In view of the rising cases of the coronavirus infections and spread of the more transmissible variants in the country, the government has brought back mask mandates. New rules, effective from December 31, make it compulsory to wear a face mask at all public places, indoors or outdoors. The only exception is when playing or exercising in uncrowded open spaces.
The Cabinet reviewed the COVID-19 situation in its meeting yesterday, where it decided to bring back some curbs to safeguard the public health. Capacity at conferences, exhibitions and events has been limited to 75 percent in open spaces, and 50 percent in closed spaces. At the same time, 90 percent attendants at such events being held indoors must be fully vaccinated, and the rest hold a negative PCR or a rapid antigen test approved by the Ministry of Public Health.
The new measures come in the wake of detection of Omicron variant and a surge in new COVID-19 cases in Qatar and many other countries around the globe. Along with the precautionary measures, Qatar is speeding up its booster COVID-19 vaccination programme. Qatar has administered close to 5.2 million vaccine doses to date, with over 86 percent of the country’s total population having received at least two doses. As the clinical evidence shows that immunity obtained from the primary vaccination regime starts declining and that a third shot could boost immunity and protect from serious infections, Qatar has rolled out a booster vaccine programme for all. Around 255,000 booster doses have already been administered.
Currently all those who received their second dose more than six months ago are eligible and have been advised to get their booster shot. To do so, people can get appointment by contacting the Primary Health Care Corporation helpline or simply walk in to the health center they are registered with. At the same time, the government is also opening a mega vaccination centre with the capacity of administering 30,000 doses a day in Bu Garn. This vaccination center will serve workers and staff of businesses.
In line with the clinical evidence and emerging global standards, Qatar has also reduced the validity of COVID-19 vaccine to nine months, from the earlier duration of 12 months. This new rule, effective from February 1, will require people to receive their third shot within nine months of the second jab, to keep their ‘vaccinated’ status.
