*Cabinet okays more Covid relaxations
* Children allowed to enter mosques
* No masks needed in outdoor public areas, with some exceptions
The Cabinet has announced a further easing of Covid-19 restrictions in the country, which will come into effect from Sunday, October 3.
The highlights include relaxing masks rules and allowing people to not wear masks in open public areas with some exceptions, allowing 100% attendance in workplaces, permitting children in mosques, and several others.
After HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting at the Amiri Diwan Wednesday, HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaei issued a statement giving the details of the proceedings, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet was briefed by HE the Minister of Public Health on the latest developments regarding the efforts made to contain the spread of Covid-19. After reviewing the report of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management regarding the plan to gradually lift the restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and in the interest of the health and safety of all members of society, the Cabinet decided the following:
1. All employees in the government and private sectors will return to their workplace.
2. Continuing to allow meetings to be held for employees in the government and private sectors who are at their workplace with the presence of no more than 30 people, provided the rest of the meetings are conducted remotely.
3. Continuing to require all employees in the public and private sectors to undergo a rapid antigen test accredited by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on a weekly basis. This applies to employees who have not received any dose or both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Those have taken both doses or recovered from the disease are exempted from taking the rapid antigen test.
4. All citizens and residents must continue to wear masks in closed public places. They are not obligated to wear masks in open public places except in the following cases: in organised public activities at markets, exhibitions and during events; and on the premises of mosques, schools, universities and hospitals.
All workers in establishments whose nature of work requires being in open spaces and communicating with customers must wear masks during the work period.
5. All citizens and residents must continue to activate the Ehteraz app on their smartphones when leaving the house for any reason.
6. Mosques shall continue opening for daily and Friday prayers, and children are allowed to enter while adhering to the precautionary measures determined by the MoPH and Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf). Toilets and ablution facilities will open as determined by the Ministry of Awqaf.
7. Continuing to allow the presence of people in homes and majlises under the following conditions:
* Allowing a maximum of 30 people who have taken two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine or a maximum of five people if all or any of them have not taken both doses or one dose of the vaccine in closed places at homes and majlises.
* Allowing a maximum of 50 people who have taken two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine or a maximum of 10 people if all or any of them have not taken both doses or one dose of the vaccine in the outdoor areas of homes or majlises.
8. Allowing weddings in independent wedding halls and halls in hotels under the following conditions:
* With the presence of no more than 30% of the capacity of an indoor wedding hall, a maximum of 250 people, while the number of people who have not taken both doses or one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine should not exceed 20 within the aforementioned percentage or the maximum number of people allowed.
* With the presence of no more than 50% of the capacity of an outdoor wedding hall, a maximum of 400 people, while the number of people who have not taken both doses or one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine should not exceed 50 people within the aforementioned percentage or the maximum number of people allowed.
In all cases, those who have not completed both doses or not taken any dose of the vaccine, including children aged six years and older, must take the rapid antigen test approved by the MoPH.
9. Continuing to allow gathering or sitting in public parks, on beaches and the Corniche for a maximum of 30 people or family members residing in the same house, as well as individual sports such as walking, running and cycling. Also allowed is the opening of playgrounds and sports equipment in such places, as well as toilets in parks specified by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.
10. Continuing to oblige all citizens, residents and visitors not to have more than four passengers in a vehicle when moving around for any reason, including the driver, with the exception of family members residing in the same house.
11. Continuing to allow people to be transported by buses at not more than 75% of the capacity while taking the relevant precautionary measures.
12. Continuing the operation of Doha Metro and public transport services at not more than 75% of the capacity throughout the week, while continuing to close smoking areas and banning eating and drinking on the premises on such services.
13. Continuing to allow driving schools to operate and provide services as follows:
* At full capacity if 75% or more of the total number of trainees have taken two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
* At a maximum 75% of the capacity if the percentage of trainees who have taken two doses of the vaccine is less than 75% of the total number of trainees.
In all cases, all employees working in a driving school must have taken two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, while obligating all trainees who have not two doses or one dose of the vaccine to undergo the rapid antigen test approved by the MoPH.
14. Continuing to allow the opening of theatres and cinemas and the provision of their services at a maximum 50% of the capacity, provided 75% of the customers have taken two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Children under the age of 12 are allowed to enter and should be counted among the 25% allowed for those who have not taken two doses or one dose of the vaccine.
15. Educational centres and private training centres can continue to provide their services at a maximum 75% of the capacity, provided 75% of the trainees - and all the instructors - have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Trainees who have not received both doses or one dose of the vaccine are obliged to undergo a rapid antigen test accredited by the MoPH on a weekly basis.
16. Nurseries to remain open and provide services at a maximum 75% of the capacity, provided all workers have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
17. Museums and public libraries to continue operating at full capacity.
18. Centres for people with disabilities to continue operations provided a maximum of five people are present per session, and that all workers have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
19. Continuing with professional sports training, both indoors and outdoors, permitting preparatory training for local and international tournaments approved by the MoPH, and allowing the training of amateurs only based on the following conditions:
* Training age groups (18 and under) with a maximum of 40 persons outdoors and 30 indoors, provided that all have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Trainers who have not received any dose or both doses of the vaccine are obliged to take a rapid antigen test accredited by the MoPH, and there will be no public attendance.
* Training children in private clubs with a maximum of 35 persons outdoors and 25 persons indoors, provided that all have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Trainees who who have not received any dose or both doses of the vaccine are obliged to undergo a rapid antigen test accredited by the MoPH, and there will be no public attendance.
20. Continuing to allow the hosting of local and international sporting events after obtaining the MoPH's approval, with the presence of fans not surpassing 75% of the capacity in an open-air venue, provided that among them 90% have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Also, allowing the presence of no more than 50% of the capacity in closed places, provided that among them 90% have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Those who have not two doses or one dose of the vaccine are obliged to undergo a rapid antigen accredited by the Ministry of Public Health.
21. Continuing to organise conferences and exhibitions in line with the following:
* A maximum of 75% of the capacity in open areas, with 90% of the participants having taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, and making rapid antigen or PCR tests accredited by the MoPH mandatory for those who have not received the vaccine.
* A maximum of 50% of the capacity for indoor venues, with 90% of the participants having taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, and making rapid antigen or PCR tests accredited by the MoPH mandatory for those who have not received the vaccine.
In all cases, the MoPH must approve the holding of the conference/exhibition/event in case the number of participants exceeds 1,000 for open areas and and 500 at indoor venues.
22. Allowing malls to operate at full capacity, allowing the entry of children and operating food courts inside the malls at a maximum 50% of the capacity. Also allowing the operation of prayer areas and fitting rooms in these malls. All shops must adhere to the maximum number of customers allowed inside a store at a time, which will be determined by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).
23. Continuing to allow restaurants and cafés to offer food and beverages based on the following conditions:
* At full capacity for restaurants and cafes that have obtained the Qatar Clean certificate. Restaurants and cafes that meet conditions set by the MoCI can operate at a maximum 50% of the capacity. This only applies for restaurants and cafes in open areas.
* As for restaurants and cafes that are located indoors, those with the Qatar Clean certificate can operate at 75% of the capacity. Restaurants and cafes that meet the conditions of the MoCI can operate at a maximum 40% of the capacity. All customers must be fully vaccinated and children under 12 can only enter with their families.
24. Allowing the rental of boats and yachts, on the condition that all those working aboard these vessels are fully vaccinated. The boats and yachts can operate at a maximum 50% of the capacity or a maximum of 40 people. Only five out of the total number of customers allowed can be those who are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The owners of boats and yachts must adhere to these percentages and numbers.
25. Popular markets can operate all week long at maximum capacity and children are also allowed there. Shops in these markets must adhere to the total number of customers allowed inside a store at a time, which will be determined by the MoCI.
26. Wholesale markets can continue to work at a maximum 75% of the capacity and children are allowed there. All shops must adhere to the total number of customers allowed inside a store at a time, which will be determined by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Auctions are permitted to take place in these markets.
27. Beauty salons and barbershops are allowed to operate at a maximum 75% of the capacity. Workers and customers in these facilities must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. No more than two children under 12 can be inside these facilities at the same time.
28. Theme parks can continue to remain open in line with the following conditions:
* Operating at a maximum 75% of the capacity for theme parks and entertainment centres located in open places.
* Operating at a maximum 50% of the capacity for theme parks and entertainment centres that are located indoors. At least 75% of customers must have completed their Covid-19 vaccination. Children under 12 can enter, but must be counted as part of the 25% allowed in who have not taken their vaccine.
29. Health clubs, gyms, massage services, saunas, jacuzzis, and Moroccan and Turkish bath services can operate at a maximum 75% of the capacity. All workers in these facilities must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
30. Swimming pools and water parks can continue to operate in line with the following conditions:
* Operating at a maximum 75% of the capacity for swimming pools and water parks that are located outdoors.
* Operating at a maximum 50% of the capacity for indoor swimming pools and water parks. Only fully vaccinated customers are allowed to enter. Children under 12 years of age can be allowed to enter, but must be counted as part of the 25% of customers who are allowed in while not vaccinated.
31. Continuing to allow private medical facilities to provide their services at full capacity. All workers in these facilities must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
32. Cleaning and hospitality companies can continue to provide their services through workers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This applies to services at homes and in workplaces.
Health conditions, procedures and precautionary measures set by the MoPH must be adhered to, the QNA report states.
The Ministry of Interior, MoPH, MoCI and other governmental bodies are charged, each within its jurisdiction, to take the necessary measures to ensure the adherence to health conditions and precautionary measures.
The decisions are applicable from Sunday, October 3, and will remain in place until further notice.
The highlights include relaxing masks rules and allowing people to not wear masks in open public areas with some exceptions, allowing 100% attendance in workplaces, permitting children in mosques, and several others.
After HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting at the Amiri Diwan Wednesday, HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaei issued a statement giving the details of the proceedings, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet was briefed by HE the Minister of Public Health on the latest developments regarding the efforts made to contain the spread of Covid-19. After reviewing the report of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management regarding the plan to gradually lift the restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and in the interest of the health and safety of all members of society, the Cabinet decided the following:
1. All employees in the government and private sectors will return to their workplace.
2. Continuing to allow meetings to be held for employees in the government and private sectors who are at their workplace with the presence of no more than 30 people, provided the rest of the meetings are conducted remotely.
3. Continuing to require all employees in the public and private sectors to undergo a rapid antigen test accredited by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on a weekly basis. This applies to employees who have not received any dose or both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Those have taken both doses or recovered from the disease are exempted from taking the rapid antigen test.
4. All citizens and residents must continue to wear masks in closed public places. They are not obligated to wear masks in open public places except in the following cases: in organised public activities at markets, exhibitions and during events; and on the premises of mosques, schools, universities and hospitals.
All workers in establishments whose nature of work requires being in open spaces and communicating with customers must wear masks during the work period.
5. All citizens and residents must continue to activate the Ehteraz app on their smartphones when leaving the house for any reason.
6. Mosques shall continue opening for daily and Friday prayers, and children are allowed to enter while adhering to the precautionary measures determined by the MoPH and Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf). Toilets and ablution facilities will open as determined by the Ministry of Awqaf.
7. Continuing to allow the presence of people in homes and majlises under the following conditions:
* Allowing a maximum of 30 people who have taken two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine or a maximum of five people if all or any of them have not taken both doses or one dose of the vaccine in closed places at homes and majlises.
* Allowing a maximum of 50 people who have taken two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine or a maximum of 10 people if all or any of them have not taken both doses or one dose of the vaccine in the outdoor areas of homes or majlises.
8. Allowing weddings in independent wedding halls and halls in hotels under the following conditions:
* With the presence of no more than 30% of the capacity of an indoor wedding hall, a maximum of 250 people, while the number of people who have not taken both doses or one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine should not exceed 20 within the aforementioned percentage or the maximum number of people allowed.
* With the presence of no more than 50% of the capacity of an outdoor wedding hall, a maximum of 400 people, while the number of people who have not taken both doses or one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine should not exceed 50 people within the aforementioned percentage or the maximum number of people allowed.
In all cases, those who have not completed both doses or not taken any dose of the vaccine, including children aged six years and older, must take the rapid antigen test approved by the MoPH.
9. Continuing to allow gathering or sitting in public parks, on beaches and the Corniche for a maximum of 30 people or family members residing in the same house, as well as individual sports such as walking, running and cycling. Also allowed is the opening of playgrounds and sports equipment in such places, as well as toilets in parks specified by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.
10. Continuing to oblige all citizens, residents and visitors not to have more than four passengers in a vehicle when moving around for any reason, including the driver, with the exception of family members residing in the same house.
11. Continuing to allow people to be transported by buses at not more than 75% of the capacity while taking the relevant precautionary measures.
12. Continuing the operation of Doha Metro and public transport services at not more than 75% of the capacity throughout the week, while continuing to close smoking areas and banning eating and drinking on the premises on such services.
13. Continuing to allow driving schools to operate and provide services as follows:
* At full capacity if 75% or more of the total number of trainees have taken two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
* At a maximum 75% of the capacity if the percentage of trainees who have taken two doses of the vaccine is less than 75% of the total number of trainees.
In all cases, all employees working in a driving school must have taken two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, while obligating all trainees who have not two doses or one dose of the vaccine to undergo the rapid antigen test approved by the MoPH.
14. Continuing to allow the opening of theatres and cinemas and the provision of their services at a maximum 50% of the capacity, provided 75% of the customers have taken two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Children under the age of 12 are allowed to enter and should be counted among the 25% allowed for those who have not taken two doses or one dose of the vaccine.
15. Educational centres and private training centres can continue to provide their services at a maximum 75% of the capacity, provided 75% of the trainees - and all the instructors - have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Trainees who have not received both doses or one dose of the vaccine are obliged to undergo a rapid antigen test accredited by the MoPH on a weekly basis.
16. Nurseries to remain open and provide services at a maximum 75% of the capacity, provided all workers have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
17. Museums and public libraries to continue operating at full capacity.
18. Centres for people with disabilities to continue operations provided a maximum of five people are present per session, and that all workers have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
19. Continuing with professional sports training, both indoors and outdoors, permitting preparatory training for local and international tournaments approved by the MoPH, and allowing the training of amateurs only based on the following conditions:
* Training age groups (18 and under) with a maximum of 40 persons outdoors and 30 indoors, provided that all have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Trainers who have not received any dose or both doses of the vaccine are obliged to take a rapid antigen test accredited by the MoPH, and there will be no public attendance.
* Training children in private clubs with a maximum of 35 persons outdoors and 25 persons indoors, provided that all have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Trainees who who have not received any dose or both doses of the vaccine are obliged to undergo a rapid antigen test accredited by the MoPH, and there will be no public attendance.
20. Continuing to allow the hosting of local and international sporting events after obtaining the MoPH's approval, with the presence of fans not surpassing 75% of the capacity in an open-air venue, provided that among them 90% have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Also, allowing the presence of no more than 50% of the capacity in closed places, provided that among them 90% have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Those who have not two doses or one dose of the vaccine are obliged to undergo a rapid antigen accredited by the Ministry of Public Health.
21. Continuing to organise conferences and exhibitions in line with the following:
* A maximum of 75% of the capacity in open areas, with 90% of the participants having taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, and making rapid antigen or PCR tests accredited by the MoPH mandatory for those who have not received the vaccine.
* A maximum of 50% of the capacity for indoor venues, with 90% of the participants having taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, and making rapid antigen or PCR tests accredited by the MoPH mandatory for those who have not received the vaccine.
In all cases, the MoPH must approve the holding of the conference/exhibition/event in case the number of participants exceeds 1,000 for open areas and and 500 at indoor venues.
22. Allowing malls to operate at full capacity, allowing the entry of children and operating food courts inside the malls at a maximum 50% of the capacity. Also allowing the operation of prayer areas and fitting rooms in these malls. All shops must adhere to the maximum number of customers allowed inside a store at a time, which will be determined by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI).
23. Continuing to allow restaurants and cafés to offer food and beverages based on the following conditions:
* At full capacity for restaurants and cafes that have obtained the Qatar Clean certificate. Restaurants and cafes that meet conditions set by the MoCI can operate at a maximum 50% of the capacity. This only applies for restaurants and cafes in open areas.
* As for restaurants and cafes that are located indoors, those with the Qatar Clean certificate can operate at 75% of the capacity. Restaurants and cafes that meet the conditions of the MoCI can operate at a maximum 40% of the capacity. All customers must be fully vaccinated and children under 12 can only enter with their families.
24. Allowing the rental of boats and yachts, on the condition that all those working aboard these vessels are fully vaccinated. The boats and yachts can operate at a maximum 50% of the capacity or a maximum of 40 people. Only five out of the total number of customers allowed can be those who are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The owners of boats and yachts must adhere to these percentages and numbers.
25. Popular markets can operate all week long at maximum capacity and children are also allowed there. Shops in these markets must adhere to the total number of customers allowed inside a store at a time, which will be determined by the MoCI.
26. Wholesale markets can continue to work at a maximum 75% of the capacity and children are allowed there. All shops must adhere to the total number of customers allowed inside a store at a time, which will be determined by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Auctions are permitted to take place in these markets.
27. Beauty salons and barbershops are allowed to operate at a maximum 75% of the capacity. Workers and customers in these facilities must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. No more than two children under 12 can be inside these facilities at the same time.
28. Theme parks can continue to remain open in line with the following conditions:
* Operating at a maximum 75% of the capacity for theme parks and entertainment centres located in open places.
* Operating at a maximum 50% of the capacity for theme parks and entertainment centres that are located indoors. At least 75% of customers must have completed their Covid-19 vaccination. Children under 12 can enter, but must be counted as part of the 25% allowed in who have not taken their vaccine.
29. Health clubs, gyms, massage services, saunas, jacuzzis, and Moroccan and Turkish bath services can operate at a maximum 75% of the capacity. All workers in these facilities must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
30. Swimming pools and water parks can continue to operate in line with the following conditions:
* Operating at a maximum 75% of the capacity for swimming pools and water parks that are located outdoors.
* Operating at a maximum 50% of the capacity for indoor swimming pools and water parks. Only fully vaccinated customers are allowed to enter. Children under 12 years of age can be allowed to enter, but must be counted as part of the 25% of customers who are allowed in while not vaccinated.
31. Continuing to allow private medical facilities to provide their services at full capacity. All workers in these facilities must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
32. Cleaning and hospitality companies can continue to provide their services through workers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This applies to services at homes and in workplaces.
Health conditions, procedures and precautionary measures set by the MoPH must be adhered to, the QNA report states.
The Ministry of Interior, MoPH, MoCI and other governmental bodies are charged, each within its jurisdiction, to take the necessary measures to ensure the adherence to health conditions and precautionary measures.
The decisions are applicable from Sunday, October 3, and will remain in place until further notice.
