Qatar Economic Outlook Issue Number 13

Part 2 - Economic Performance 2017 - 2020 
 
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Table 2-6: Summary of Cabinet Decisions Regarding Covid Measures 
Cabinet decisions regarding reimposing strict 
measures during the second wave. 
Cabinet decisions regarding easing 
restrictions measures during the 
second wave. 
On March 26, 2021, the Council of Ministers issued a 
decision to re-impose restrictive measures, starting 
with several moderate measures including capping 
gatherings at wedding ceremonies to a maximum 
number of 80 people, closing all health clubs and 
swimming pools, and continuing to suspend services 
for charter boats and tourist yachts, and pleasure 
boats, as well as the suspension of driving schools. 
This came in addition to the closing of playgrounds 
and exercise equipment in public parks, beaches, 
and the Corniche. Entry to entertainment venues was 
restricted to persons 12 years of age and over, with 
those under 12 years old absolutely prohibited. In 
addition, many recreational, educational and health 
centers, cafes and public transport services were 
reduced to 20% - 50% of their total capacity. 
However, due to the continuous rise in infected 
cases, the Council of Ministers issued another 
decision on April 7, 2021, containing more stringent 
measures and stipulating an increase in the number 
of closures, as it included the closure of museums, 
beauty and barber salons, the postponement of 
exhibitions and events, and the prevention of 
gatherings in public places such as beaches and 
parks, with only sports to be allowed. The closure of 
nurseries was mandated, and distance education for 
all students imposed. Continuing to reduce capacity 
by 20%-30%. The decision also increased the 
number of people who were prevented from entering 
most recreational and other places to include all 
persons under 16 years old. It furthermore reduced 
the percentage of employees in their workplace to 
50% for both the public and private sectors, with the 
exception of the health and military establishments. 
Although the total number of doses of vaccines that 
were used to vaccinate the population amounted to 
about 4 million doses by the beginning of August 
2021, the Council of Ministers confirmed the 
continuation of the precautionary measures and other 
measures that were taken to combat the epidemic, 
while providing minor relaxations for gatherings in 
in mid-September 2021, the Cabinet 
approved a draft resolution on the terms 
and conditions for a part-time system 
for employees in government agencies. 
The system aims, within the framework 
of the state’s needs, to maintain a 
strong and stable family who feel 
supported and cared for, while at the 
same time improving government's 
functional efficiency in order to provide 
more flexible options for Qatari 
employees that are predicated upon 
their circumstances and needs. In