Did you know that this week saw 4 more deaths than last week and the maximum recoveries in a day were 244 while 189 was the least number of newly infected cases? 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.

READ: Ministry of Education approves rotating attendance system for school students

Daily cases receiving treatment in Qatar (15 October - 22 October 2020)

From 200 new confirmed cases reported on 15 October, the numbers have decreased to 189 the next day, after which it increased to 235 on 17 October. The next day, 18 October, saw 204 new cases, followed by 240 and 273 on the next two consecutive days, before decreasing to 266 on 21 October and 252 on 22 October, towards the end of the week.

Daily recoveries in Qatar (15 October - 22 October 2020)

From 218 recoveries from the coronavirus (COVID-19) on 15 October, the numbers saw a decrease on the next day at 204, following which it increased to 212, before decreasing to 188 on 18 October. The number of recoveries then saw a spike at 244 recoveries recorded on 19 October and stood at 216 and 227 on the next two consecutive days, before increasing to 235 on 22 October on Thursday.

Daily deaths in Qatar (15 October - 22 October 2020)

This week saw 8 deaths in total, 4 more than the previous week. 2 deaths were recorded on 15 October and one each were recorded on 17 and 18 October respectively. This was followed by one more death being recorded on 21 October and it increased to 3 on 22 October, towards the end of the week.

Coronavirus updates in Qatar over the week

• October 19: Qatar Airways reports more than 99.988% of its passengers travel COVID-19-free
• October 19: Pandemic fatigue: Are we tired of wearing masks and physical distancing?
• October 19: Qatar launches Seasonal Influenza Campaign
• October 21: Education Ministry official explains decision behind rotational attendance system
• October 22: MoPH assures that seasonal flu vaccine available in Qatar, is safe

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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