Bahrain has said it will restrict access to most public venues to immunised people only after coronavirus cases hit a record high in the Gulf state which has seen an influx of visitors from Saudi Arabia after a causeway reopened this week.

As of May 21, only people aged above 18 who have completed 14 days since their second vaccine dose or who have recovered from the virus will be allowed at commercial centres, with the exception of supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and hospitals.

The restrictions, which apply to shopping malls, restaurants, salons and cinemas as well as offices providing government services, will last until June 3, according to Reuters.

The island nation of 1.7 million people registered 2,354 new Covid-19 infections and eight deaths to bring its total to 206,878 cases with 773 deaths.