The closure of non-essential businesses will take effect on Thursday evening Businesses can still continue operating via online platforms, deliveries and takeaways DUBAI: Bahrain has ordered all non-essential businesses to close from Thursday, March 26, as the COVID-19 crisis continues, adding that only hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, bakeries, pharmacies, and banks can remain open. The directive, issued by the government’s executive committee added that restaurants can continue to operate, but on a takeaway and delivery basis only. Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism issued a notice clarifying what is deemed non-essential. The order requires all non-essential retail and industrial enterprises to close temporarily, from 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2020 until 1900 on Thursday, April 9, 2020. The order added that all retail and industrial enterprises would reopen open from April 9 to April 23. But retail and industrial organizations will be allowed to continue business via online platforms and social media The following types of business are excluded from these measures, and will be allowed to continue to operate as usual: Hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, grocery stores, butcher and fish shops, and bakeries Natural gas and liquid fueling stations Hospitals, medical centers, pharmacies and opticians Banks and currency exchange bureaus Corporate administration offices of companies and organizations that conduct activities without direct engagement with customers Businesses that import, export and distribute goods Garages and repair shops Businesses operating in the construction and maintenance industry Manufacturers