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The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has announced the details of the second stage of the gradual lifting of restrictions on malls, shopping centers and street markers as well as restaurants in tourist areas, highlighting that this comes to complete the previous decisions and measures taken by the State of Qatar to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents, and to curb the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a statement posted on social media website Twitter, MOCI said that starting tomorrow, Wednesday, 1 July 2020, all retail outlets in malls and commercial centers will be allowed to resume their activities. However, the Ministry explained that gaming centers, amusement parks, skating arenas, prayer rooms and cinemas will remain closed, while restaurants operating inside malls and commercial centers will be allowed to provide home deliveries, or hand over orders inside the restaurant only. MOCI added that any artistic, cultural or recreational activities at malls and commercial centers will be prohibited.

The statement added: "All retail outlets will be allowed to resume their activities in the following street markets: The Gold Souq, Souq Al Ali, Souq Waqif - Doha, Souq Al Wakra, Al Gharafa Market, Al Sailiya Central Market and the Thursday and Friday Market."

MOCI emphasized the need for malls, commercial centers and street markets to follow the precautionary and preventive measures outlined by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs, and they must implement the following guidelines:

- Not allowing shoppers to enter the premises unless their health status' color code on EHTERAZ mob app is verified, enabling only "Green" code holders to enter.

- Barring people not wearing a medical mask, and compelling visitors to wear one throughout their time at the mall.

- Checking and measuring the body temperature of workers and visitors upon arrival at the mall, and not allowing individuals with a temperature higher than 38C to enter the premises.

- Providing hand sanitizers across mall facilities.

- Reminding visitors to maintain a safe distance of 2m from other individuals at all times.

- Operating at less than 50% of the mall's regular capacity.

- Reducing the number of parking spaces available to visitors to 50%.

- Banning smoking at mall entrances and removing all containers designated for cigarette waste.

- Preventing the gathering of visitors and limousine or taxi drivers at the entrance to malls.

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