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Qatar to begin phased reopening

Coronavirus cases continue to rise in the Gulf country even as restrictions are eased.

People walk at souq Waqif, following the outbreak of coronavirus, in Doha, Qatar March 12,2020. Picture taken  March 12,2020 REUTERS/stringer - RC2CKF9QEYJM
People walk at the Waqif souq, following the outbreak of the coronavirus, in Doha, Qatar, March 12, 2020. — REUTERS/stringer

Qatar will begin easing restrictions related to the coronavirus next week, state media announced today.

In a series of tweets, Qatar News Agency said that reopening would begin on June 15 in phases until September. The decision is due to "the commitment of the majority of society to the instructions imposed by the state, along with the precautionary measures that enabled the curve to be flattened,” the outlet reported.

The first stage will include reopening mosques. Further stages will include allowing large gatherings and the ability for some foreigners to enter Qatar, the agency reported.

Like other Gulf countries, Qatar has experienced tens of thousands of confirmed coronavirus cases. The pandemic is still spreading in the oil-rich country, despite reports of success.

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