Dr. Abdullatif Mohamed Al Khal, Chairman of the National Strategic Group on COVID-19 and head of the Infectious Diseases Division at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) holds an exclusive interview tonight on Qatar TV and Al Rayyan TV to provide the latest COVID-19 updates.
The following updates were announced:
Reaching the highest wave of the COVID-19 outbreak
- We are 3 months into our COVID-19 outbreak in Qatar and we have succeeded in flattening the curve and reducing the impact of the virus by 75%, thanks to the preventive efforts and measures, and the awareness and cooperation of the community.
- The latest data on new cases and hospital admissions shows a leveling off and the coming week will confirm if this will continue to be the trend.
- We are now regularly seeing more daily recoveries - this is in part due to the new 14-day discharge criteria because evidence shows that people with mild symptoms are not infectious after 10 to 14 days of infection
- Ensuring people with COVID are treated early is important to prevent their conditions worsening. For this reason, it is important that people with symptoms present early for testing.
- The majority of the infected are youth with immune strength, which helped speed recovery, except in some cases.
- 90% of the affected youth group recover without treatment, but there are some cases that were introduced to intensive care.
Lowest death rate
- We are seeing an increase in the number of deaths but Qatar continues to have one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates in the world, thanks to the measures put in place: effective preventive measures to protect the elderly and those with chronic conditions, early detection, early administration of treatment, excellent care, sufficient acute and ICU beds and redirecting of resources.
Resuming business and other activities with precautionary measures
- We are heading towards a new normal state where we have to live with the Coronavirus and it is important for people to continue to take precautions.
- Even after the gradual lifting of the ban, precautionary measures should remain, otherwise, we will find a return to the high rate of cases.
- Resuming business and other activities should be done gradually and in a prudent manner, with strict observation of social distancing, wearing masks and maintaining hand hygiene to avoid the resurgence of the virus.
- Following the lifting of the restrictions, it is important for people not to leave their houses unless it is absolutely necessary.
- This is particularly true for those who are 60 years and older and those with chronic conditions.
- Ehteraz app will help with the gradual lifting of the restriction as it adds another layer of protection for the community as a whole. It is a good example of how technology is proving to be valuable in combating the virus and facilitating return towards a normal life.
(Source: Qatar Television, MOPH)
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