Eighth press conference by the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management

9 April 2020

In the Name of Allah the Merciful, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Based on the decision of the Council of Ministers in its meeting No. (14) on 8 April 2020 and as part of the preventive measures the State of Qatar is taking to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and as an update of the previous decisions and measures, the following has been decided:

Suspending all commercial activities in stores and offices on Friday and Saturday, with the exception of the following:

1. Food stores and supplies (hypermarkets, supermarkets and grocery stores)
2. Vegetable stores
3. Restaurants (only food deliveries are permitted)
4. Bakeries
5. Pharmacies
6. Telecommunication companies (only the ones that exist in hypermarkets)
7. Home maintenance companies and services (electricity, plumbing, electronics)
8. Petrol stations
9. Factories
10. Clinics (adhering to circulars issued by the Ministry of Public Health)
11. Contracting companies working on state projects
12. Hospitality companies
13. Logistic services companies and freight companies operating in ports, airports and customs services.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry affirms that any breach or violation of this decision will entail legal accountability for the perpetrators.

As for the closed part of the Industrial Area, we confirm that health and medical efforts are still in place in terms of the number of checks being carried out, sterilisation and disinfection, as well as providing care for residents on all levels. This closure is not unique in the world, and despite its difficulty for all of us, it is a necessary procedure in light of this crisis. The authorities are endeavoring, in various ways, to mitigate its consequences, be it for the residents or their employers. Work has already begun on the gradual reopening plan for this area in a way that guarantees the safety of residents and the society as a whole, as well as the return of supply chains and life in general to normal operation. The details of this plan will be announced in the coming days.

As part of the continuous efforts to mitigate the consequences of the precautionary measures that were taken to protect the people of Qatar, it has been decided to provide all the necessary facilitation for domestic workers to open bank accounts, including exempting them from the minimum amount to open these accounts, in order to help them make bank transfers to their countries and families during these difficult times. We remind you all of the importance of solidarity among all members of society to overcome this crisis.

Finally, the world celebrated World Health Day two days ago. As such, we take this opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude to the entire health sector, including officials, doctors, nurses, and administrators and everyone who works in this vital sector no matter what their contribution is. We also cannot forget here to express our special thanks to Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, who chose to prioritise staying alongside her colleagues who work day and night to protect the members of our society over media appearances. May God reward them all with the very best.

May God preserve our country and our people from all evil.

Thank you.