COVID-19 on the rise in Qatar; public advised to wear masks, take fourth dose of vaccine

COVID-19 on the rise in Qatar; public advised to wear masks, take fourth dose of vaccine By A Robin - July 07, 2022
MoPH Qatar

MoPH Qatar

As Qatar is seeing an increase in daily average cases among community and travellers, a senior health official said that it is expected that the number of cases will increase in the coming weeks as the easing of restrictions may lead to an increase in the number of positive cases. She added that there will be no return to closures and remote work if everyone followed the preventive measures.

Speaking to Al-Rayyan TV, Dr Muna Al Maslamani, Medical Director of the Communicable Disease Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, addressed the rise in Covid cases saying, “during these weeks, Qatar, as well as many countries of the world, are witnessing an increase in Covid-19 cases, as many of the travellers who return to the country may carry the virus without showing any symptoms.” 

“According to statistics, it is expected that the number of cases will increase in the coming weeks, as the easing of restrictions may lead to an increase in the number of positive cases,” she added.

From June 27 to July 3, Qatar saw a daily average of 599 cases in the community and 63 among travellers bringing the total number of active covid-19 cases to 5,045.

“Returning to remote work is not expected if people adhere to the preventive measures and wear masks in crowded and closed places,” she added in the interview.

Dr Muna Al Musalmani advised travellers to check procedures and precautionary measures for the countries they are travelling to and stressed the importance of doing the PCR test before travelling.

Adding to the traditional ways of protection such as hand washing and sterilization, she advised people to avoid crowded places and keep their masks on as there might be infected people who have not realized yet, which makes the infection rates high.  

“Taking the vaccination is the most essential step and the fourth booster shot dose is necessary after four months from the third dose for those over 50 and people who might not have strong enough immune response, for greater protection from infection,” Dr Muna said.

By A Robin - July 07, 2022

Leave a comment

r