JEDDAH — Bahrain has ordered a two-week long closure of all non-essential businesses as it battles to stem the spread of coronavirus in the county, Bahrain News Agency reported late Tuesday quoting a directive issued by government’s executive committee. The move, which comes into effect on March 26 (Thursday), exempts hypermarkets, supermarkets cold stores, bakeries, pharmacies and banks. Restaurants can continue to provide services via take away or delivery only, according to the directive. Later, Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism issued a circular clarifying what is deemed non-essential. According to the circular, all retail and industrial enterprises will close temporarily from 7 p.m. on March 26 (Thursday) until April 9 (Thursday). All retail and industrial enterprises would be open again from April 9 to April 23, the circular added. However, retail and industrial organizations would be allowed to continue business via online and social media platforms. The following types of business are excluded from these measures, and may continue to operate as usual: * Hypermarkets, supermarkets, cold stores, grocery stores, butcher shops, fish shops, bakeries * Natural gas fueling stations and liquid fueling stations * Hospitals, medical centers, pharmacies and optical centers * 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 * Automotive garages and repair shops * Businesses operating in the construction and maintenance industry * Manufacturers