Bahrain COVID-19 Restaurant Guidelines

In light of the Government Executive Committee's directives, and the recommendations of the National Medical Taskforce to combat coronavirus, restaurants in Bahrain have been allowed a gradual reopening.

This post will be updated as per government guidelines, please check back before you visit a restaurant, and please contact your restaurant of choice for further information

Ease in restrictions on restaurants & cafes

As per the new guidelines, starting 31st July, restaurants located in 4 and 5-star hotels, as well as restaurants which obtain prior authorization from the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority can accept dine-in reservations for special occasions by groups not exceeding 20 persons per group, while strictly adhering to the following guidelines:

  • There must be a 2m distance between the edge of tables and in all four
    directions, permitting only 50% of the table’s capacity to be used, with a
    maximum of five customers per table.
  • For private events reservations, no more than 20 people per group are
    allowed. Only one reservation may be hosted at any time.
  • Food servers must maintain a 1m distance between themselves and
    customers at all times.
  • Temperature checks are mandatory for both staff and customers before entering the premises. Anyone with a temperature of 37.5 degree C or higher will be denied entry.
  • All staff & customers must wear face masks at all times (except when eating/drinking).
  • Restaurants & coffee shops must encourage advanced reservations.
  • Restaurants & coffee shops must record contact information, date, and time of visit for each reservation, and must hold the information for 30 days.
  • At least 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizers & paper napkins must be provided at various areas of the restaurant.
  • Only pre-wrapped disposable cutlery, straws, stir sticks, chopsticks or
    toothpicks can be provided to customers.
  • Reusable tablecloths, placemats and napkins must be washed after each customer.
  • Shared condiments must be removed from tables and served in single-use sachets and tins.
  • Tables and seats must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
  • Disposable menus should be used, if not, menus must be sanitized after every use.
  • Staff must regularly wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20
    seconds and immediately if their hands become visibly soiled.
  • Staff must wear gloves at all times. Gloves must be replaced if they become
    visibly soiled, ripped or whenever the employee uses the restroom.

How you can safely visit restaurants

If you choose to visit restaurants for dine-in, make sure you undertake strict precautionary measures to ensure health & safety.

Here are 10 tips you can follow to make sure that your visit is safe & risk-free:

  1. Follow all the precautionary guidelines issued by the government as they are enforced for your own safety
  2. Make sure to wear protective equipment including face masks & gloves at all times
  3. Wash your hands or sanitize after you touch any foreign surface including door handles, tables, cash, etc.
  4. Always maintain a 2 feet distance between yourself and other people and avoid any physical contact
  5. Try not to touch any foreign surfaces while eating. If you do, make sure to sanitize your hands before you continue eating
  6. Make a reservation at your restaurant of choice before you visit to ensure that you do not have to wait in line, increasing the risk of exposure
  7. Avoid traveling with large groups, restrict your visits to a maximum of 5 people at a time
  8. Don't initiate gatherings with friends or family in public or private spaces, limit your visits only to people you are living with.
  9. Do not take high-risk people (older and younger members, people with pre-existing conditions) to public spaces
  10. Avoid visiting any public spaces if you are unwell or may have been exposed to someone who is sick

Please be reminded that although the restrictions have been eased, the risk of COVID-19 still pertains. Practice social distancing & self-isolation as much as possible to reduce the spread of coronavirus & flatten the curve. And if you do decide to step out, make sure you are undertaking strict precautionary measures for your good and the greater good of the community.