Qatar will start lifting coronavirus restrictions in its cities under a four-phase plan starting on June 15, when some mosques will be allowed to reopen, government spokeswoman Lulwa Rashed al-Khater said.

She told a news conference the second phase of easing the lockdown would start on July 1, the third on August 1 and the fourth on September 1.

The second phase will allow a partial opening of restaurants and the third will permit the resumption of flights from low-risk countries and the reopening of shopping malls and markets with limited capacity.

The fourth will allow wedding parties, business gatherings such as exhibitions, and the reopening of theatres and cinemas, she said.