The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced starting the gradual lifting of restrictions on recreational activities in amusement cities and parks. This comes in line with the previous decisions and measures taken by Qatar to preserve its citizens and residents’ safety and health and limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
According to the Ministry, as of Sunday, January 3rd, 2021, the decision to allow the gradual resumption of activities in recreational cities and arenas shall come into effect, provided that their operational capacity does not exceed 50%.
The Ministry stated that the resumption of entertainment activities would take place in three stages; the first stage begins as of January 3rd, 2021, and includes outdoor playgrounds, kid’s outdoor games, billiards and bowling. The second stage starts on January 11th, 2021, and includes electronic games and trampolines. The third stage begins on January 24th, 2021, and includes bouncers, inflatable games, and ball pits.
The Ministry stresses the importance of the recreational activity managers’ adherence to the precautionary and preventive measures defined by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs. Recreational activity managers are required to comply with the following guidelines: Visitors are allowed entry only after checking their health status code in the EHTERAZ app, and only those with a green code are allowed entry, except for children. Individuals not wearing medical masks are denied entry, and visitors are required to keep their masks on while they are inside the entertainment site, except for children aged under ten years old. Visitors’ temperatures must be measured at the entrance, and individuals whose temperature is over 38 degrees Celsius are denied entry to the recreational activity site. Visitors must be made aware of the need to maintain a safe distance of at least two meters.
Adherence to circulars, decisions and directives on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry underscored the importance of the commitment of the owners of companies providing entertainment services to circulars, decisions and directives on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, including: Instructions for the gradual re-opening plan, and the timeline announced by the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management; Circulars and decisions issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Instructions related to the responsibilities of employers to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and directives for health and safety regulations issued by the Ministry of Public Health; Policies set by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs on the precautionary measures to prevent and reduce the spread of the disease.
The Ministry said the decision in question may be subject to amendment and updates according to the latest developments in this regard. Any violation of what was stipulated exposes the perpetrators to legal procedures and accountability. The Ministry stresses that the success of each stage of the comprehensive plan of gradually lifting restrictions depends on the compliance of all individuals with the required preventive and precautionary measures.
