MANAMA — Bahrain will provide the coronavirus vaccine for free for all citizens and residents, the Bahrain News Agency reported on Thursday, citing a statement made by the government’s executive committee following a meeting. “In line with the directives of the king, plans and preparations aimed at providing a COVID-19 vaccine free of charge across 27 medical centers were discussed. These plans include vaccinating those over the age of 18 years of age, with a capacity of vaccinating 5,000 individuals per day, and working to expand this program to reach 10,000 vaccinations per day,” the statement read. Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is also the country’s prime minister, chaired the executive committee"s meeting remotely. During the meeting, the crown prince highlighted that in line with the king’s directives, a safe vaccine will be provided free of charge to all citizens and residents in the country. The crown prince emphasized that the challenges presented by COVID-19 have allowed for the awareness and responsibility of Bahrain’s community to be displayed through a collective adherence to all precautionary health measures. He expressed his pride in Bahrain’s frontline heroes and support network for their contributions to the ongoing success of mitigation efforts. A report submitted by the national medical taskforce to combat coronavirus headed by the chairman of the supreme council of health, Lt. Gen. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, on Bahrain’s national vaccination program was also reviewed in the meeting. — SG