Bahrain: Bahrain has said it will allow the return of students on an optional basis to their classrooms next week amid stringent precautions against the coronavirus.

“Starting from Sunday October 25, there will be partial return at all educational stages in public schools and private kindergartens for students whose parents have opted for their attendance of school,” Undersecretary of the Health Ministry Dr. Walid Al Manae said.

A health team has been set up at each school to be tasked with organising and applying health measures including checking temperatures of the staff and students, enforcing social distancing and constant sterilisation, he added, according to Bahraini newspaper Al Watan.

The new academic year for public schools started in Bahrain on October 11 with remote learning as a precaution to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

As part of further relaxation of the restrictions earlier imposed due to the virus outbreak, cafes and restaurants in Bahrain will be allowed beginning next Saturday to provide indoor services, Dr. Al Manae said. Thirty persons at maximum should be allowed inside the place, according to the new rules.