COVID-19: MOPH releases updated list of low risk countries

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The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) updated its website with the new list of countries classified as low risk of COVID-19. This change will come into effect starting Friday, 18 December 2020.

New Green List Countries — Image Credit: MoPH

MoPH approved testing centres — Image Credit: MoPH

New list of Countries Classified Low Risk of COVID-19

1. Oman
2. Brunei Darussalam
3. Thailand
4. China (A. Hong Kong SAR – China, B. Macau SAR – China)
5. Vietnam
6. Malaysia
7. South Korea
8. Singapore
9. Japan
10. Myanmar
11. Australia
12. New Zealand
13. Mexico
14. Cuba
15. Mauritius
16. Iceland
17. Ireland

The Ministry also announced the list of (COVID-19) test centers approved by the Ministry around the world, explaining that obtaining a virus-free certificate from one of these centers will exempt the person from being tested at the airport upon his arrival in Qatar, on condition that, certificate must be obtained with 48 hours before travel.

Travellers returning from low-risk countries must have COVID-19 test upon arrival at the Airport, and sign a Home Quarantine Undertaking to comply with the home quarantine procedure for a week, noting that their health status on "Ehteraz" application will be yellow.

On the sixth day, the individual should visit one of the PHCC healthcare centers to re-test for COVID-19. If the test result is positive, the individual is isolated. If it is negative, then the quarantine period is completed by the end of the seventh day and their health status on Ehteraz will change to green.

Travellers from the other countries should be hotel quarantined at their own expense for a week. They should book a quarantine package from the listed hotels on the "Discover Qatar" website for a week before arrival. These individuals will be re-tested on day 6. If the test result is positive, the individual is isolated. If it is negative, the quarantine period is completed by the end of day-7 and their health status on Ehteraz will change to green.

The Ministry of Public Health calls on the public to follow updates on developments in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) locally and internationally and to visit the website and official accounts of the Ministry and the Government Communication Office to obtain accurate official information.

Home quarantine for a week after arriving can be chosen by travellers arriving from a low-risk country. Other travellers coming from a country not on the MoPH updated list must quarantine at a government-approved hotel for a week, and then at home for another week.

The list of low-risk countries will be reviewed every two weeks. If the date of obtaining the COVID-free certificate does not exceed 48 hours before travelling, the traveller obtaining the certificate from one of the accredited COVID-19 testing centres in one of these low-risk countries is exempted from taking the test at the airport upon arrival in the country.

Please also note that arrivals from countries that are not included in the list of low-risk countries and in which COVID-19 testing centres have been accredited are required to obtain a virus-free certificate no more than 48 hours before travelling.