Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid Al-Khater, Spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, announced Qatar’s plans to ease coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in four phases on June 8, 2020.

Based on the available public health data and COVID-19 spread indicators, including passing the peak, flattening the curve, and reducing the spread of the virus, the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management has decided to launch phase 2 of the gradual reopening plan on July 1, 2020, as initially planned.

Phase 2 will include the following:

Mosques
The restricted opening of mosques will continue for all five prayers with limited capacity as well as the implementation of precautionary requirements.

Gatherings

Public and private gatherings limited to five people only will be allowed, and violators will be subject to the relevant offenses and penalties.

The number has been reduced from 10 to 5 people following the discovery of numerous cases amongst Qatari nationals due to majlis gatherings and family visits, and amongst white-collar expats due to uncontrolled contact with no precautionary measures.

Public and private sector employees
50% of public and private sector employees will be allowed at the workplace as needed, if employers meet hygienic requirements, implement precautionary measures, and continue to protect vulnerable employees by allowing them to work remotely.

Boat rental
Families will be allowed to rent boats and yachts in groups not exceeding 10 people.

Parks and beaches
All parks and beaches as well as the corniche will be reopened for people of all ages while continuing to practice social distancing. Play areas will remain closed.

Sports
Sports training in open spaces and large halls will be permitted for professional athletes in groups not exceeding 10 people.

Private health facilities
The capacity of private health facilities will be increased to 60% while continuing to provide emergency services.

Restaurants
Restaurants will be allowed to reopen with limited capacity; the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) will issue a comprehensive statement on the matter.

Museums and Libraries
Libraries and museums will reopen with limited capacity and limited working hours.

The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management would like to remind the public that transition from one phase to the next depends on everyone’s cooperation and adherence to the precautionary measures outlined by the Council of Ministers including wearing masks when going outside, downloading the Ehteraz application, and practicing social distancing.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

SOURCE: QATARLIVING