Qatar Starts Phased Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions

Qatar said on Wednesday that leisure and education centers and restaurants can reopen at limited capacity as of Friday under a phased easing of coronavirus-related measures. (File/AFP)
Qatar said on Wednesday that leisure and education centers and restaurants can reopen at limited capacity as of Friday under a phased easing of coronavirus-related measures. (File/AFP)
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Qatar Starts Phased Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions

Qatar said on Wednesday that leisure and education centers and restaurants can reopen at limited capacity as of Friday under a phased easing of coronavirus-related measures. (File/AFP)
Qatar said on Wednesday that leisure and education centers and restaurants can reopen at limited capacity as of Friday under a phased easing of coronavirus-related measures. (File/AFP)

Qatar said on Wednesday that leisure and education centers and restaurants can reopen at limited capacity as of Friday under a phased easing of coronavirus-related measures.

A cabinet statement on state media allowed limited gatherings at homes for vaccinated people and said malls can operate at 30 percent capacity, but children under 12 are not allowed.

Gyms, pools and salons can also reopen at limited capacity but bans remain on weddings, conferences and exhibitions, Reuters reported.

Local and international sporting events can take place with fully vaccinated fans at 30 percent capacity in open-space venues with permission from the public health ministry.

Qatar said earlier this month that it would gradually lift coronavirus-related measures in four phases starting the first phase on May 28 and the fourth on July 30.

The country recorded 306 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, raising it's total number of infections to 216,397 cases with 552 deaths.



Saudi Crown Prince, Rubio Discuss Ways to Enhance Cooperation

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince, Rubio Discuss Ways to Enhance Cooperation

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, has received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During the call, they discussed the relations between the Kingdom and the United States, explored areas of cooperation and ways to enhance them, and addressed the latest regional and international developments along with various issues of mutual interest.