The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management thanks both citizens and residents for their commitment to adhering to the precautionary measures to combat Coronavirus (COVID-19), which has contributed to limiting the spread of the virus. As the State of Qatar moves on to phase four, it is important for the community to continue to follow procedures to ensure that efforts are successful and the nation can fully reopen.

Based on Qatar’s public health indicators and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection rate in the community, it has been decided to split phase four into two phases. The first phase will commence on 1 September, and the situation will be assessed on an ongoing basis, including the re-imposing and/or lifting of some restrictions based on developments mid-September. The second phase will commence at the beginning of the third week of September.

The first phase of phase 4 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar will include the following:

Mosques

Reopening of all mosques in the country to perform daily and Friday prayers, provided that precautionary measures are followed. Toilets and ablution facilities remain closed. Find out which mosques near you are reopening for Phase 4, click on the following link: https://www.islam.gov.qa/services/COVID19Mosques.aspx

The Ministry affirmed that full compliance with the precautionary measures will help in reaching the full reopening of mosques.

Precautionary measures for praying in mosques:

The Ministry of Endowments has stressed the need to adhere to the precautionary measures and health preventive measures when going to mosques which are as follows:

• Don't come early for the prayers, mosques will open with Athan (Azan) only
• Do ablution at home before going to the mosque. The mosque's bathrooms and ablution place will be closed.
• Keep a safe distance of two meters from each other. Do not crowd inside the mosque.
• Avoid shaking hands with others even while wearing gloves.
• Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing.
• Show your EHTERAZ application when you enter the mosque. It must show a healthy green status.
• Cooperate with the committee or people in charge of managing the mosque.
• Put your prayer mat in the places with signs only.
• Bring your own prayer mat to the mosque. Do not share it with others and do not leave it in the mosque.
• Wear a face mask even inside the mosque.
• Bring the Holy Quran from home and do not share it with anyone or read the Holy Quran from the phone or complete reading at home.
• As per precautionary measures, people who are suffering from chronic disease are required to pray and read the Holy Quran at home.

Education

Nurseries

The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) has announced the approval of the reopening of 47 nurseries following the preventive and precautionary measures which are in place in the country.

Check out the list of all 47 nurseries here.

Schools

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) decided to make amendments to the previously announced back-to-school plan for the 2020/21 academic year. The new plan features the incorporation of the blended learning approach during the first semester of the upcoming year. We have made it simpler for you to understand the blended learning approach here.

.@Qatar_Edu has announced an amended back-to-school plan for the first semester of the academic year, implementing a blended learning model for students in all stages of education across public & private schools, preschools and higher education institutions. #YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/7DyWAhfMVN

— مكتب الاتصال الحكومي (@GCOQatar) August 20, 2020

Exemption for students with chronic diseases:

Exception from attending classes in school include students who suffer chronic diseases as supported by an approved medical report. Students whose parents suffer from chronic conditions are also exempted from attending school to avoid the possible transmission of infection.

How to apply for a schools exemptions chronic disease certificatehttps://t.co/UDDC5ZbQ1i pic.twitter.com/Cxmi5inGVx

— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) August 27, 2020

Know how to apply for a chronic condition certificate here.

University students

On the same note, the Ministry issued circular to the university presidents regarding the gradual attendance. According to the circular, 30% of students will attend to campus daily from September to November, with the blended learning being deployed. Exam attendance will be considered in the assessment scores, as needed. Universities are urged to take all COVID-19 protective measures and ensure that a minimum safe distance of 1.5 meters is maintained between students. Relevant comprehensive awareness for both students and employees should be initiated in coordination with the MOPH.

Private education

Continuing the work of private education and training centres at a capacity of 50%.

Workplaces

Continuing to follow the Council of Ministers’ decision, which limits the capacity in workplaces to a maximum of 80% of employees in both the public and private sectors.

Gatherings

• Allowing gatherings of a maximum of 15 people indoors and 30 people outdoors.
• Allowing weddings with a maximum of 40 people indoors and 80 people outdoors, provided that precautionary measures are followed, including activating the Ehteraz application, maintaining a distance of 2 meters between tables with a maximum of 5 people per table, and avoiding handshakes and kisses while greeting.
• Individuals holding parties at home as well as managers of wedding venues are required to keep records of the contact information of all invitees.

Playgrounds

Playgrounds and leisure centres remain closed.

Local Exhibitions

Allowing local exhibitions with a capacity of 30%, according to the procedures which will be announced by the National Tourism Council.

Public Transport Services

According to the GCO announcement for Phase 4 of the gradual lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions plan, public transport services are allowed to resume with a capacity of 30% starting September 1st. The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) has said in a separate announcement that service hours will be the same as they were before the service suspension while the situation will be assessed on a weekly basis.

Doha Metro

According to Doha Metro, the operating hours of the Metro will be the same, which is as below:

• 06:00 to 23:00 from Saturday to Wednesday
• 06:00 to 23:59 on Thursday and
• 14:00 to 23:59 on Friday

We are pleased to announce the return of the Doha Metro services & associated services, starting on 1st September,2020.

Visit our website https://t.co/R4Hm1mguqn or download the Qatar Rail App for service updates. pic.twitter.com/FAmF7XwTLj

— Doha Metro & Lusail Tram (@metrotram_qa) August 30, 2020

Metroexpress and Metrolink Services

Metroexpress services will resume under the same conditions. Metrolink will resume service on 17 selected routes between the following times:

• Saturday to Wednesday 06:00 to 23:00
• Thursday 06:00 to 23:59
• Friday 14:00 to 23:59

Metrolink will resume its service on 17 selected routes, starting on the 1st of September. Visit https://t.co/R4Hm1mguqn or the Qatar Rail App for further information. pic.twitter.com/pEruyexh1r

— Doha Metro & Lusail Tram (@metrotram_qa) August 30, 2020

Karwa Bus

The updated schedule on Mowasalat's website shows that the Karwa bus will resume with 22 public routes.

For more information on route timings, download Karwa Bus app📲 https://t.co/FKPyTXHD8m or visit our website at https://t.co/d6Ov40hulR 🚎
•#karwa #mowasalat #doha #qatar #publictransport pic.twitter.com/g8A6x3O9Dr

— Mowasalat Qatar (@Mowasalat_QAT) August 30, 2020

For the precautionary measures to be followed for travelling by Doha Metro and Karwa Bus, click here. Check out the video to see how MOTC plans to curb the spread of the virus here.

Personal Boats & Yachts

Continuing to allow personal boats and yacht rentals with a capacity of 30%, including boat workers.

Travel Policy

Continuing to follow Qatar’s travel policy. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) will continue to update the list of low-risk countries, every two weeks.

As the State of #Qatar continues to implement its travel policies, the list of low-risk countries has been updated based on public health indicators in Qatar and around the world. Changes will come into effect on Saturday, 15 August. #YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/a0cwfRUM8h

— مكتب الاتصال الحكومي (@GCOQatar) August 12, 2020

Check out the list of low-risk countries here and the guidelines for home quarantine as per MOPH Qatar.

Driving Schools, Summer Camps & Sporting Events

Continuing the operation of driving schools with a capacity of 50%. Continuing the suspension of summer camps as well as the use of sports equipment in public parks. Allowing audiences to attend sporting events with a capacity of 20% indoors and 30% outdoors, according to procedures which will be announced by the relevant authorities.

Private Health Clinics

All private health clinics will be allowed to resume work in full capacity.

Malls and Shopping Centres

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has announced the fourth phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions imposed on malls and shopping centres.

The Ministry announces the fourth stage of the gradual lifting of restrictions on malls and shopping centres #Qatar ##YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/VQuLL6TB9o

— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar) August 27, 2020

Click here to know more about this.

Restaurants

Allowing the increase in restaurants capacity starting with 30%, according to the procedures which will be set by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).

The Ministry announces the fourth stage of the gradual lifting of restrictions on restaurants #Qatar #YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/pAmY3Ql1Mm

— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar) August 27, 2020

Souqs and Wholesale Markets

Allowing souqs to operate with a 75% capacity and raising the capacity at wholesale markets to 50%.

Museums and Public Libraries

Allowing museums and public libraries to operate in full capacity and normal hours provided that all precautionary measures are followed.

Spa, Gym and Public Swimming Pools

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the phase 4 of the gradual lifting of coronavirus restrictions imposed on spa activities, massage services and indoor swimming pools, which will come into force from 15 September.

The Ministry announces the fourth stage of the gradual lifting of restrictions on health resort (spa) activities, massage services and indoor swimming pools #Qatar #YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/fHG9tcIMtB

— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar) August 31, 2020

• Increasing the occupancy rate of men's hairdressing salons and women's beauty centres to 50% of the total capacity.
• Allowing the resumption of spa activities, massage services, jacuzzi, Moroccan and Turkish bath services, and indoor swimming pools with a capacity of 30% of the normal capacity in hotels.
• Moroccan and Turkish bath and indoor swimming pools in women's beauty centres and gyms with a capacity of 30% of the normal capacity, provided that the total area of the facility is not less than 250 square meters, subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Opening of facilities that provide massage services, Jacuzzis, Moroccan and Turkish bath services, and indoor swimming pools, which is less than 250 square meters, is postponed to the next phase of gradually lifting of restrictions imposed on spa activities.

To know about the guidelines to be followed, as set by MoPH and MADSLA, click here.

Home Beauty, Barber and Fitness Training

Continuing the suspension of home beauty, barber, massage and fitness training services.

Cleaning and Hospitality Services

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has posted the guidelines for the resumption of cleaning and hospitality services during Phase 4 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, allowing cleaning and hospitality services companies to resume their work in workplaces and homes, provided that staffing levels do not exceed 30% of total operating capacity, in addition to adhering to the requirements of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME). The decision goes into effect on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, and may be subject to amendments and updates according to the latest developments in this regard.

The Ministry announces the fourth stage of the gradual lifting of restrictions on cleaning and hospitality services #Qatar #YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/oYSWdlqyYr

— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar)

Check out the precautionary measures for customers and for company owners here.

Precautionary measures to be taken by all:

The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management emphasises that the evaluation of lifting further measures depends on the cooperation of all and the commitment to following precautionary measures:

• ​Adherence to physical distancing.
• Avoid close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where other people congregate.
• Wearing a face mask.
• Washing hands regularly. 
• Most importantly, it is vital that we continue to protect the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. 
• When spending time at home with elderly family members or those with chronic diseases, ensure you wash hands regularly, wear a mask and maintain social and physical distancing.
• Anyone suffering from COVID-19 symptoms should either contact 16000 helpline or go directly to one of the designated health centres to undergo the necessary checks: Muaither, Rawdat Al Khail, Umm Slal, or Al Gharafa Health Centers. This is important as the earlier the disease is detected the easier it will be to receive the right treatment and recover from it. 
• Visit the MOPH website for regular updates and new information.

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