Thousands of workers get new accommodation amid COVID-19 outbreak

Bahrain, 31 May 2020 [Fik/News Sources]: Employers in Bahrain have provided new accommodation for workers to ease overcrowding in labor camps as the country struggles to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the state news agency has reported.

The move comes as the country urged employers to ensure workers’ safety, especially in high-density accommodation.

Labor and Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan said it was important for employers to adhere to preventive measures and commit to social distancing standards at work sites and labor camps.

He said around 8,011 workers have so far been given new accommodation.

A special committee was formed to monitor the cooperation of companies, Humaidan said, adding violators will be punished.

The minister said the private sector should implement working from home as much as possible, as long as it would not affect productivity levels.

Humaidan also said the ministry had ordered 1,055 work sites for regular sanitation, and had urged companies to ensure their workers are aware of ways to prevent the spread infectious and communicable diseases.

The ministry will distribute more than 400,000 booklets to 350,000 foreign workers in various languages as part of a national awareness campaign against the spread of COVID-19.