Steps taken by Qatar to support the country during this crisis

According to new OECD forecasts, the exposure of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) should be controlled and decreased via stringent containment measures for fulfilling substantial short-term goals ahead of the rapid decline in GDP. To achieve this, intensification of the lifesaving endeavors for tackling COVID-19 and safeguarding well-being should be the core action for governments to prevent further economic and pandemic blows. Considering the efforts taken by several countries, Qatar cannot be left out of this action. The call for the enhancement of coordination and complete adherence by citizens allowed the Qatari government to reconsider their responsibilities in safeguarding their citizens’ well-being. All groups of society and state agencies are coordinating willingly in this crucial time to prevent the pandemic spread of COVID-19 in the region as we have seen elsewhere.

The measures taken under the chair of the H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, the Chairman of the Committee, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, offer a comprehensive support structure for business along with new guidelines and processes for citizens that aim to protect the economy and citizens alike.

In a meeting on 15/03/2020, His Highness, the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, led a meeting of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management that outlined the steps to be put in place for the country.

Beginning with the social aspects of the plan, the goal to slow down or eliminate virus spread encompasses a range of measures that came into effect on the 15th March or a later specified date. This has included a request that all Qatari citizens and residents refrain from any travel until further notice. This includes the cessation of all bus and metro services, with a 14-day ceasing of all incoming flights to Doha beginning on March 18th.

Additionally, there is a recommendation to work from home for all employees over the age of 55, pregnant women and anyone suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and both heart and respiratory issues, along with issues related to stress. These vulnerable people are more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus and likely to suffer extreme symptoms and require medical care. By staying at home, these groups not only lower the risk to themselves but also reduce the burden on the health professionals working hard to keep us all safe.

Education is impacted as well, from March 22nd all students in public and private schools are now studying remotely from home.

For students in grades one to eleven, this will include a system of continuous evaluation, while twelfth-grade students will take their high-school exams at the exam headquarters. This is scheduled to take place on time, with details of how this will work available at a later date. In private schools, students should also be learning remotely, with those schools carrying out examinations in an approved manner. Qatari students who are studying abroad are asked to follow local government guidance at their locations, and they are reminded that Qatari Embassy staff are there to help with any services required, including organizing transport to return to Qatar should it become necessary.

While reports from around the world suggest that younger people are least at risk from the virus, they may carry it unknowingly, and as such, this is a welcome measure. Social distancing, keeping at home and avoiding unnecessary contact with others, has proven to be a successful strategy in both China and South Korea, so by committing to this step early, transmission through schools is much less likely.

Safeguarding people is of primary importance when facing this pandemic, but His Highness the Amir and the Committee also recognized the need to protect the economy too. Putting together a range of financial and economic incentives, a package of measures amounting to QR 78 Billion for the private sector. This support includes Central Bank initiatives as well as the direct investment that seeks to aid businesses through this unprecedented situation.

The Central Bank will be putting in place a new mechanism that encourages banks to provide a six-month grace period for private sector businesses. This includes postponing loan payments and other debt obligations for this period when the previously mentioned social measures could have a significant impact on income. In addition, Central bank will be providing additional liquidity for banks operating within Qatar to ensure service continuity.

In addition to these efforts by Central Bank, The Qatar Development Bank will suspend loan payments from borrowers for six months, giving our valuable industry time to ride out the impact of the pandemic. In addition, the government will add QR 10 billion to their investment in the stock exchange, helping to maintain stability during this time. Additional help comes to small and medium-sized businesses too, with exemption from rent payments for the same six-month period. Finally, recognizing the importance of key industrial sectors that are facing extraordinary challenges, the hospitality and tourism sector, retail sector, small and medium industries along with commercial complexes will be exempt from electricity and water charges for six months in exchange for delivering required services to government and citizens throughout the pandemic.

Together, this impressive package provides much-needed clarity for many businesses, delivering the support needed to be able to survive the coming weeks and emerge from this difficult situation intact. With COVID-19, the human impact must be addressed, and the measures put in place provide that safety we want for all our loved ones and our country, while the fiscal package will help business and allow those strict social measures to be sustainable for as long as is needed to secure the country.

I would like to say a huge thank you to His Highness the Amir, the Committee for Crisis management and both public and private sectors for this package of initiatives which help us all, both at a personal and business level, and puts the country in a strong position to combat this pandemic successfully. The vision and innovation shown will save lives and secure business across the country.

Lastly, I want to take a moment to express gratitude to those working in the health industry today, and everything they are doing for us all, likewise, those who work in education, who continue to ensure that students are learning and acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to help Qatar grow. Thank you all.