ONE of the strong points of Qatar’s governance is its farsightedness and ability to face challenges with a strong will and conviction. The country has proven time and again that its leadership’s ability to overcome crises through strategical measures and efforts.
When the COVID-19 pandemic started emerging in a few countries, Qatar did enough home work and came out with practical plans which reflected in the management of the pandemic when it made its presence felt in Qatar. The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management ensured that the country had enough medical facilities, staff, control and precautionary measures in place to meet the unprecedented situation.
In the beginning itself, Qatar had announced several measures to mitigate the spread of the virus, but avoided a total lockdown unlike other countries. Even during the peak of the pandemic, people in the country could enjoy almost normal life, except curbs on some sectors such as entertainment, dining out mall visits or using public transport. Qatar’s plans for the phased lifting of controls have been working with clock-work precision and the country is approaching the last phase of easing restrictions.
As planned earlier, schools and other education institutions were opened on September 1, though a section of parents were harbouring some scepticism. As the authorities had placed enough precautionary measures such as testing teachers and other school staff for COVID-19, providing essential supplies like sanitisers, ensuring limited number of students in each classes and, above all, implementing a blended learning system which combined in-class and online teaching, the doubt of some parents were proven unfounded.
A few cases of infections were reported among students and school staff, but the rate of 0.2percent can be seen as negligible. Qatar’s strong track and trace teams have been working relentlessly to identify the source of the infections and it was found that the infections were not from schools, but from family gatherings. Hence in some cases, schools can be a better place than homes with regard to infections.
Another concern for parents was the random COVID-19 test for students, especially the young ones as swab collection from nose and throat could irritate children. Recently, the Ministry of Public Health announced plans to introduce saliva-based test for children from September 20. Qatar’s readiness to embrace and make available new technology deserves appreciation.
While the government is doing everything possible to beat the virus, citizens and residents should not forget the fact that the real control of the pandemic is in their hands. People should be cautious while going out for shopping or work and avoid gatherings until the pandemic is wiped out of the country.
