Assistant Undersecretary for Commerce Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Saleh bin Majid al-Khulaifi said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) the re-imposition of some restrictions on commercial activities is aimed at protecting the society and commercial establishments alike from a health point of view, as the ministry was keen not to close any commercial activities, and to keep the commercial wheels turning, after an increase in the number of coronavirus (Covid-19) infections recently.
He said that the measures come to support and stimulate activities that maintain precautionary measures, and tighten control over high-risk activities, as the capacity will be reduced in many activities, especially crowded places such as malls and restaurants.
He stressed the need for companies, commercial establishments, shopping centres, restaurants and cafes to abide by the decisions.
He also pointed out that the ministry will intensify inspection campaigns to monitor commercial establishments and ensure their compliance with the measures, procedures and requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health to prevent the virus, and commercial establishments that violate the decisions will be punished.
The restrictions on commercial activities are as follows:
Shopping centres:
*Work with a capacity not exceeding 75% of the total normal capacity.
*Work with a capacity not exceeding 30% of the total normal capacity in restaurant halls.
*Allowing the opening of prayer places, changing rooms and toilets.
*Only vaccinated clients are allowed to enter.
Popular markets:
*Work with a capacity not exceeding 75% of the total normal capacity.
*Only vaccinated clients and their children under the age of 12 are allowed to enter.
*Vaccinated customers and their children under 12 years of age are allowed to eat indoors, according to the following capacities:
* 50% for restaurants that have the "Clean Qatar" certificate.
* 30% for pre-qualified restaurants.
Allowing vaccinated customers and their children under the age of 12 to eat in open spaces, according to the following capacities:
* 75% for restaurants that have the "Clean Qatar" certificate.
* 40% for pre-qualified restaurants.
* Allow the provision of open buffet services.
* Suspension of shisha services.
* Redistribution of tables, leaving a safe distance between them.
Health clubs, gyms and massage centres:
*Work with a capacity not exceeding 50% of the total normal capacity.
*Only vaccinated clients are allowed to enter.
*Only all immunised employees are allowed to enter.
*Closure of shower and changing rooms, steam rooms, Moroccan baths and saunas.
Swimming pools, water parks, amusement parks and recreational centres:
*Closed spaces: Allowing work with a capacity not exceeding 50% of the total normal capacity.
*Allowing entry to customers who have obtained the necessary doses of the anti-coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine only.
*Open spaces: Allowing work with a capacity not exceeding 75% of the total normal capacity.
Beauty and barber salons:
*Work with a capacity not exceeding 50% of the total normal capacity.
*Only vaccinated clients are allowed to enter.
*Only vaccinated employees are allowed to enter
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has urged administrators and workers in all commercial activities to adhere to the application of social distancing and health and safety measures, stressing that any violation of what was stipulated in this decision exposes its perpetrators to procedures and legal accountability, and that this decision is subject to amendment and update according to developments and updates in this regard.
The ministry also urged all citizens and residents to obtain information about the latest news and developments from its official sources.
