A PLEA for financial support has been issued by owners of salons, massage parlours and fitness centres, writes the GDN's Mohammed Al A'Ali.
These facilities have been asked to remain closed for another two weeks, while other commercial and industrial businesses providing goods or services directly to customers will reopen under strict guidelines tonight.
Under government measures to combat the spread of Covid-19, salons, cinemas, gyms, fitness studios, swimming pools and recreational activities will remain closed until April 23.
Sheesha cafes will also remain closed, while services offered by these cafes and restaurants will be limited to takeout and delivery.
To offset the financial impacts of the pandemic, the government has already waived electricity and water bills, along with municipal fees and labour fees, while it is also paying the wages of Bahrainis for three months and has asked banks to defer loan instalments for six months.
However, MP Ebrahim Al Nefaei, alongside other MPs, are also hoping to obtain financial support from Tamkeen to pay for the rent and wages of employees of salons.
It comes after a petition was presented to MPs signed by salon owners requesting financial support.
According to latest statistics, there are around 3,000 salons, massage parlours and fitness centres registered in Bahrain.
“The average wage for expats is around BD300 and can be easily shouldered by Tamkeen,” said Mr Al Nefaei.
“These small and medium businesses need to survive when the market returns in the future.”
He was supported by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, who said since the closure is part of measures to combat the coronavirus the businesses should be compensated by Tamkeen.
Parliament second vice-chairman Ali Al Zayed also said he was bombarded with calls from salon owners after the move was announced on Tuesday night, with complaints that they will struggle to stay afloat.
“There is no income generated for those outlets and it is not like they are making any profit, they are making nothing, so they are not saving even from government waivers or delays to bank instalments,” he said.
“They need immediate help because their situation is extremely difficult as they have been hit the worst.”
