Sri Krishna
The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management thanks to both residents and citizens for their responsibility to adhere to the precautionary steps to battle Coronavirus (COVID-19), which has added to restricting the spread of the virus. As the State of Qatar proceeds on to Stage 4, it is important for the community to keep on following methods to ensure that efforts are successful and the country can completely reopen.
Qatar’s general health indicators and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease rate in the community, has been decided to split stage four into two stages. The first stage will start on 1 September, and the situation will be surveyed on a continuous basis, including the re-imposing or lifting of certain restrictions based on development mid-September. The second stage will start toward the beginning of the third week of September.
The main period of stage 4 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar will include as following:
Mosques
Reopening of all mosques in the country to perform every day and Friday prayers, given precautionary steps are followed. Toilets and bathing facilities remain closed. To know which mosques close to you are reopening for Stage 4, click on the following link: https://www.islam.gov.qa/administrations/COVID19Mosques.aspx
The Ministry affirmed that full compliance with the precautionary steps will help in reaching at the full reopening of mosques. (QNA)
Precautionary steps for praying in mosques:
The Ministry of Endowments has stressed on the need to adhere to the precautionary steps and health preventive measures when going to mosques which are as per the following:
- Don’t come early for the prayers, mosques will open with Athan (Azan).
- Do bathing at home before going to the mosque. The mosque’s washrooms and bathing place will be closed.
- Maintain distance of two meters from each other. Don’t crowd inside the mosque.
- Avoid shaking hands with others even while wearing gloves.
- Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing.
- Show your ETERAZ application when you enter the mosque. It must show a healthy green status.
- Collaborate with the committee or people in charge for managing with the mosque.
- Put your prayer mat in the places with signs.
- Bring your own prayer mat to the mosque. Don’t share it with others and don’t leave it in the mosque.
- Wear a face mask even inside the mosque.
- Bring the Holy Quran from home and don’t share it with anyone or read the Holy Quran from the phone or read at home.
- According to precautionary steps, people who are experiencing chronic disease are needed to pray and read the Holy Quran at home.
Education
Nurseries
The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) has declared the approval of the reopening of 47 nurseries following the preventive and precautionary steps which are set up in the country.
Schools
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) chose to make amendments to the recently announced back-to-school plan for the 2020/21 academic year. The new plan includes the incorporation of the blended learning approach during the first semester of the upcoming year. We have made it easily for you to understand the blended learning approach here.
Exemption for students with chronic infections:
Special cases in school include students, who suffer chronic infections as supported by an approved medical report. Students whose parents suffer from chronic conditions are excluded from attending school to avoid the possible transmission of disease.
College Students
The Ministry gave circular to the college presidents with respect to the gradual participation. As per the circular, 30% of students will attend campus every day from September to November, with the blended learning being deployed. Exam attendance will be considered in the assessment marks. Colleges are encouraged to take all COVID-19 protective measures and guarantee that maintaining distance of 1.5 meters between students. Applicable complete awareness for the both students and employees should be started as a team with the MOPH.
Private education
Continuing with work by private education and centres at a maximum of 50%.
Workplaces
Continuing to follow the Council of Ministers’ choice, which restricts the limit in workplaces with a limit of 80% of employees in both the public and private sectors.
Gatherings
- Allowing gatherings of a limit of 15 people inside and 30 people outside.
- Allowing weddings with a limit of 40 people inside and 80 people outside, given precautionary steps are followed, including activating the Ehteraz application, maintaining distance of 2 meters between tables with a limit of 5 people for every table, and avoid handshakes and kisses while welcoming.
- People holding parties at home as managers of wedding venues are needed to keep the contact data and all things considered.
Playgrounds
Play areas and relaxation centres remain closed.
Local Exhibitions
Allowing local exhibitions with a limit of 30%, as per the procedures which will be declared by the National Tourism Council.
Public Transport Services
As per the GCO declaration for Phase 4 of the gradual lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions plan, public services are permitted to continue with a limit of 30% beginning September 1st. The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) has said in a different declaration that service hours will be the same as they were before the service suspension while the situation will be assessed on a weekly basis.
Doha Metro
According to Doha Metro, the working hours of the Metro will be the same, which is as below:
- 06:00 to 23:00 from Saturday to Wednesday
- 06:00 to 23:59 on Thursday and
- 14:00 to 23:59 on Friday
Metroexpress and Metrolink Services
Metroexpress services will continue under the same conditions. Metrolink will continue service on 17 selected courses between the following timings:
- Saturday to Wednesday 06:00 to 23:00
- Thursday 06:00 to 23:59
- Friday 14:00 to 23:59
Karwa Bus
The update schedule on Mowasalat’s website shows that the Karwa transport will resume with 22 public routes.
For the precautionary steps to be followed for travelling by Doha Metro and Karwa Bus.
Personal Boats and Yachts
Continuing to allow personal boats and yacht rentals with a limit of 30%, including boat workers.
Travel Policy
Continuing to follow Qatar’s travel policy. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) will keep updating the list of low-risk countries, like every two weeks.
Look at the list of low-risk countries here and the rules for home quarantine according to MOPH Qatar.
Driving Schools, Summer Camps and Sporting Events
Continuing with the operation of driving schools with a limit of 50%. Continuing with the suspension of summer camps and as the use of equipment in the public parks. Allowing audiences to attend sporting events with a limit of 20% inside and 30% outside, as per the methodology which will be announced by the relevant authorities.
Private Health Clinics
All private health facilities will be allowed to continue work in full capacity.
Malls and Shopping Centers
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has reported the fourth period of the gradual lifting of restrictions forced on malls and shopping centres.
Click here to know more about this.
Restaurants
Allowing the increase in restaurants limit starting with 30%, as per the methodology which will be set by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).
Souqs and Wholesale Markets
Allowing souqs to work with a 75% limit and raising the capacity at wholesale markets to 50%.
Museums and Public Libraries
Allowing museums and open libraries to work in full limit and normal hours given all precautionary steps are followed.
Spa, Gym and Public Swimming Pools
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has reported the stage 4 of the gradual lifting of Covid restrictions forced on spa activities, massage services and indoor swimming pools, which will come from 15 September.
- Increasing the occupancy rate of men’s beauty parlors and ladies’ beauty centres to 50% of the total capacity.
- Allowing the resumption of spa activities, massage services, jacuzzi, Moroccan and Turkish bath services, and indoor pools with a capacity of 30% of the normal capacity in hotels.
- Moroccan and Turkish bath and indoor swimming pools in ladies’ beauty centres and gyms with a limit of 30% of the normal capacity, given the complete region of the facility isn’t under 250 square meters, subject to get the earlier approval of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Opening of facilities that give massage services, Jacuzzis, Moroccan and Turkish bath services, and indoor swimming pools, which is under 250 square meters, is postponed to the next period of gradual lifting of restrictions imposed on spa activities.
To think about the guidelines to be followed, as set by MoPH and MADSLA,
Home Beauty, Barber and Fitness Training
Continuing with the suspension of home beauty, barber, massage and fitness training services.
Cleaning and Hospitality Services
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has posted the rules for the resumption of cleaning and hospitality services during Phase 4 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, allowing cleaning and hospitality services companies to continue their work in workplaces and homes, given that staffing levels don’t exceed 30% of complete working capacity, in addition to adhering to the requirements of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME). The decision becomes effective on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 and might be dependent upon changes and updates as per the most recent improvements in such manner.
Look at the precautionary steps for clients and for company owners here.
Precautionary steps to be taken by all
The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management emphasises that the assessment of lifting further measures depends upon the cooperation of all and the duty to following precautionary steps:
- Adherence to physical distancing.
- Avoid close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where other people.
- Wearing a face mask.
- Washing hands regularly.
- Particular, it is essential that we keep on protecting the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.
- When spending time at home with elderly family members or those with chronic diseases, ensure you wash hands regularly, wear a mask and maintain social and physical distancing.
- Anybody suffering from COVID-19 side effects should either contact 16000 helpline or go directly to one of the designated health centres to go through the important checks: Muaither, Rawdat Al Khail, Umm Slal, or Al Gharafa Health Centers. This is important as the prior the disease is detected the easier it will be to get the right treatment and recover from it.
- Visit the MOPH website for regular updates and new information.
