Other 26 Jul 2020 New guidelines for third phase; barbershops, gyms, some restaurants to reopen in Qatar The Peninsula Barbershops and hairdressers in the country can reopen with up to 3Malls to continue to operate at 5Ministry of Public Health has published a list of restrictions, which will be lifted as the country moves into Phase 3 of easing of Covid-19 restrictions. The third phase starts on Tuesday, July 28 instead of August 1 as previously announced.The ministry listed out guidelines for malls, souqs, restaurants, hairdressers and private healthcare facilities.Mosques:- Restricted number of Mosques and Eid musllahs will open during phase 3 for Friday prayers and Eid prayers. - People must maintain a 1.5m physical distance at all times. - People should bring their own prayer mats and Qur'an or use their phone Apps to read it. - People over 60 years old, children, and those suffering from chronic conditions are advised to pray at home.Social gatherings- Social gatherings during phase 3 will be limited to 10 people indoor and 30 people outdoors.- People participating in gatherings of any size should:» wear masks» practice hand hygiene» maintain a physical distance from others (1.5 m)» avoid any kind of physical contact, including handshakes, etc.» ensure proper ventilation - People over 60 years old, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic conditions should try and avoid social gatherings, if possible.Malls, Souqs and Wholesale Markets- Malls to continue to operate at 5- Children under 12 are not allowed. - Souqs to operate with a maximum capacity of 75% (capacity will be determined according to risk assessment by the relevant government agencies) and wholesale markets to continue to operate at 3Barbershops and Hairdressers- To re-open at up to 3- Masks, face shield, and gloves to be worn by staff. - All staff are to be tested for COVID-19 prior to opening.- Only clients with scheduled appointments to be allowed entry to ensure physical distancing and avoid crowding.Restaurants- Selected restaurants permitted to open at up to 5- Precautionary measures include a minimum of 2 m between tables and a maximum of 4 people per table (6 if from the same household). - Food courts in shopping malls to remain closed during phase 3.Gyms, Outdoor Swimming Pools and Waterparks- To re-open at a maximum capacity of 5- Indoor swimming pools, sauna, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and massage services will remain closed.- Swimming pools should be monitored by staff to ensure guests maintain physical distancing in and out of the pool. - No sharing of water bottles, towels, and other personal items.Parks, Corniche and Beaches- People should avoid sitting and picnicking while outdoors. - Groups of a maximum of 30 people are allowed. - Playgrounds, skate parks and gym equipment will remain closed.- While walking outdoors, masks should be worn. - While exercising outdoors, there is no need to wear a mask. However, people should maintain a physical distance of at least 2m from others.Return to Work- Maximum of 8Private Healthcare Facilities- Operational capacity to increase from 6- Home visits to resume with the following precautions:» All staff must undergo COVID-19 testing before conducting home visits» PPE (masks/face shields/gloves) to be worn by healthcare workers for home visits with strict hand hygiene and disinfection of bags/equipment/ hard surfaces between patients.