Cyprus Mail
FootballMiddle EastSportWorldWorld Cup

Qatar confirms Covid test requirements for World Cup fans

file photo: zamalek fans from saudi arabia arrive at the soccer fan arrival center, at qatar border to attend a match between saudi arabian champions al hilal and the egyptian champions zamalek, in doha, qatar
Fans from Saudi Arabia arrive at the Fan Arrival Centre, at the Qatar border to attend a match between Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal and the Egyptian champions Zamalek, in Doha

Fans attending the World Cup in Qatar must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test regardless of their vaccination status, organisers said in a statement on Thursday.

All visitors aged six and over must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours before their departure or from a rapid antigen test taken in the 24 hours before arriving, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said.

Results of the rapid antigen tests will only be accepted if they are from official medical centres and not self-administered. No further tests will be required in Qatar if visitors do not develop symptoms of COVID-19.

Visitors aged 18 and above will also be required to download a government-run contact tracing phone application called Ehteraz.

“A green Ehteraz status (showing the user does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19) is required to enter any public closed indoor spaces,” the statement added.

Fans will have to wear masks on public transport but vaccination is not mandatory for the unprecedented influx of 1.2 million visitors expected for the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 tournament.

“Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 while in Qatar will be required to isolate in accordance with Ministry of Public Health guidelines,” the statement said.

Qatar has recorded more than 440,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 692 deaths from the virus, according to data from the Ministry of Public Health.

The country has a population of 2.8 million, of which barely 380,000 are Qatari nationals. A total of 7,487,616 vaccine doses have been administered so far, the data states.

Follow the Cyprus Mail on Google News

Related Posts

Nigeria to free 313 suspected Boko Haram insurgents for lack of evidence

Reuters News Service

World Court orders Israel to halt Gaza famine; Hamas says ceasefire needed

Reuters News Service

Zelenskiy tells U.S. House speaker: quick passage of military aid is vital

Reuters News Service

‘Oppenheimer’ director Christopher Nolan to be given knighthood

Reuters News Service

US, Mexico to partner on semiconductor supply chain development

Reuters News Service

Israel has not received everything it has asked for, top US general says

Reuters News Service