Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has confirmed that the first cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant have been detected in Qatar. All four cases were detected in citizens and residents returning to Qatar following travel abroad.
Three of the individuals had received two COVID-19 vaccine doses, with the second dose administered more than six months ago. One individual was unvaccinated. All of the individuals were following specific quarantine requirements, none have required hospital admission, and all will continue to quarantine until they are recovered and have tested negative.
Since being first detected in South Africa in late November, the Omicron variant has spread to more than 70 countries around the world. Evidence so far indicates that Omicron is the most highly transmissible variant to date and many countries with the Omicron variant present are recording rapidly rising numbers of cases.
The Ministry called for all members of the community to play their part in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 through three actions:
1. Get vaccinated or have a booster dose as soon as eligible;
2. Get tested quickly if signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are suspected; and
3. Adhere to COVID-19 precautionary measures currently in place
The Ministry added that 196,692 people have safely received their booster vaccine dose in Qatar, with zero severe side effects reported.
A booster dose will significantly increase an individual's immunity and provide longer-term protection against all circulating variants. A booster dose is available to anyone who had their second dose more than six months ago. People who are travelling during the holidays should ensure they get their booster dose before they travel.
PHCC is directly contacting people who are eligible for the booster vaccine to set an appointment. Anyone who is eligible and has not yet been contacted can call the PHCC hotline on 4027 7077 or use the PHCC's mobile app, Nar'aakom, to schedule an appointment. Prior appointments are needed before visiting a health center and no walk-in appointments will be given.
