Did you know that this week saw 2 deaths due to COVID-19 in total and the maximum recoveries in a day were 229, while 134 was the least number of newly infected cases recorded on 13 December? We are in the second part of Phase 4 of the lifting of the coronavirus restrictions in Qatar and here are the latest updated weekly trends in terms of recoveries, new cases and deaths related to the current situation.

Daily cases receiving treatment in Qatar (10 December - 17 December 2020)

From 163 new confirmed cases reported on 10 December, the numbers were almost the same at 164 the next day, after which it decreased to 147 on 12 December. The next day, 13 December, saw 134 new cases, followed by 160 and 151 on the next two consecutive days, before decreasing to 145 on 16 December and 140 on 17 December, towards the end of the week.

Daily recoveries in Qatar (10 December - 17 December 2020)

From 152 recoveries from the coronavirus (COVID-19) on 10 December, the numbers saw a slight increase to 161 on 11 December, following which it decreased to 153, 143 on the next two days and saw a sharp increase to 229 on 14 December. The number of recoveries decreased to 200 on 15 December and stood at 123 the next day, before increasing to 201 on 17 December on Thursday.

Daily deaths in Qatar (10 December - 17 December 2020)

This week saw 2 deaths due to COVID-19 in total on 14 and 16 December respectively.

Latest coronavirus updates in Qatar

• December 2: FAQ about the new changes in Exceptional Entry Permit
• December 8: Qatar Visa Centers in three more countries to reopen soon
• December 14: COVID-19: MOPH releases updated list of low risk countries

Flattening the curve

• Measures to tackle coronavirus (COVID-19) in Qatar have succeeded in flattening the curve and limiting the spread of the virus and the number of new daily cases and hospital admissions is continuing to decline each week.
• Qatar’s proactive and extensive testing of suspected cases has enabled us to identify a high number of positive cases in the community.
• Qatar has one of the lowest coronavirus (COVID-19) death rates in the world. This is a result of:
  1. Qatar’s young population
  2. Proactive testing to identify cases early
  3. Expanding hospital capacity, especially intensive care,  to ensure all patients receive the medical care they need
  4. Protecting the elderly and those with chronic diseases.
• Even though restrictions are being lifted, and the numbers are declining, this does not mean that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is finished in Qatar.
• Unless we follow all precautionary measures, we may experience a second wave of the virus and see numbers increasing – there are already signs of this happening in other countries around the world.
• Now more than ever, we must be careful and protect the most vulnerable. ​

What you can do to stay safe

While the restrictions of coronavirus (COVID-19) are gradually being lifted in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following the following precautions:

• Remain committed to social distancing.
• Avoid social visits to reduce their risk of contracting the virus.
  
• Wear a face mask as recommended when out of the house.
  
• Wash hands with soap and water regularly; if not available use a sanitiser.
• It is important that we continue to protect the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases and remind their family members to follow strict measures to reduce the chances of infection, including refraining from social visits.
• Call the toll free 24/7 coronavirus hotline at 16000 for information or if you have COVID-19-like or flu-like symptoms. This is important as the earlier the disease is detected the easier it will be to receive the right treatment and recover from it.​ The four main testing centres are:
  1. Muaither Health Centre
  2. Rawdat Al Khail Health Centre
  3. Um Slal Health Centre
  4. Al Gharafa Health Centre

The Ministry also recommends that you regularly visit the MoPH website to view the latest information and instructions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and for the most up-to-date guidance on how to stay safe.

When do you think the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will end in Qatar? Are you following all the SOPs? Do let us know your thoughts in our comments section. Do like and share the article - it keeps us going!

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Vrinda Abilash

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