The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has shared a new social media campaign to remind the public on adhering to precautionary measures in shopping malls in line with its efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Before heading to shopping malls, it is important to follow the below guidelines to avoid violations and ensure your safety against COVID-19:

Note: Wearing a mask, having green Ehteraz status, and body temperature below 38 Celsius are mandatory to enter a mall. 

• Wear a mask.

As per a Cabinet decision, drawn from the Law No. 17 of 1990 regarding infectious diseases and preventive measures, people who do not wear masks outside their homes may face penalties of up to three years in prison and/or QR200,000 fine.

• Sanitize your hands on regular basis.

Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It involves simple and effective steps you can take to reduce the spread of infections. Check out MoPH's guidance for the public for hand hygiene and using gloves for your protection against COVID-19 here.

• Maintain a minimum safe distance of 1.5 meters from others at all times.

A minimum distance of 1.5 meters between customers should be kept, including in queues.

• Limit the time you spend in the mall.

MoPH has urged the public to limit the time spent at shopping malls, as a precaution against COVID-19 pandemic.

• Capacity in shopping malls is limited to 50%.

At present, shopping malls are supposed to limit their capacity to 50 percent.

• Food courts are limited to 30% capacity, with a maximum of 5 people per table

Food courts are allowed to occupy only 30 percent of the capacity while allowing a maximum of 5 persons at a table.

• Leisure centres and children play areas remain closed.

As of the latest announcement from the MoPH, playgrounds and leisure centers remain closed.

The MoPH has also reminded the public of the precautionary measures to be followed to limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission during social gatherings as follows:

• At present, social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 15 people indoors and 30 people outdoors.

• Physical contact between individuals is not allowed including handshakes, hugging or kissing.

Health authorities have been continuously warning the public to adhere to all precautionary measures such as wearing a face mask, maintaining social distancing and restricting the number of people in vehicles to prevent COVID-19 spread.

MoPH, in its daily COVID-19 update said: “Measures to tackle COVID-19 in Qatar have succeeded in flattening the curve and limiting the spread of the virus and the number of new daily cases and hospital admissions is continuing to decline each week.”