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Posted On: 18 March 2021 08:00 pm
Updated On: 18 March 2021 08:18 pm

Coronavirus in Qatar -- Week 55 Updates

Vrinda Abilash
Vrinda Abilash
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Did you know that this week saw 6 deaths due to COVID-19 in total and the maximum recoveries in a day were 345 recorded on 16 March 2021, while 499 was the highest number of newly infected cases recorded on 18 March 2021? Here are the latest updated weekly trends in terms of recoveries, new cases and deaths related to the current COVID-19 situation.

From 11-18 March 2021, 2,009 people were referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks and 61 for violating the maximum people allowed in a vehicle in Qatar, 13 for not adhering to physical distancing and 24 for not downloading EHTERAZ on their phones. A total of 2,107 violations were recorded from 11-18 March 2021.

The State of Qatar reimposed restrictions due to the increase in the number of cases. Click here to know the entire list: COVID-19 restrictions reimposed in Qatar

    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 (11 March - 18 March 2021)

      Daily cases receiving treatment in Qatar (11 March - 18 March 2021)
      Daily cases receiving treatment in Qatar (11 March - 18 March 2021)

      From 468 new confirmed cases reported on 11 March, the numbers slightly decreased to 455 the next day, after which it increased to 483 on 13 March, and then slightly increased to 485 on 14 March. The next day, 15 March, saw 481 new infections, followed by 479 and 489 on the next two consecutive days, before increasing to 499 on 18 March, towards the end of the week.

      Daily recoveries in Qatar (11 March - 18 March 2021)

      Daily recoveries in Qatar (11 March - 18 March 2021)
      Daily recoveries in Qatar (11 March - 18 March 2021)

      From 323 recoveries from the COVID-19 on 11 March, the numbers increased to 335 on 12 March, following which it sharply decreased to 299 and then increased to 321 on 14 March. The numbers then stood at 311 and then increased to 345 in the following two days. The number of recoveries saw a decrease to 288 on 17 March and then increased to 331 on the last day of the week on 18 March.

      Daily deaths in Qatar (11 March - 18 March 2021)

      Daily deaths in Qatar (11 March - 18 March 2021)
      Daily deaths in Qatar (11 March - 18 March 2021)

      This week saw 6 deaths due to COVID-19 in total recorded on 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17 March 2021.

      Latest COVID-19 related articles

      COVID-19 vaccine updates in Qatar

      Qatar started the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 on December 23, the second doses of the vaccine have also started. Here are some of the updates in Qatar:

      • The Ministry of Public Health has announced that the COVID-19 vaccination certificate now available on MyHealth Patient Portal. 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 7 days after their second dose. Registration and activation will take approximately 24 hours.
      • Starting Sunday, January 17, 2021, the Ministry of Public Health's new 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.
      • 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.
      • The Ministry of Public Health has announced that fully vaccinated people are now exempt from quarantine requirements following travel abroad and following exposure to a COVID-19 positive case.
      • The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is being administered in three Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) health centres: 1. Al-Wajba, 2. Lubaib, 3. Al-Thumama.
      • 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.
      • 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 Education and Higher Education affirms that no school employee will be allowed to on school premises unless they:
        - Show the COVID-19 vaccine certificate
        - Show the golden frame and the stamp of the vaccine when showing the EHTERAZ app
        - Show proof that the employee has done a weekly COVID-19 test
      • A new COVID-19 Drive-Through Vaccination Centre was opened in Lusail. The Center does not operate with an appointment system, but eligible people are required to attend on the set date of their second dose.
      • The Ministry of Municipality and Environment, represented by the Environmental Monitoring and Laboratory Department of the Environmental Affairs Sector, in coordination with MoPH and HMC, has placed a mobile station for monitoring ambient air quality at the COVID-19 Drive-Through Vaccination Centre located in Lusail.
      • The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said that since the start of the program:
        - More than 327,000 vaccine doses have been administered in Qatar. 61% of people over 80 years have received at least one dose.
        - 61% of people over 70 years have received at least one dose.
        - 55% of people over 60 years have received at least one dose.
        - 10% of Qatar's entire adult population have received at least one vaccination dose.
      • 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 extended the validity of the vaccine in regard to the quarantine exemption period from the previously approved three months to six months, starting 14 days after the second dose.
      • Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal in a MoPH press conference mentioned that Qatar is now seeing the new variant known as B.1.1.7 (UK strain). He added that the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines being used in Qatar are effective against the new variants.
      • There has been a 110% increase in people receiving care in ICU in Qatar since February.
      • Dr. Ahmed Mohammed, Acting Chairman of HMC's Intensive Care Units said that it is very important that people seek help early, as soon as they notice the signs and symptoms, as the earlier treatment can be given the better the chances of a full recovery.
      • MoPH updated that:
        - Only people who are receiving their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can visit the Drive-Through Lusail 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.
        - However, no one is allowed to visit the center on foot. Anyone who walks to the center, will not be given their 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.
      • 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 has announced that as of 18 March 2021, 04:09 pm, 538,441 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the start of the COVID-19 National Vaccination Program.

      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!