Did you know that this week saw 1 death due to COVID-19 in total and the maximum recoveries in a day were 203 recorded on 20 and 21 December, while 140 was the least number of newly infected cases recorded on 17 and 23 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 (17 December - 24 December 2020)

From 140 new confirmed cases reported on 17 December, the numbers increased to 159 the next day, after which it decreased to 142 and 143 on 19 and 20 December. The next day, 21 December, saw 158 new infections, followed by 149 and 140 on the next two consecutive days, before increasing to 157 on 24 December, towards the end of the week.

Daily recoveries in Qatar (17 December - 24 December 2020)

From 201 recoveries from the coronavirus (COVID-19) on 17 December, the numbers decreased to 141 on 18 December, following which it decreased further to 137, and went up to 203 on the next two days. The numbers remained the same at 203 on 21 December and decreased by one to 202 on 22 December. The number of recoveries saw a sharp decrease to 135 on 23 December and stood at 140 the next day, on Thursday.

Daily deaths in Qatar (17 December - 24 December 2020)

This week saw 1 death due to COVID-19 in total on 19 December.

Latest coronavirus updates in Qatar

• December 23: Qatar begins COVID-19 vaccination campaign
• December 22: Arrivals from UK, South Africa, Netherlands and Denmark must stay in dedicated quarantine hotels: Discover Qatar
• December 21: MOPH: COVID-19 vaccination in Qatar to start on December 23
• December 21: MOPH launches COVID-19 vaccine dedicated microsite
• December 21: MOPH issues emergency use authorization for Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine
  
• December 19: First batch of COVID-19 vaccine to arrive Qatar 21 December 2020

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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