Manama: Qatar Cabinet decided to close all shops and stop all commercial activities starting from Tuesday to curb the spread of coronavirus, state news agency QNA reported.
The new measures, which continue till May 30, excludes pharmacies, food supply stores, fruits and vegetable shops and food deliveries. Only one passenger is allowed in a car. But, two passengers are allowed in taxis, limousines, and family-owned vehicles. Bus is allowed to carry half of its capacity subject to preventive measures.
Citizens and residents are urged to install EHTERAZ app on smartphones while leaving their house.
Petrol stations and garages will remain open in automobile sector. Maintenance services such as plumbing and electrical are allowed.
Industries, contracting companies and engineering supervisory are allowed to work. Delivery services operating through mobile app, general companies in hotel sector, logistic services and companies at ports and airports are exempted. Similarly, financial institutions and telecommunications companies are spared from the new control measures.
The government allowed people to exercise outdoors in their neighborhood, but no gatherings will be allowed.
The new rule came into force on Tuesday and those who break it risk imprisonment up to three years and fines up to 2,00,000 Riyals.
Qatar reported 1,365 new coronavirus cases on Monday, raising the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 33,969. The number of new recorded infections in the country is hovering at around 1,200 per day.
Meanwhile, Oman Supreme Committee to tackle the Covis-19 has banned all Eid gatherings and celebrations including Eid prayers and livestock auctions during Eid Al Fitr, state news agency ONA said.
Face masks are to be worn by all when in public, economic and industrial workplaces and public transport.
Oman police will be in charge of monitoring the rules, and violators will be fined and jailed, the committee warned. The Supreme committee decided to reopen some economic and industrial activities while adhering to precautionary measures.
Retail trade in the central market in Muscat was halted starting from Monday. The retail section of the vegetables and fruit market was shut down while the wholesale trade in the market will continue from 4 am to 10 pm daily, the municipal authorities said.
Oman on Monday reported three more deaths and 193 new virus infections. The death toll in the country rose to 25, while cases jumped in to 5,379
