Third phase of easing COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar to start on July 28

Qatar will enter Phase 3 of the gradual lifting of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions on Tuesday, July 28, Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Hamad Medical Corporation, during the press conference today. 

Due to the cooperation of the residents and citizens in Qatar, beginning of the third phase moved from August 1 to July 28. 

The press conference highlighted the health measures and advice in place for Phase 3 of the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions.

Here are some of the key messages:

Social Gatherings

-  Social gatherings during phase 3 will be limited to 10 people indoor and 30 people outdoors.

-  People participating in gatherings of any size should: wear masks, practice hand hygiene, maintain a physical distance from others (1.5 m), avoid any kind of physical contact, including handshakes, etc., ensure proper ventilation.

- People over 60 years old, pregnant women, and those suffering from chronic conditions should try and avoid social gatherings, if possible.

Mosques

- The restricted number of Mosques and Eid musllahs will open during phase 3 for Friday prayers and Eid prayers.

- People must maintain a 1.5m physical distance always.

- People should bring their own prayer mats and Qur'an or use their phone Apps to read it.

- People over 60 years old, children, and those suffering from chronic conditions are advised to pray at home.

Barbershops and Hairdressers

- To re-open at up to 30% capacity with strict cleaning and disinfection measures.

- Masks, face shields, and gloves to be worn by staff.

- All staff is to be tested for COVID-19 prior to opening.

- Only clients with scheduled appointments to be allowed entry to ensure physical distancing and avoid crowding.

Gyms, Outdoor Swimming Pools, and Waterparks

- To re-open at a maximum capacity of 50%.

- Indoor swimming pools, sauna, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and massage services will remain closed.

- Swimming pools should be monitored by staff to ensure guests maintain physical distancing in and out of the pool.

-  No sharing of water bottles, towels, and other personal items.

Malls, Souqs, and Wholesale Markets

- Malls to continue to operate at 50%

- Children under 12 are not allowed.

- Souqs to operate with a maximum capacity of 75% (capacity will be determined according to risk assessment by the relevant government agencies) and wholesale markets to continue to operate at 30% capacity.

Parks, Corniche, and Beaches

- People should avoid sitting and picnicking while outdoors.

- Groups of a maximum of 30 people are allowed.

- Playgrounds, skate parks, and gym equipment will remain closed.

- While walking outdoors, masks should be worn.

- While exercising outdoors, there is no need to wear a mask. However, people should maintain a physical distance of at least 2m from others.

Restaurants

- Selected restaurants permitted to open at up to 50% capacity if accepted for pre-registration and certification by Qatar Clean Program.

- Precautionary measures include a minimum of 2 m between tables and a maximum of 4 people per table (6 if from the same household).

- Food courts in shopping malls to remain closed during phase 3.

Return to Work

- Maximum of 80% of employees on-site, and 20% to continue working from home. - Meetings in person to be limited to 10 people in one room.

Private Healthcare Facilities

- Operational capacity to increase from 60% to 80%.

- Home visits to resume with the following precautions: All staff must undergo COVID-19 testing before conducting home visits, PPE (masks/face shields/gloves) to be worn by healthcare workers for home visits with strict hand hygiene and disinfection of bags/equipment/ hard surfaces between patients.

MOPH advises everyone to strictly adhere to the precautionary measures during Eid Al Adha during prayers and when visiting family.

د. عبد اللطيف الخال: لا بأس من الزيارات العائلية خلال فترة العيد ولكن بشروط أن تكون الأعداد قليلة مع الحفاظ على تجنب المصافحة بالأيدي والحرص على لبس الكمام طوال فترة الزيارة

pic.twitter.com/ixhATC3x2K

— Covid19Qatar (@covid19qatar) July 26, 2020

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial