Have you missed the most important coronavirus (COVID-19) updates of the week on the coronavirus in Qatar Weekly Update? Every Thursday, we take a moment to bring you all the updates and latest developments in the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Qatar.
Here's what happened in Week 15. Read below to know more about what's happening in Qatar and how the government is trying to control the situation in Week 16.
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced 1,267 confirmed new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), with 1,470 people recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries in Qatar to 63,642. The Ministry also announces 4 deaths.
The Ministry states that in the last 24 hours, 11 new cases have been admitted to intensive care due to health complications related to the virus, bringing the total number of cases currently in intensive care to 230.
The Ministry explains that the new cases had the virus transmitted to them from people who had been previously infected, as the MoPH continues to conduct investigative and proactive testing, which contributes to early detection of cases. The new confirmed cases of infection have been introduced to complete isolation in the various medical facilities in the country, where they receive the necessary healthcare according to the health status of each case.
The deaths recorded today were patients who were receiving the necessary medical care in intensive care and they were aged 77 years, 61 years, 43 years and 41 years. The MoPH extends its sincere condolences and great sympathy to the families of the deceased.
Social distancing in an airplane is not necessary, as long as precautions are taken, according to Qatar Airways Group GCEO, H.E. Akbar Al Baker in an interview with Sky News on Wednesday.
"If that is implemented, the prices for air travel go will go up extremely, because you'll be carrying a 30-40% load factor on an airplane.
"[You will still] have the possibility to infect somebody else, by touch, or by rubbing into each other when you're going back to your seats.
"So I think that social distancing really should not be implemented in an airplane as long as you're going to take all the precautions you need - masks, gloves - and in Qatar Airways we are also supplying face shields and fully clad PPE for cabin crew."
Social distancing in an airplane is not necessary, as long as precautions are taken such as masks, gloves, face shields and cabin crew wearing PPE. #QatarAirways pic.twitter.com/oRZeH1LF22
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) June 17, 2020
New virtual services launched in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have enabled Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)'s Mental Health Service to meet increased demand, with the service delivering 20% more outpatient consultations since the start of the virus outbreak.
Around 10,000 people a month have benefitted from the new services, which include a mental health helpline and virtual consultations.
The MoPH, HMC, and the Primary Healthcare Corporation (PHCC) have intensified an awareness campaign on COVID-19 preventive measures, along with the implementation of the first stage of lifting Covid-19 pandemic restrictions that started last Monday. The MOPH and its partners are conducting awareness activities, under the slogan (You have the right), to ensure the right of citizens and residents that all entities and individuals should be implementing proper preventive measures to protect themselves against the virus.
In this context, MOPH has issued guidelines on precautionary measures to be taken in the first phase of lifting the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The guidelines include procedures and instructions which should be applied in mosques, shopping malls, maritime vessels, workplaces, flights, professional sports, private healthcare facilities services, parks, and leisure activities.
The answer is no. Anyone who is 12+ must have the EHTERAZ app before they enter the malls in Qatar. If they don't have a mobile at the entrance to the mall with the EHTERAZ app, they will not be allowed to enter the mall.
We got in touch with the malls in Qatar and those that responded which included Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar and Tawar Mall told us that EHTERAZ was mandatory for any child over 12 who wants to enter the mall with the green healthy status. If the child fails to present a mobile phone without the EHTERAZ to the officials/security before entering the mall, they won't be allowed to enter.
There's a circular from the Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) going around regarding confirmed reservations in quarantine hotels for the passengers travelling out of Doha with a return booking. We learned that this circular is legit and all passengers travelling out of Doha with a return booking must have a confirmed reservation in one of the designated quarantine hotels in Qatar on their return.
According to the official circular number 12 of 2020, no passengers irrespective of nationality can depart from Doha without holding a confirmed hotel booking for their return for a period of fourteen (14) days which will be prepaid against a nonrefundable voucher obtained from the hotel through “Discover Qatar" website.
In case travel dates into Doha are amended, hotel reservations can be changed subject to availability.
Passengers who are currently out of Qatar, and upon their return, must also hold a confirmed hotel booking in one of the quarantine hotels at the time of checking into their flights to Doha.
QCAA has instructed the Airlines to adhere to the above-mentioned instructions until further notification.
The MoPH announced 1,097 confirmed new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), with 1,711 people recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of people recovered in Qatar to 62,172. The Ministry also announced 2 new deaths.
The Ministry stated that 9 new cases were admitted to intensive care due to health complications related to the virus, bringing the total number of cases in intensive care to 240.
The Ministry explained that the new cases had the virus transmitted to them from people who had been previously infected, as the MoPH continues to conduct investigative and proactive testing, which contributes to early detection of cases. The new confirmed cases of infection had been introduced to complete isolation in the various medical facilities in the country, where they received the necessary healthcare according to the health status of each case.
The Ministry explained that the deaths that were recorded were receiving medical care in intensive care and were for people aged 67 and 87 years old.
The MoPH announced the registration of 1,201 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) bringing the total number of positive cases in Qatar to 82,077 and has stated that 1,780 more people have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of people that have recovered in Qatar to 60,461. Unfortunately, 4 new deaths were also reported bring the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Qatar to 80.
The Ministry stated 19 new cases had been admitted to intensive care due to health complications related to the virus, bringing the total number of cases in intensive care to 244.
The ministry explained the new cases had the virus transmitted to them from people who had been previously infected, as the MoPH continues to conduct investigative and proactive testing, which contributes to early detection of cases.
The ministry explained that the deaths that were recorded were receiving medical care in intensive care. Two of the deceased were 61 years old while the other two are 43 and 53 years old.
According to an online poll, 56% of the respondents in Qatar have faced pay cuts in the last few months since the coronavirus (COVID-19) came to Qatar at the end of February 2020. The survey comes in the wake of an article published in Bloomberg, and then Al Jazeera, which stated that a decline in energy prices worldwide has affected Qatar as well, and businesses are struggling under the COVID-19 driven lockdown. Businesses have either had to completely shut down, lay off their staff, or cut salaries to ensure the business can survive at this crucial time.
Around 10,000 people responded to the survey, conducted online by Khalifa Saleh Al Haroon - Mr. Q, CEO of IloveQatar.net, Store974 and well-known Qatari influencer, on how the coronavirus has affected people and their work. The purpose was to assess how employees feel about the impact of the economic crisis due to coronavirus (COVID-19) on their lives — in terms of layoffs and salaries — and find out their opinions with respect to the ongoing crisis in their country of residence.
Discover Qatar is urging people not to book a Welcome Home Package until they have approval to travel to Qatar.
Until 31 July 2020, only Qatari Nationals, their travelling companions, those with a Permanent Resident Card or other exceptionally approved Visa holders, will be allowed to enter Qatar.
From 1 August, 2020 pre-approved QID resident permit holders will also be able to travel to Qatar.
More details will be provided for the pre-approval process, when the relevant authorities give more information about the pre-approval process, so please check back here regularly for updates.
Quarantine Hotel Packages MUST be booked prior to travel
For Qatari Nationals, their travel companions, those with a Permanent Resident Card or other eligible Visa holders returning to Doha from 15 June – 15 September
All travellers departing from Qatar will need to book and pay for one of the approved quarantine hotel packages for a period of 14 days, which must be booked before departure from Qatar, if the return date is planned on or before 15 September. Check in at HIA will not be permitted without a confirmed quarantine reservation, if arrival back into Qatar is before 15 September.
Eligible travellers currently outside Qatar will also need to book and pay for one of the approved quarantine hotel packages for a period of 14 days if arriving back into Doha on or before 15 September. Bookings can be made at Qatar Airways Holidays in partnership with Discover Qatar. Only Qatari Nationals, their travelling companions, those with a Permanent Resident Card or other eligible Visa holders, will be permitted to arrive into Qatar before 1 August 2020.
QID holders returning from 1 August – 15 September
QID holders will not be able to board a flight to Qatar without first receiving authorisation to travel to Qatar, and then by also providing confirmation of a 14 day quarantine package reservation.
QID holders are advised not to book a quarantine package until approval to return to Qatar has been confirmed. Details of the approval process will be published when the eligibility and guidelines are confirmed by the relevant authorities. Please check back regularly to this page for updates.
As part of the initiatives launched by Qatar Scientific Club to support the States efforts in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and with the aim to protect the medical staff working in the first lines of defense, Qatar Scientific Club has designed and manufactured an air purification and breathing respirator that can protect the medical staff and provide them with air after purification through a technology developed by Club.
The MoPH announced 1,274 confirmed new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), with 1,783 people recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of people recovered in Qatar to 58,681 cases, in addition to recording 3 new deaths.
The Ministry stated that in the last 24 hours, 18 new cases had been admitted to intensive care due to health complications related to the virus, bringing the total number of cases in intensive care to 238.
The Ministry also stated that there had been a small decrease in the number of acute coronavirus (CVID-19 positive patients being admitted to intensive care thanks to the measures taken by the MoPH and the concerned authorities to limit the spread of the virus, the most important of which is the early detection of the virus which can contribute significantly to reducing the severity of infection.
The Ministry stated that the new cases are due to expatriate workers who were infected with the virus as a result of contact with individuals who were previously infected, in addition to recording new cases of infection among groups of workers in different regions. The new cases have been identified through track and trace team at the MoPH.
Cases of infection have also increased significantly among citizens and residents as a result of contact with infected family members who had been infected in the workplace or through visits and family gatherings.
The ministry explains that the deaths that were recorded were receiving medical care in intensive care, and were aged 60 years, 62 years and 87 years of age.
In line with the first stage of the gradual lifting of restrictions imposed as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), a decision has been made to remove the requirement for entry and exit permits to and from the Industrial Area effective Monday, 15 June, according to a statement released by the Government Communications Office
Entry and exit checkpoints will remain to ensure compliance with precautionary measures, including checking: bus capacity is reduced by half, masks are being worn, and only individuals with a green health status in the EHTERAZ application can enter the area.
The Speech Therapy Department at HMC Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) has introduced virtual consultation clinics to ensure its outpatient department patients continue to have access to the best possible diagnostic and rehabilitative services. The initiative, which uses the VSee telemedicine solution to provide medical consultations via video conferencing, was introduced following the cancellation of all routine outpatient appointments as part of the precautionary measures taken by the health sector to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MoPH has just announced the registration of 1,186 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) bringing the total number of positive cases in Qatar to date to 79,602 and has stated that 1,646 more people have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of people that have recovered in Qatar to 56,898. Unfortunately, 3 new deaths have also been reported bring the total number of coronavirus-related deaths to date in Qatar to 73.
The Ministry states that in the last 24 hours 13 new cases have been admitted to intensive care due to health complications resulting from infection with the virus, bringing the total number of cases currently in intensive care to 231.
The Ministry also states that there has been a small decrease in the number of acute COVID-19 positive patients being admitted to intensive care thanks to the measures taken by the MoPH and the concerned authorities to limit the spread of the virus, the most important of which is the early detection of the virus which can contribute significantly to reducing the severity of infection.
The Ministry states that the new cases are due to expatriate workers who were infected with the virus as a result of contact with individuals who were previously infected, in addition to recording new cases of infection among groups of workers in different regions. The new cases have been identified through track and trace team at the MoPH. Cases of infection have also increased significantly among citizens and residents as a result of contact with infected family members who had been infected in the workplace or through visits and family gatherings.
The Ministry explains that the deaths recorded today were receiving medical care in intensive care and were for people aged 42, 57 and 84 years old. The Ministry extends its sincere condolences and great sympathy to the families of the deceased.
The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) announced 13 parks for the public to access as gradual lifting restrictions phase 1. MME has also announced the procedures and conditions for entering the limited number of public gardens and parks that will be opened to the public Monday to exercise and practice sports, as part of the comprehensive plan to gradually lift the restrictions imposed earlier to curb the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.
Below parks will be open from 4 am - 9 am and 4 pm - 10 pm with strict precautionary and preventive measures to be followed for everyone's safety.
The MoPH issued a memo to all private health facilities allowing the operation to resume from Monday 15 June 2020 with the precautionary measures.
Part of the first phase of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar is the partial opening of shops in malls. Shops with a minimum area of 300 m2 will open, with the malls not exceeding 30% capacity.
With this, malls across Qatar have already posted on their social media which shops and stores will be reopened starting June 15. Scroll down below to see the list!
Precautionary and preventive measures
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has also announced the necessary precautionary and preventive measures for the lifting of restrictions on malls and shopping centres. Read all about the guidelines for malls here.
Aside from the Ministry, the malls also remind shoppers that safety precautions should still be in place. This includes, but not limited to, showing green health status on the EHTERAZ app upon entry, temperature check, wearing a mask, physical distancing, one person at a time when using lifts, and maintaining good personal hygiene.
The MOCI issued the first stage of the gradual lifting of restrictions on malls and shopping centres.
The measure includes operating the mall only up to 30% or the capacity, banning smoking at the entrance and following other preventive measure issued by various ministries.
The Ministry announces the first stage of the gradual lifting of restrictions on malls and shopping centres. #Qatar #YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/RpvY0R15XY
— وزارة التجارة والصناعة (@MOCIQatar) June 13, 2020
The MoPH announced 1,828 confirmed new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), with 1,956 people recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of people recovered in Qatar to 55,252 cases
The Ministry stated that in the last 24 hours, 13 new cases had been admitted to intensive care due to health complications resulting from infection with the virus, bringing the total number of cases in intensive care to 232.
The Ministry also state there had been a small decrease in the number of acute coronavirus (COVID-19) positive patients being admitted to intensive care thanks to the measures taken by the MoPH and the concerned authorities to limit the spread of the virus, the most important of which is the early detection of the virus which can contribute significantly to reducing the severity of infection.
The MoPH announced 1,517 confirmed new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), with 1,965 people recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of people recovered in Qatar to 53,296 cases. The Ministry also announced one additional death due to the virus.
The Ministry stated that 14 new cases had been admitted to intensive care due to health complications resulting from infection with the virus, bringing the total number of cases in intensive care to 229.
The Ministry also stated there had been a small decrease in the number of acute coronavirus (COVID-19) positive patients being admitted to intensive care thanks to the measures taken by the MOPH and the concerned authorities to limit the spread of the virus, the most important of which is the early detection of the virus which can contribute significantly to reducing the severity of infection.
The Ministry stated that the new cases were due to expatriate workers who were infected with the virus as a result of contact with individuals who were previously infected, in addition to recording new cases of infection among groups of workers in different regions. The new cases were identified through track and trace team at the MoPH. Cases of infection increased significantly among citizens and residents as a result of contact with infected family members who had been infected in the workplace or through visits and family gatherings.
The Ministry stated that the death recorded belongs to 51 year-old who was in intensive care.
As announced on the plan for the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar, mosques will reopen gradually as the country progresses through each of the four phases.
According to The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs in a tweet, a specific number of mosques will be reopened for prayers starting from Monday, June 15, with the exception of Friday prayers.
Friday prayers will be allowed in 54 mosques starting Phase 3 (August) and will be allowed on all mosques during Phase 4 (September).
The Ministry released Thursday (June 11), the list of mosques that will reopen on Monday, June 15. There are almost 500 mosques on the list. Download the list of mosques here.
The MoPH announced that 1,476 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) had been registered, and 1,918 people have recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of recoveries in Qatar to 51,331. The Ministry also announced 3 deaths due to the virus.
The Ministry stated 17 new cases had been admitted to intensive care due to health complications resulting from infection with the virus, bringing the total number of cases in intensive care to 230.
The Ministry also stated that there had been a small decrease in the number of acute coronavirus (COVID-19) positive patients being admitted to intensive care thanks to the measures taken by the MoPH and the concerned authorities to limit the spread of the virus, the most important of which is the early detection of the virus which can contribute significantly to reducing the severity of infection.
The Ministry stated that the new cases were due to expatriate workers who were infected with the virus as a result of contact with individuals who were previously infected, in addition to recording new cases of infection among groups of workers in different regions. The new cases were identified through track and trace team at the MoPH. Cases of infection have also increased significantly among citizens and residents as a result of contact with infected family members who had been infected in the workplace or through visits and family gatherings.
The Ministry stated that the three deaths recorded belonged to people aged 41, 52 and 70 years old who were receiving medical care in intensive care units.
Many parents have been asking if children are required to install the precautionary app too, stating that most kids under 12 years old do not own a smartphone yet.
We have reached out to the government hotlines for clarification regarding this matter. Qatar Government Contact Center 109 mentioned that according to the Ministry of Interior, children under 18 years old are not required to install the app. However, according to both 109 and 16000, it is highly encouraged that children who have QID and their own smartphones have the EHTERAZ app installed and turned on especially when they leave the house for any reason as an added safety precaution.
The government hotlines have also reiterated that parents should make sure that children stay home as much as possible and only leave the house for necessary matters.
For more information regarding EHTERAZ, read the Frequently Asked Questions here. The app has also been recently updated to include visa option during registration.
Talabat Qatar has introduced cashless tipping, a way for customers to show their appreciation to the Talabat riders that deliver their food and groceries. Cashless tipping allows customers to add a tip for QAR 2, QAR 4, or QAR 8 through the Talabat App, after delivery. As the first delivery platform in the region to promote safety in the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in Qatar through contactless delivery, and cashless options, giving customers a way to now tip their rider through the Talabat app was paramount.
To tip the rider, after delivery, customers simply go to the Talabat main home screen - and under the ‘Order Again’ heading, by their most recent order - press ‘Tip Rider.’ Please make sure to have the most up to date version of the Talabat app. You can download the Talabat app from Google Play or the App Store.
Qatar Charity (QC) has launched an initiative under the hashtag #RescueMission, in cooperation with Qatari youth initiatives, as part of a campaign to face Corona "Human Call" to contribute to helping and saving lives of thousands of people affected by the corona pandemic around the world.
The initiative aims to raise one million Qatari riyals to help the affected people of corona, from seven youth initiatives, as well as contribute to the humanitarian efforts undertaken by Qatar Charity to enable the most vulnerable to overcome these conditions, and support the health sector in 34 countries around the world to withstand this pandemic and curb its spread.
When do you think this coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Qatar will end? What are you doing to flatten the curve? Are you following all the SOPs? Do let us know your thoughts in our Comments section. Like and share the article - it keeps us going!
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