MoPH confirms second wave in Qatar due to new strains, failure to adhere to previous rules
Qatar’s strict policy for returning travelers delayed the introduction of the new variants into the country for several months.
However, cases were recorded in Qatar with strains coming from South Africa, Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) during the press conference held tonight.
Earlier today, the Cabinet made some decisions that will go into effect from this Friday to protect the health and safety of all members of society.
Key points by Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal:
ملخص المؤتمر الصحفي لوزارة الصحة العامة حول فيروس كورونا (كوفيد- 19 ) 24, مارس،2021
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS CONFERENCE ON COVID-19. 24 March, 2021 pic.twitter.com/AHRIeGzlv0
- Over the past two weeks the COVID-19 situation has become worse as more people fall sick and need to be admitted to hospitals with severe illness.
- In the past week, the rate of daily cases has increased, and we are in the second wave of the virus.
- We are now seeing over 500 new cases every day and it is likely this number to increase over the next 10 to 14 days.
- As we announced two weeks ago, despite the best efforts to prevent the introduction of new variants into the country, we like many other countries in the region and around the world, are now seeing many cases in Qatar of the new variant from the UK.
- The circulation of the UK variant has contributed significantly to the spread of COVID-19 in Qatar and to the recent increase in cases as it is more highly transmissible and clinical evidence appears to now show that the UK variant can cause more severe illness.
- In recent days we have also identified several cases of the South African variant among returning travelers. The new restrictions will help to ensure the South African variant does not enter the community and become the dominant strain.
- The data and clinical evidence are clear unless we all do our part in following these new restrictions as well as all the preventive measures. We will continue to see the number of new daily cases increase.
- If each one of us takes responsibility and acts appropriately over the next two to three weeks, we can cut this virus off and begin to see a big decline in cases.
- With the Holy Month of Ramadan fast approaching in April, we must all do what we can now so that we can control this virus quickly and hopefully ease some of the restrictions during Ramadan and be able to celebrate Eid.
- We all have an individual responsibility to play our part in getting through this pandemic. Although we are in a better position this year than last year because of the vaccines, at least for now, we must all work together and tighten the measures against COVID-19.
Key points by Dr. Ahmed Mohammad:
ملخص المؤتمر الصحفي لوزارة الصحة العامة حول فيروس كورونا (كوفيد- 19 ) 24, مارس،2021
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRESS CONFERENCE ON COVID-19. 24 March, 2021 pic.twitter.com/V5v583ggMm
- The new UK variant has contributed to the increase in the number of new daily cases in Qatar. Worryingly, we are now seeing a very high number of people becoming very sick due to COVID-19 and requiring admission to hospital to manage their symptoms and even admission into ICU for life-saving treatment.
- It is clear that people are becoming sicker in this second wave of the virus than the first wave due to the new UK variant.
- In just the past two weeks we have seen: an 82% increase in people in ICU with COVID-19, 58% increase in people in hospitals with COVID-19, we have also sadly had 13 deaths due to COVID-19 in the past two weeks.
- It is very important that people seek help early, as soon as they notice the signs and symptoms because the earlier treatment can be given the better the chances of a full recovery. This is particularly important for the older members of the community and those with chronic diseases.
- The UK variant has the potential to cause more severe symptoms if left untreated, so the importance of early intervention cannot be overstated. Those with mild to moderate symptoms can still stay under home isolation.
- With the rise in COVID-19 cases causing a significant risk to both patients and healthcare staff, the majority of outpatient services in hospitals and primary health centers have been moved from face-to-face appointments to virtual services.
- Despite this, the healthcare system remains active and is providing care and support across all essential services via a range of telemedicine services.
- With healthcare staff now working round the clock to care for patients with COVID-19, it is important that the public support the health system by only visiting emergency departments or calling 999 for serious, life-threatening medical conditions.
- Please remember that our Urgent Care Service is available to support you for any urgent, but non-life-threatening condition, via the main helpline on 16000.
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Source: MoPH
Cover Image Credit: The Peninsula
