With news about the increase in positive cases among Qatari nationals and expat professionals midway through Phase 1 of the lifting of restrictions, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) highlighted the need to take extra precautions and reminded people that we can only move to Phase 2 if the data shows continual improvement.
While many of us are returning to our offices, we should be more cautious while being exposed to more people than in the last few months. Let us continue to practice social distancing while talking to our colleagues or while in the presence of other people in public places like malls, supermarkets, and restaurants. We know the drill about wearing masks (and face shields), and washing our hands or applying hand sanitizers regularly.
And while the agency is saying we are past the peak of the virus, we should never be complacent to avoid the second wave of the outbreak. Still, our reminders for the children, the elderly, and the sick to stay at home if going out is really not necessary. It is not even advisable to travel back to Qatar (though it is only limited to Qatar nationals) because of the presence of risk in international airports, as well as the cost of the required “Quarantine Hotel Packages”. The excitement is also building up especially with the hype on the opening of malls and restaurants, and even some establishments in hotels. But a few more days of waiting, until we see a significant decrease in the number of cases, will give us more assurance and confidence.
The average daily cases for the month of June still stand at 1,411 after reaching its record high on 30th May at 2,355 since the first reported case in Qatar on 29th February. The lowest recorded rate during the month of June is on 21st at 880 cases which gave us a hope of the weaking of the virus before it started picking up to 1000 level since 7th May.
– Best Life Qatar Monitoring Sheet
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS MONTH OF JULY 2020?
Phase 2: Gradual Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions in Qatar
TRANSPORTATION:
PERSONAL BOATS: Boat/Yacht rental for families only of ≤ 10
FLIGHTS: Only essential flights out of Doha. Upon return, travelers will go to mandatory hotel quarantine allocated by the government for 2 weeks, paid for by the traveler.
OUTDOOR: Parks, Corniche, and Beaches are open
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: (<10 people) Professional training of small groups – outdoor only / large open spaces
HEALTH: 60% capacity selected private healthcare facilities at specific capacity. Emergency services continue.
BUSINESS AND LEISURE:
MALLS: All malls open (restricted hours). Souks & wholesale markets (restricted capacity and hours)
RESTAURANTS: Restricted restaurants opening with low capacity
MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES: Open with restricted hours and capacity
OFFICES: 50% of employees at workplace with strict health precautions
source: MOPH Details of the phased lifting of restrictions scheduled can be found here
