Bahrain
BeAware App: Everything you need to know
The “BeAware Bahrain” app was launched by The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) in collaboration with the National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
It aims to unify efforts toward mitigating the spread of coronavirus by active contact tracing, new case and recovery updates on, test scheduling facility, regulation of those in-home quarantine and more.
- The app is available to download free of charge for all on IOS and Android from bahrain.bh/apps.
How does it work?
- Once downloaded and registered in the app, self-isolating users are required to ensure their smart devices are charged and that their location services, Bluetooth, GPS and internet connection are on. iPhone users will need to ensure that the ‘Allow Location Access’ is set at ‘Always’.
- The app utilizes location data to – notify individuals in the event they approach an active case or a location an active case has visited, track movement of – self-isolation cases for a duration of 14 days, as well as publish health recommendations and highlight global COVID-19 developments.
- Self-isolating individuals using the application must identify their isolation location, in most cases their home, by selecting “Set Home Location”. Users can correct location information by calling 444.
- A waterproof, tamper-proof GPS tracking bracelet is assigned to those in self-isolation, which shares real time-tracking information with health workers.
- Self-isolating individuals must wear the electronic bracelet that will notify the monitoring station when they are 15 meters away from their phone, in which case a warning will be sent. Attempting to remove or tamper with the bracelet is a legal violation.
- Ministry of Health officials may randomly send picture requests to which self-isolating individuals must respond with a photo that clearly shows their face and bracelet.
- Violators will face legal penalties, potentially being sentenced to imprisonment for a period not less than 3 months and a fine between BD1,000 and BD10,000, or either one of the two penalties.
- Self-isolating individuals are also required to schedule a COVID-19 exit test 3 days prior to the end of their self-isolation period. By calling 444 or visiting the Ministry of Health website or using the app features, users in self-isolation may schedule their compulsory exit swab tests 3 days prior to the end of their isolation period.
- The online reservation system also includes the drive-through testing facility located at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Tests are free and results may be checked on the app or on the Ministry of Health website portal.
