The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has taken the necessary steps to allow the resumption of auctions at Al Sailiya Central Market amid the observance of Covid-19 precautionary measures.
The market had resumed operations in July last year, when wholesale markets were allowed to reopen in the second phase of the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in Qatar.
Al Sailiya Central Market includes traditional, retail market and wholesale markets with multiple shops. An auction hall for local and imported fresh produce, cold stores, shops for fish, meat and poultry products, a hypermarket and a dedicated space for ration commodities are among the other facilities.
In a video message on social media on Thursday, Dr Mohamed Ali al-Hajjaj, head of Occupational Health at the MoPH, stressed the importance of auctions and highlighted the measures that are to be followed for the resumption of auctions.
The auctions are to be held at 50% of the capacity, he said, noting that all vendors and workers will undergo regular checks to make sure that they observe the Covid-19 precautionary measures.
All vendors and workers should wear masks and gloves, and maintain a minimum distance of 1.5m from each other at all times. Their body temperature should be checked regularly and they must have the 'Green' status on the Ehteraz app. These are in addition to ensuring the availability and use of sanitisers on the premises.
Al-Hajjaj added that different time slots will be allotted for different categories of auctions to help contain the number of farmers, merchants and employees in the auction hall. Also, physical barriers will be put up to ensure distancing.
