coronavirus

Qatar launches a new saliva-based COVID-19 test for all children who require a COVID-19 test

Qatar launches a new saliva-based COVID-19 test for all children who require a COVID-19 test | One of the first countries in the world

In a recent tweet, The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has announced that Qatar has become one of the first countries in the world to launch of a new saliva-based COVID-19 test for all children who require a COVID-19 test.

Qatar has taken several measures to monitor and prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a part of steps to combat the deadly COVID-19, MOPH has announced the launch of a new saliva-based COVID-19 test in Qatar for all children who require a COVID-19 test.

According to the announcement posted on twitter,

  • The saliva-based test is less intrusive for children as it does not require a swab to be inserted into the nose and back of the throat like the current standard swab.
  • Saliva tests can be easily completed by transferring saliva from the mouth into a sample pot.
  • Studies around the world have been looking at the use of saliva only swabs and the results have confirmed their effectiveness.

Qatar is one of the first countries in the world to launch this test.

Source: Ministry of Public Health

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September 15, 2020 Comments (0)

Swab test for passengers on sixth day after arrival | The Ministry of Public Health

Swab test for passengers on sixth day after arrival | The Ministry of Public Health

The Ministry of Public Health has clarified that passengers coming from low-risk countries will have to undergo a swab test on the sixth day after arriving in Doha. It said that Ehteraz status will be yellow till they complete their seven-day quarantine and get a negative result in the swab test.

“They (Passengers from low-risk countries) must perform a swab test on day six and their Ehteraz status will not turn green until day seven after the swab test has been performed and a negative result has been verified,” the Ministry said on its social media pages. “Please note that returning passengers cannot have the swab test earlier than day six,” the Ministry added.

The Ministry added that this process helps to reduce the risk of returning travellers bringing the virus back into Qatar and passing it on to other members of the community. In the latest list of low risk countries, the Ministry has included 41 countries.

As per the travel policy announced by the Government Communications Office, arrivals to Qatar from low-risk countries are required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport, and to sign a formal pledge to adhere to quarantine at home for a week, noting that the traveller’s status on the Ehteraz application will be yellow, which means that they are required to quarantine.

If there are accredited COVID-19 testing centres in one of these low-risk countries, obtaining a COVID-19 free certificate from one of these centres exempts the traveller from taking the test at the airport on arrival in the country, provided that the date of obtaining the certificate does not exceed 48 hours before travelling.

These passengers are also required to undergo a seven day home quarantine upon arrival. If the result of a test done on the sixth day is positive, the traveller will be transferred to isolation, and if it is negative, the quarantine period ends at the end of that week and the traveller’s status on the Ehteraz application will change to green.

Source: thepeninsulaqatar

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September 13, 2020 Comments (0)

200 additional mosques to reopen from tomorrow (7th Aug 2020) for Friday Prayers – Awqaf

200 additional mosques to reopen for tomorrow (7th Aug 2020) for Friday Prayers – Awqaf 

Phase 3 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar begun on 28th of July 2020 with new guidelines, procedures and precautionary measures. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has announced that an additional 200 mosques in Qatar will be reopened from tomorrow (Aug 7) for Friday Prayers.

With this additional 200 mosques which will be opened tomorrow, the total number of mosques opened so far for worshipers has reached 400.

Click here to find the list of additional mosques which will be reopened tomorrow for Friday prayers. To find the nearest mosque, Worshipers can visit this website – https://www.islam.gov.qa/services/COVID19Mosques.aspx

According to a tweet by the Ministry,”All precautions and safety measures announced in the last phase of reopening are applicable,”.  Mohamad bin Hamad Al Kuwari, the Director of Mosques Management Department of the ministry thanked the Imams and worshipers for cooperating with the department to ensure the safety of all.

Awqaf has urged all worshipers going to the mosque to follow all the guidelines and precautionary measures. Awqaf had highlighted the below COVID-19 precautionary measures for worshipers praying in mosques:

  • The bathrooms and ablution places at Mosques remain closed. Do ablution at home before starting to the mosque.
  • Do not reach early for prayers, mosques will open only with the call to prayer
  • Maintain two metres distance from others and do not crowd inside the mosque
  • Worshipers should show Ehteraz app to enter the mosques
  • Shaking hands with others even with gloves must be avoided
  • Face mask is must. Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
  • Worshipers should bring their own mats for prayers, do not share it with others or leave it at the mosque
  • Worshipers should bring their own copy of the Holy Quran and should not be shared with others in the mosque
  • Awqaf advised people over 60 years, Children and people suffering from chronic diseases to pray at home

Source:  AwqafM  | Image Credit: iled2019

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August 6, 2020 Comments (0)

No more than 50% of the total number of employees to work at the workplace | Effective from 1st of July

No more than 50% of the total number of employees to work at the workplace | Effective from 01 July 2020

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani chaired the regular cabinet meeting via video conferencing.

After the meeting, Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs His Excellency Dr. Isa bin Saad Al-Jafali Al-Nuaimi stated the following: The Cabinet affirmed to continue the application of the precautionary measures and procedures taken in order to combat this pandemic. Within the framework of the plan to gradually lift the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19, the Cabinet decided the following.

Effective from 01 July 2020 until further notice,

Not more than 50% of the total number of employees to work at the workplace

  • It decided to amend its decision regarding reducing the number of employees present in the workplace of government entities, allowing – as needed – no more than 50% of the total number of employees to work at the workplace, while the rest of the employees continue their work remotely from their homes, or when requested, as appropriate.
  • It decided to amend its decision to reduce the number of workers present in the workplace in the private sector so that no more than 50% of the total number of workers work in offices, and the rest work remotely from their homes.

Private health care facilities to limit within 60% of the capacity

  • It decided to amend its decision regarding the suspension of medical services in health facilities, allowing these services to be provided within 60% of the capacity of private health care facilities while continuing to provide emergency services.


In implementing the said decision, the following must be taken into account:

A – continued implementation of the previous exceptions decided by the Cabinet in this regard.

B- adherence to health requirements, precautionary measures and procedures, and controls determined by the Ministry of Public Health.

  • The competent authorities – each in its jurisdiction – shall take the necessary measures in this regard.
  • This decision is effective as of Wednesday, July 7, 2020, until further notice.

Source: QNA (Qatar News Agency)

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EHTERAZ app update allows registration with visa number for non-QID holders

Download Ehteraz App:

EHTERAZ App on Google Play (For Android Users) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moi.covid19&hl=en
EHTERAZ App on Apple App Store (For iOS users) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ehteraz/id1507150431
June 24, 2020 Comments (0)

Qatar’s plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions in four phases beginning June 15, 2020

Qatar’s plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions in four phases beginning June 15, 2020

In a press conference held on the 8th of June 2020, Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, Official Spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, announced Qatar’s plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions in four phases beginning June 15, 2020 (Phase 1) and Phase 4 by 1st of September.

The gradual lifting of lock-down restrictions:

  • Qatar is one of the countries with the lowest number of COVID-19 deaths.
  • Gradual lifting of restrictions will be carried out in the State of Qatar through 4 phases with all the necessary precautionary measures.
  • Stringent assessment will be carried out during each Phase. Moving from one phase to other phase will be based on the indications measured during the assessment.
  • Possible to re-impose restrictions or delay of moving to next phase in the event of non-compliance and if assessment indicators are negative

Four Phases of Gradual lifting of restrictions are as follows:

  • Phase 1 – June 15
  • Phase 2- July 1
  • Phase 3 – August 1
  • Phase 4 – September 1

 

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EHTERAZ app update allows registration with visa number for non-QID holders

Register on the Indian Embassy website for repatriation before it is closed | Embassy of India, Doha

Download Ehteraz App:

EHTERAZ App on Google Play (For Android Users) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moi.covid19&hl=en
EHTERAZ App on Apple App Store (For iOS users) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ehteraz/id1507150431
June 13, 2020 Comments (0)

EHTERAZ app update allows registration with visa number for non-QID holders

EHTERAZ app update allows registration with visa number for non-QID holders

Qatar has made EHTERAZ Covid-19 tracking app installation compulsory for all citizens and residents when leaving the house for any reason.

Non-QID holders were not able to register on EHTERAZ app as it requires QID number to complete the registration. In a recent update on android version of EHTERAZ app (on Google Play Store) it allows non-QID holders (Business and Other Visit Visa Holders) to register using Visa information.

The new update has been rolled our only on Android version and it is expected to happen on iOS version as well very soon. Ehteraz app has two options to choose while registering – “Visa Registration” and “QID Registration”. Non-QID holders has to choose Visa option and then it ask for your Mobile Number, Visa Number and Nationality to get the verification pin.

Non-QID holders were not able to register on this app as it required QID number to complete the registration. In a recent update on android version of EHTERAZ (on Google Play Store) it allows non-QID holders (Business and Other Visit Visa Holders) to register using Visa information instead of QID number.

Non-QID holders were not able to register on this app as it required QID number to complete the registration. In a recent update on android version of EHTERAZ (on Google Play Store) it allows non-QID holders (Business and Other Visit Visa Holders) to register using Visa information instead of QID number.

Many visitor who came on visit to Qatar and could travel to their home country couldn’t install Ehteraz app earlier without QID Number. This update is a great news for people who are on visit visa since the Ehteraz app is mandatory if someone wish to leave the house for any reason.

Now many establishments in Qatar including most supermarkets and banks check for green status before they allow customers inside.

Download Ehteraz App

EHTERAZ App on Google Play (For Android Users) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moi.covid19&hl=en
EHTERAZ App on Apple App Store (For iOS users) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ehteraz/id1507150431

Image Source: Google Android Play Store (Just for representation)

16000 will also continue to provide a 24/7 call centre service for all enquiries in relation to the COVID-19. 

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Qatar eases some COVID-19 restrictions | Permitted working hours extended | 4 people allowed in a vehicle

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June 8, 2020 Comments (0)

Qatar eases some COVID-19 restrictions | Permitted working hours extended | 4 people allowed in a vehicle

Qatar eases some COVID-19 restrictions | Permitted working hours extended | 4 people allowed in a vehicle

His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani chaired the 22nd Cabinet meeting on 3rd June (Today) through video conferencing. During the meeting, Cabinet affirms the continuation of the precautionary measures taken to combat the epidemic. Following decisions have been taken during,

Permitted Working Hours: Effective from 4th of June (Thursday), permitted working hours for commercial and service activities will be from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday) with the exception of following activities

Outlets selling food products, consumer goods and subsidised supplies (hypermarkets, supermarkets and groceries) and shops selling fruits and vegetables.

  • Pharmacies
  • Factories
  • Companies delivering orders through electronic apps
  • Petroleum Stations and Car services
  • Car Maintenance workshops affiliated with agencies
  • Companies operating in the hospitality sector
  • Telecommunications companies
  • Maintenance Companies (electricity, plumbing and electronic services)
  • Restaurants, Cafeterias and Cafe’s (Coffee Shops) that are allowed to deliver or hand over orders to customers outside the business place. However, restaurants and cafe’s located in malls are exempt from this decision, and are only allowed to process delivery orders. These outlets are prohibited from handing over orders to customers inside the premises
  • Logistics services companies and freight firms operating in ports, airports and customs services.
  • Contracting and Engineering companies (allowed to operate in constriction sites along with affiliated engineering offices)

Number of people in a vehicle: Cabinet increased the minimum number of people allowed in a vehicle from two to four (including the driver). Families are exempted from this decision.

Bus Transportation: The decision to reduce the number of people transported by buses to half the capacity will continue.

Cabinet agrees on a draft law that amends some provisions of law no. 14 of 2004, which comes in the framework of Qatar’s commitment to increase regulation of health requirements and specifications for workers’ housing, and to enhance the protections for workers’ financial rights.

Cabinet approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint cooperation in the field of health between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of Ethiopia

Cabinet approved a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding on consultation and exchanging information between regulatory bodies of financial markets in Arab countries who are members of the Union of Arab Securities Authorities.

Source: Qatar News Agency & MoCI

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Register on the Indian Embassy website for repatriation before it is closed | Embassy of India, Doha

Download Ehteraz App:

EHTERAZ App on Google Play (For Android Users) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moi.covid19&hl=en
EHTERAZ App on Apple App Store (For iOS users) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ehteraz/id1507150431
June 3, 2020 Comments (0)

Government offices reopens on 31st May after Eid Al-Fitr holidays from 7 am to 1 pm: 20% of employees at offices & 80% to work remotely

Government offices reopens on 31st May after Eid Al-Fitr holidays from 7 am to 1 pm: 20% of employees at offices & 80% to work remotely

Government offices in Qatar are scheduled to reopen from 31st May 2020, Sunday after Eid Al-Fitr holidays. As tweeted by ADLSAQa, starting from Sunday 31/05/2020 working hours in the Government sector offices will be from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.

As a part of preventive and precautionary measures to fight against the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19, government offices will adhere to the decision to have 20% of total employees in the offices and the other 80% employees to work remotely from home.

Qatar has taken many measures to fights against the spread of deadly coronavirus, COVID-19. It includes,

Effective from May 22 until further notice it has been made compulsory for all citizens and residents are obligated to install the EHTERAZ app on smartphones when leaving the house for any reason.

Source: QNA / ADLSAQa

  • 16000 will also continue to provide a 24/7 call centre service for all enquiries in relation to the COVID-19. 
  • Covid-19 helpline numbers of Indian Embassy Doha – 55647502 and 55667569 | Queries will be answered only by WhatsApp / SMS. Do not to communicate on these numbers for repatriation and consular service related queries.

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May 29, 2020 Comments (0)

Air India will shortly shift to direct ticketing to facilitate bookings abroad : Dr. S. Jaishankar – External affairs minister of India

Air India will shortly shift to direct ticketing to facilitate bookings abroad : Dr. S. Jaishankar – External affairs minister of India

Under the Vande Bharat Mission, Indian government has been bringing back Indians from abroad in phases. 173 flights and 3 ships has been involved so far covering 34 countries. So far under Vande Bharat Mission, 9 flights with 1520 passengers plus 45 infants has been repatriated from Qatar.

Dr. S. Jaishankar, external affairs minister of India had a detailed review meeting of Vande Bharat Mission on Tuesday. He held this review meeting with officials from all the agencies and ministries involved in the repatriation exercise.

The government plans to bring back 1,00,000 Indian nationals stranded in as many as 60 countries in the on-going second phase of the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM), said Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. He also added that, Air India will shortly shift to direct ticketing to facilitate bookings abroad.

Dr. S. Jaishankar in a series of tweets on after concluding the review meeting with officials from MEA India, MoCA GoI, Air Iindia, MHA, DMA, Bureau of Immigration he said,

  • Focus of meeting was to ramp up the scale of Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) and enhance its efficiency.
  • Phase 2 of Vande Bharat Mission extended from 17 May to 13 June 2020. So far of 173 flights and 3 ships covering 34 countries. Target 100,000 passengers from 60 countries.
  • Preparations for 3rd phase – widening our footprint has commenced.
  • Increase in entry points and expanded feeder flights being planned.
  • Arrangements being made for amnesty beneficiaries in the Gulf.
  • Air India will shortly shift to direct ticketing to facilitate bookings abroad.
  • Center is working with state governments for more efficient use of cumulative quarantine capacity.

Under the Vande Bharat Mission, Indian Nationals abroad having “compelling reasons” are being brought back to India which includes elderly people, students, pregnant women and nationals who are facing the prospect of deportation.

Source: @DrSJaishankar

Covid-19 helpline numbers of Indian Embassy Doha – 55647502 and 55667569 | Queries will be answered only by WhatsApp / SMS. Do not to communicate on these numbers for repatriation and consular service related queries.

Also Read:

Download Ehteraz App:

EHTERAZ App on Google Play (For Android Users) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moi.covid19&hl=en
EHTERAZ App on Apple App Store (For iOS users) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ehteraz/id1507150431
May 28, 2020 Comments (0)

Covid-19 helpline numbers of Indian Embassy Doha – Do not communicate on this for repatriation related queries

Covid-19 helpline numbers of Indian Embassy Doha – Do not communicate on this for repatriation related queries

Embassy of India Doha tweeted an update on its official twitter handle regarding Covid-19 helpline numbers of Indian Embassy. It has announced that, Indian Embassy will have two mobile numbers (55647502 and 55667569) exclusively for Covid-19 helpline. Queries will be answered only by WhatsApp / SMS.

The Embassy informed that these 2 Covid-19 helpline numbers are meant only for providing food and medical assitance. Also requested not to communicate on these numbers for repatriation and consular service related queries.

Source Credit: IndEmbDoha

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Download Ehteraz App:

EHTERAZ App on Google Play (For Android Users) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moi.covid19&hl=en
EHTERAZ App on Apple App Store (For iOS users) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ehteraz/id1507150431
May 28, 2020 Comments (0)
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