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Posted On: 8 June 2020 10:00 pm
Updated On: 12 November 2020 09:12 am

COVID-19: The gradual lifting of restrictions to begin from June 15 - here’s the full plan

Khadiza Begum
Khadiza Begum
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H.E.-Lolwah-bint-Rashid-bin-Mohammed-Al-Khater

H.E. Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management and Dr. Abdullatif Mohamed Al Khal, Chairman of the National Strategic Group on COVID-19 held a press conference tonight to provide the latest developments regarding Qatar's efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The press conference highlights gradually removing the restrictions imposed in Qatar as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Key details are given below:

Lifting restrictions

  • Qatar is one of the countries with the lowest number of deaths from Coronavirus.
  • Time has come to restrictions lifting gradually and it will be done through 4 phases while taking all the necessary precautions.
  • Nine indicators will be measured during the gradual removal of the restriction.
  • Lifting restrictions does not mean a lack of social distance.
  • The lifting of some restrictions is linked to the extent of compliance with precautionary measures.

Four phases

The first phase (from June 15)

  • The first stage of lifting restrictions includes the limited opening of mosques with the need to take precautionary measures.
  • 40% capacity selected private healthcare facilities at specific capacity
  • Emergency services continue
  • Partial opening of shops in malls. Shops with minimum area of 300 m2 will open, not exceeding 30% mall capacity.
  • Restricted parks for outdoor sports.
  • 20% of employees at the workplace with strict health precautions.

The second phase (from July 1)

  • Small scale gatherings will be allowed (≤ 10 people)
  • The opening of mosques will be increased in the second and third phases.
  • Private health clinics will be allowed to open 60% in the second phase.
  • Boat/Yacht rental for families only of ≤ 10.
  • Parks, Corniche and Beaches.
  • All malls open (restricted hours and capacity)
  • Souks & wholesale markets (restricted capacity and hours).
  • Museums and libraries with restricted hours and capacity.
  • Professional trainings of small groups - outdoor only / large open spaces (<10 people).
  • 50% of employees at workplace with strict health precautions

The third phase (from August 1)

  • Medium-scale gatherings will be allowed (≤ 40 people)
  • Limited opening of private training centers during the third phase of the deregulation plan.
  • Opening of mosques to perform Friday prayers in 54 mosques.
  • Low-risk inbound flights for priority passengers like returning residents.
  • Private health clinics will be allowed to open 80% in this phase.
  • Sports training will be permitted in open spaces and large halls for professional sportspersons for no more than 5 people.
  • 50% capacity at Health clubs, Gyms and pools, Beauty and Massage Parlors, Barbershops/Hairdresser.
  • Driving Schools.
  • Playgrounds and skate parks.
  • Nurseries and childcare facilities.
  • All malls open full hours.
  • Souks & wholesale markets (restricted capacity and hours).
  • Restricted restaurants opening with gradual increased capacity.

The fourth phase (from September 1)

  • In the fourth stage, all gatherings such as wedding parties will be allowed.
  • In addition to that, completing the opening of mosques and Friday prayers, and business gatherings such as exhibitions, conferences, recreational gatherings, theatres, and cinemas will be permitted.
  • Private health clinics will be allowed to open 100% in the fourth phase.
  • Boat trips will be allowed for leisure purposes.
  • Opening limited services for public transport such as the metro and buses.
  • New academic year commences.
  • All malls will fully open.
  • Continue gradual opening of restaurants.
  • Museums and libraries fully open to full hours.
  • 100% of employees at the workplace with strict health precautions.
  • 100% capacity at Health clubs, Gyms and pools, Beauty, Massage Parlors, and Barbershops/Hairdresser.

Precautionary measures to be followed

  • Elderly, people with chronic diseases and children are advised not to leave during the first and second stages of the gradual lifting of restrictions.
  • Employers and institutions are obligated to follow precautionary measures to combat the Coronavirus.
  • Workplaces to follow adequate precautions to reopen.
  • If a person travels outside Qatar, he will be quarantined in a hotel upon his return for a period of two weeks on his or her expense.
  • We advise the elderly to avoid praying in mosques during the early stages of lifting restrictions.

Re-imposing restrictions

  • Lifting the restrictions may mean an increase in the number of cases, so each person must monitor themselves.
  • In the event of non-compliance or one of the indicators is negatively affected, it is possible to re-impose restrictions or delay the start of the next phases.

The master plan for the gradual lifting of restrictions (Infographic)

Gatherings


Transportation

Outdoor & Professional sports, Education and Health


Business and Leisure

For the full government presentation slides on the easing of restrictions we’ve uploaded the file here: Controlled Phased Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions in Qatar