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

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Khadiza Begum

Content Writer

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