Author: News Desk

Almost 60 percent of the 217 people on board an Antarctica cruise ship moored off Uruguay have tested positive for the new coronavirus, as authorities work to arrange the return home of crew and passengers, DPA reported. Six people on the vessel Greg Mortimer have been brought to hospitals in Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, and are in stable condition, the ship’s Australian operator, Aurora Expeditions, said on Wednesday.  Of the 217 people tested on the vessel, 128 were positive. “There are currently no fevers on board and all are asymptomatic,” a spokesperson for Aurora said. Most of those on the Antarctica expedition ship were from…

Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan announced the launch of an online service on Social Insurance Organization (SIO)’s portal, to allow employers to register, to take advantage of the government’s guarantee to pay the salaries of Bahraini employees in the private sector who number approximately 100,000 employees registered with SIO, for the months of April, May, and June. The minister affirmed that this step came within the framework of the directives of  His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the government headed by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa,…

The Ministers of the Interior of the Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, member countries held their 37th meeting today through video conferencing, chaired by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior reported BNA. During the meeting, its participants highlighted the importance of enhancing the cooperation and coordination in police and security work of GCC member countries, to serve their common interests. The meeting also discussed several issues and topics on its agenda related to joint security, as well as how to enhance the security and police work of GCC states, combat…

A total of 100 tons of rice, will be distributed to needy Bahraini families, as part of HRH the Prime Minister’s annual Ramadan grants. Preparations to distribute His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s annual Ramadan gifts have already started, as the relevant officials began coordination with charity societies and funds. Representatives of charity societies and funds extended heartfelt thanks and gratitude to HRH Premier for his unwavering interest in supporting the citizens and alleviating their burdens. They paid tribute to the Prime Minister for his success in enhancing Bahrain’s progress in various fields, in addition…

The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) Chairman Prince S Natarajan has announced that steps are being taken to provide the textbooks of the new academic year to all students at home in the wake of the coronavirus threat in the Kingdom. The school is in the process of implementing online classes for the academic year 2020-21 in compliance with the guidelines set forth by the government. The Indian School has already offered fee concessions to around 1000 students facing financial difficulties. But in the context of COVID-19, many parents are losing their jobs and are in financial problems.  The school is…

The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, has pardoned 599 prisoners jailed for various offenses, including 336 foreigners, the state-run Oman News Agency said on Twitter on Wednesday. The tweet did not say if the release was related to the coronavirus outbreak or the holy month of Ramadan, which starts later this month.

Formula One is to extend its shutdown period by a further two weeks from 21 to 35 days as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The shutdown is normally in the summer when teams are not allowed to carry out development work on their cars. Last month, governing body FIA brought the summer shutdown period forward to the spring and extended it by seven days to three weeks. FIA said Tuesday it was being extended again to five weeks. Teams and engine manufacturers must use the shutdown period by the end of May, according to DPA. The first eight races…

Oman Health Ministry reported 48 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of cases to 419, including 72 recoveries and two deaths. The ministry called upon all to adhere to the isolation procedures by staying in an isolated room with an attached toilet and serving the isolated person from outside the room as instructed, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported. It also advised all citizens and residents to keep on washing hands with water and soap, avoiding touching the face, nose, mouth, and eyes and following the healthy habits when coughing and sneezing. The ministry urged everyone to adhere strictly to social…

MPs have received a petition from the owners of salons and massage parlours in Bahrain demanding compensation. These facilities were asked to shut down two weeks ago, but will not reopen along with other commercial and industrial shops. The salons will remain closed until April 23. MP Ebrahim Al Nefaei is leading a move alongside other MPs to obtain financial support from Tamkeen to pay the rent and salaries of employees of these salons.

Football’s ruling body FIFA has set out guidelines on players’ contracts and transfer deadlines to enable league seasons to be extended beyond June as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. FIFA says players with contracts expiring on June 30 should be allowed to complete the season if it finishes at a later stage, reported DPA. Most leagues are suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and plans are being made to complete seasons – with play almost certainly going beyond that regular cut-off date. “With the current suspension of play in most countries, it is now obvious that the current season…