Gathering during COVID-19 pandemic – Think and act!
Follow standard precautions to protect yourself and others from getting infected with COVID-19
The more we interact with people at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the potential risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and spreading the infection. Furthermore, the higher the level of transmission in a community where a gathering is being held, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading during that gathering. Therefore, restrictions are applied to gatherings of people during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The safest gathering is virtual, as any level of physical proximity has some risk associated with it. The highest risk of spreading COVID-19 is during large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least six feet (approximately 180cm) apart.
In Qatar, social gatherings are currently limited to five people indoors and 15 people outdoors and no physical contact is allowed including handshakes, hugging or kissing.
The venue for the gathering should ensure the maximum possible level of ventilation, by adjusting the ventilation system or opening windows. Outdoor venues or gathering outdoors should be preferred over indoor gatherings whenever possible. If an outdoor gathering is not possible, the indoor venue should ensure at least six feet spacing between individuals by using floor markings to help physical distancing compliance. Furthermore, tables should not be covered with cloth material and should be sanitized between uses.
There are standard precautions we should take to protect ourselves and others from getting infected with COVID-19 if attending a small gathering or an event such as a wedding, a party or sports tournament:
- Always check Qatar Ministry of Public Health regulations before attending an event as this can evolve with time.
- Stay at home if you are feeling unwell.
- Always comply with the following three basic preventive measures:
- Maintain a distance of six feet from others and wear a mask.
- Cover a sneeze or cough with a tissue or bent elbow, and immediately dispose of the tissue in a closed-lid bin. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or with a hand sanitizer.
Precautions we should take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among guests, if organizing a small event:
- Always check Qatar Ministry of Public Health guidelines before planning your event.
- Brief guests about precautions before the event starts. During the event, remind guests of these precautions and ensure that they are followed.
- Choose outdoor venues over indoor spaces – if indoors, ensure the area is well-ventilated.
- Minimize crowding by staggering arrivals and departures, numbering entries, designating seats/places and marking the floor to ensure physical distancing between people of at least one meter.
- Provide all necessary supplies – hand hygiene stations, hand sanitizer or soap and water, tissues, closed-lid bins, distance markers, masks.
Based on current conditions, organizers should continue to assess whether to postpone, cancel, or significantly reduce the number of attendees for gatherings. Cancelling a planned event is an option that should always be kept open, especially in cases of non-essential events or when precautions cannot be implemented or adequately communicated.
In general, we can protect ourselves and our families by following simple but effective safety measures outlined below:
- Avoid large gatherings or crowded spaces where you may be in close contact with others
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Wear a facemask when away from home
- Cough or sneeze in your bent elbow (not your hands)
- Avoid close contact with someone who is sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth
- Avoid shopping during peak hours, when markets and malls are most crowded
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as nutritious eating, regular exercise and getting restful sleep
- Consider quitting tobacco use