New guidelines for third phase; barbershops, gyms, some restaurants to reopen in Qatar

Malls to continue to operate at 50% capacity and children under 12 are still not allowed. 

Ministry of Public Health has published a list of restrictions, which will be lifted as the country moves into Phase 3 of easing of Covid-19 restrictions. The third phase starts on Tuesday, July 28 instead of August 1 as previously announced.

The ministry listed out guidelines for malls, souqs, restaurants, hairdressers and private healthcare facilities.

Mosques
–    Restricted number of Mosques and Eid musllahs will open during phase 3 for Friday prayers and Eid prayers. 
–    People must maintain a 1.5m physical distance at all times. 
–    People should bring their own prayer mats and Qur’an or use their phone Apps to read it. 
–    People over 60 years old, children, and those suffering from chronic conditions are advised to pray at home

Social gatherings
–   Social gatherings during phase 3 will be 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.

Malls, Souqs and Wholesale Markets
–    Malls to continue to operate at 50%
–    Children under 12 are not allowed. 
–    Souqs to operate with a maximum capacity of 75% (capacity will be determined according to risk assessment by the relevant government agencies) and wholesale markets to continue to operate at 30% capacity.

Barbershops and Hairdressers
–    To re-open at up to 30% capacity with strict cleaning and disinfection measures.
–    Masks, face shield, and gloves to be worn by staff. 
–    All staff are to be tested for COVID-19 prior to opening.
–    Only clients with scheduled appointments to be allowed entry to ensure physical distancing and avoid crowding.

Restaurants
–    Selected restaurants permitted to open at up to 50% capacity if accepted for pre-registration and certification by Qatar Clean Program. 
–    Precautionary measures include a minimum of 2 m 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
–    To 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.

Parks, Corniche and Beaches
–    People should avoid sitting and picnicking while outdoors. 
–    Groups of a maximum of 30 people are allowed. 
–    Playgrounds, skate parks and gym equipment will remain closed.
–    While walking outdoors, masks should be worn. 
–    While exercising outdoors, there is no need to wear a mask. However, people should maintain a physical distance of at least 2m from others.

Return to Work
–   Maximum of 80% of employees on site, and 20% to continue working from home. – Meetings in person to be limited to 10 people in one room.

Private Healthcare Facilities
–   Operational capacity to increase from 60% to 80%. 
–   Home visits to resume with the following precautions:
» All staff must undergo COVID-19 testing before conducting home visits
» PPE (masks/face shields/gloves) to be worn by healthcare workers for home visits with strict hand hygiene and disinfection of bags/equipment/ hard surfaces between patients.