Ministry of Public Health announces 1,732 confirmed new cases of COVID-19 and 620 new recovered cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recovered cases in the State of Qatar to 8,513. The Ministry also announces two deaths due to the virus
The total number of positive COVID-19 cases recorded in Qatar till now stands at 42213 and there are 33679 active cases under treatment. So far, 21 people died from the coronavirus in Qatar. Ministry conducted 4152 tests in last 24 hours taking the total tests done so far to 184794 tests.
The Ministry stated that the two new deaths were a 55-year-old whose condition worsened after several days of illness and the second was a 38-year-old who was suffering from chronic diseases. Both patients were receiving necessary medical care in intensive care. The Ministry of Public Health extends its sincere condolences and great sympathy to the families of the two deceased.
During the last 24 hours, 16 new cases have been admitted to intensive care due to complications resulting from the infection, bringing the total number of people currently in intensive care units to 177.
The Ministry states that the new cases are due to expatriate workers who were infected with the virus as a result of contact with individuals who were previously infected, in addition to recording new cases of infection among groups of workers in different regions. The new cases have been identified after conducting investigations by the research and investigation teams of the Ministry of Public Health that contributed to early detection of cases.
Cases of infection have also increased among citizens and residents as a result of contact with infected family members who had been infected in the workplace or through visits and family gatherings. The new confirmed cases of infection have been introduced to complete isolation in the various medical facilities in the country, where they receive the necessary healthcare according to the health status of each case.
The Ministry revealed that the number of positive cases between citizens and residents witnessed a significant rise, with the number of infections relating to family gatherings, visits and sharing meals together with relatives and extended families having doubled.
The Ministry of Public Health states that Qatar has now entered the peak phase of the virus outbreak, which is seeing a rise in the number of infections recorded daily, and therefore it is necessary to adhere to, more than ever before, the preventive measures and social measures recommended.
The Ministry also stresses the importance for the elderly or those suffering from chronic diseases and their family members to follow strict measures to reduce the chances of infection, including refraining from social visits during the rest of Ramadan as well during Eid al-Fitr.
The Ministry of Health stresses that because the coronavirus outbreak is at the peak stage in Qatar, it is important not to leave the house except for when absolutely essential. It also stresses the importance of adhering to all measures to protect against virus infection, including maintaining social distancing both in the workplace and public places, as well as wearing a medical mask and avoiding social visits to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should either quickly contact the 16000 helpline or go directly to one of the designated health centers for testing the virus. This is important as the earlier the disease is detected the easier it will be to receive the right treatment and recover from it.
The four main testing centers are:
Muaither Health Centre
Rawdat Al Khalil Health Centre
Um Slal Health Centre; and
Al Gharafa Health Centre
The Ministry also recommends visiting the website regularly to view the latest information and instructions related to COVID-19.