The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management has decided to implement Phase 2 of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar on July 1, 2020, as initially planned.

In Phase 2, Qatar will witness the reopening of museums and heritage sites, restaurants in several tourist areas, all parks and beaches, among resumption of some other activities.

The reopenings of facilities will be subject to strict precautionary measures with limited capacity to ensure public safety.

Qatar National Library (QNL) has announced that on July 15 it will reopen its doors to the public.

In a press statement, the library said it will gradually resume its services "in bringing access to information and knowledge to its community and patrons, with safety as the utmost priority."

Community members will once again be able to borrow books from the library’s extensive collection, coupled with the option to access the library's resources digitally.

The library's reopening will see scaled-back services at the beginning with a phased move toward its regular offerings taking the Ministry of Public Health's recommendations into consideration.

Initially, the library will operate at lower capacity and visitors will be required to pre-book their visit online. There will be two available slots to pick from: Morning from 9 am to 11 am or Afternoon from 12 noon to 2 pm.

The library will remain closed on weekends.

In terms of precautionary measures, the following will apply:

- Only visitors aged 13 to 60 years will be allowed

- All entrants must wear face masks at all times

- Temperatures will be checked upon arrival

- Visitors will have to show the green status on their Ehteraz app at entry

- All visitors must follow the social distancing stickers and keep formal and informal gatherings restricted to five people or fewer.

- Initially, visitors will only be permitted to collect books reserved in advance. They will have to request books 48 hours in advance via email. Borrowing of DVDs, CDs, or electronic equipment will not be allowed at this stage.

- Items may be loaned only through self-checkout stations. Book return stations and bins inside the library will be available for returning books.

- the drop-off station outside the building can be used by members from July 1. Any books received from the public will be kept under isolation for five days before recirculating.

- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of high-touch areas will take place before and after each visiting slot.

- There will be reduced capacity of elevators and rooms

- Closure of the bookshelves as well as certain library spaces will take effect.

- The restaurant and café will be closed to the public until further notice

- Bus and valet services will also be unavailable during the initial phase of the reopening of the library.

In terms of registration and reference services, these will continue online, QNL said. 

The library urges all visitors to check the QNL website and social media channels in advance of their visit and to read the Questions and Answers section to ensure compliance with the guidelines.

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

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Source: QNL