Covid19

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)

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)

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)

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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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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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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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)
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