Public and private gatherings limited to five people only will be allowed in Phase 2 of the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, and violators will be subject to the relevant offences and penalties.

The number has been reduced from 10 to 5 people following the discovery of numerous cases among Qatari nationals due to Majlis gatherings and family visits, and among white-collar expatriates due to uncontrolled contact with no precautionary measures, the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management said in a statement yesterday while announcing its decision to launch Phase 2 of the gradual reopening plan, as initially planned, on July 1.

The decision to launch Phase 2 on July 1 is based on the available public health data and indicators on the spread of Covid-19, including passing the peak stage, flattening the curve and reducing the virus’s reproduction rate, the statement notes.

Other key aspects of Phase 2 are as follows:

  • The restricted opening of mosques will continue for all five prayers with limited capacity as well as the implementation of precautionary requirements.
  • Fifty per cent of public and private sector employees will be allowed at the workplace as needed, provided that employers meet hygiene requirements, implement precautionary measures and continue to protect vulnerable employees by allowing them to work remotely.
  • Families will be allowed to rent boats and yachts in groups not exceeding 10 people.
  • All parks and beaches as well as the Corniche will be reopened for people of all ages while continuing to practise social distancing. Play areas will remain closed.
  • Sports training in open spaces and large halls will be permitted for professional athletes in groups not exceeding 10 people.
  • The capacity of private health facilities will be increased to 60% while continuing to provide emergency services.
  • Restaurants will be allowed to reopen with limited capacity; the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will issue a comprehensive statement on the matter.
  • Libraries and museums will reopen with limited capacity and limited working hours.

The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management would like to remind the public that transition from one phase to the next depends on everyone’s co-operation and adherence to the precautionary measures outlined by the Council of Ministers, including wearing masks when going outside, downloading the Ehteraz application and practising social distancing,” the statement adds.

Various organisations in the country have started announcing the reopening of recreational and leisure facilities as the second phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions is set to begin on July 1.

Katara – the Cultural Village Foundation and Qatari Diar announced this on social media yesterday . Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti tweeted that Katara beaches 3, 4 and 5 will be ready to receive visitors from July 1.

Only families will be allowed, he added. In a related post on Twitter, Katara said that in accordance with directives from the government, Katara beaches 3, 4 and 5 will open to the public while taking preventative measures. The beaches will be open from 3-10pm, and swimming will be allowed in designated areas of beaches 4 and 5 until sunset.

Qatari Diar announced the reopening of the Lusail Marina Promenade with its facilities, Crescent Park and Lusail Marina Food Arena to the public from July 1. “Visitors must adhere to the precautionary measures and social distancing guidelines,” it tweeted. A number of parks in the country were reopened in Phase 1, with visitors required to follow precautionary measures.

Qatar Museums had announced that a number of museums and heritage sites across Qatar will reopen to the public from July 1, in accordance with recommendations from the Ministry of Public Health. Museums and galleries opening on July 1 include the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and the Garage Gallery at the Doha Fire Station.

Heritage sites that are opening include Al Zubarah, Al Jassasiya, and Barzan Towers. The permanent collections of the MIA and Mathaf will be open to visitors, as well as the special exhibition Picasso’s Studios, organised in partnership with the Musée National Picasso-Paris, at the Garage Gallery at the Doha Fire Station.

QM plans to reopen the remainder of its museums in phases while rolling out the new health and safety protocols, following global standards and carefully monitoring progress to ensure the well-being of staff and visitors.

Source : Gulf Times

Looking for more News & Updates?