Changes to Phase Four of Lock Down Restriction Easing Announced

Qatar’s Government Communications Office has announced the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management has approved changes to phase four of the easing of lock down restrictions in the country. Under the changes, phase four will be split into two. The first part of phase four will begin on 1 September. The second part of phase four will begin in the third week of September following a review of the health situation. Reviews will be ongoing between the first and second parts. In the first part of phase four, Metro and public transport services will be able to resume at 30%. The relevant procedures will be announced by the Transport and Communications Ministry. All personal boats and yacht rentals will be able to operate at 30% capacity. However, this will include boat workers. Driving schools will be able to carry on operating at 50% capacity. The Public Health Ministry will continue to update the list of low-risk countries periodically. Cinemas and theatres will be able to open at 15% capacity. Only those who are 18 or older will be allowed in. Children will also be allowed to enter malls. Playgrounds and leisure centres will stay closed. In addition, all mosques will be able to perform daily and Friday prayers, provided the relevant anti-Coronavirus measures are complied with. Toilets and ablution facilities will stay closed. Up to 80% of private and public sector employees will be able to return to their workplaces. Gatherings of up to 15 people inside and up to 30 outside will be allowed. Weddings of up to 40 people will be allowed inside and 80 outside. However, they will have to comply with the appropriate anti-Coronavirus measures. This includes activating the Ehteraz application and observing social distancing of two metres between tables. Up to five people will be allowed per table and handshakes and kisses as greetings will be banned. Those holding parties at home as well as managers of wedding venues will have to keep records of the contact information of all attendees. Local exhibitions will be allowed to resume provided there is no more than 30% capacity. The relevant procedures will be announced by the country’s National Tourism Council. Summer camps will remain closed as will sports equipment in public parks. Audiences will be able to attend sporting events up to 20% inside and 30% outside, in line with the procedures which will be announced by the relevant authorities. Private health clinics will be able to resume 100% of their activities. Normal working hours at malls will resume but they cannot be more than 50% full. Food courts in malls will be able to reopen at 30% capacity. Restaurants will be able to open at 30% capacity providing they comply with the procedures announced by the Commerce and Industry Ministry. Souqs will be able to operate at 75% capacity and wholesale markets will be able to increase their capacity to 50%.

Museums and public libraries will be able to resume full operations and open at their normal times. However, they will have to comply with the relevant anti-Coronavirus measures. Health clubs, gyms and public swimming pools will be able to continue operating at 50% capacity and massage and sauna services will be able to resume at 30% capacity. Indoor swimming pools will also be able to reopen at 30% capacity. Home beauty, barber, massage and fitness training services will continue to be suspended while private education and training centres will be able to continue operating at 50% capacity. Cleaning and hospitality services in workplaces will be able to resume operating at 30% capacity and these services can again be provided at homes. Full story

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