BAHRAIN’S only weekend flea market will be closed indefinitely to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, writes Mohammed Al A’Ali.
The Southern Municipal Council yesterday voted to shut down the popular market, located across from the Isa Town Traditional Market, which is visited by thousands of people every weekend.
The council’s decision has been accepted by the Southern Municipality, which informed traders not to set up their stalls today.
Municipality director-general Assem Abdullatif said the facility will be fenced off and security personnel will be stationed to ensure traders do not gather outside the venue.
“People’s health comes first and the current situation requires exceptional measures to ensure Covid-19 doesn’t spread,” said councillor Abdulla Abdullatif.
“The health crisis, which the world is facing, is not something subject for debate and with large crowds reaching up to thousands showing up at the market every week it is very difficult to ensure there would be no contact.
“Even when there is no physical contact, the items that are sold, mostly second-hand, could be contaminated, it is the flea market.”
Over the years the flea market has been at the centre of a number of controversies, earning a reputation as a place to buy stolen goods, exotic animals, pornography and unhygienic food.
Meanwhile, in its meeting yesterday the council also approved new guidelines for strict hygiene conditions in salons and massage parlours.
It comes after amendments were made to the original proposal following feedback from health authorities.
The council has demanded the Health Ministry conduct spot checks on salons for men and women to ensure high cleanliness standards are maintained, and more importantly that no contaminated equipment are being used.
It said that some of the outlets did not follow proper standards that could endanger public lives.
The council also demanded that furniture, equipment, wax, steam machines and other materials should be disinfected after every customer leaves.
Furthermore, the council wants workers to undergo regular medical tests rather than when their work permits are up for renewal.
