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)
TT

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.



Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
TT

Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued on Sunday a circular indicating that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.”

Lebanon's health ministry expressed surprise and said it would seek clarification.

It said it received the Kuwaiti statement "with great surprise", adding it had not been provided with "any information or notification from any Kuwaiti entity about this matter.”

"The hospitals mentioned in the statement are registered with the syndicate of private hospitals in Lebanon and carry out their role in providing treatment and health services to all Lebanese without exception," the ministry statement said.

It called the facilities "an essential part of the Lebanese health system,” and said it would contact the relevant authorities to request clarification and "protect Lebanon's health system.”

It noted that "Kuwait has numerous joint projects with the ministry... and has been among the most prominent countries that have stood by the health system during the successive crises that Lebanon has faced.”

The latest move was "unprecedented and inconsistent" with the Gulf country's usual approach, it added.


Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
TT

Saudi and Guatemalan FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with his Guatemalan counterpart Carlos Ramiro Martínez in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed developments of mutual interest.


Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
TT

Faisal bin Farhan, Barrack Discuss Developments in Syria

The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)
The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince met on Sunday with the US Special Envoy for Syria in Riyadh.(SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Sunday with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed developments in Syria.