GCC countries reintroduce Covid measures amid surge in cases – The National

GCC countries reintroduce Covid measures amid surge in cases – The National

Several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have gradually reintroduced social distancing and other precautionary measures amid a recent surge in daily Covid-19 cases.

In Qatar, some schools and kindergartens have re-implemented distance learning measures until at least January 27 and public transport capacity was reduced to 60 per cent. Capacity at cinemas, exhibitions and other cultural events has now been limited to 50 per cent and to vaccinated people only, while workplaces will continue to operate at 100 per cent capacity.

Children under 12 years will not be allowed to enter shopping malls in Qatar, even if they are accompanied by vaccinated parents, starting from next Saturday. The latest decision comes as the country has approved the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 booster vaccines for children aged 12 to 15.