No PCR testing family gatherings in private homes and locations, Children under the age of 18, those under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a vaccinated or recovered adult. No self isolation No self isolation countries whether indoors or outdoors. This does not include family members and those living with them such as Evidence must be presented via the (BeAware Bahrain) application, or any other approved IMAD AL-MUHAISEN, THE CEO OF THE domestic sta and those of similar status, or vaccinated application, or by presenting ocial documents providing proof of vaccination or recovery. KING FAHD CAUSEWAY AUTHORITY or recovered attendees. Requirements Requirements An infrared thermometer must be used to check the temperature of all sta and customers before entry. Any sta member or customer with a temperature of 37.5°C or above will be denied entry and The elderly and those with chronic diseases should be asked to call 444. Provide vaccination encouraged to avoid attending celebrations and family If a sta member or customer exhibits any symptoms associated with COVID-19 upon arrival at the Official mobile The 25-kilometre long gatherings. premises, they will be denied entry and asked to call 444. applications certificates recognised Causeway connects Restaurants and cafes must encourage reservations in advance, they may however permit guests by those countries The number of people sitting at one table should not without reservations if there is available capacity. the western terminus exceed six people. Ensure that non-vaccinated and non-recovered customers download the (BeAware Bahrain) ,Certificates issued Will be provided with of the al-Khour neigh- ً application and activate the location services option. If the application cannot be downloaded Buets should not be held under any circumstances. customers' personal data (name, contact information, date and time of visit) may be recorded. a card proving the by health ministries bourhood of Khobar, If a restaurant or cafe cannot seat a customer for any reason, the customer must wait outside the in the Kingdom or acceptance of their Saudi Arabia and the Masks should be worn at all times except when sitting at premises until they are able to be seated. across the GCC vaccination status the dining table. At least 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizers must be provided at locations, including but not limited eastern terminus of Al to the entrance, dining tables and restrooms. Jasra in Bahrain. Surfaces should be disinfected regularly, with focus on Paper napkins should be made available. The above requirements do not apply to passengers between the ages places with high contact possibility, such as door handles, dining tables, and seat cushions. of 6 to 17, and those not vaccinated or recovered Maharastra day The Maharastra Cultural society, a non-profit organisation, celebrated Maharastra Day of India yesterday virtually during a function in the presence of Indian Ambassador Piyush Shrivastava. The Indian Ambassador, conveying his greetings to MSC members, praised the Indian diaspora here for the instrumental role in spreading Indian culture and values abroad. Members presented various cultural programmes marking the occasion, said Kalpana Patil, the society President and Yogesh Kavitkar, the General Secretary. .