Second press conference for the Supreme Resize Text

Committee for Crisis Management

17 March 2020

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In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

At the outset, I would like to thank the community of the State of Qatar, including
Qataris and residents of Qatar, for their awareness and sense of responsibility and
for taking the precautionary measures to protect themselves and the community
from the spread of the virus. The community that was able with the utmost level of
resilience to withstand the crisis of 2017, God willing, will also withstand this crisis
through its unity and solidarity.

We reiterate that the 14-day quarantine, which applies to all Qatari citizens arriving
in the State of Qatar from any destination in the world has been implemented to
preserve the safety of everyone, including the safety of the travellers themselves.
We remind everyone that this decision was directly preceded by the discovery of
three Coronavirus-infected cases amongst Qataris who had returned from the United
Kingdom, the Kingdom of Spain and the Swiss Federation, which required the
immediate implementation of the decision in order to ensure the safety of everyone.
We also confirm that all Qataris can return to Qatar at any time.

In addition, today, three new cases of Coronavirus were confirmed in amongst our
brotherly migrant community, two of which were within the group that has already
been quarantined, and a third case from the wider community. The third case is that
of a personal chauffeur. These new cases are in stable condition and they are
receiving the necessary medical care in the quarantine facility.

We would like to remind you here of the importance of remaining at home, except for
necessities. And of the importance of maintaining an appropriate distance when in
contact with the elderly and people who have chronic diseases, in order to preserve
their health and safety We also encourage everyone to avoid social gatherings over
their health and safety. We also encourage everyone to avoid social gatherings over
the next two weeks, which will be critical. We commend the role of individuals and
families in raising awareness and cancelling gatherings to uphold the public interest.

The following additional precautionary measures have been enforced:

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First, effective from today, March 17, we announce the partial closure of the
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the distribution of masks and hand sanitizers. It should be noted that the relevant
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continuity in a way that does not affect vital projects.

Second, the closure of retail shops and bank branches in malls and shopping
centres. Grocery stores and pharmacies shall be excluded from this measure.

Third, the closure of men’s and women’s salons until further notice and stopping the
home services provided by some of these establishments.

Fourth, the suspension of health club activities in hotels until further notice,
according to the instructions of the Ministry of Commerce and Indus
Industry.

Citizens and residents of Qatar, since the beginning of this crisis, the State of Qatar
has been transparent with the local and international community with regards to
Coronavirus cases in Qatar, detailing exact numbers and health conditions, and
communicating all the measures being taken to limit the spread of the pandemic.

The State of Qatar confirms that it will do its utmost to limit the spread of the virus
and take all the necessary precautions and measures during this time. However, this
effort requires the solidarity and unity of all individuals, institutions and sectors, and
that the pandemic is not to be underestimated. The announced decisions and
precautionary measures are subject to further change depending on ongoing
developments, and in order to ensure the safety of the community. My safety is your
safety, and your safety is my safety.

We ask God to protect our country and its people from all illnesses.

Thank you.