Shutdown of Industrial Area, salons and retail stores in shopping malls part of new measures to combat COVID-19 in Qatar
Qatar announced additional measures today to ensure the population remains at low risk of being affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Her Excellency Lolwa 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.
The measures include closing a part of the Industrial area that starts from Street No. 1 to Street No. 32 for a period of two weeks starting today, March 17. This period is extendable.
Secondly, all retail stores and bank branches in the shopping malls and shopping centers will be closed, excluding food outlets and pharmacies.
All activities in men’s and women’s salons will be suspended until further notice, including the home services provided by some of these salons, Al-Khater added.
Finally, Al-Khater reiterated that all activities of health clubs in hotels will be suspended until further notice as per the circulars issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Lockdown of Industrial Area
The decision to lockdown a major section of the Industrial Area came after health authorities discovered a number of positive COVID-19 cases among residents, who were subject to quarantine measure immediately.
Despite the closure of the industrial area, Al-Khater stressed that this will not affect the daily needs of the residents living here. A joint effort by their companies and local authorities will ensure the daily needs of the workers will be satisfied including payment of salaries in a timely manner.
Additionally, the Ministry of Administrative Development Labor and Social Affairs will work together with Qatar Charity to distribute masks, sterilizers and other necessary items to the residents in the closed off areas.
Three new COVID-19 cases reported in Qatar
During the press conference, HE Al-Khater also announced the discovery of three new cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Qatar, bringing the total numer of positive cases in the country to 442.
Two of them are from a group quarantined earlier, whereas the third is a new case in the community that works as a driver in a house. The infected are in a stable condition and receiving medical care.
HE Al-Khater also emphasized that all citizens returning to Qatar from any destination in the world will be quarantined immediately after their arrival for a period of 14 days.
She said that all Qataris can return to their homeland without specifying that in a period of time.
Personal preventive measures will be key to stopping spread of coronovirus
HE Al-Khater reaffirmed the importance of not leaving the house except for when needed and maintaining the appropriate distance when dealing with the elderly and people suffering from chronic diseases.
She also called on everyone to avoid social gatherings during the next two weeks, a period that is considered very crucial, noting the role of individuals and families in spreading awareness and canceling many occasions to raise them in the public interest.
In this context, she praised the community in Qatar and their awareness and care for taking preventive measures to protect themselves and their community from the spread of the virus.
"We withstood the blockade in 2017 and we will surpass this crisis too, God willing, through cohesion and unity," she said.
Her Excellency Al-Khater stressed that the State of Qatar has followed the principle of transparency with the local and international communities since the beginning of this crisis by announcing all cases of their numbers and health conditions as well as announcing all the measures needed to limit the spread of the epidemic.
She reiterated that the State of Qatar will do its utmost to limit the spread of the virus and take all the necessary decisions required in stages and pointed out that this effort requires the solidarity of all individuals, institutions and sectors.
Her Excellency explained that the decisions announced today and the precautionary measures may be subject to further updates based on the current situation in order to ensure the safety of the society.
Her final words of the press conference were "My safety is your safety, and your safety is my safety."
Stay tuned for more COVID-19 updates on Qatar Living.
Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.
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