Doha residents flocked for haircuts yesterday as hairdressers reopened having closed in March as part of steps announced to contain coronavirus in Qatar.
Salons were permitted to open as part of an easing of Covid-19 restrictions, meaning people were able to have haircuts in time for the Eid al-Adha holiday, which began yesterday.
While barbers and salons were permitted to open from Tuesday, most were initially unable to receive customers as coronavirus tests for all staff and official permits were required first. 
On al-Matar al-Kadeem Street in southeast Doha, hundreds of men and boys had their first haircuts in months in one of the two dozen barbershops that line the busy commercial road.
“(Our last haircut) was four months back so I’m happy, especially with it being Eid, it’s a tradition to have a haircut and buy new clothes,” said Jordanian expatriate worker Osama who went with his son to the Arizona Saloon. 
Health officials said on Sunday that a declining rate of infection justified an accelerated programme of reopening.
All employees are “tested, nobody is sitting inside waiting, and we’re checking” a contact tracing app, said Turkish barber Sacit.
“Of course they’re happy”, Sacit said of his customers. “Their wives have been cutting it, now they’re relieved.”
Hairdressers are limited to 30% capacity, and all staff must wear masks and undergo coronavirus testing, while customers must make appointments.
Dozens of hairdressers and barbers queued with masseurs, personal trainers and beauticians – professions also subject to mandatory screening – at a Doha sports club as they waited to be tested.
Gyms, which resumed business as part of the latest reopening phase, are allowed to operate at 50% of capacity but indoor pools, saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis will remain closed. – AFP