Qatar enters Phase 4 of easing of COVID-19 restrictions

Qatar has successfully reached the final phase of its gradual lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions plan.

Phase 4 has been split into two as announced by the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management on August 26, 2020.

The first stage commences today with the resumption of several activities and services in line with the necessary precautionary and preventive measures to protect everyone against COVID-19.

Below are some highlights of the first part of Phase 4:

- All mosques across the country will be opened under this phase. The mosques will remain open for daily prayers as well as Friday prayers. However, toilets and ablution facilities will be closed.

- Public transit system (metro as well as bus services) will resume today at 30 percent of their capacity. 

Doha Metro announced the opening of Legtaifiya station on the Red Line on September 1, which is one of the interchange stations between the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, completing the 37 Doha Metro stations.

Additionally,  Wi-Fi services will be available for customers at the stations and trains. 

Qatar Rail has introduced a series of additional measures and operating procedures in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Ministry of Transport and Communications to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

- The new academic year coincides with this phase. The Blended Learning approach goes into effect from today. This educational approach combines online learning and in-person teaching in the classroom. Students will attend classes 1 to 3 times per week to do coursework, experiments, and exams.

With a maximum of 30 percent of children in school each day, in addition to supporting preventive measures, Qatar is confident that everything is in place to enable children to safely return to schools, it was highlighted at a press conference yesterday.

- Cinemas and theatres will resume operations at 15 percent of their capacity in this phase. Only people who are 18 years of age and above are allowed entry.

- Cleaning and hospitality service companies are allowed to resume work in workplaces and homes. However, the staff must not exceed 30 percent of the total operating capacity. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued certain guidelines in this regard. 

- Restaurants with a Qatar Clean program certificate can receive customers up to 100 percent of their capacity from today. The ones without a Qatar Clean certificate can only receive customers up to a maximum of 30 percent of their premises' capacity.

- Food courts in malls will be allowed to open at 30 percent of their capacity. Children can now enter malls. Normal working hours will apply for malls with a capacity of 50 percent.

Fitting rooms in clothing outlets in malls and shopping centers will also open from today. 

- Private health clinics are now allowed to resume work at full capacity.

- The Council of Ministers’ decision limiting the capacity in workplaces to a maximum of 80% of employees, in both the public and private sectors, will continue to remain in place.

- Gatherings of a maximum of 15 people indoors and 30 people outdoors are allowed.

- Weddings with a maximum of 40 people indoors and 80 people outdoors are permitted from this phase. Individuals holding parties at home as well as managers of wedding venues are required to keep records of the contact information of all invitees.

- Souqs can now operate at 75 percent of their capacity and wholesale markets at 50 percent.

- Indoor swimming pools, spa and massage services will open from September 15 with reduced capacity.

Stay tuned to Qatar Living for the latest news and updates under Phase 4!
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