Qatar announces more Covid relaxations, mask not mandatory in most places

Cabinet officials during the regular meeting held at its seat at the Amiri Diwan

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting held at its seat at the Amiri Diwan on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, HE Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Sulaiti issued the following statement: At the beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet mourned with great sadness and sorrow the forgiven, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who was a symbol of wisdom, moderation, and sincerity in the service of his country and nation. The Cabinet expressed its sincere condolences to the honorable Al-Nahyan family and to the government and people of the brotherly United Arab Emirates, asking God Almighty to bestow mercy and forgiveness on the great deceased, and for the brotherly United Arab Emirates further growth, prosperity, and progress, under the leadership of HH President of the State Sister United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. Then, the Cabinet listened to the explanation given by HE Minister of Public Health Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari on the latest developments to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). after reviewing the report of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management regarding the plan to gradually lift the restrictions imposed as a result of the Corona pandemic, it decided the following: First -Lifting restrictions imposed on people's entry to all closed public places, while continuing to check the green symbol in the EHTERAZ application when entering these places. Second - Continuing to adhere to the requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health for holding any conference, exhibition or event. Third - The continuation of all employees in the government sector carrying out their work at their workplace, and the continuation of allowing all workers in the private sector to carry out their work at their workplace. Fourth - Not obligating employees and workers in the government and private sectors to conduct a rapid test for the Corona virus (RapidAntigen) approved by the Ministry of Public Health. Fifth- Citizens, residents and visitors are not required to wear masks in closed public places unless they are inside health facilities or use public transportation. Sixth- Not obligating employees and workers in the government and private sectors whose nature of work requires being in open spaces and communicating with the public to wear masks during their work period, with obligating them to wear masks if the nature of their work requires dealing with the public in closed places. Seventh- Continuing to work to oblige all citizens, residents and visitors to activate the EHTERAZ application on smart phones when leaving the house for any reason.

Second: In this regard, adherence to the health requirements, procedures, precautionary measures, and controls determined by the Ministry of Public Health shall be considered. Third: The Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and other government agencies - each within its jurisdiction - shall take the necessary measures in this regard, to ensure adherence to health requirements, procedures, precautionary measures, and established controls. Fourth: These decisions shall come into force as of Saturday, May 21, 2022, until further notice. After that, the Cabinet considered the topics on the agenda as follows: First: The Cabinet was informed of the Shura Council's approval of a Draft Law on the Temporary Expropriation and Appropriation of Real Estate for the Public Benefit. Second: Approval of a draft Emiri decision to reorganize the General Authority of Customs. Third: Approval of a draft Cabinet decision to amend some provisions of Resolution No. (6) of 2018 forming labor dispute resolution committees, the rules, and procedures to be followed before them, and the mechanism for implementing their decisions and determining their rewards. Fourth: Approving the following two draft resolutions and taking the necessary measures to issue them: 1- Draft decision of the Minister of Public Health to issue the executive regulations of Law No. 22 of 2021 regulating the health services in Qatar. 2- Draft decision of the Minister of Public Health specifying the rights and duties of patients to be considered when receiving health care services. The draft regulation included, among other things, provisions related to the rights and obligations of the beneficiary of health care services, the obligations of the insurance company and health care service providers, and the supervision and control of health care services. Fifth: Approval of the ratification of: 1- The agreement of the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the French Republic to establish a partnership in the areas of security for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 2- Agreement for economic, commercial, and technical cooperation between the governments of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Sierra Leone. 3- Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Mutual Investments between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone.