WATCH: Qatar enters Phase 2 of easing of COVID-19 restrictions

After overcoming the peak stage of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and being successful in flattening the curve, Qatar has entered Phase 2 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in the country as planned initially.

In a statement issued by Qatar's Government Communications Office (GCO) earlier this week, it was confirmed that the decision is based on available public health data and COVID-19 spread indicators.

However, the public is cautioned to follow all necessary preventive measures, including wearing face masks when stepping out of their homes, downloading the Ehteraz app, and complying with social distancing guidelines.

The transition from one phase to the next will depend on the cooperation of everyone.

During the current phase, effective from July 1, several activities and facilities will be opened to the public, subject to strict precautionary measures and capacity limitations. 

Here's a look at what phase 2 is all about:

Commercial Outlets

All commercial outlets at street markets will be allowed to resume their operations from today.

The Gold Souq, Souq Al Ali, Al Gharafa Market, Thursday & Friday market, Souq Waqif Doha, Souq Al Wakrah, and Al Saliliya Central market have been given the go-ahead to continue operations in this phase. 

All retail outlets in malls will be allowed to resume operations. 

However, gaming centers, amusement parks, skateboard arenas, prayer rooms, and cinemas at the malls and commercial centers will remain closed.

Restaurants operating inside malls and commercial centers can deliver to home addresses, or hand over orders at the restaurant only.

Any artistic, cultural, or recreational activities at malls and commercial centers are not allowed during this phase.

Beaches and Parks 

After the reopening of a limited number of parks in Phase 1, the next stage, Phase 2, will see the reopening of all public parks. However, the play areas will remain closed.

This was confirmed in a tweet by The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME). The Ministry has urged all visitors to abide by the necessary safety guidelines and preventive measures including activating the Ehteraz app, undergoing temperature reading, and social distancing procedures.

All beaches including Katara beaches, Al Wakra Public Beach and the Al Wakra Beach for Families, Al Shamal Corniche, Al Ghariya Beach for Family, Al Murona Beach, Al Jasasiya Beach, Aba Zaluf West Beach, Fuwirit Beach, as well as the Doha Corniche, will be reopened to public from today.

The parks and beaches will be opened to people of all ages.

Mosques

Phase 2 of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions will see the reopening of more mosques.

Earlier, during phase 1, Qatar had announced the opening of 500 mosques. 

Now, according to the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, an additional 299 mosques will be reopened to worshippers.

The mosques will be opened for regular prayers only and will follow the same precautionary guidelines as applicable earlier to ensure the wellbeing of all.

Restaurants 

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), during Phase 2 of the gradual lifting of restrictions, restaurants located in some tourist areas can resume operations.

Souq Waqif, Old Souq Al Wakra, The Pearl-Qatar, Katara - the Cultural Village are among these tourist areas.

Also included in this decision are restaurants and kiosks in sports clubs/tourist places, Qatar Museums, AlHazm, and Msheireb.

Diners must pre-book their spot at the eatery and follow all recommended preventive and precautionary measures.

Restaurants, cafeterias, and cafes (coffee shops) in malls, shopping centers, and other non-designated tourist areas are only permitted to deliver to home addresses or hand over orders to customers outside their activity area.

Museums, Heritage Sites, and Libraries

From today, several museums will be opened to the public under the recommendations from Qatar’s Health Protection & Communicable Disease Control office of the Ministry of Public Health.

The museums and galleries that will re-open their doors to the public comprise: Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and the Garage Gallery at the Fire Station: Artist in Residence, while Heritage sites will include Al Zubarah, Al Jassasiya, and Barzan Towers.

The museums and heritage sites will be open from Sunday through Thursday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Pre-booking will be mandatory for visitors.

Qatar National Library will welcome visitors back from July 15. Anyone wishing to visit will be required to pre-book their time of visit.

Workplaces

Based on a Cabinet decision earlier, starting from today, July 1, 50 percent of the employees can go back to work at offices in the government as well as the private sector. 

Here are some necessary precautions workers need to bear in mind as they return to workplaces amid the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar.

Healthcare Facilities 

During phase 2, the capacity of private health facilities will be increased from 40 percent to 60 percent while continuing to provide emergency services.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself. 

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