Transit travel resumes at Bahrain airport

Cairo: International passengers can now again stop for transit at the Bahrain International Bahrain, easing flight restrictions prompted by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

National carrier Gulf Air has announced the step, signaling improvement of the health situation in the country. However, entry into Bahrain continues to be limited to citizens and foreign residents there, the airline said.

"In compliance with the new regulations issued by the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority, we are welcoming back transit passengers through Bahrain International Airport, arrival into Bahrain remains restricted to nationals and residents," Manama-based Gulf Air said on its Twitter account.

Bahrain has reported a total of 684 infection cases including 423 recoveries and four deaths from Covid-19.

In an effort to contain the virus, the Bahraini government said it has started distributing electronic bracelets to identify and keep track of all active cases and their contacts.

The bracelets are compatible with Bahrain's COVID-19 contact tracing app, 'BeAware', the kingdom's Information and e-Government Authority (iGA) said

"The decision issued by Minister of Health, Faeqa Bint Saed Al Saleh, obliges self-isolating individuals to wear the electronic bracelet that will notify the monitoring station when they are 15 metres away from their phone, in which case a warning will be sent," iGA Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, said.

Violators will face legal penalties of imprisonment for minimum three months and a fine between BD1,000 and BD10,000, or either one of the two penalties, according to the official.

"The bracelet supports the Ministry of Health's mandate to address public health concerns during the global pandemic," Al Qaed added.