COVID-19: Bahrain sets entry rules for reopened King Fahd Causeway

Cairo: Bahrain has announced entry procedures for passengers arriving through the King Fahd Causeway linking it to Saudi Arabia.

As part of the procedures, arrivals have to undergo a PCR test to detect if they have COVID-19 at the causeway at the cost of 60 dinars, with all arrivers required to self-isolate until receiving a negative test result.

Those testing positive will be contacted by the Bahraini health authorities and provided with appropriate instructions including remaining in self-isolation, Bahrain’s news agency BNA has reported.

All arrivals have to download and register on the “Be Aware” application. Passengers, who have done a PCR test 72 hours at most before their arrival in Bahrain, have to present a negative result on the “Be Aware” app without having to undergo a new test.

Bahrain has urged all passengers arriving in the kingdom to abide by precautionary measures and health rules, including social distancing, wearing face masks and avoiding gatherings.

The 25km-long King Fahd Causeway was shut on March 7 as part of measures to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

The facility was reopened in late July as the Gulf countries have eased virus-related measures to prop up the economy.

The causeway was inaugurated in 1986 and has since been vital for movement between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, two members of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council.