New Covid cases drop below 1,000 in Qatar for first time in over a month

* Total recoveries from Covid-19 increase to 327,539

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on Friday reported 997 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country - 792 among the community and 205 among travellers.

This is the first time in over a month that new daily cases have fallen below 1,000 in the country. On January 2, the ministry had reported 998 cases of Covid-19 in Qatar.

The MoPH on Friday recorded 2,913 recoveries from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries in Qatar to 327,539, the official QNA said in a report.

One new death was also recorded, aged 88. She had chronic diseases and received the necessary medical care.

Regarding vaccination, the MoPH said 55,948,757 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the country since the start of the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, with 429,77 doses given in the past 24 hours.

With this, 87% of the total population are now fully vaccinated with two doses.

Also, 928,805 Covid-19 booster vaccine doses have been administered to date.

"Like many countries around the world, Qatar has been confronting a new wave of Covid-19, driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant," the ministry said in a statement. "The most recent data appears to show that we have reached the peak of this third wave as the number of new daily cases is now declining.

"The support of the community in adhering to the government restrictions and standard Covid-19 precautions, as well as the high vaccination rate, has played a significant role in reaching a plateau of new daily cases."

"However, the virus is still circulating in Qatar and with a high number of new cases continuing to be identified each day, and it is very important that people continue to act cautiously and follow the restrictions and preventive measures," the ministry stressed.

There is clear evidence of the protective effects of the vaccines and the majority of patients being admitted to ICU with Covid-19 are either unvaccinated or had their second dose more than six months ago and have not received the booster dose, it added.

"With Covid-19 still a threat to our health here in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures: aAdherence to physical distancing; avoiding close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where people congregate; wearing a face mask; and washing hands regularly," the statement advised, adding that people should take the Covid-19 vaccine at the earliest opportunity when their turn comes.

Anyone suffering from Covid-19 symptoms should contact the 16000 helpline immediately. This is important as the earlier the disease is detected, the easier it will be to receive the right treatment and recover from it.

One can visit the MoPH website for regular updates and latest information.

 

 

 

 


As seen on GulfTimes  Image Credits GulfTimes