Bahrain Mirror- Reuters: Bahrain's economy contracted by 8.9% year on year in the second quarter, government data showed on Sunday, as the small Gulf state suffered from restriction measures to contain the new coronavirus.

Hotel and restaurant activity declined by 61.3% compared to the same period a year earlier.

"This is mainly due to the widespread restrictions imposed on tourists, hotel and restaurants and other related economic activities in the country due to the pandemic COVID-19 virus," the government said in a statement.

The oil sector increased by 3.2% at constant prices, while the non-oil economy declined by 11.5%.

S&P Global Ratings said this month Bahrain's real GDP could contract by 5% this year, due to the pandemic and the impact of lower oil prices on consumption and investment activities.

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