A year ago, activities of life were taking place on Zoom and people debated whether going out of safe zones was really worth the risk. But what a difference a year makes — we are a country in which more than 80% people are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Despite how tenuous the state of the world remains, in some ways, life is starting to move back into pre-pandemic normalcy in countries with high vaccine rates, like Qatar.
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) advises public, “in addition to getting vaccinated, people should adhere to the following measures to reduce their chances of catching COVID-19.”
Also active track-and-trace and effective home, community isolation and timely treatment have contributed to getting back to normal.
Major events are being held to capacity crowds, indoor restaurants are bustling, people are walking mask-less in open places and travel has almost rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
As part of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, starting October 3, Qatar eased a number of precautionary measures including continuous wearing of masks and 100% attendance in school and workplaces.
Additionally, markets and malls can also operate at full capacity, with children allowed to enter such facilities while abiding by the maximum number of customers allowed in each store.
Food courts are allowed to operate at a 50-percent capacity and all prayer areas and fitting rooms at malls can reopen.
Yet, it is vital to continue adhering to precautionary measures to support the country’s efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
Recently speaking during a programme on Qatar TV, Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Strategy Group on COVID-19 clarified that though restrictions are being relaxed, the COVID-19 still a threat to health here in Qatar therefore “it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures.”
“COVID-19 will be eliminated only when the whole world comes immune to COVID-19 through vaccination,” he said.
The Ministry has also reminded public the importance of staying safe and has urged people to avoid large gatherings and to meet others virtually at possible occasions.
MoPH said: “As Qatar moves to phase 4 of the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions it’s important to continue to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community against possible risk of infection.”
As Qatar announced phase-4 lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, people started visiting popular attractions.
The Ministry has advised people to avoid large gatherings and crowded places.
Also some of the restrictions are still in place including prohibition of more than four people in a vehicle – this is excluded for families.
Only less than 30 vaccinated people, or five unvaccinated or mixed groups are allowed to gather indoors. Also more than 50 vaccinated or 10 unvaccinated or mixed groups allowed gathering outdoors.
At weddings not more than 30 percent of the capacity for weddings at closed venues and hotels, a maximum of 250 people with 20 unvaccinated are allowed. No more than 50 percent of the capacity of the outdoor wedding hall, a maximum of 400 people, of which 50 can be unvaccinated or mixed groups.
Gyms, training clubs operate at 75% capacity, nurseries and childcare at 75% capacity, up to 30 can gather at parks, beaches, and the Corniche.
While private education and training centres at 75% capacity, indoor dining at 75% capacity at Clean Qatar restaurants, cinemas and theatres at 50% capacity, at least 75% vaccinated and children allowed as part of 25% non-vaccinated capacity.
Barbershop and salons to operate at 75% capacity with no more than two children under 12 at one time, amusement parks and entertainment centres at 75% capacity outdoors and 50% capacity indoors with no age restriction.
Also all citizens, residents and visitors are obliged to activate the Ehteraz application on smartphones when leaving the house for any reason.
The COVID-19 Qatar National Response Plan sets out the actions required to ensure that the health, well-being of public and taking actions to prepare for, monitor, respond and recover from any outbreak of COVID-19.
The Recovery and Continuity phase of the National Plan will support people, systems and the broader economy to return to business as usual, learn lessons and enhance future response capabilities.
