After overcoming the peak stage of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and being successful in flattening the curve, Qatar has entered Phase 2 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in the country as planned initially.

Phase 2 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar has seen the opening of some places, including malls, souqs, restaurants, parks, beaches, mosques, health facilities, and workplaces all of which are subject to strict rules. 

The public is cautioned to follow all necessary preventive measures while visiting souqs.

Regulating entry and exit

- Restricting the number of entry points to the Souq to regulate capacity to 50% of the normal capacity and limit the entry and exit points.

- Ehteraz App to be downloaded by all employees and customers, and check that the status is green to allow entry.

- Thermal screening of employees and customers (entry prohibited for those with a temperature of 38 degrees or more).

Physical distancing

- Restricting the capacity of customers and employees in shops, and in Souqs in general, to ensure 1.5 meters between customers (9 meters square minimum of space per person), including in queues, except for family groups).

- Staff numbers should be kept to a minimum to manage the operations

- Remind customers of physical distancing requirements - Clear and visible signage.

- Use floor markings to maintain social distancing.

- No sales or activities that draw large crowds are permitted.

- Decrease lift capacity to the minimum.

- Each shop should have a sticker or poster at its entrance indicating the maximum occupancy.

Infection prevention and control

- Masks to be worn by all staff and customers.

- Employees must undergo regular testing for COVID-19 as per MOPH guidance.

- Disposable gloves may be worn by staff during Souq operations (if needed).

- Vendors should not cover tables and chairs with cloths to make it easier to clean and sanitize surfaces.  There should be increased cleaning at the start/end of the day

- Trolleys will be disinfected/sanitized before and after each use.

- All regularly touched surfaces should be disinfected frequently using standard disinfection products.

- Provide hand sanitizer at entrances and promote hand hygiene practice.

- Use physical barriers between staff (e.g., cashiers) and customers where practical.

- Salespersons and other Souq staff must remain conscious all the time about maintaining the minimum safe distance from customers as face masks may cause people to relax their guard about the safe distance).

- Souq staff should not go to work if they have any respiratory symptoms.

- Public toilets shall be cleaned and disinfected regularly after each use.

- Disinfection and cleaning of Souqs should be done at night after closing hours to minimize the interaction of housekeeping with customers and salespersons.

- Porters older than 50 years of age are not allowed to work during this phase.

- Public toilets open with strict control on the number of people inside the toilet at any time such that it does not exceed 30% of its capacity and strict cleaning routine between customers. No hand dryers.

Handling of products

- Minimize handling of products by employees and customers–product lists on display, pre-bagged orders for on-line pick- up.

- Eliminate samples of products to reduce the risk of contamination.

- Discontinue the use of display items that cannot be cleaned and sanitized.

- No test products/ reusable samples (along with any tools to apply makeup) will be permitted.

Shopping bags

Re-usable bags: should not be used – recyclable paper bags or single-use plastic bags should be used instead.

Money handling

- Shops should minimize cash transactions and encourage the use of cards for payments.

- Clean and disinfect the card payment equipment after each use. ​

Opening hours and parking

- Opening hours restricted from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.  All shops open.

- Parking spaces shall be restricted by controlling the number of customers and ensure the cars are parked away from each other.

Vulnerable groups​​

- Vulnerable groups are strongly advised to remain at home (e.g. elderly, pregnant, and those with chronic illnesses).

- Children under 12 are advised to stay at home. ​

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

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Source: MOPH