In this new version of our regular law updates, we are trying to keep a close eye on the recent precautionary measures taken by the authorities in the State of Qatar to contain the spread of COVID-19.
During today’s meeting of the Council of Ministers, a set of important decisions were issued to fight the COVID-19 and to stop the spread of the viral disease. The decisions include;
A. Workplace Measures
- Reducing the number of employees present at the workplace in government agencies to 50% of the total number of employees in each entity, while the remaining employees perform their work remotely from their homes or upon request, according to the circumstances, with the exception of the military, security, and health sectors.
- Reducing the number of employees present at the workplace in the private sector to 50% of the total number of employees in each establishment, while the remaining employees perform their work remotely from their homes. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in coordination with the concerned authorities, shall determine the activities excluded from this decision.
- All meetings held for employees and workers in the government and private sectors who are present at their workplace shall be conducted remotely using modern technical means. Where this is not possible and in cases of necessity, meetings may be held with no more than five (5) persons, while observing the prescribed precautionary measures.
B. Transportation measures
- Continue implementing the decision requiring all citizens and residents to wear masks when leaving their homes for any reason, unless the person is alone while driving a vehicle.
- Continue enforcing the decision requiring all citizens and residents to ensure that no more than four people are in the same vehicle, including the driver, with the exception of family members residing in the same household.
- Reduce the operating capacity of metro services by no more than 20%, and suspend operations on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Reduce the operating capacity of public transport services by no more than 20%, and suspend operations on certain lines as well as on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Driving schools shall remain closed.
- Continue implementing the decision to reduce the number of passengers transported by buses to half of the bus capacity, while observing precautionary measures.
C. Exercising of Sports
- Prevent gatherings or sitting in public parks, beaches, and the corniche, while permitting individual sports such as walking, running, and cycling; playgrounds and sports equipment in these areas shall remain closed.
- Continue to prohibit training of sports teams, whether indoors or outdoors, except for preparatory training for local and international tournaments approved by the Ministry of Public Health.
- Obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health to organize local and international sporting events.
D. Shutting down commercial activities
- Close beauty and hair salons.
- Continue the closure of amusement parks and all entertainment centers.
- Postpone all conferences, exhibitions, and events.
- Continue the closure of health clubs and fitness centers; suspend massage services, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzi services, and Moroccan and Turkish baths.
- Continue the closure of all swimming pools and water parks.
- Suspend dine-in food and beverage services at restaurants and cafes in both open and closed spaces; allow only take-out and delivery services.
- Continue reducing mall capacity to 30%, prohibit entry of children under 16, close all prayer rooms and changing rooms, maintain closure of all food courts inside malls, and allow restaurants inside malls to serve delivery and take-out only.
- Continue the suspension of boat, tourist yacht, and pleasure boat rental services, except for family members residing in the same household; owners using their boats must ensure that non-family members on board do not exceed five individuals, all of whom must have completed Covid-19 vaccination doses.
- Reduce the capacity of traditional souq markets to no more than 30%, suspend operations on Fridays and Saturdays, and prohibit entry of children under 16.
- Continue operating wholesale markets with a capacity not exceeding 30%, and prohibit entry of children under 16.
- Continue the suspension of weddings in both closed and open spaces until further notice.
- Continue to suspend medical services in private health facilities except for emergency cases, while allowing certain services that can be provided through modern communication means.
- Cleaning and hospitality companies are not allowed to provide services during working hours to contracted companies; instead, services may be provided outside working hours, or at home by one person only, while adhering to special requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Close theaters and cinemas.
- Allow private educational and training centers to provide services only through remote communication programs.
- Close nurseries.
- Close public museums and libraries.