DOHA - (Xinhua) - Qatar , today (Wednesday), reinstated the compulsory wearing of masks in closed public places, after it had canceled it last May, in conjunction with the high rate of daily infections with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) during the past weeks.

And the Qatari Council of Ministers decided, in its regular meeting today, to amend its previous decision to cancel the compulsory masks issued on May 18, to make it obligatory for citizens, residents and visitors to wear masks in closed public places, starting tomorrow (Thursday).

The Ministry of Public Health of the State of Qatar stated, in a statement on its website, that with the issuance of this decision, wearing masks has become compulsory for all individuals aged six years and over in closed public places, while only children under the age of six are excluded.

The statement indicated that the decision includes health care facilities, work sites, public transportation, mosques, gyms, shopping centers, stores, cinemas and any other closed public places.

He pointed out that this comes in light of the significant increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 infection in the past few weeks.

He stated that the fourth dose of the vaccine is currently available for people aged 50 years and over and patients who suffer from chronic diseases that increase the risk of severe complications from Covid-19 infection, regardless of the age groups of these patients.

And he indicated that the fourth dose is given to those who are most susceptible to infection, four months after they received the third dose of the vaccine or were exposed to infection.

In turn, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced the re-imposition of some restrictions within the framework of preventive measures to limit the spread of Covid-19, by making it compulsory to wear face masks for customers and workers when entering the sites of commercial activities and throughout their presence there, such as restaurants, cafes, popular markets, wholesale markets, beauty salons, exhibitions, conferences, events and entertainment centers. and health clubs.

With the increase in the number of infections, the Ministry of Public Health announced today the daily death toll from COVID-19, for the first time since last May, as it was satisfied with only announcing a weekly death toll on its website and accounts on social media.

During the past 24 hours, 698 confirmed cases of the disease were recorded, including 637 people within the community and 61 cases among returning travelers, with active cases reaching 5087 cases and 18 acute cases admitted to hospital, including one in intensive care, according to the ministry's website./ End the news/