Qatar announced additional measures today to ensure the population remains at a low risk of being affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid Al-Khater, Spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, announced the latest preventive measures implemented by the State of Qatar to limit the spread of coronavirus.

COVID-19 Update

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announces the registration of 54 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, noting that some cases are related to travelers who have returned to Qatar and others to contacts, and the newly infected cases have been entered under complete health isolation, where they receive the necessary medical care.

It was also announced that 9 patients who had contracted COVID-19 in Qatar have beat the virus. The 9 patients have recovered from the COVID-19 infection and are in good health, the officials confirmed. With these, the total number of COVID-19 recovery in Qatar has now reached 71.

Qatari citizens abroad, in addition to Qatari children, Qatari spouses, Qatari women and those with permanent residence permits, can return to Qatar at any time, subject to the quarantine condition.

Entry to Qatar

It is decided to extend the decision to suspend incoming flights to Doha, except for transit and air freight, as part of new decisions and measures to address COVID-19 in Qatar.

Qatari citizens abroad, and children, wives, and husbands of Qataris, as well as those who have permanent residence, can return at any time, subject to quarantine for a period of 14 days.

Spokesperson of Supreme Committee for Crisis Management clarified that Qatari citizens abroad, and children, wives and husbands of Qataris, as well as those who have permanent residence, can return at any time, subject to quarantine for a period of 14 days. #QNA

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) April 1, 2020

The shutdown of Industrial Area

Extending the closure of the closed part of the industrial city while ensuring the continued flow of food and medicine.

The Cabinet

Reducing the number of workers in the workplace in the private sector to 20%

Reducing the number of workers in the workplace in the private sector to 20% of the total number of workers in each authority, and 80% of the rest of the workers start their work remotely from their homes.

The working hours for employees and workers

The working hours for employees and workers at their workplace in the government and private sectors will be six hours a day, starting from 7:00 am until 1:00 pm.

The stores of foodstuffs, pharmacies, and restaurants that submit external orders are exempted from this decision. The Ministry of Trade and Industry, in coordination with the concerned authorities, shall determine the other necessary activities exempted from this decision.

Meetings held for employees and workers

All meetings held for employees and workers in the government and private sectors located at their place of work (by distance) shall be made using modern technical means, and in the event that this is not possible, and in cases of necessity, the meeting shall be held with not more than five persons, taking into account the preventive measures determined by the Ministry of Public Health.

Home services

Stopping the temporary home services system provided by cleaning and hospitality companies.

The military, security sector, employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions, and the health sector are excluded from the decisions.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself. 

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