WATCH: Qatar enters Phase 3 of easing of COVID-19 restrictions

With the dedicated efforts of the frontline healthcare staff, competent authorities, as well as the support from citizens and residents toward the country's fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Qatar has moved into Phase 3 of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

The new phase was initially scheduled for August 1, 2020, however, based on the public health indicators, including the continued decrease in the number of active cases that are recorded daily in the country, the phase was preponed to July 28, 2020.

The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, earlier on Sunday, thanked the people of Qatar for their commitment to precautionary measures to tackle COVID-19, which contributed to a significant reduction in virus transmission.

The Committee also urged the public to continue complying with all safety procedures to support the country's efforts toward returning to normal life.

Phase 3 will see the resumption of several activities at a wider capacity as compared to the previous two phases. All activities and services will be carried out in accordance with the recommendations and guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar.

Here's a quick look at some of the highlights of this new phase:

- Over 300 mosques will be reopened to worshippers. The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has published a list of the mosques, which is available here (in Arabic). Worshippers will be able to offer Eid prayers and Friday prayers.

- Social gatherings during phase 3 will be limited to 10 people indoor and 30 people in open spaces. Adherence to all safety measures is a must for everyone.

- 80 percent of workers are allowed to go back to work in an office while the remaining 20 percent will continue working remotely.

- Driving schools will be allowed to open at half capacity.

- Gyms and sports clubs are allowed to re-open at 50 percent capacity. 

- Beauty and barbershops to reopen at 30 percent capacity with strict cleaning and disinfection measures. All staff must be tested for COVID-19 before opening.

- Nurseries and child care facilities can resume operations at 50 percent capacity. They must abide by all preventive and precautionary measures highlighted by MoPH and obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor, and Social Affairs.

- The capacity at private health care facilities to be increased to 80 percent. Home health services to resume in phase 3.

- Restaurants will be allowed to re-open once they have obtained prior approval from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).

- Sporting events to be held without public attendance.

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