MANAMA — Bahrain has decided to impose stricter measures for three weeks to curb the spread of COVID-19 amid a surge in new cases, the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported on Thursday. The move, which will come into force on Feb. 21 (Sunday) and will continue until March 14, was taken by the country"s National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus (COVID-19) during a meeting on Thursday to review the latest COVID-19 developments in the kingdom. As part of the efforts to combat the deadly virus, the national taskforce decided to take the following measures: — All government entities and institutions to allow a maximum of 70 percent of employees to work from home — Temporary suspension of in-person learning across all nurseries, public and private schools as well as higher education institutes and universities — Temporary suspension of in-person activities at government rehabilitation centers affiliated with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development — Temporary suspension of in-person activities at nurseries and private training institutes licensed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development — Temporary closure of indoor gyms, sports halls and swimming pools, including all indoor exercise classes — Outdoor exercise as part of gyms and sports halls, including exercise classes, may continue with a maximum of 30 participants — Temporarily limit dining services to outdoors — Any social event or gathering in a private residence or other private space with more than 30 participants is strictly prohibited These restrictions exclude schools and institutions catering, for individuals with special needs, medical students, as well as teachers, principals, and all other educational administrative staff, the BNA added in the report. According to the report, the taskforce noted that relevant decisions on sector activities will be reviewed periodically according to the latest COVID-19 developments and statistics, in order to ensure the health and safety of all. The taskforce also noted that a strong and unified commitment to precautionary measures will keep the community safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19.