* Necessary to avoid crowded places and wearing mask, says Dr al-Maslamani
Speaking to Al Rayyan TV, Dr Muna al-Maslamani, medical director of the Communicable Disease Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, said Qatar may witness an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the coming weeks.
“Based on statistics, the number of cases is expected to increase in the coming weeks in Qatar,” she said.
Qatar has been witnessing a rise in Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) had reported in its weekly Covid-19 report, for the June 27-July 3 period, a daily average of 662 cases - 599 in the community and 63 among travellers.
She explained that the reason for the increase in Covid-19 cases is the easing of restrictions, not only in Qatar, but in all countries. Also, a number of travellers who return to the country may carry the virus without showing any symptoms, she observed.
Dr al-Maslamani stressed that there are preventive and precautionary measures that a person must follow before travelling and during travel. “Before travelling, people must review the travel policy in the countries they are going to, including vaccination, testing and the restrictions imposed in those countries, if any. Precautionary measures must be adhered to during travel,” she said, adding that it’s necessary to avoid crowded places and wearing a mask, especially in closed, crowded and poorly ventilated places.
“One of the most important precautionary measures is to be vaccinated and get the booster dose four months after taking the third dose, for those above 50. According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Public Health, people above 50 and those with chronic diseases, regardless of age, should take the fourth dose in order to ensure more protection from infection during travel, as the dose gives them more immunity. In addition, they should review Qatar's travel and return policy,” she said, noting that the fourth dose may not prevent infection but will protect a person from severe symptoms.
As for restrictions coming back, Dr al-Maslamani said that if everyone in society adhered to the preventive measures and avoided crowded places, there would be no return to closures, restrictions and remote work.