What to Expect in Phase 3 of Qatar's Safe Re-Opening on July 28

The new guidelines will see barbershops, gyms and some restaurants to reopen across Qatar.

Posted on

27 July 2020

| Last updated on 27 July 2020

What to Expect in Phase 3 of Qatar's Safe Re-Opening

Here's what's happening starting Tuesday.

Gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar will commence on Tuesday, July 28, as stated by the Chair of the National Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal.

Qatar is one of the countries with a large number of tests in relation to the population, which contributed to the early detection of many cases. The highest recorded rate of infections was at the end of May, and since then the daily infections reported are declining.

It remains in Phase 3 that gatherings are to be limited to 10 people in closed spaces and 30 in open spaces, and the new guidelines will see barbershops, gyms and some restaurants to reopen.

What's happening from July 28?

Malls, Shops, Souqs and Markets

Malls to continue to operate at 50%.
Children under 12 are not allowed.
Souqs to operate with a maximum capacity of 75% and wholesale markets to continue to operate at 30% capacity.
Barbershops and hairdressers can reopen with up to 30% capacity with strict disinfection measures.

Mosques:

Restricted number of Mosques and Eid musllahs will open during phase 3 for Friday prayers and Eid prayers.
1.5m physical distance must be maintained at all times.
The use of own prayer mats and Qur’an are requested.
Over 60 years old, children, and those suffering from chronic conditions are advised to pray at home

Social Gatherings:

Social gatherings are limited to 10 people indoor and 30 people outdoors.
People participating in gatherings of any size should:

wear masks

practice hand hygiene

maintain a physical distance from others (1.5 m)

avoid any kind of physical contact, including handshakes, etc.

ensure proper ventilation

People over 60 years old, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic conditions should try and avoid social gatherings, if possible.

Restaurants:

Selected restaurants can open at up to 50% capacity only if accepted for pre-registration and certification by Qatar Clean Program.
Minimum of 2m between tables and a maximum of 4 people per table (6 if from the same household).
Food courts in shopping malls to remain closed during phase 3.

Gyms, Outdoor Swimming Pools and Waterparks:

All can re-open at a maximum capacity of 50%.
Indoor swimming pools, sauna, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and massage services will remain closed.
Swimming pools should be monitored by staff to ensure guests maintain physical distancing in and out of the pool.
No sharing of water bottles, towels, and other personal items.

Private Healthcare Facilities:

Capacity to increase from 60% to 80%.
Home visits can resume with the following precautions:

All staff must undergo COVID-19 testing
PPE (masks/face shields/gloves) are to be worn by healthcare workers with strict hand hygiene and disinfection of bags/equipment/ hard surfaces between patients.