As the Ministry of Public Health equip themselves to fight against coronavirus in Qatar by identifying and isolating the suspected cases, here is a round of all the steps taken by the different ministries and the authorities to ensure normal life for Qatar residents.
Qatar, as of March 16, has 439 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 8,375 people tested for Covid-19 and 4 people recovered.
- Al Meera opened a new temporary branch in Mukaynis within 48 hours on March 17 to ensure full supply of groceries in the area.
- Ministry of Interiors announced that it has closed some Industrial Area roads for two weeks starting March 17, as part of medical precautionary measure for everyone's safety.
- Labour Ministry has sanitised 232 labour accommodations to curb the spread of Covid19.
- Ooredoo offers free bandwidth upgrade for educational customers - schools and universities to foster e-learning.
- Hamad General Hospital announced non-emergency cases will not be charged at the emergency department.
- Awqaf directed the closure of mosques and the suspension of congregations for prayers into effect from the mid-day ‘Zuhr’ prayer, Tuesday, March 17. This will also include obligatory prayers five times a day and the Friday gathering at mosques.
- The country also announced the halting of all incoming flights to Doha for a period of 14 days, starting today March 17, in wake of coronavirus spread. Under the instructions of the Qatar Government, effective immediately, entry to the State of Qatar will only be allowed for Qatari nationals, who will be required to enter quarantine for a period of 14 days.
- Many established including Manateq, Katara, Aspire Zone, Mall of Qatar, Barwa Real Estate and Msheireb announced postponement or exemption of rent and other fees for their commercial units.
- Qatar announced a series of incentives including an injection of QR75bn in to the private sector and QR 10bn into stock exchange .
-Ministry of Commerce and Industry decided to ban restaurants and cafes from serving food inside or holding any gathering starting Monday, March 16.
- Qatar shuts public transport and allows various segments of its populations - including employees over the age of 55 and pregnant women - to work remotely.
- MOPH announced number of changes in routine healthcare services. PHCC cancelled all scheduled apppointments except Well-baby and Vaccination |Clinics and Urgent Radiology and Ultrasound appointments.
- Ministry informed that there is a strategic reserve of food itsems that are sufficient to meet the needs of residents for a long period of time.
- Ministry of Municipality and Environment issued a statement saying all children’s play area in public parks will remain closed..
- Several events at Katara cancelled or postponed
- Qatar bans shisha/hookah in all restaurants and cafes on March 10
- Qatar suspends schools and universities due to coronavirus from March 10 until further notice.