Authorities in Qatar highlight measures taken to protect public from COVID-19

Qatar’s health system, which has been recognized among the world’s best, is well-prepared and capable of tackling the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This is reflected in the way relevant authorities in the country have put in place preparedness, monitoring, and management procedures as the infection grew outside China.

An infographic shared by Qatar’s Ministry of Health (MoPH) yesterday shines a spotlight on some of the steps taken so far to ensure that the risk of the virus affecting the wider community remains minimal.

There are currently 8 reported cases of the virus, which are under full quarantine and strict infection control procedures at Hamad Medical Corporation’s Communicable Diseases Center.

The steps taken by the concerned authorities in Qatar include:  

Robust thermal screening procedures

In January, the country began screening passengers from China at the Hamad International Airport (HIA).

Now, according to the infographic, travelers from all countries that enter Qatar, either through HIA or the sea ports, undergo thermal screening. 

This kind of screening helps in recording the body temperature of each passenger. It can identify any individual with fever, which is one of the common symptoms of the virus. 

A special clinic at HIA

Travelers who arrive at HIA and are suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms are interviewed and examined at a clinic set up at the airport.  

Residential accommodation for quarantined persons

MoPH has set up residential accommodation for those individuals who meet quarantine standards.  

Additional training for healthcare workers

Healthcare workers are undergoing additional training to be better prepared to deal with the COVID-19 situation. 

Health authorities are also strengthening infection prevention and control and laboratory procedures, making these top priority areas.

A community awareness campaign

This is delivered through a dedicated national website that the Ministry has launched to share information and updates (related to COVID-19) with the public.

In addition to this, the awareness campaign is also run on TV and radio, featuring interviews with medical experts.

Under the campaign, authorities are also sending out messages on social media and newspapers. These have been carried out in different languages including Arabic, English, Hindi, Malayalam, French, and Chinese.

Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control teams

These teams have been regularly engaged in regular, active surveillance visits to hospitals and Intensive Care Units to ensure that no suspected cases of respiratory infections are missed in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) requirements. 

The Ministry has also set up a dedicated, round-the-clock call center to answer any queries the public may have about the COVID-19. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.