Doha: Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) today reported 398 new cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) and 153 people recovered from the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of people recovered in Qatar to 146,627.

Out of the 398 new cases, 371 are community cases and 27 from travellers returning from abroad.

The total number of positive Covid-19 cases recorded in Qatar is 153, 296 and there are 6,419 active cases under treatment.

The Ministry also announced one death - aged 11 years old - who was receiving the necessary medical care. 

Till now 250 people succumbed to the virus in Qatar, which is one of the lowest in the world.

5,307 people were tested for the first time in the last 24 hours (10,819 tests in total) taking the total tests done so far to 1,419,256 tests.

There are 73 cases of hospital admissions in the last 24 hours taking the total number of patients in the hospital to 546.

Three were admitted to intensive care in the last 24 hours, and so 54 people continue to receive medical attention in ICU.

“Over the past month in Qatar we have seen a gradual and consistent increase in the number of new daily infections. 

Additionally, and of great concern, is the recent increase in both the number of people admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and the number of people admitted to ICU with COVID-19. The data over the next few days and week will tell us more, but these increases appear to be the early signs of a potential second wave in Qatar,” MoPh said. 

“For this reason, it is more important than ever that people adhere to preventive measures to cut off second wave before it gains momentum. If numbers of positive cases and hospital admissions continue to increase over the coming week or two, additional restrictions may need to be implemented across the country and we will return to some of the early restriction phases,” they added. 

What you can do

With the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures:

o    Adherence to physical distancing.

o    Avoid close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where other people congregate.

o    Wearing a face mask

o    Washing hands regularly.

Anyone suffering from COVID-19 symptoms should contact 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.

SOURCE: THEPENINSULAQATAR