Did you know that this week saw 2 deaths due to COVID-19 in total and the maximum recoveries in a day were 256, 10 less than last week's highest while 194 was the least number of newly infected cases recorded on 17 November? 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 (12 November - 19 November 2020)

From 245 new confirmed cases reported on 12 November, the numbers decreased to 235 the next day, after which it further decreased to 203 on 14 November. The next day, 15 November, saw 215 new cases, followed by 243 and 194 on the next two consecutive days, before increasing to 219 on 18 November and 208 on 19 November, towards the end of the week.

Daily recoveries in Qatar (12 November - 19 November 2020)

From 227 recoveries from the coronavirus (COVID-19) on 12 November, the numbers saw a decrease on the next day at 203, following which it increased to 221, before decreasing to 207 on 15 November. The number of recoveries then saw a spike at 226 recoveries recorded on 16 November and stood at 207 and 256 on the next two consecutive days, before decreasing to 218 on 19 November on Thursday.

Daily deaths in Qatar (12 November - 19 November 2020)

This week saw 2 deaths in total and were recorded on 12 and 16 November respectively.

Coronavirus updates in Qatar over the week

• November 12: MOCI announces update on instructions relating to gradual lifting of restrictions on gymnasiums
• November 13: UK Travel Corridor update: Travellers from Qatar will no longer need to self-isolate, starting from Saturday
• November 15: Qatar's national response to COVID-19 helped control pandemic: Minister of Public Health gives speech at WISH 2020
• November 15: HMC wins top award for dedicated response to COVID-19 in Qatar
• November 19: MOPH's proactive approach to secure COVID-19 vaccines is proving effective: Dr. Al Khal

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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