A press conference held by the Ministry of Public Health tonight to discuss the latest developments and statistics related to Coronavirus (Covid-19), and the spread of the virus among Qatari families and residents. Co-chair of the National Epidemic Preparation Committee Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, and Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, national lead for healthy aging in Qatar, Medical Director of Rumailah Hospital and Qatar Rehabilitation Institute chaired the press conference.

The following updates were announced:

COVID-19 statistics

• The number of confirmed cases in the State of Qatar with COVID-19 reached 28,272 cases, and 1733 cases were recorded during the past 24 hours, this is the highest number since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The most age group diagnosed with COVID-19 is between 25-34 years, and it represents 36.7%
• The percentage of light cases in the State of Qatar constitutes 94% of the total number of cases.
• We continue to see many patients making full recovery from COVID-19 every day and more than 3,000 patients have now recovered from the virus.
  
• A community survey was conducted on May 6 and 7 in three health centers for 1308 people, and a number of infected cases were discovered.
• Although coronavirus cases are mostly due to expatriate workers, there is a noticeable increase in cases between citizens and residents.
• An increase in the number of cases during the last few days is because the virus has entered the peak period but we haven't reached the peak period yet.
• Anyone who has symptoms of the virus must be tested so that the person can receive the care and treatment he needs.
• The number of people being tested has increased and we have launched a community study to learn more about the epidemiology of the virus within the larger community and about the prevalence of cases of infection that do not show symptoms.
  

Intensive care

• The age group most likely to enter intensive care is between 40-49 years old.
• The intensive care units receive 417 patients, among them 65 cases have been cured, 14 died, and 138 are currently receiving treatment.
• During the past six days, 11 - 15 cases of coronavirus were admitted to intensive care on a daily basis.
• Our hospitals are seeing more patients being admitted as we climb toward the peak - with more being admitted to intensive care. Although our death rates remain very low in Qatar compared to the rest of the world, people are still getting very sick and it can be a very traumatic and painful experience for people who end up needing intensive care support.

Medical tests

• A significant increase in the number of examinations reflects the large increase in the capacity of the central laboratories, as the number of daily checks reached more than 7400 samples.

The virus can affect people of all ages

• The evidence from around the world has shown that while the virus can affect people of all ages and health status, the elderly are much more likely to experience severe symptoms. For this reason, we are doing all that we can to protect our elderly population and keep them safe.
• Even young people are at risk of severe COVID-19, so please stay safe.
  

Comprehensive treatment facilities

• Our doctors are now delivering consultations virtually, via video and telephone systems, to enable elderly patients to talk to their doctor while in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
• For several weeks now, we have staff from the Geriatric and Long-term Care Department call people aged 60 years and over to offer advice and support on how to stay safe during this period.
• We regularly send out SMS with safety messages to people over the age of 60 and their carers.
• In order to reduce the danger of a relatively minor condition becoming more serious, we have set up an Elderly Day Care Unit in Rumailah Hospital to treat non-life-threatening conditions
• We need our elderly citizens and their families to partner with us in the efforts to keep them safe.
• It's important that we are all aware that our older people and their families follow strict precautionary measures to reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Social distancing during Ramadan

• The reason for the increase in coronavirus cases between citizens and residents is the lack of social distancing among community members during Ramadan.
• Despite repeated warning against gathering during the night of Garangao, many families met, which led to the further spread of Coronavirus.
• We advise that no more than one family gather in one house for breakfast and Suhoor during the remainder of the blessed month of Ramadan.
• The mask is important, but it does not substitute for other precautionary measures such as social distancing and hand-washing.
• We recognize the desire to get together with family and friends, especially during Ramadan and Eid, but we must resist this in order to protect our elderly population.
  

(Source: Qatar Television, Ministry of Public Health)

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Khadiza Begum

Content Writer

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