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Posted On: 24 June 2021 10:00 am
Updated On: 27 June 2021 10:57 am

Coronavirus in Qatar -- Week 69 Updates

Vrinda Abilash
Vrinda Abilash
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Did you know that this week saw 7 deaths due to COVID-19 in total and the maximum recoveries in a day were 208 recorded on 17 June 2021, while 189 was the highest number of newly infected cases recorded on 22 June 2021? Here are the latest updated weekly trends in terms of recoveries, new cases, and deaths related to the current COVID-19 situation.

From 17-23 June 2021, 1,511 people were referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks, 6 for violating the maximum number of people allowed in a vehicle, 193 for not adhering to physical distancing, and 15 for not downloading EHTERAZ on their phones. A total of 1,725 violations were recorded from 17-23 June 2021.

Learn about Phase 2 of the gradual lifting of restrictions and here's all you need to know about the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Qatar!

Phase 2 of the lifting of restrictions in Qatar started on 18 June 2021.

    Note: As per COVID-19 restrictions set by the government, please make sure to abide by the COVID-19 precautionary measures such as wearing a mask, physical distancing, showing your Ehteraz green status, and frequent hand washing.

      Daily cases receiving treatment in Qatar (17 June - 23 June 2021)

      Daily cases receiving treatment in Qatar (17 June - 23 June 2021)
      Daily cases receiving treatment in Qatar (17 June - 23 June 2021)

      From 127 new confirmed cases reported on 17 June, the numbers increased to 184 the next day, after which it stood again at 184 on 19 June, and then decreased to 107 on 20 June. The next day, 21 June saw 130 new infections, followed by 189 and 154 on the next two consecutive days, and towards the end of the week.

      Daily recoveries in Qatar (17 June - 23 June 2021)

      Daily recoveries in Qatar (17 June - 23 June 2021)
      Daily recoveries in Qatar (17 June - 23 June 2021)

      From 208 recoveries from COVID-19 on 17 June, the numbers decreased to 143 on 18 June, following which it increased to 197 and then decreased to 146 on 20 June. The numbers then stood at 191 and then decreased to 149 in the following two days. The number of recoveries saw an increase to 203 on the last day of the week.

      Daily deaths in Qatar (17 June - 23 June 2021)

      Daily deaths in Qatar (17 June - 23 June 2021)
      Daily deaths in Qatar (17 June - 23 June 2021)

      From 17-23 June, the total number of deaths recorded were 7.

      Latest COVID-19 related articles

      COVID-19 updates in Qatar

      COVID-19 vaccines currently accepted in Qatar

      • The following six COVID-19 vaccines are accepted for entry into Qatar as per the Ministry of Public Health's announcement on 21 May 2021:
        • Pfizer BioNTech
        • Moderna
        • Astrazeneca
        • Covishield (Astrazeneca)
        • Janssen/Johnson & Johnson
        • Sinopharm

      Latest vaccine updates

      • 2,926,066 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the start of the program.
      • 71% of the eligible population has now received at least one dose of the vaccine.
      • 96% of over 60s (the most vulnerable population group) have been vaccinated with at least one dose, while 90.5% have received both doses.
      • The Ministry of Public Health's online registration form for the COVID-19 vaccine is open to citizens and residents who want to register their desire to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
      • Check out our video on how you can register for the COVID-19 vaccination in Qatar: How to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in Qatar?
      • MoPH announced that at QNCC, the COVID-19 vaccine is only given to people who have received invitations to get the vaccine and who have met the criteria set forth in the framework of the COVID-19 National Vaccination Program.
      • Here are some important tips for people taking the COVID-19 vaccine, as said by MoPH official:
        - If a person had come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, the date for taking the second dose should be delayed for 14 days from the date of contact.
        - The person will be fully protected from COVID-19 infection after a week or two from taking the second dose of the vaccine.
      • Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Home Healthcare Service (HHS) has started administering the COVID-19 vaccine to its registered housebound patients to protect them against the disease.
      • MoPH updated that:
        - Only people who are receiving their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can visit the Drive-Through in Lusail and Wakra COVID-19 Vaccination Center in a car or suitable vehicle.
        - People who don't own a vehicle can visit the centre in a taxi to get their 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
      • The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) clarified that there is no evidence that any of the vaccines can affect the fertility of women or men.
      • Pregnant women who have chronic medical conditions that could further increase their risk for severe COVID-19, as well as those whose work puts them at increased risk for getting infected, should consider taking the vaccine, advises Qatar’s National Health Strategy Lead for Healthy Women Leading to Healthy Pregnancies, Dr. Najat Al Khenyab.
      • The MoPH has set up a COVID-19 Vaccination Scheduling Unit (VSU) for the vaccination of business workers in support of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program. The Unit supports the vaccination of workers in all businesses, but prioritization would be given to key businesses that are in direct contact with the rest of the community such as barber and hairdresser salons, restaurants, retail shops, supermarkets, hotels, and other hospitality services.
      • Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) announced that the Women's Wellness and Research Center (WWRC) has launched a Virtual Consultation Service to answer questions related to COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy. Users can call the hotline on 3343 8436, from Sunday to Thursday, 8 am to 2 pm.
      • The Ministry of Public Health has established a call center at the National COVID-19 Contact Centre (16000) which is dedicated to answering questions and inquiries related to the COVID-19 virus and assisting the elderly aged 60 and above in accessing a range of key services.
      • The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced that from Sunday 13 June 2021 the Lusail and Al Wakra COVID-19 drive-through vaccination centers will operate 4 pm to midnight every day.
      • A study carried out by investigators and collaborators from Qatar's healthcare system and research institutes supports previous research showing that full vaccination and prior infection are both highly effective in preventing COVID-19 and rationalizes resumption of international travel in the era of COVID-19.
      • Reducing the gap between first and second vaccine doses may negatively impact vaccine efficacy, said Dr. Soha Al Bayat Head of Vaccination at the Ministry of Public Health.COVID-19 vaccine in Qatar as per age.
      • The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), announced that the two drive-through vaccination centers and the vaccination center at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) will close soon.
      • The new Qatar Vaccination Center – for Business and Industry Sector as the Center began operations. It is one of the largest vaccination centers in the world.
      • MOPH announces a list of 42 approved health facilities for rapid COVID-19 tests in Qatar.
      • From 18 June 2021, drive-through COVID-19 swabbing will operate from 4 pm to 11 pm at selected Health Centers, according to Primary Health Care Corporation.

      COVID-19 vaccine in Qatar as per age

      • Starting from 16 May 2021, parents can register their children who are aged between 12 and 15 for the COVID-19 vaccine in Qatar.
      • Children aged from 12 to 15 years are to be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Qatar.
      • Ministry of Public Health urges people over 60 years old and have not received COVID-19 vaccination yet to call 4027 7077 and book an appointment.
      • The Ministry of Public Health also confirmed that all people aged over 30 are eligible to receive the vaccine in Qatar.

      COVID-19 vaccination certificate and EHTERAZ App

      • All individuals who have received 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will automatically have a vaccination certificate available for them in the MyHealth Patient Portal.
      • Check out our video on how you can download the COVID-19 vaccination certificate: How to download your COVID-19 vaccination certificate?
      • According to MoPH, 7 days after the second dose of the vaccine, a Golden Frame will appear around the QR code in the EHTERAZ App. In the “Vaccination” tab, your vaccination details will be displayed after 7 days from the second dose, including the date of the doses and the name of the vaccine received.
      • The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced that a set of new features are now available on EHTERAZ following a recent update. The details now include information about the recovered status (for persons who were previously affected by COVID-19), health card number, last test date, and the person's result. The 'recovered status' details can be used to prove the previous infection in relation to eligibility for privileges under Phase One of the Gradual Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions.

      Quarantine and travel information

      • MoPH mentioned that people undergoing home quarantine who have a vaccination appointment scheduled during their period of quarantine should contact PHCC on +974 4021 7077 and reschedule their appointment.
      • The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) tweeted that it is possible to travel abroad immediately after receiving the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
      • The Ministry of Public Health has issued an update to the quarantine protocol and testing of persons for Coronavirus (COVID-19), which includes the rules for exempting COVID-19 recovered people from quarantine and the need for all travelers coming to the State of Qatar to undergo a COVID-19 test in a medical center approved by the local Ministry of Health in the country they come from within 72 hours before their arrival in the State of Qatar.
      • The Ministry of Public Health has announced that the validity for quarantine exemption of all vaccines administered in Qatar will be extended from the previously approved six months to nine months.
      • The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar has released the updated travel and return policy on 21 May 2021 for GCC citizens and residents entering Qatar.
      • The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced that as part of Qatar's comprehensive measures to protect the health and safety of travellers and the community, the medical teams at Hamad International Airport is conducting random COVID-19 tests on a small sample of travellers arriving in Qatar.
      • The State of Qatar announced launching the passenger's online registration platform, which will expedite entry procedures to the State of Qatar through registration at www.ehteraz.gov.qa. Using the platform before arrival to Qatar will expedite entry procedures at the borders. The platform will be launched currently for arrivals through the Abu Samra border.
      • As per the Cabinet announcement on 16 June 2021, the current travel and return policy to Qatar remains in place until further notice.

      Tests approved by MoPH

      • The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), updated the list of health facilities that have been approved to conduct the COVID-19 PCR test. There are now a total of 70 health facilities that have been approved.
      • MOPH sets a maximum price for COVID-19 rapid tests in private health facilities. The price of the Rapid test should not exceed 50 Qatari Riyals.
      • MOPH updates COVID-19 testing protocol and approves new tests for the private healthcare sector. They are: Rapid antigen testing, Antibody testing (Rapid, Anti-N and Anti-S assays), and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
      • MoPH granted privileges to people previously infected with COVID-19 within the past 9 months from 28 May 2021 as part of Phase One of the Gradual Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions.
      • As per the Cabinet announcement on 16 June 2021, all employees of the government and private sectors must conduct a rapid antigen test accredited by the MoPH on a weekly basis. Those who completed the doses of the vaccine (Covid-19), recovered from the disease or those whose health condition does not allow, based on a medical report accredited by the MoPH are exempt from the rapid antigen test.

      What can you do to be safe?

      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!