COVID 19

Three phase plan to re-impose certain restrictions | Mandatory quarantine to all travellers returning to the State of Qatar | The Supreme Committee

Three phase plan to re-impose certain restrictions | Mandatory quarantine to all travellers returning to the State of Qatar | The Supreme Committee

Statement by the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management regarding developments on containing COVID-19 in the State of Qatar

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world and in the State of Qatar has made it essential to enforce a number of measures on various levels to ensure the safety of citizens and residents and limit the spread of the virus. With our robust health system, the effectiveness of measures that have been taken, the cooperation of citizens and residents and their commitment to following the precautionary measures, the State of Qatar was able to move past the peak of the Coronavirus and flatten the curve, while maintaining one of the lowest Coronavirus death rates in the world.

After getting past the virus’ peak, it became necessary to reach the required balance between preserving public health and returning to normal life. This process has been successful through implementing the four-phase plan of gradually lifting Coronavirus restrictions.

Here, the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management would like to affirm the continuation of Phase Four, including the capacities that were recently announced, with relevant state authorities reviewing the indicators periodically. While the public health indicators show that the spread of the virus has been contained in the State of Qatar, this does not mean the pandemic has been reversed or that it has disappeared.

Therefore, the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management has approved a three-phase plan to re-impose certain restrictions if the Ministry of Public Health recommends so, based on its continuous monitoring of health indicators. In this context, we note that the main contributing factor for limiting the spread of the virus is people’s awareness and their commitment to following precautionary measures, especially relating to gatherings and social events, as it has recently become evident that socialising without proper caution is the main source of spreading COVID-19 in the country.

It should be noted here that several countries around the world have already entered the second wave of the Coronavirus, and this could occur here as well if people do not take precautionary measures seriously.

Additionally, and as the spread rate of the pandemic around the world is on the rise, it is necessary to apply mandatory quarantine to all travellers returning to the State of Qatar until further notice, with the Ministry of Public Health continuing to update the list of low-risk countries.

The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management calls on all citizens and residents to commit to following the precautionary measures, including wearing masks, maintaining a safe distance and washing hands.

(Source: gco.gov.qa)

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October 1, 2020 Comments (0)

Weyak – Free tele-counselling service in Qatar | Now in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Urdu

Weyak – Free tele-counselling service in Qatar | Now in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Urdu

“Weyak” Psychological Tele-Counselling Service:

What:  A safe space where adults who are feeling distressed, stressed or low can speak to a counsellor that can provide support/psycho-social education/ signpost to additional resources in Qatar.

Who: Free tele counselling service for all Qatari residents and citizens. Service is accessible in 7 languages (English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, Philipino).

Why: When people go through stress, depression or anxiety they tend to turn to family and friends (who aren’t trained in thorough support) or alternatively retreat and suffer in silence. Tele-counselling service is there for people who feel alone.

Where: Tele-counselling service is confidential, you just call a support line which is favourable condition if you are feeling hesitant or unmotivated.

Weyak Tele-Counselling Service Details:

Phone Number: 44995211
Day: Tuesday to Saturday (Sundays & Mondays off)
Time: 12pm – 8pm
Languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil and Tagalog
Fees: No fees are required for this service.

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September 22, 2020

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)

Phase 4 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions split into 2 phases | 1st phase to start from September 1

Phase 4 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions split into 2 phases |  1st phase of Phase 4 to start from September 1

The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management thanks both citizens and residents for their commitment to adhering to the precautionary measures to combat Coronavirus (COVID-19), which has contributed to limiting the spread of the virus. As the State of Qatar moves on to phase four, it is important for the community to continue to follow procedures to ensure that efforts are successful and the nation can fully reopen.

Based on Qatar’s public health indicators and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection rate in the community, it has been decided to split phase four into two phases.

The first phase will commence on 1 September, and the situation will be assessed on an ongoing basis, including the re-imposing and/or lifting of some restrictions based on developments mid-September. The second phase will commence at the beginning of the third week of September. The first phase will include the following:

  • Reopening of all mosques in the country to perform daily and Friday prayers, provided that precautionary measures are followed. Toilets and ablution facilities remain closed.
  • Continuing to follow the Council of Ministers’ decision, which limits the capacity in workplaces to a maximum of 80% of employees in both public and private sectors.
  • Allowing gatherings of a maximum of 15 people indoors and 30 people outdoors.
  • Allowing weddings with a maximum of 40 people indoors and 80 people outdoors, provided that precautionary measures are followed, including activating the Ehteraz application, maintaining a distance of two meters between tables with a maximum of 5 people per table, and avoiding handshakes and kisses while greeting. Individuals holding parties at home as well as managers of wedding venues are required to keep records of the contact information of all invitees.
  • Opening of cinemas and theaters with a capacity of 15%, provided that precautionary measures are followed and that only people who are 18 years and above are allowed entry.
  • Playgrounds and leisure centres remain closed.
  • Allowing local exhibitions with a capacity of 30%, according to the procedures which will be announced by the National Tourism Council.
  • Resuming metro and public transport services with a capacity of 30% according to the procedures which will be announced by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
  • Continuing to allow personal boats and yacht rentals with a capacity of 30%, including boat workers.
  • Continuing to follow Qatar’s travel policy. The Ministry of Public Health will continue to update the list of low-risk countries periodically.
  • Continuing the operation of driving schools with a capacity of 50%.
  • Continuing the suspension of summer camps as well as the use of sports equipment in public parks.
  • Allowing audiences to attend sporting events with a capacity of 20% indoors and 30% outdoors, according to procedures which will be announced by the relevant authorities.
  • Allowing private health clinics to resume work in full capacity.
  • Continuing normal working hours at malls while keeping capacity to 50%, and opening food courts in malls with a capacity of 30%. Allowing children to enter malls.
  • Allowing the increase in restaurants capacity starting with 30%, according to the procedures which will be set by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • Allowing souks to operate with a 75% capacity and raising the capacity at wholesale markets to 50%.
  • Allowing museums and public libraries to operate in full capacity and normal hours provided that all precautionary measures are followed.
  • Continuing the work of health clubs, gyms and public swimming pools at half capacity (50%) and allowing massage and sauna services at a capacity of 30% in approved facilities, as well as opening indoor swimming pools at a capacity of 30%.
  • Continuing the suspension of home beauty, barber, massage and fitness training services.
  • Continuing the work of private education and training centers at a capacity of 50%.
  • Resuming cleaning and hospitality services in workplaces at a capacity of 30% as well as allowing the resumption of these services at homes.

The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management emphasises that the evaluation of lifting further measures depends on the cooperation of all and the commitment to following precautionary measures, including wearing masks while outside, washing hands, maintain a safe distance, and activating the Ehteraz application.

(Source: gco.gov.qa)

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Hamad International Airport implements newly modified procedures to enter Qatar based on the categorization of arriving passengers, following the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions across Qatar

August 28, 2020 Comments (0)

Hamad International Airport implements newly modified procedures to enter Qatar based on the categorization of arriving passengers

Hamad International Airport (HIA) implements newly modified procedures to enter Qatar based on the categorization of arriving passengers

Hamad International Airport (HIA) implements newly modified procedures to enter Qatar based on the categorization of arriving passengers, following the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions across Qatar. HIA has customised its procedures based on the categorization of arriving passengers, hence ensuring a smooth return to the country. Following has been announced on HIA Website:

  • Group One: Qatari citizens, their spouses and children, permanent residency holders.
  • Group Two: includes vulnerable passengers that have certain identified medical conditions or are aged 55 and above.
  • Group Three: passengers arriving from ‘low-risk countries’
  • Group Four: passengers arriving from ‘high-risk countries’

Please visit the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) website to see the latest list of countries classified as high and low-risk of COVID-19.

EHTERAZ Mobile App & Thermal Screening

All arriving passengers will be thermally screened at the airport. Passengers must have the EHTERAZ mobile application downloaded and installed on a smartphone which requires a SIM card. Volunteers are available to help set up passengers with the EHTERAZ App. Smartphones and SIM cards are also available for purchase at the airport.

Health Assessment Form & Quarantine Pledge Agreement

All passengers must also fill out a health assessment form and sign a quarantine pledge agreement, preferably filled prior to arrival into Doha and submitted upon arrival.

Quarantine Hotel | High Risk Countries

Passengers arriving from ‘high-risk countries’ will proceed to immigration whilst presenting their hotel booking to the immigration officer. Once all arrival formalities have been completed, passengers will be transported to their quarantine hotel with Discover Qatar.

Swab Testing | Home Quarantine

All other arriving passengers will be diverted to designated airport testing facilities where they will receive swab tests. Once testing is complete, passengers will then proceed to immigration for entry processing. Those passengers can use private transportation to their home quarantine. The airport’s taxi pavilion is also available.

Other COVID-19 Safety Procedures

HIA has planned and executed comprehensive COVID-19 safety procedures, keeping every passenger journey in mind whether they are arriving, departing, or transferring through the five-star airport.

To ensure the health and wellbeing of its staff and passengers, HIA introduced a series of unprecedented measures including the implementation of robotics and advanced thermal screening helmets.

The five-star airport is keen on the safety of its passengers and employees and are continuously cleaning and disinfecting all high contact areas every 10-15 minutes. Hand sanitisers are also readily available for passengers at key locations across the airport. The airport maintains 1.5m social distancing across all passenger touchpoints around the airport, through floor markings, signage, and distance seating.

Source: dohahamadairport.com | Image Credit: @HIAQatar

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August 14, 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)

Phase 3 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions begins today (July 28th 2020) in Qatar

Phase 3 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions begins today (July 28th 2020) in Qatar

Phase 3 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions begins today (July 28th 2020) in Qatar. New guidelines, procedures and precautionary measures has been issues for the third phase including procedures to barbershops, gyms, some restaurants to reopen in Qatar.

Based on #Qatar’s public health indicators, including the steady decrease in the number of daily active cases, the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management announced that the third phase of the gradual reopening will begin on 28 July, rather than 1 August. (https://www.gco.gov.qa/en/top-news/statement-by-the-supreme-committee-for-crisis-management-on-phase-three-of-the-gradual-lifting-of-coronavirus-restrictions/)

Gatherings:

  • Medium-Scale gatherings of 10 people indoors and 30 people outdoors
  • Opening of selected mosques for Friday and Eid prayers

Business and Leisure:

  • 80% of employees allowed in the workplace with strict health precautions (with employees to begin work immediately after the Eid holiday)
  • Opening of all malls with fill hours, maintaining its 50% capacity
  • Opening of Souks between 30-75% capacity and wholesale markets at 30% capacity
  • Continuing the opening of restaurants, including restaurants and coffee shops in malls (except for shared food courts)
  • Opening of health clubs and gyms at 50% capacity with Jacuzzis, saunas and indoor pools still closed
  • Opening of beauty parlors and hairdressers at 30% capacity

Transport:

  • Priority passengers such as residence permit holders, will be allowed to return as of 1 August, with required quarantine precautions in place
  • Opening od driving schools at 50% capacity

Outdoor and Professional Sports:

  • Amateur and non-amateur sports, trainings, and competitions with no spectators and up to 40 people

Education and Health:

  • 80% capacity at selected private healthcare facilities
  • Opening of nurseries and childcare facilities at 50% capacity

(Source: https://twitter.com/GCOQatar/status/1287471372231417856)

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July 28, 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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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)

Travelling out of Doha with a return booking? – You cannot depart without your 14-day confirmed quarantine hotel booking

Travelling out of Doha with a return booking? – You cannot depart without your 14-day confirmed quarantine hotel booking 

In a recent Circular (Circular No. 12 for the year 2020) from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) dated 17th June 2020, it has been advised that with immediate effect all passengers travelling out of Doha with a return booking must have a confirmed reservation in one of the designated quarantine hotels in Qatar on their return.

As per the circular, no passengers irrespective of nationality can depart from Doha without holding a confirmed hotel booking for their return for a period of fourteen (14) days which will be prepaid against a nonrefundable voucher obtained from the hotel through “Discover Qatar” website.

In case travel dates into Doha are amended, hotel reservations can be changed subject to availability.

Passengers who are currently out of the State of Qatar, and upon their return, must also hold a confirmed hotel booking in one of the quarantine hotels at the time of checking into their flights to Doha.

List of current quarantine hotels in Qatar:

  1. Dusit Doha
  2. The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
  3. Time Rako Hotel
  4. The Town Hotel
  5. Ezdan Hotels Doha – Tower 2
  6. Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel
  7. AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton
  8. City Centre Rotana Doha Hotel
  9. Kingsgate Doha Hotel
  10. Millenium Central Hotel
  11. Millennium Plaza Hotel
  12. Wyndham Grand Regency Doha Hotel
  13. Dusit D2 Salwa Doha
  14. Ezdan Hotels Doha – Tower 1
  15. Grand Regal hotel
  16. Holiday Villa Hotel and Residence
  17. K108 Hotel
  18. La Villa Hotel
  19. Safir Hotel

To book hotel rooms – https://www.qatarairwaysholidays.com/qa-en/welcome-home-booking/?cid=DQFAQ

See complete details and latest updates on https://www.discoverqatar.qa/welcome-home/

Circular (Circular No. 12 for the year 2020) from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) dated 17th June 2020 

 

 

Circular (Circular No. 12 for the year 2020) from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) dated 17th June 2020

Circular (Circular No. 12 for the year 2020) from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) dated 17th June 2020

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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
June 19, 2020 Comments (0)
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