Ayon kay Dr. Soha Al Bayat, Head of Vaccination ng Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), hindi sapilitan ang pagpapabakuna at kapag naabot na ng Qatar ang kailangang porsyento ng mga taong nabakunahan na, ang mga matitirang taong hindi nabakunahan ay may parehong pribilehiyo sa mga nakatanggap ng bakuna. Ang kaibahan nga lang, mas mahuhuli ang mga hindi nabakunahan na ma-e-enjoy ang mga pribilehiyo, dagdag pa ni Dr. Al Bayat. "When we reach the sufficient percentage of the people receiving the vaccine, then those who did not receive the vaccine will enjoy the same privileges as that of the full vaccinated people. But the difference is that they will be late (in enjoying the privileges) until the percentage is reached," ito ang pahayag ni Dr. Al Bayat. Dagdag pa nya, ang mga taong nakarekober sa COVID-19 infection ay maaaring makapag download ng Certificate of Immunity sa MoPH website at makaka-enjoy din ng parehong pribilehiyo gaya ng mga nabakunahan. Maliit ang tsansa ng pagkalat ng nasabing virus kapag mas maraming mga tao ang nabakunahan, kaya't ang pagdami ng mga nabakanunahan na ay nagreresulta sa paghina ng virus, dagdag pa ni Dr. Al Bayat. Ayon pa sa kanya, wala pa sa 1% ang bilang ng mga exempted sa bakuna at importante rin para sa mga nagkaroon ng sensitibong reaksyon sa bakuna na naging dahilan ng kanilang pagkaka-ospital dahil sa pagpapaturok ng bakuna.

Virtuocity & Snow Dunes to reopen its doors followed by Angry Birds World Doha, Qatar: Leisure Park announces its new operating procedures in preparation for the phased approach of the reopening of amusement parks scheduled to commence May28th 2021. The updated procedures will adhere to the government recommendations while providing all our guests an exciting experience. After months of closure of Virtuocity and Snow Dunes will welcome back visitors for a fun safe experience on May 28th this will be followed by the re-opening of Angry Birds World. The staff are trained for the reopening according to the new measures and procedures to provide visitors with a remarkable experience. Virtuocity and Snow Dunes updated all measures relevant to COVID 19 safety protocols. The additional protocols were developed based on government recommendations and guidance of various health organizations and will continue to be updated according to any new developments. ‘Social distancing and continuous sanitization of all rides and attractions are the basis of our procedures along with reduced capacity of 20% indoors and a Golden Ehteraz for our guests’ said Sherif Elbassiouny, Leisure Managing Director. ‘Our main objective is to provide our guests with an exclusive entertaining experience in a safe environment. Accordingly, we will implement all needed measures without any compromises’ he added. Those coming to the park will be required to undergo a health screening at the entrance; "show Golden EHTERAZ, wear a mask during their presence in the park and undergo a temperature check.” Along with these guidelines all visitors are to expect the following; Hand sanitizing stations throughout the park. Enhanced cleaning, done between sessions and every night to sanitize the park and all park amenities (includes restrooms, seating areas, lockers and tubes). Signs and ground staff will be present across the parks reminding everyone to maintain social distancing and use appropriate PPE when required. All Ground Staff members are required to undergo screening prior to shifts and must follow several protocols when managing guest services and rides, cleaning various areas of the park and overseeing operational areas. Virtuocity and Snow Dunes opening hours are Thursday to Friday from 3pm to 12am, and Saturday to Wednesday from 1pm to 10pm.

Kaugnay sa pagsapit ng summer sa bansa, inanunsiyo ng Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) nitong Miyerkules na ang Summer Timing ay magsisimula ngayong June 1 hanggang September 15, 2021. Kaugnay nito, hindi pinapayagan ang pagtatrabaho sa labas o exposed sa araw mula 10:00 ng umaga hanggang 3:30 ng hapon. Ayon pa sa Ministry, kinakailangang itakda ng mga employers ang schedule ng pang-araw-araw na oras ng trabaho, alinsunod sa probisyon nitong nasabing desisyon at kinakailangang ipaskil upang mas madaling makita ng mga manggagawa at ng mga labor inspectors. Pinapakiusapan ng Ministry ang mga may-ari ng mga kompanya at institusyon na saklaw ng Law No. 14 of 2004, o Qatar Labor Law, na sumunod sa Ministerial Resolution No. 16 of 2007 na itakda ang oras ng pagtatrabaho sa mga outdoor o exposed sa araw na mga lugar sa itinakdang 'summer timing' na magsisimula nga nayong June 1 hanggang September 15. Dagdag pa ng Ministry, ang mga labor inspectors nito ay iikot upang magkakaroon ng mga field visits at inspeksiyon sa mga worksites para tiyakin na sumusunod nga ang mga kompanya sa nasabing summer timing. Babala ng Ministry, may kaakibat na mga seryusong hakbang sa mga kompanyang lalabag sa nasabing polisiya.

Organisations will collaborate on various programmes during lead-up to FIFA World Cup™ The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Qatar Museums (QM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in an effort to enhance the FIFA World Cup™ tournament experience in 2022. The MoU will see the SC and QM form a joint working group to support the delivery of various programmes, including exhibitions, digital collaborations, conferences and workshops. The group’s mandate will be to help shape the overall tournament experience in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and during the event. Nasser Al Khater, CEO of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said: “We are very pleased to formalise our strong working relationship with Qatar Museums. As we build towards Qatar 2022, it is imperative that we continue to work closely with all our key host country stakeholders in order to deliver an outstanding fan experience. Qatar Museums will contribute significantly in this area by providing fan attractions and supporting the development of a uniquely Arab cultural experience, unmatched in FIFA World Cup history. We look forward to working with Qatar Museums on a host of important milestones over the next 18 months.” Ahmad Musa Al-Namla, CEO of QM, said: “Our partnership with the SC reiterates our commitment to ensuring our exhibitions and cultural treasures reach as wide an audience as possible. We are delighted to partner with the SC and look forward to welcoming international fans and extending an enriching and memorable cultural experience for Qatar 2022.” Areas of mutual collaboration between the SC and QM will include communications support, sharing knowledge and expertise, research and capacity building. The parties will also collaborate on content development and curation, as well as programmes related to education, community outreach, sport and health-related events. The partnership will also see the two organisations work closely on a range of Qatar 2022 initiatives, including those related to culture and entertainment. It will also include collaboration on exhibits at the 321 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, which is located at Khalifa International Stadium – one of eight Qatar 2022 tournament venues.

Inilunsad ng Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) nitong Lunes, 24th May 2021, ang unang version ng 'Unified Platform for Complaints & Whistleblowers', na nagbibigay ng daan para sa mga manggagawa sa pribadong sektor, maging mga domestic workers, na maghain ng reklamo. Ang nasabing unified platform ay nagbibigay daan din sa mga mamamayan at residente sa bansa na maghain ng reklamo para sa pangkalahatang paglabag sa labor law. Maaaring mabisita ang platform sa link na ito. "It is an electronic platform through which citizens, expatriates and establishments can file a complaint against entities subject to the provisions of Qatar Labor Law No. 14 of 2004 and the Domestic Workers Law promulgated by Law No. 15 of 2017 or the entitles that the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) regulates their business," pahayag ng Ministry sa website nito. Sa unang version ng nasabing platform, maaaring mag-apply ang user para sa: Firm Labor Complaint (Qatari/Non-Qatari) laban sa mga establisyemento, Domestic Workers Complaint laban sa mga employers - maghain ng reklamo o kaso ng paglabag. Maaaring e report ng user ang mga paglabag sa batas at pang-aabuso. Maaaring ihain ang reklamo nang hindi na kailangang magpakilala ang nagrereklamo o user. Download User Guide sa Wikang Filipino.

Film aficionados outside the Philippines will no longer be left behind as they get the chance to see “Dito at Doon” (“Here and There”) via the international premium video-on-demand service. Filipinos and cinephiles abroad can sit back and enjoy the must-watch movie of the year “Dito at Doon” (“Here and There”) through TBA Play starting on May 1. The most talked-about movie in the Philippines right now, “Dito at Doon” (“Here and There”) has been receiving rave reviews from critics and public alike since its domestic online release on March 31, with the film being called a “touching and timely romantic tale” with “stellar performances from its lead cast Janine Gutierrez and JC Santos”. “Tellingly, ‘Dito at Doon’ (‘Here and There’) is both a time capsule and a tribute to the Filipinos who continue to survive the pandemic. It is a story that needs to be told and be seen by Filipinos wherever they are in the world,” said Eduardo A. Rocha, TBA Studios, CEO and Executive Producer. “With TBA Play, Filipinos living abroad will no longer feel left behind in seeing our world-class films like ‘Dito at Doon’ (‘Here and There’) that not only entertain but also reveal the Filipino experience,” he added. TBA Play is currently available in over 60 countries, including USA, Canada, and select territories in Middle East, and North Africa. TBA Play is also partnered with international distribution and sales company, TVCO to bring TBA Play contents to key markets in Europe. Set during the first months of the pandemic, “Dito at Doon” (“Here and There”) revolves around political science graduate Len (Janine Gutierrez) and her online/offline frenemy Caloy (JC Santos). With polarizing views and challenges of not being physically together, will their relationship survive? Directed by JP Habac of "I'm Drunk I Love You" and "Gaya sa Pelikula" fame, "Dito at Doon" also features theater actors Victor Anastacio and Yesh Burce, with the special participation of Janine's mom, veteran actress Lotlot de Leon. “Dito at Doon” (“Here and There”) is exclusive on TBA Play for a limited time only in USA, Canada, and select territories in Europe, Middle East, and North Africa starting May 1. Viewers can watch their film of choice starting at USD7.99 / EUR7.99 while ‘Dito at Doon’ will have an early bird rate of USD8.99 / EUR8.99 until April 30. For a full list of countries and updates on availability in other regions, tba.ph and follow https://www.facebook.com/tbaplaymovies.

From handing out Iftar meals to assisting the fight against COVID-19, our volunteers are making a difference. Ramadan is a time for contemplation and spending time with family and friends. It is also a time to focus on giving back to the community though charitable efforts. That spirit of charity has seen the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC)’s Volunteer Programme play an active role by partnering with Qatar Charity to support several key projects. During Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from all food and drink during daylight hours. The day of fasting begins with an early morning meal before dawn and ends at sunset. Muslims break their fast with a dinner known as Iftar. To ensure those that observe Ramadan are able to break their fast, SC volunteers have been providing basic Iftar meals as part of Qatar Charity’s Jawal Iftar Programme that aims to enhance the value of solidarity among various segments of society.a A team of 25 volunteers have been based at several locations around Doha, as well as Al Wakrah and Al Khor, to distribute Iftar meals at traffic lights to busy commuters driving home from work before sunset prayer. Outside of Qatar’s urban centres, a further 120 volunteers have been lending their assistance to Iftar distribution by providing ready-made meals to workers in labour camps and farms. This initiative has seen volunteers visit 40 different locations across the country, including the Industrial Area and Ruwais Marina. “I like to serve to people,” said volunteer Abdul Malik. “I got this opportunity from Qatar Charity and I’m honoured to be able to contribute. Volunteering during Ramadan is a very good deed.” Like the rest of the world, Qatar has been in the process of vaccinating its population from COVID-19. Since March 2020, that fight against the pandemic has seen more than 35,000 volunteers step up to support the Ministry of Public Health’s ‘For the Sake of Qatar’ campaign. This includes 100 SC volunteers who have been assisting the country’s vaccination roll-out at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Volunteer Samah Abuisneenah explained why supporting the fight against COVID-19 was important to her. “We all want the same thing – we want life to get back to normal, and by joining the QNCC volunteer team, I was able to take part in making that happen. I was able to help move the process one step forward to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.” A sense of purpose and enjoyment are common themes that people take away from their experiences as volunteers. Abdelhakim Mohamed underlined the inspirational emotions he feels. “Volunteering is a social service that supports the country and I like to be a part of any success in any event in the country, whether it's a social or sporting event,” Mohamed said. “It is worth mentioning that volunteering is a main part of the success of any event and the respect which we get as volunteers always encourages me to give more.” Rasha Al Qarni, the SC’s Human Resources Executive Director, said: “Partnering with Qatar Charity allows the SC and our volunteers to make an important contribution during the Holy Month of Ramadan. This is a time for strengthening ties with the community and volunteering provides a great example of building those bonds, especially after such a challenging year.”

In line with the World Earth Day commemoration this year, the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) International Chapters – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and State of Qatar collaborated for a joint international conference highlighting the restoration of the earth through a series of technical sessions related to Solid Waste Management (SWM), last April 30. The four-hour Continuing Professional Development (CPD) webinar was held with the support of the PIEP National Board, Secretariat and the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Environmental Planning. Registration rose to nearly 500 as the interest grew from environmental planners from the 31 PIEP Chapters and related professions. PIEP Qatar collaborated with a strategic media partner Qabayan Radio 94.3 FM - the first and only Filipino Radio Station in Qatar. The event which was also streamed live on facebook was hosted by EnP Leo Ortega (PIEP-Qatar) and EnP Edwin Bagsit (PIEP-KSA) who moderated the sessions and kept the delegates engaged throughout the conference. PIEP KSA Charter President EnP Eldrid B. Refil officially welcomed the delegates with his words highlighting the immense pleasure of bringing to fruition the very first joint international CPD event through a collaborative effort of the two international chapters and the support of the mother organization. “We, the PIEP international chapters here in KSA and Qatar are equally excited to welcome you all to this very first joint CPD seminar in celebration of World Earth Day. We have an amazing line-up of relevant topics on solid waste management and we're fortunate to have three highly competent and experienced speakers joining us today and I hope we all enjoy the conference as we learn along the way.” The presence of the members of the PIEP National Board of Trustees and the PRC CPD Council even made the event extra-special. In his message, PIEP National Executive Vice President - EnP Levy O. Espinas, who is also overseeing the International Cluster, congratulated the organizing chapters on the outstanding synergy and unparalleled passion in making the event a grand success from conceptualization to execution. Meanwhile, PIEP National President EnP Maria Jorquesa A. Hakcholna commended international chapters for extending the invite to all PIEP chapters and congratulated them on the impressive conduct of the event. She further encouraged all the delegates to rethink, envision and plan to implement innovative endeavors with smart nature-based solutions as well as strengthen the resolve to be stewards of the environment. Members of the PRC National CPD Council present were Dr. Cora Cruz, Cr. Dina Magnaye, EnP John Ceffrey Ligue and EnP Felicisimo Tejuco, Jr. The technical sessions were the highlight of the conference as the delegates interacted with the technical presenters and didn’t leave a stone unturned as they actively participated in the discussions. EnP Joseph Uy, Jr. from PIEP KSA presented the topic “Compact Environmental Biogas Plant” for the first session wherein the overlooked potential of this renewable energy source would revolutionize the way solid waste materials are being managed and bring value-added benefits to the Philippine economy. He concluded the session with his words: “To truly transform our environment, protect our sanctuary, and save our planet from the consequences of climate change, and daily waste, we need to eventually embrace sustainability drive for renewable energy. Go Biomass!” EnP Franz Luigi Lugena for the Technical Session 2, touched on the “Similarities, Differences and Trends of Solid Waste Management in the Philippines and Qatar”. He emphasized that, “Solid waste is a global problem. Source waste reduction and the role in it by waste generators is as important as downstream recycling. As much as governments are responsible for SWM, people are also responsible for it. SWM must be given priority as investments on it are also investments on our people.” There might be a great disparity in the SWM efforts between the two countries but the Philippines can do better in the coming years. And to cap the webinar, Technical Session 3 Speaker EnP Maria Ana Pulido presented “Developing a Theory of Change Model for a Data-Driven Integrated SWM Plan and Strategy: Identifying Key Indicators to Trigger New and Essential Interventions Since the Passage of the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000”. She demonstrated the benefits and provided an example on how TOC could help us understand better the big picture and work on a myriad of solutions to SWM issues and concerns. She stressed that, “Theory of Change is an excellent tool towards a sustainable local economy and enterprising communities (through mindset shift strategy) living in inclusive smart cities. But solid waste is a personal cause, so we should all act on it and start within ourselves and not heavily rely on the local government. Sustainability and personal responsibility is the key.” In between technical sessions were stretch breaks while PIEP KSA and PIEP Qatar showcased their respective chapter audio-visual presentations. Finally, PIEP Qatar Charter President Mary Grace Hermosa-Pineda concluded the very first PIEP international joint CPD program with her vote of thanks and conference synthesis emphasizing the pivotal role of each of the members of the organizing committee, PIEP national board and secretariat, PRC, Qabayan Radio 94.3 FM and the rest of the delegates for making the event a huge success. “We are truly honored to receive your heartwarming messages. This joint CPD Program cum international conference would not be possible without your outpouring love and support. It was a superb experience. Thank you very much and we look forward to more collaborations with the international and local PIEP chapters in the near future.” Without a doubt, the joint CPD event is a testament of effective and careful planning and execution through the collaborative efforts of the men and women behind the scenes. We, environmental planners, are doers and we will thrive amidst the challenges.

Binago ng Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) ang oras ng operasyon ng COVID-19 Vaccination Center sa Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) ngayong buwan ng Ramadan. Sa halip na isang shift lang ito mula 9am hanggang 1pm, gagawin na itong dalawang (2) shifts - 1st shift mula 8am hanggang 4pm (last entry ay 3pm), at ang 2nd shift ay mula 7pm hanggang 1am (last entry ay 12 midnight). Applicable ang nasabing timings araw-araw (7 days a week) at epektibo ito simula ngayong araw (April 21). Samantala, sa mga drive-through vaccination centers naman sa Lusail at Al Wakra, mananatiling bukas ang mga ito mula 1pm hanggang hatinggabi araw-araw, at ang last entry ay 11pm. Ayon naman sa MoPH, maraming mga bagong hakbang at proseso ang ipinapatupad upang mas mapabuti pa ang pagtanggap at paghihintay ng mga magpapabakuna sa National Vaccination Center na matatagpuan sa QNCC. May itinalaga at binuong team sa pakikipagtulungan ng iba't ibang awtoridad upang pag-aralan at suriin ang waiting mechanism na naglalayong mas mapataas ang antas ng kaligtasan at kaayusan ng bawat isa sa nasabing vaccination center, kung kaya't napagkasunduang buksan ang corridors sa ground floor para maging pasukan ng publiko, nang may hiwalay na hintayan para sa mga babae at lalake upang masiguro ang privacy at kaayusan ng mga ito. Upang maiwasan na mabilad sa init sa labas at mabigyan ng maayos at ligtas na hintayan ang lahat, inilaan rin ang main parking spots ng nasabing center para maging point of arrival.

Naglabas ng ministerial decision ang Minister of Education and Higher Education na si H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi, upang amyendahan ang annual calendar ng mga paaralan. Ayon sa naturang desisyon, ang pagpasok ng mga estudyante sa mga eskwelahan para sa Academic Year 2021-2022 ay magsisimula sa Agosto 29. Samantala, ang mga empleyado naman ng mga eskwelahan para sa academic year 2021-2022 ay magsisimula sa Agosto 16. Ang petsa para sa pangalawang yugto ng pagsusulit para sa lahat ng antas (1 to 12) para sa academic year 2020-21 ay magsisimula sa Agosto 18 at magpapatuloy hanggang Agosto 26. Source: CNA

Maaaring kailanganin ng mga tao ang booster dose ng COVID-19 vaccine sa loob ng isang taon matapos kompletong maturuan ng bakuna. Ito ang pahayag ni Albert Bourla, CEO ng Pfizer - isa sa mga kompanyang nagdevelop ng bakuna laban sa COVID-19. Dagdag pa ni Bourla, malamang na kailanganin din ng mga tao ang bakuna laban sa nasabing virus sa bawat taon. "It is extremely important to suppress the pool of people that can be susceptible to the virus," pahayag ni Bourla sa CNBC's Bertha Coombs sa isang event kasama ang CVS Health. Mabisang sandata din umano ang bakuna laban sa mas nakakahawang variants ng nasabing virus. Bagamat hindi pa sigurado ang mga researchers kung gaano tatagal ang bisa ng bakuna laban sa virus, kinumpirma naman ng Pfizer na ang kanilang bakuna ay mahigit 91% epektibo at nagpoprotekta laban sa COVID-19 at mahigit 95% epektibo naman laban sa malubhang karamdaman sa loob ng 6 na buwan, matapos ang pangalawang dose nito. Samantala, ang Moderna vaccine na gumagamit ng katulad na teknolohiya sa Pfizer ay kumpirmado ring mabisa sa loob ng 6 na buwan, ulat pa ng CNBC.

Itinakda ng Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) ang flat rate para sa Covid-19 swab test na isinasagawa ng mga private health facilities sa halagang QR 300, simula ngayong Huwebes, April 8, 2021. Ayon kay Noura Abdullah Al Mulla, Director of Health Facilities Licensing and Accreditation Department, ang nasabing desisyon upang itakda ang flat rate ay upang maibsan ang binabayaran ng mga indibidwal sa pagkuha ng Covid-19 swab test, matapos na pansamantalang isuspende ang pagsasagawa ng Covid-19 testing sa mga public health facilities para sa mga indibidwal na babyahe palabas ng bansa, upang mas mapagaan ang pressure at matuon ang serbisyo ng mga healcare staff para sa mga Covid-19 infected, suspected o pagbabakuna. Dagdag pa ni Al Mulla, minomonitor ng MoPH ang pagtupad ng mga private health care facilities sa nasabnig Covid-19 swab testing flat rate. Pinuri din nya ang maigting na kolaborasyon ng mga pribadong health care facilities sa pamahalaan, ang ang mahalagang papel at suporta ng mga ito bilang pangunahing kabahagi ng pamahalaan at pampublikong sektor sa pagsugpo sa Covid-19. Inanunsiyo rin ng MoPH ang 44 health facilities na aprubado upang magsagawa ng Covid-19 tests.